Project Information
After buying the Harbor Freight 2hp dust collector right after Christmas, I knew I was going to be making some changes to it. First, I dumped the upper bag and added a Wynn 35a filter. Second, I really wanted to put a pre-separator on the unit to keep from having to change the lower bags as often. But, I didn't really have a lot of room in my shop/garage for the can. The Delta 50-760 seemed like a good set up with the can/separator underneath the blower, so I set out to imitate that set up. That led me to build a frame to mount the HFDC motor/blower and raise it up so I can get a can under it. I used 2x material and plywood with a healthy dose of glue and screws for the frame. After some trial and error, I got the unit mounted directly in line with the donut ring. The flex hose is a piece that was cut off of the original 5" hose that came with the unit. The two sides are actually touching, it's just there to ensure a good seal.
Next came the Thien lid on a 30 gallon galvanized trash can. I used the lid that came with the can and just cut holes in it with my dremel. I did add some weather stripping around the edge to get a good seal. The piece in the middle is a Delta 5" to 4" reducer that leads from the 5" outlet on the blower to the can. Again, the flex hose is a piece I cut off from the original that came with the unit. I need to get some hose clamps to fit that connection. Right now I'm using zip ties and it's not air tight. The inlet port is a simple 90 degree black plastic piece. Everything is held in place with hot glue/caulk.
I did a couple of tests on the unit to see how much was staying in the can and it's working quite well. I did see a reduction in air flow with the addition of the pre-separator, but that's to be expected. At least now I'll preserve my filter and won't have to hassle with the lower bag for a while.
BTW: I added weather stripping on the area where the lower bag connects to the donut ring. It made an airtight seal and I don't get ANY leakage now.
I hope this helps you guys. Any questions please feel free to ask. Thanks for looking.
Cory
Next came the Thien lid on a 30 gallon galvanized trash can. I used the lid that came with the can and just cut holes in it with my dremel. I did add some weather stripping around the edge to get a good seal. The piece in the middle is a Delta 5" to 4" reducer that leads from the 5" outlet on the blower to the can. Again, the flex hose is a piece I cut off from the original that came with the unit. I need to get some hose clamps to fit that connection. Right now I'm using zip ties and it's not air tight. The inlet port is a simple 90 degree black plastic piece. Everything is held in place with hot glue/caulk.
I did a couple of tests on the unit to see how much was staying in the can and it's working quite well. I did see a reduction in air flow with the addition of the pre-separator, but that's to be expected. At least now I'll preserve my filter and won't have to hassle with the lower bag for a while.
BTW: I added weather stripping on the area where the lower bag connects to the donut ring. It made an airtight seal and I don't get ANY leakage now.
I hope this helps you guys. Any questions please feel free to ask. Thanks for looking.
Cory
