WIP DIY Cyclone

[Gotcha6]

Got the crazy idea some time back about making a cyclone. Had an old water heater sittin' 'round. Here's what I got so far:
I started with this..... and chopped of the 'skin'.

Laid it on the bench & cut off the bottom - ugh!

I needed a straight line to do layout for the cone segments

Everything was cut with a sabre saw.


Taking shape The baffle segment


Ready to weld it in. Fitting the inlet


Inlet marked to cut out Cutting the outlet bushing


Caulking in the outlet Setting in place


Attaching the retaining ring & baffle view


Now I got a lotta welding to do.
More to come.

Thanks for lookin!

 

[WoodWrangler]

Amazing.

This picture gets the ribbon though ...

 

[Gotcha6]

That was an accumulation of well water mineral scale from about 10 years' use. Makes you stop & think where kidney stones come from.........

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

Ok, I understand about saving money and the challenge of using a hot water heater instead of buying sheet metal, but you look to be a very talented metal worker. Anyone who can do the layout, cutting, and welding you have done, could easily make a proven cyclone design from the measured drawings and spreadsheets on Bill Pentz's site.

 

[taandctran]

Looks like a septic tank to me... lol:rotflm:

 

[Sealeveler]

Good job on cyclone sofar.Down East water heaters have to be cleaned about ever 4 months because of sulpher buildup.Tony

 

[WoodWrangler]

Ok, I understand about saving money and the challenge of using a hot water heater instead of buying sheet metal, but you look to be a very talented metal worker. Anyone who can do the layout, cutting, and welding you have done, could easily make a proven cyclone design from the measured drawings and spreadsheets on Bill Pentz's site.

Dennis is like you ... he's going his own route in hopes of new discoveries! :gar-La; Maybe?

 

[woodworker2000]

I think your project is an awesome use of what most people would consider trash. I admire your ingenuity and your fabrication skills. I don't think I could have sketched out that cone segment on a cylinder even if I had a month to do it. Thanks for sharing and keep the pics coming (although the picture of the "sludge" nearly caused me to lose my breakfast). Nice work.

 

[gritz]

There are laws about the physics of air motion. I think you are breaking most of them. Minor variances can have huge negative results.

Try this site...

http://www.billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm

 

[JimmyC]

Nice job Dennis, I've been waiting for these pictures since you mentioned it in a post a while back.:icon_thum

 

[Glennbear]

Very cool Dennis, obviously you do not shrink away from a challenge. Although there are those who do not believe there is more than one way to accomplish a goal I am not one of them.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

-Herbert Spencer

Good luck with your project and don't forget your safety gear for lungs and vision as construction progresses.

 

[Tar Heel]

Great example of your creativity. I agree with Glenn in that there are many ways to accomplish a goal. Sometimes it's not as much about saying money as it is about the challenge involved with doing something new and different. I'm sure it will prove to be a winner. Also one less thing going to the landfill.

 

[MikeH]

Thanks for the pics Dennis. I've seen the shell of the "cyclone", but it's good to see the WIP pics. Keep up the good work. :icon_thum Once you're done with that little welder I may ask to reborrow it. I've got some ideas in my head since you came and got it. :rotflm:Funny how that works.

 

[Gotcha6]

Once you're done with that little welder I may ask to reborrow it. I've got some ideas in my head since you came and got it. :rotflm:Funny how that works.

Just let me know when you want to get it back. It's easier to use on the thinner walls of this tank than my bigger unit.

There are laws about the physics of air motion. I think you are breaking most of them. Minor variances can have huge negative results.

I believe I started this for the same reason the chicken crosses the road - to show the possum it could be done.:gar-La; This whole exercise may be my 'Sweet gum Lumber' experiment and end up in the dumpster, but all I've wasted is about $10 worth of sabre saw blades and supplies and 6-8 hours of time. The experience I've gained is priceless. I really wanted to see if I could do it 'green style' because I think there are people out there needing a dust collector that can't afford to buy one, or have more time than money - my situation lately.

Anyone who can do the layout, cutting, and welding you have done, could easily make a proven cyclone design from the measured drawings and spreadsheets on Bill Pentz's site.

I glanced at Pentz's site and the cylinder here is pretty much on proportion to his tables. I guess we won't know how well (or if) it works 'til I flip the switch. The whole idea kinda gelled after getting tired of looking at that water heater for about a year. Also, I wanted to show newcomers that some projects you do may not turn out. I haven't seen many people post their flops on here, but it's me on the tightrope without a net.

 

[CrealBilly]

I believe I started this for the same reason the chicken crosses the road - to show the possum it could be done.:gar-La; This whole exercise may be my 'Sweet gum Lumber' experiment and end up in the dumpster

And just what are you trying to say :gar-La; I tell you one thing - you won't have to worry about that cycle wearing out anytime soon. I think you might be able to cyclone sand with that one.

 

[woodworker2000]

Again, I applaud you for your creativity and resourcefulness. Too often we (myself included) think we have to buy something for it to work properly instead of spending the time/mental energy to make it. While I don't disagree that there are relevant "physics of air motion", we are talking about sawdust collection here.

Maybe it won't perform to the same standards as a Clearvue or Oneida but then again, you won't have $1,500-2000 invested in it either (AND you have the satisfaction of knowing you fabricated it yourself). Like you mentioned, you will know how well it works once you flip the switch. I'm betting it will at least outperform most, if not all of the stock dust collectors currently sold by Jet/Delta/Grizzly and others (of course, a lot will depend on the motor, impeller and filters that you use).

I appreciate your sharing your WIP. Keep us posted on the progress.

 

[RandyJ]

Congratulations on having the conviction AND courage to try this, Dennis.:eusa_clap I look forward to seeing how this project progresses. :icon_thum
Keep us posted

 

[Gotcha6]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys. This ain't 'rocket surgery' here, and I'm not building a NASCAR carburetor either, so let's all wait & see how it works. I just had to know & this was the only way to find out. I was once told. "Genius is 1% inspiration & 99% perspiration" Well, I've got 99% of it done.:gar-La;
Jeff, you'll be interested to know, that blue color on the inside is the fiberglass liner found in most heaters. It oughta hold up to some sawdust. :thumbs_up

 

[PeteM]

I'm with you Dennis - Most of the fun doing this stuff is trying out new ideas and figuring out new ways to do things. (At least that's true for me).

It will be fun when you fire it up and see what happens!!! :icon_thum

pete