J. Phil Thien's Projects

It seems that the smaller (suctioning) hose was the culprit.  My other hose was 1-1/2", and I just recently picked up  another - same type, and diameter- hose to outfit my separator with.  Everything is now fine, within that horrible squealing  :D. 

Thanks to all for responding.

A little while back I completed my first separator build.  I simplified things a bit, on this first build, opting for the basic plywood lid type, with baffle.  I was surprised to find that it worked as well as it did, and am looking forward to constructing a larger, more elaborate setup for my DC (my present one is for my Shop vac).

However, when this thing is in its operational stage, it emits a loud, continuous, bloodcurdling high pitched squeal.  It is deafening, and unbearable to leave running - even with hearing protectors on.
The inlet hose is of smaller diameter than the outlet hose, and I wonder if that might be the cause. 

I used 2" PVC fittings

Well, I just (yesterday) finished my little separator, which was very closely based on the design in my previous post.  I forewent that 20gal Sump Pump Basin, for my first separator, and settled on a 5gal plastic pail.  One thing that I kinda preferred about the latter pail (though smaller) is the fact that activity could be seen through it, at least a little bit.  At the very least, I could see when the sawdust is nearing the top.  I didn't post pics because there is really nothing spectacula about it.  When you see the one that I (earlier) linked to, you see mine - except that, right now, black paint is drying on it.

But I had just wanted to say that I got it done, and plan on doing a larger one in the very near future.

Quote from: BernardNaish on June 20, 2015, 03:15:23 PM
If you look at this build it covers most of what you need to know to make a good tophat :

http://www.jpthien.com/smf/index.php?topic=563.msg3034;topicseen#msg3034

Bernard, I DID check that link out, and was left highly impressed.  His, has to be one of the nicest ones that I've seen constructed - if not the nicest. 

However, methinks that I am going to build mine on the instructional which was gathered here (http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f32/forget-dust-deputy-27235/).  This one is less elaborate, but will able me to work with material that I already have on hand (a bit constrained, at present, owing to fixed income limitations).

One day, though, when such matters get better for us (as I KNOW that they will) I will refer back to your provided link, for my next build.  I REALLY DID like that one. 

Quote from: BernardNaish on June 20, 2015, 03:15:23 PM
If you look at this build it covers most of what you need to know to make a good tophat :

http://www.jpthien.com/smf/index.php?topic=563.msg3034;topicseen#msg3034

Ask if anything not clear and let us know how you get on with your build.

Thanks, Bernard.

Gonna check the link out after responding, here.  Will SURELY get back with ow I am doing/ or have done  :).

Quote from: alan m on June 19, 2015, 05:45:46 PM
I don't think that is too small for a 4". that's 18"
with the correct transition inlet you would end up with an inlet of about 2" -2.5". that leaves around 16" in the middle.
that should be plenty for it to work correctly.
im running 8" pipe with a 4" transition on a 22" diameter double height  with no problems.

this will work great with a shop vac

Thanks, Alan.  Your input has provided quite favorable info.

Being a total newbie, to this type of thing, I am a bit concerned over the aspect of tolerances.  I have watched quite a number of YouTube videos, on the construction of the Thien Top Hat, and they all show the units being constructed.  But none of them provided information as to just WHERE the ports should be placed.  I know that one plan wouldn't service everyone who endeavors to build one, because container sizes, and diameters will vary.  But, regardless of whatever the diameter, isn't it critical that the ports be placed at given points to the edge of the container, and from each other? 

I have read that the top (outlet?) hose port should extend no deeper than 1/2 the diameter of the connector, below the top of the separator.  But, then I have seen where that same piece extended a fair bit deeper than that. 

Also, I had read where the side port should be just before the drop zone opening, but had seen some with the mouth of said port a little behind that opening. 

I am going to go and pick up my Sump Pump Basin just as soon as I finish writing this and, hopefully, will be able to find something out, shortly. 

Quote from: tvman44 on June 18, 2015, 05:51:34 PM
It would be good to use with a shop vac, IMHO the diameter is too small to use 4" lines with it.

Indeed.  My aim is to utilize This[/i] container in a work up For my ShopVac.  I plan on making another, larger one (which would be of appropriate size for my DC) a bit later on.

Thanks for the time taken to render responses.

@ Alen M,

As per your mention of the Top Hat design, I will delve a bit deeper into that design style.

I have been doing a fair amount of reading, here, on the various choices for containers to be used in a 'separator' construction.  The information has been quite good, I must say, but I would like to gain opinions on a particular container that ran across, yesterday.

I was at Home Depot, looking for something suitable in a garbage can design, but couldn't seem to find anything as sturdy as I thought it should be.  Then, I happened to venture into the plumbing department, checking out PVC connections, when I spotted a 20gal Sump Pump Basin.  This thing was built like a tank.  It is made of very thick plastic, and I put it on its side - with full effort to depress it, but there was NO GIVE at all. 

The top of it had a recessed area for an optionally purchased lid.  That recess would make it pretty easy to construct one's own plywood/MDF lid, and just as easily to incorporate some type of locking device for same. 

This basin is 18"x22", and sells for $23.68.  I know that it is just a 20gal capacity (which would be less than that with the Thien Separator built for it), but many are using just a 5gal bucket for their systems.  Besides, I would only be drawing from one machine at a time.

Has anyone else used this basin as their 'separator' container?

Nathan

Hello all.

My name is Nathan (NLAlston), and I hail from Amherst, NY.  Want to thank J. Phil for this very nice, informative and highly instructive site.  I will certainly learn a lot, here.