J. Phil Thien's Projects

I'm just starting to learn "Sketchup".  I'm being generous to myself by using the term "learn".  If I can master that, it holds great promise in being a valuable tool in my arsenal.......

I'm a hopeless tinkerer as well.  Most times I try to improve an existing product usually trying to reinvent the wheel.  Sometimes I get bit in the ass and other times I hit a home run.  The law of averages usually dominates....

I'm really pleased with the screw on lid.  It did solve one problem but it created a couple of other minor obstacles but they were fairly easy to overcome.....

Interesting point.  I suppose the bottom line is "it is what it is", at least for now.  I did have the fore thought to make the internal fitting in such a manner that I can easily change it out if needed.  Maybe when all the other items are taken care of I'll address that issue.  Thanks for the insight.....

Chuck,
I've used the separator both with and without the baffle, everything else remaining the same.  There is a slight decrease in suction.  Nothing drastic, yet it's perceptible.  Doesn't make sense.  Beats the hell out of me.....

The small fitting in the center is to match the hose I'm using (1 1/4"). The setup is used around my shop desk, generally for basic cleanups as well as the mess my dogs manage to bring in (as well as myself).....

I'm still tweaking/shaking down the 2 separators I've made, but with both I've found that there is a slight suction penalty which doesn't make sense to me.  The penalty is small yet perceptible.  Any ideas as why this occurs?

I'm new to woodworking and found the information that has been shared tremendously helpful.  I've made 2 Thien separators, the second version (which is pictured) is to be used with a small shop vac around the desk in my shop.  The unique feature that I incorporated into the Thien design was a screw on lid (w/"o" ring) to make the lid seal airtight.  It's still a work in progress.  I used a Gamma lid, cut the center section of it out and replaced it with .090 aluminum which was eventually powder coated.  When the "tweaking" of the baffle is complete I'll make a duplicate in aluminum and finish the same......