Dust seperator drop box question

[Howie]

Hi
I am in the process of revising my workshop dust collection and will be implementing either a cyclone or thien separator to work with my record DX4000 extractor.
I would like to build a drop box for the separator which would obviously be square or rectangular because:
1/ it's cheap
2/ it's strong (seen a few too many pictures of crushed drums on this forum) :wink:
3/ it's going to fit my space saving design perfectly

So the question is, does a thein separator require a drop box of circular design (like a drum) to work? I know the cyclone can work with a rectangular or square drop box, but am not sure about the thein.

Howie

 

[beech1948]

I can't think of why the Thein separator would not work with a square collection box instead of a round drum. I think the cyclonic action is only in the tophat part.

The Thein tophat I think needs to have a circular shape inside but the outside could be square to fit your available space.

Why not visit Phil Thein's web page and ask on his bulletin board.

Al

 

[Howie]

Hi Al
Doh! (homer)
Good thinking about going to the Thien forum.
Just registered and posted the question there.
Thanks
Howie

 

[beech1948]

Howie,
It just occurred to me that a true drop box could be a box with an inlet port and an outlet to the DX. I think Woodbloke has one of these made from a water butt.

see https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/woodshop-refurb-t56209.html?hilit=dust extractor and look about three pictures down.

Al

 

[Howie]

Hi Al
I had a look at Woodblokes spotless workshop, nice.
I use mostly MDF and ply in my shop, which equates to lots of fine dust mostly from my tablesaw and router table. This is why I want to go down the Thien top hat or cyclone route as I am keen to contain as much fine dust before it hits my record DX4000, which by the way I will be fitting with 1 micron filter socks.
Also noticed woodbloke has had a crushing moment with his water butt.
Thanks
Howie
PS haven't had any replies yet to my question on the Thien forum.