Anyone Build a Thein Separator?

[Michael Mathews]

I've got an older grizzly single stage DC with a homemade separator. The separator works good for the larger pieces, but most of the planer chips and smaller stuff go right into the DC. I'm thinking about building a Thein separator and wondered if anyone else has. How does it perform? Where did you get the plans?
Thanks!

 

[Mike Camp]

I built one for my router table using a 5 gallon bucket. It works quite well getting about 99% of the dust. Only the really, really fine stuff makes it through. I followed plans similar to these (http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f27/building-thien-cyclone-garbage-can-separator-21983/). There is another version dubbed a "top hat" by junquecol which gives you a little more volume for collection.

 

[bluedawg76]

i made the baffle from plans off of phil thien's site installed in a 33gal metal trashcan from the HD IIRC. does a good job of catching the majority of the debris from my machines

 

[thsb]

not a thein separator but this one i bought at Woodcraft was easy and has ended up being very effective:

http://www.woodcraft.com/product/2004310/8981/trash-can-cyclone-lid.aspx

 

[Joe Scharle]

A lot of us have built and use Phil's separator. I recommend a steel can. I've collapsed a steel trash can. Hose separated, got entangled with the side of a shop cab and before I cut pour cold water over them, the can collapsed!
I've also collapsed a 30 gal fiber drum. Same scenario. Now I have one over a 20 gal grease drum; seems to work better. Here's some pics:

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[Claus]

Great timing. Somebody gave me a lid just like the woodcraft one in Tim's link. I'm dragging my feet because I still need to drop around $50 for a can and 4" hose and I'm not sure my D/C has enough power. I only have a 1hp unit that's pretty much adequate for a single machine. Is that enough juice for a separator ??


--Claus

 

[kooshball]

I built one and installed it in the DC ring that holds the filter on top and the bag below....night and day improvement.

 

[kclark]

Great timing. Somebody gave me a lid just like the woodcraft one in Tim's link. I'm dragging my feet because I still need to drop around $50 for a can and 4" hose and I'm not sure my D/C has enough power. I only have a 1hp unit that's pretty much adequate for a single machine. Is that enough juice for a separator ??


--Claus

$50 for a can?
I bought this one
http://www.lowes.com/pd_94614-63872-1270_0__?productId=3475295&Ntt=galvanized+trash+can&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgalvanized%2Btrash%2Bcan&facetInfo=

 

[Bas]

It really works. See a post from several years ago on my build. Phil's plans and link to his forum are here -> http://www.jpthien.com/cy.htm

 

[smallboat]

Works extremely well.
I followed the links Bas includes and pretty sure I referred to Joe's build as well.
I've collapsed a plastic trash can and a fiber drum. Currently using a very heavy fiber drum that originally shipped 600# of welding wire.
I'm using a shopvac for power and retrofitted a HEPA filter in the vac.
Really don't see any accumulation in the vac, but I do need to clean the filter every now and then.
Pics in my gallery, but they pretty much look like Joe's.

I was able to use the lid clamping ring on this newest drum. Makes for a nice seal.

 

[bluedawg76]

i've also collapsed a metal trash can. i inserted a ring from aluminum bar i made about 1/3 of the way from the bottom. it's riveted into the can. much more sturdy now

 

[JackLeg]

:wsmile:I have one on a 50 gallon plastic barrel. Works very well. Best design out there I think!

 

[zapdafish]

I based mine off this youtube build

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9P4ORN_iUTs

and it works wonderfully with my HF dust collector

This site shows build progress pictures http://www.freeforum101.com/charlesneil/viewtopic.php?t=2028&mforum=charlesneil

 

[KenOfCary]

I tried just using the Rockler vortex attachments to a fiber drum, but wasn't happy with the results so I modified it to add the Thien baffle and am now very happy with the results. Very little ends up in the DC Bag unless I forget to empty the drum.

 

[batk30msu]

Great timing. Somebody gave me a lid just like the woodcraft one in Tim's link. I'm dragging my feet because I still need to drop around $50 for a can and 4" hose and I'm not sure my D/C has enough power. I only have a 1hp unit that's pretty much adequate for a single machine. Is that enough juice for a separator ??


--Claus

I have always had luck finding drums on CL.

Here is an example for 10 dollars http://raleigh.craigslist.org/for/3885157148.html
Th
e lid is not removable but i am sure you could solve that.

 

[Michael Mathews]

Wow! Lots of great info. I'm definitely going to build one now. Mike, Sam, Tim, Joe, everyone....thanks for all the links and videos. I'll start building mine as soon as I'm back from vacation. I have a heavy fiber drum that I plan to use. I believe it might be around 55 gal or a bit bigger. I've also got the heavy plastic lid with locking ring. I have a plan!
Michael

 

[junquecol]

Google "Another Vote for Phil Thien's Baffle," and you will see (right here at NCWW) how the ORIGINAL TOP HAT was made. They say proof is in the pudding, so photo's show results of using baffle.

 

[Michael Mathews]

Thanks Bruce!

 

[KenOfCary]

As I said I originally used the Rockler kit to make a simple vortex box like this:

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=25225&site=ROCKLER

But was unhappy with the performance so I modified it to add the Thien baffle. The build was simple I just glued 1/2" thick plywood to the drum top and cut the baffle from 1/2" ply and held everything together with threaded rod and PVC pipe for spacers. All easily found at one of the borgs.

I do get a little dust in the bag, especially when I forget to empty the drum promptly when full.​