Shop vacuum
I realized that I’m in need of a proper shop vacuum since I’m starting some new projects that will generate a lot of sawdust. The make shift shop i built in the barn is also in need of a proper cleaning and dusting the floor, equipment and old storage boxes is tedious. A vacuum is well needed.
The principle of the vacuum that i got from my dad’s similar shop vacuum is quite simple.
What I used.
- An old vacuum cleaner
- Some PVC drain pipes
- Vacuum hoses
- A suitable drum
- Wood battens for structural support
- Silicone sealant
I reinforced the lid before i drilled holes for the pipes, so that the pipes would be stable and not wiggle.
The pipes was press fitted and sealed with some standard silicone. Any type of sealant, even hot glue, will suffice.
Early tests revealed that the drum could not withstand the vacuum pressure without collapsing. So it needed to be reinforced. I used regular wood battens that is press fitted inside the drum. They are not secured with glue or nails, so they can easily be removed when the drum needs to be emptied.
Last the vacuum cleaner was attached and the HEPA filter was removed to ensure maximum airflow.
Conclusion.
This home mad shop vacuum works as intended. The suction power is really good and have no trouble with saw dust, dust, grass, larger pieces of wood, glass, metal shavings, broken screws or even stones.
As of writing, the drum is almost half way full and only finer dust has made it’s way from the drum and in to the bag of the vacuum cleaner.
