After 18 months lurking....

[rickc]

 I finally decided to improve my shop vac.  i have a Griz 2hp set-up, no mods yet.  But thought I'd do a sub scale model, (shop vac) just to see how it really does work.  It works great.  Guessing 99% went into the Brute 10 gal can.
I was trying to combine two ideas into one....but one thing wasn't right.  The drop slot is about a half inch away from the plexiglass.   So the separator doesn't empty it's self very good.  But separation is fantastic.
Thanks for the information, ideas and whatever else ya'll provided.
Now to get started on my Griz dust collector.   

[rickc]

 OK pic won't load.  too big.  So what I did....
Used 10 gal Brute bucket.
Separator sets on that, with all the standard stuff, exit center on the lid.
Cut a hole centered on the bottom of vac, output port of separator sticks just inside bottom of vac.
Sealed the vac hose intake with a piece of plexi.
Bottom of vac had ribs, so cut some plywood to fit inside the lip, cut out for caster moldings in base, cut an X across plywood so it would seal the bottom of vac.  Silicon'ed it in place, now a smooth sealed base.
Used weather striping on the top of separator to seal it to the vac base.
Added two latches between separator and vac.
It's a bit top heavy so added a ring just below the handles of the bottom can, on three legs, put it all on casters.
It's all stacked one on the other, Brute can....separator....vac
A pic would have been much better than this .....diatribe.

   

[alan m]

nice job. .

[Bulldog8]

Looks nice, no suggestions other than your right, need to get rid of the lip at the edge of the plexi wall to maximize performance.


Steve

[rickc]

 Trying pic again

[tvman44]

How does the shop vac connect to the top hat?

[rickc]

How does the shop vac connect to the top hat?

Weather strip on the top of top hat to seal, then two latches between vac and top hat, to secure.

[Tacuabe]

Hi there!

You may want to take a look at my solution for a similar arrangement. See this post:

http://www.jpthien.com/smf/index.php?topic=740.msg4266;topicseen#msg4266

There are many photos that should make pretty clear all details. If you need more help, shoot away!
Questions welcome.

Cheers

[tvman44]

Ok rick, that was my guess, just wanted to be sure. :)

[rickc]

 I know this was just a quick build, out of stuff laying around, doesn't look like much, but works great.
After I was finished posting the other day, it hit me that the base on this vac, and maybe others, would make a good base for a top hat.  Save buying something.  There is a rib flush with the id, stands about 1/4 inch high, and 1/8 wide.  With a bit over 1/2 inch clearance  to the handle.
So save your base when the vac goes out.

[Jack]

I guess you are saying that you used  plexiglass for the walls.  Was it hard to bend or did you heat it or what?  How did that part work for you?

Thanks.

[rickc]

I guess you are saying that you used  plexiglass for the walls.  Was it hard to bend or did you heat it or what?  How did that part work for you?

Thanks.

Yes, acrylic from HD, (?) about 1/8 inch, maybe .093.  Yes, did use a bit of heat....shop temp was 55.  Not a lot of heat, I doubt the temp hit 100.  My acrylic was spliced, piece I had was 18 x 12, would not reach.  Cut a 2 inch wide X width, put splice on the outside, used a straight edge to keep it all aligned.  The two parts were spaced 1/16 inch apart, so the the act of bending, there wouldn't be any interference.  Then just glue, well not really glue, Weld-On solvent #4. 
All in all, worked good....but do have a little experience with the solvent.  Not to say a beginner couldn't do it.  Like most everything, it's not hard, just takes a time or two.....     

[tvman44]

rickc,
one more question, did you cap off the original inlet on the shop VAC.  I have been thinking about stacking my shop VAC and separator together without being too unstable and like your idea. :)

[rickc]

rickc,
one more question, did you cap off the original inlet on the shop VAC.  I have been thinking about stacking my shop VAC and separator together without being too unstable and like your idea. :)

Yes, you can see it in the photo on the right side top of vac.  That's a scrap piece of plastic glued, (silicone) to the intake of vac.
After a bit of use, I would have to say separation is better than 99%.  had about 2 inch in the bottom can, and nothing in the vac, save a plastic drill shaving, about 6 inch long.
Again, thanks for this idea Phil, and everybody else.
if anyone is in doubt of doing one, just do it.  I learned a long time ago, but sometimes I forget, ignorance and arrogance can take you a long way.   

[TX_Lenador]

I am using a Griz 2 HP DC and reconfigured it with a Thien baffle. It works great. Take a look at my posting if you are looking for build ideas.

http://www.jpthien.com/smf/index.php?topic=1054.0

The attachment is fairly detailed on the build.