J. Phil Thien's Projects

Who out there that uses a dovetail jig and knows the mess they make would be interested to see what can be done about it using Mr. Thiens science and Retired2's rather awesome design put together? It has been a while since I have posted but I have been lurking to see how great this community has been working together. So this is my opportunity to contribute to those that have have helped me so much. Pics and video soon!

But that would take away the fun of building the separator then. Nice machine specs, but looks like a dated piece of crap. You would think for that price they would update the looks. I like the looks of the new Laguna models, but they perform terribly. 

Actually, I have noticed that since attaching the bellmouth and dropping it down that I have zero bypass with mdf or  any unlucky small kittens that happen to get sucked through. I have been reading your test results and have been waiting and considering if and how adding "air straighteners" would be adding to my system. I will say that I am considering buying a new 3 hp penn state or grizzly to replace the HF model I started this project out with. Need to get the uppers hung before the wife will let me do much of anything though :(

It's a 9.75" impeller.

I have the HF model and the best advise I can give you is DO NOT OPEN IT UP. I did and had to re-fabricate a new part to put it back to 5" because the drop in performance was immediate and horrible. I purchased the machine out of the spirit of doing the whole Thien experiment from scratch and didn't really care if I failed then all I would be out was a cheap $150.00 vs buying a $800.00 Powermatic or something. For the HF model, you have to design everything around a 5" system because of the smaller impeller. My next build will be either off of a Powermatic or Grizzly ( I don't have the space for a cyclone just yet.)

You have to buy the whole thing or hit Craigslist or a local cabinet shop to see if they have any short runs to sell.

Because I hate watching lacquer dry...

Very nice work. I want to see it suck on some MDF though so I can compare it to how mine works.

I used JB weld Putty and was able to connect it to the pipe. I then repositioned the pupe so that the bottom of the bellmouth was 3" from the top. It works fine, but I am still getting just a little bypass.

That's good enough for me. Thanks :)

How did you connect the bellmouth to the pipe?

I personally have not done very much turning. Although as I drift further away from cabinetry, I have gravitated more to furniture and sculpture and I think that turning is one of the final evolution's I will achieve. But I know very well the mess those things can generate. What do you think would make for better chip/dust containment?

What tool or machine in your shop is the the main culprit for making the most mess no matter what? And what modifications have you made to make it better?

No they still have not shipped it yet.

Have you experienced fine dust in the bag or other forms of bypass after you installed a baffle/separator? What was the reason and how did you correct the issue?