Official Luthiers Forum!

The Clearvue and Dust Deputy stuff sure looks cool but - unless I'm missing something - they're meant to pair with a shop vac. What about something similar with 4" ports for a DC? I do see Clearvue offers some, but the price is a little steep for my blood. Any others out there? I've seen some homemade versions, does anybody have any input on those? Seems to me it couldn't be THAT hard to make one.

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

Wes, check out Bill's Cyclone Dust Collection Research page. There are lots for project links on his home page. Here is a page to someone who built one of Bill's cyclones.. Good luck.

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Aoibeann

HI Wes,

I built a 4" steel cyclone about 15 years ago based off of some plans from Shop Notes wood magazine. It worked fairly well and wasn't that hard to make. I used the 4" PVC duct work for the last 15 years with varying degrees of success.

Recently I tore it all out and installed 6" duct and that alone was a HUGE improvement. So if I had it to do all over again I wouldn't even waste your time, money or energy installing a 4" system IMHO.

I purchased the large 8' Clear-Vue cyclone as well as the mini and have it operational now. Today was the first day back in full swing and there is NO dust that escapes this monster. The only complaint that I have is the latex is starting to peel off of my walls

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I got an email recently from Oneida, that they now have come out with a 1 1/2 hp version of their cyclone for the small shop.  I think it's about $775, or there abouts.  Here is a link.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Thanks for the info. It'll probably be some time in the future before I invest in a bigger system. Right now I'm working with my Harbor Freight "2HP" dust collector. This unit is commonly known as a bargain for the home woodworker but, as it really only checks out to about 1 1/2 real HP, I am told that 6" duct is too much for it. 5" is considered ideal, but is harder and more expensive to come by, so most guys just use (and report good luck with) 4".

Tim, do you have the plans for the cyclone you built? Like you, I figure it'll last me until I can afford a "real" system one day.

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

Wes,
Sorry but the plans are long gone. I would suggest emailing or calling Shop Notes as they should be able to find the article in their archives. It was at least 15 years ago in my memory is correct???

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tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com