Maximizing Dust Removal Efficiency to the Extreme Limit
Going Deeper on Ruud's Killer Dust Separator
Tim, the brainchild behind the fantastic project, Capturing Dust, didn't stop with an already nearly perfect dust collection system for his workshop. This dude's latest move? Boosting his system's efficiency from a staggering 99.7% to an unbelievable 99.9%!
But let's not forget, a job's not done until it's done right. So, what did ol' Tim whip up? Well, he started by shrinking the size of the third stage and beefing up its efficiency. Prior to this update, his system had two stages to tackle larger and medium-sized particles, and a third stage for the finer particles. His third stage used to be crafted from 100mm acrylic tubing and 3D-printed parts, but Tim had a new plan––he wanted to swap it with two parallel centrifugal separators made from 70mm tubing. However, timing is everything; before he could install the replacements, he revamped the filter module for easier weighing and dust measurement, attached a U-tube manometer for pressure loss measurement, and switched to plastic jars for dust collection.
The upgraded third stage employs impellers to generate rotational airflow which is then slammed into the air outlet's circular walls. Surprisingly, Tim's initial design with a low-profile collection bin couldn't keep the dust out of the air stream effectively enough, but he quickly swapped it for the plastic jars we all know and love. And guess what? Those minor tweaks led to an impressive 99.879% efficiency rating! Given that Tim started with 1.3 kilograms of fine sawdust, only 1.5 grams of dust made it through the separator. That's a successful run in our book!
Keen on DIY projects? You'll be glad to know that the blueprint for this upgraded separator is readily available on GitHub. How cool is that? This design takes after another 3D-printed dust separator but has been modified to accommodate European fittings, which is perfect for our friends across the pond. However, don't forget––despite this tech being called a 'dust separator', it's a crucial piece of a bigger puzzle: a dust routing system.
Wanna know more? Check out [Keith Olson]'s tip!
Fun Fact: This adaptable design is a shining example of how DIY tinkerers can collaborate and make those seemingly insurmountable problems look like a walk in the park.
*[Keith Olson]: An admired member of the woodworking and maker communities who provided valuable input on this project.
*[More details on GitHub]: Information on the full CAD files, assembly instructions, and component specifics can be found on the GitHub repository for this project. However, the Hackaday article includes only general descriptions and design principles.
*[Enrichment Data]: Ruud's updated 3D-printed dust separator is a game-changer in woodworking shops, tailored for European workshops with European-compatible hose sizes and connectors. It deploys cyclonic dust separation principles to enhance efficiency, minimize dust reaching the vacuum motor or filter, and improve overall shop air quality. This design is freely accessible on GitHub and encourages collaboration within the woodworking and maker communities. The article offers a general overview of the design but lacks detailed technical drawings and specifications available on the GitHub repository.
In the world of woodworking and DIY projects, Tim has integrated gadgets of technology into his upgraded 3D-printed dust separator, which employs impellers to generate efficient rotational airflow. This crucial piece of a dust routing system showcases how technology can aid in tackling seemingly insurmountable problems, making them easier to handle for DIY tinkerers.
