J. Phil Thien's Projects

I built a side inlet in a drum and it works great--I really like it!  However, there is one disadvantage I found with this design:  If you are using a tool that creates a lot of dust (i.e., planer) where you fill the drum quickly, you do have to stop, go outside, and empty it before you can continue (because the inlet is part of the drum).  The advantage of a top-hat design or unit that sits in the drum, is that you could have multiple empty drums standing by for use.  Of course, you still have to stop to change out the drums, but you could wait until several drums were full before you need to go outside and empty them (e.g., say it's cold and snowing outside).  So, depending on your shop layout, use, and dust generation, this may or may not be a consideration.  Personally, I don't plane that often and don't really have room to store extra drums anyway!

https://youtu.be/JU0kFIw5Ye8

It's been a few years since I first found this website.  Originally, I wanted to build a Thien cyclone for a small Delta dust collector I had purchased.  However, I replaced the Delta with a very large Oneida system that I bought from a friend who was moving and no longer had the need to build the Thien.  Luckily, I recently had the opportunity to build a Thien for another friend who is upgrading a Harbor Freight DC he bought.  Finally, I have a Thien build to share!

I also put together a YouTube video showing the construction of my version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU0kFIw5Ye8

Thanks.  That was my thinking also.  I drew another with a rectangular outlet--making sure the area was at least as large as the round portion. 

Hello,

I was planning to make a traditional Thien baffle (inside the can--not a top hat design).  I see the inlet tube is often partially cut away so it can be moved closer to the side or pointed more towards the side of the can.  I was thinking maybe tapering the end end of the tube instead (like my drawing attached).  Just curious what your thoughts on this would be?  Would it help shape the airflow towards the side of the can or would it be restrictive or detrimental to the air flow?

Thanks

I think I can alleviate your frustration and fix your bucket crushing problem.  I'd be willing to trade my 1 hp for your 2 hp DC.  ;D

Quote from: retired2 on February 05, 2015, 08:20:13 PM
I hope you are not just planning to put it in a closet with a door and a big hole for the air to escape because you won't control noise that way. 

What is the best way to control the noise?  How do you isolate the DC for noise?  Thanks.

Interesting review.  This was a cheap find on Craigslist.  I figured it was better than what I had (nothing).  But it's an introduction into dust collection--without it, I wouldn't have discovered this forum and the Thien separator!

I've spent so much time looking at different designs on this forum, the internet, and Youtube videos.  I change my ideas daily!  I have a wide assortment of tools.  I wasn't planning to run pipe to all the tools individually, but roll the DC to where I need it.  That's another reason why a separator on the cart would be convienent.  My model planer doesn't have a dust port available (although I've seen an idea to fabricate one).  I often roll my planer into the driveway for that work due to the volume.  However, I'm probably leaning towards a larger can again though.  I can't start anything till I buy the container I'm going to use.  Who knows what I'll end up with!   ::)

For my newly acquired Delta AP400, I want to install a Thein separator.  Since I don't have a lot of space, it would be very nice if the separator could sit directly on the cart and under the DC intake.  However, the space available there is not great--clearance from the bottom of the cart to the intake is only about 27 inches and the diameter would be about 16 inches.  With a top hat design and allowance for hose connections, that doesn't leave a lot of room for a container.  I'm guessing I might only be able to fit a 10 gallon bucket.  I've looked at a 10 gal plastic Brute can and a 10 gal metal Behrens can (both approx. 16" dia x 16" tall).  I know this isn't a lot of capacity, but which one is a better choice?  Is there a better alternative?

Next question—I see a lot of folks like to use polycarbonate for the sides of the cyclone.  Although it looks cool to see the dust swirl, I'd rather use a cheaper alternative.  I've seen some people use metal flashing.  What thickness of metal is acceptable?  Are there other good materials for the cyclone sides?

Thanks again for your help,

Brian

Thanks, R2.  I think I'm good with my previous questions.  However, got some more...

I'm thinking about making a smaller seperator first for my shop vac just to try it out.  Looking at Phil Thiens's lid separator on the metal trash can, I just wanted to verify two things:  (1) the PVC elbow shown does not actually fit directly into the angled 2-1/2 inch dust port on top of the lid.  It says it is just hot-glued to the lid.  Therefore, I assume it's just lined up with that opening in the lid--there's no real connection piece between them, correct?  (2) for the other angled dust port in the center of the lid (exit port)--is there any extension piece that drops below the lid, or is it just bolted to the lid with only the hole in the lid?

Thanks again,

Brian

Thanks for the response.  I understand the desire to have laminar flow, when possible.

To be more clear, I've attached a photo of my DC showing clockwise impeller rotation (when viewed from the top).  I've also attached two examples of Thien top-hat cyclones--one that enters from the left (also "clockwise" direction) and one that enters from the right ("counter-clockwise" direction).  I would think the air exiting the top of the cyclone and going into the DC might still have some rotation.  Therefore, in my case, I would think I would also want the cyclone to be built with the "clockwise" orientation (air entering from the left side of the cyclone)?  Is this incorrect, or does this make any difference?

I've managed to go without a dust collector for 25+ years.  However, I just picked up a used, 1 hp, single-stage, Delta dust collector (AP400) and I quickly realized it would be highly advantageous to add a Thien cyclone.  I'm sure these questions have been asked a million times before, so I apologize in advance.  I've been reading posts, but trying to decipher the current consensus...

1.  Does it matter which way the cyclone is designed to operate—clockwise or counter-clockwise?  Is there a preferred direction and why?

2.  Is there a recommended size for the cyclone container for this particular 1 hp DC?  I was leaning towards a 32 gal Brute with a "top hat" Thien cyclone, unless your experience recommends otherwise...

3.  Is there an optimum size for the container (other than the amount of sawdust it can collect)?  If the container is sized too big or too small, will that affect the suction efficiency?

Thanks for your help.  Looking forward to build one!

Hello,

My name is Brian.  I'm a scientist by trade, but a lifelong woodworker--mainly home remodeling projects.  Lately, I've gotten into "timber framing" and just built an old fashion barn exclusively from hand tools--turning this into a workshop.  Just bought a DC and quickly saw a "Thien cyclone" would be a great addition.  Looking forward to make one.