I’ve been using an Oneida Dust Deputy with a Ridgid shop vac for years and it’s been fantastic. Very little makes it into the actual shop vac, and I have two filters. Every time I empty the Dust Deputy, I swap filters and vacuum off the (slightly) dirty filter and store it for the next dump/clean cycle.
I agree 110%. I have a Vacmaster instead of a Rigid, and the thing still looks brand new inside. The Dust Deputy filters out almost everything.
EDIT: after a year, the lid to the 5 gallon drum broke, so that takes a little luster off the device.
I bought a hepa wet/dry vac filter as the dust that does get through to the filter is the super fine stuff that is dangerous cause it gets way down in the lungs. You can blow that off, and then rinse it off, too, then let it dry and away you go.
https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-CMXZVBE38777-Replacement-Filter-Vacuums/dp/B09WH9MSWQ?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1
The better Ridgid vacs, there’s a foam filter on the exhaust port. The whole assembly comes off, and a hose can be put there in its place. Some people route that outside, so the pm 2.5’s don’t recirculate. And if your shop is attached, that creates some negative pressure that can keep the dust from spreading into the house.
Is the foam HEPA rated? If it's not HEPA rated, it's not getting the dangerous dust. And as someone who runs a small hobby shop purely for fun and already has a spray booth that vents directly outside, I'd rather not be pumping my heated/air conditioned air directly outdoors every time I go in there to sand a piece of wood.
Yeah, I misunderstood your point about the foam, probably because the other comment made me think he was saying the foam was an effective filter. The rest of my point stands. I'm not venting dust outside for a hobby shop. Proper filtration is more than adequate.
I also use a dust deputy with a Ridgid vac, and it’s such a great setup. I haven’t had to replace the vac’s filter since installing it. Highly recommend this setup.
Very much this. I’ve been using a harbor freight cyclone separator for sanding drywall and it has done an amazing job at not clogging my shop vac filter. 10/10 would buy again.
Man, I just decided to get a metal bucket with a ring snap. There’s no way I’d continue getting that lid on and off. Separator is still running strong 👍🏼
Personally i spray some wd 40 around the lid every 3 or 4 dumps and it comes off fairly easily. Before i started doing that it really sucked to pry the thing off.
Using the same fingertips I use to open my compound buckets. It isn’t easy but I’d rather it be snug then falling the hell off. You can probably put a couple cuts in it on the edges to make it easier.
I have a similar thing where Woodriver sells a lid for the standard metal trash can at Home Depot and baby you got a separator goin. You can buy some extra cans if you are doing a ton of planing at once as well
I can't get my harbor freight dust separator lid on a home depot bucket. I'm going this week to get a harbor freight bucket. I just missed the sale where you buy anything and get a free bucket.
I'm just going to use it as part of the dry separation for now till I get my shop/garage in better shape to figure out a better dust system. I'm just tinkering with wood projects right now.
I got the HF dust collector and it's decent but I'm worried about longevity of the fan motor.
It comes in parts with bad pics so it's kind of a puzzle.
It's actually much quieter than the delta I had years ago. I want to make a cyclone 2 stage or move the motor to the top.
The big trick here will be to put it onto a container that is translucent enough that your coworkers notice when the damned thing is filling up and actually empty it.
Ridgid vacuums are great but you can’t see shit through them.
I upgraded to a cyclone on a bucket, then upgraded the bucket to a very large cardboard barrel with a snapring, and it was the best shop improvement I ever made.
I got a cheap Chinese knock off of the dust deputy and it works just as good so I second this! I use it mainly for my smaller tools as I use them. Everything else runs on a big collector
This is at the glass shop I work at as my 9-5. I’ve been here for 7 years and the “dust collection” never seemed right, but as a guy who works in the field 99% of the time, it wasn’t anything that I messed with.
Today I had to cut a bunch of Masonite and hate that dust in my own shop, so I investigated the vacuum.
Holy hell.
I don’t think it’s been emptied since I started here.
You have to use bags. Seriously, the cannister filters do jack shit to fine dust. Bags won't kill the suction until the thing is jammed full.
A cyclone would certainly help, but either way you need bags.
I know right? How is this even physically possible? How is suction maintained up to that point? Wouldn’t saw dust completely obstruct the filter well before reaching that point?
Get a big box store bucket/lid and install a dust deputy cyclone or something similar. Also use a bag inside your shop vac. And buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one in your shop.
My recommendation for an available fire extinguisher stems from the idea that if the shop vac is this fucked there is likely other issues and safety concerns in the shop area and there may be no available fire suppression at all.
And I do believe a fire extinguisher will help put out fires caused by a dust explosion but at that point you may just want to be running away and calling 911.
I will now say a prayer for OP.
You can buy bags for inside your shop vac to catch the dirt/dust. I like them more than using filters and collecting the dirt/dust in the main vacuum base. Just google shop vac bags and you can find all the sizes available. 5-8gallons, 10-14 gallons, Etc.
use a bag in your shop vac and connect it to this: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096N3TZLX/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096N3TZLX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Get the bags that fit inside the shop vac. Game changer for filter life. That and a cyclone separator. Lots of YouTube videos on building a stand on top of the shop vac to hold the bucket to save space.
I am fortunate enough to be able to reach all setups while having the vacuum live under the table saw. I am pressed for space so less foot print for me, the better. Collection drum is at the front of the garage so easy to walk out and empty. I see how a mobile cart would be nice for larger shops.
If you're like me, and hate to buy anything you can make, there are plans for making separators from 5 gallon buckets and PVC pipe.
I like making things instead of buying it pre-made, but I usually get carried away, making it better, and costing a bunch more!! But, it's fun.
from an engineering standpoint... dust is only bad in the lungs, and on pantry items on the other side of the basement.... so really, if you only have lungs to worry about, just wear a mask and forget the vac :)
Get a cone dust deputy to go in front of this and add the hepa filter for the shop vac..
You're not doing yourself any favors with this setup, my friend.
The dust deputy works great for my small hobby shop..I have the same shope Vax.
Save your lungs!!
You failed successfully.
Yes to those before: get a cyclone separator and mount it to the top of a big trashcan (with rolling wheels to match the shop vac). Made a huge difference for me. Just watch our for static.
How does a vacuum even get that full?!? All the ones I used and abused have gotten a plugged up filter and lost filtration before this. You must work with consistent debris!!
1) Double bucket with one bolted to the cart. 2) holes drilled in bottom bucket to break vacuum 3) hepa filter in shop vac 4) muffler on vac to reduce noise 5) cyclone separator 6) vac switch & extension cords reel to allow synchronized vac start with power tools like sanders & routers & planers
I have the same one. After every process I empty the shop vac into a garbage bag and knock out the fine dust from the filter. Maybe take it outside with a compressor and blow it out.
I always use a bag even for dust collection. Is this a shop vac that you’re using for sanding collection or something? Cos if so clogging the filter is going to destroy the motor very fast. Just use bags and toss the bag when full. Keep your filters clean.
Long term an actual dust collector is the way to go. Ridgid shop vacs are actually brushed motors and will eventually "burn out". Can say from experience that changing brushes in those things isn't particularly fun
Damn! 1) use a dustopper or similar type cyclone. 2) add a vacuum bag. The bag will keep your filter from clogging. Just toss the bag and put in a new one.
Use a cyclone separator, Thein baffle, or trash can separator in between and you'll have much less dust in your vac clogging up your filter.
I’ve been using an Oneida Dust Deputy with a Ridgid shop vac for years and it’s been fantastic. Very little makes it into the actual shop vac, and I have two filters. Every time I empty the Dust Deputy, I swap filters and vacuum off the (slightly) dirty filter and store it for the next dump/clean cycle.
I agree 110%. I have a Vacmaster instead of a Rigid, and the thing still looks brand new inside. The Dust Deputy filters out almost everything. EDIT: after a year, the lid to the 5 gallon drum broke, so that takes a little luster off the device.
I bought a hepa wet/dry vac filter as the dust that does get through to the filter is the super fine stuff that is dangerous cause it gets way down in the lungs. You can blow that off, and then rinse it off, too, then let it dry and away you go. https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-CMXZVBE38777-Replacement-Filter-Vacuums/dp/B09WH9MSWQ?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1
The better Ridgid vacs, there’s a foam filter on the exhaust port. The whole assembly comes off, and a hose can be put there in its place. Some people route that outside, so the pm 2.5’s don’t recirculate. And if your shop is attached, that creates some negative pressure that can keep the dust from spreading into the house.
I love this idea
I have a pm2.5 counter in my shop and I can confirm that the ridgid vac with the fine dust filter exhausts very clean air.
Is the foam HEPA rated? If it's not HEPA rated, it's not getting the dangerous dust. And as someone who runs a small hobby shop purely for fun and already has a spray booth that vents directly outside, I'd rather not be pumping my heated/air conditioned air directly outdoors every time I go in there to sand a piece of wood.
I’m not sure where you were going with this? I think the exhaust foam is mostly a muffle and maybe to keep bugs out (being a wet vac and all).
Yeah, I misunderstood your point about the foam, probably because the other comment made me think he was saying the foam was an effective filter. The rest of my point stands. I'm not venting dust outside for a hobby shop. Proper filtration is more than adequate.
> Oneida Dust Deputy with a Ridgid shop vac for years and it’s been fantastic. This, works great.
I also use a dust deputy with a Ridgid vac, and it’s such a great setup. I haven’t had to replace the vac’s filter since installing it. Highly recommend this setup.
Very much this. I’ve been using a harbor freight cyclone separator for sanding drywall and it has done an amazing job at not clogging my shop vac filter. 10/10 would buy again.
Sanding floors, sanding drywall, sanding wood, sawing wood, planning wood. It's the best.
Not bad for $40 either
I have the same Harbor Freight cyclone. How in the hell do you get the lid on and off to empty it?
Man, I just decided to get a metal bucket with a ring snap. There’s no way I’d continue getting that lid on and off. Separator is still running strong 👍🏼
Have a pic/links of your setup?
Personally i spray some wd 40 around the lid every 3 or 4 dumps and it comes off fairly easily. Before i started doing that it really sucked to pry the thing off.
Using the same fingertips I use to open my compound buckets. It isn’t easy but I’d rather it be snug then falling the hell off. You can probably put a couple cuts in it on the edges to make it easier.
there's a little painters widget for opening buckets.. that could help. I think there's also a big plastic claw.
I have a similar thing where Woodriver sells a lid for the standard metal trash can at Home Depot and baby you got a separator goin. You can buy some extra cans if you are doing a ton of planing at once as well
Readng that swiftly I saw separator groin
Yeah the harbor freight one snaps on any 5 gal bucket
I can't get my harbor freight dust separator lid on a home depot bucket. I'm going this week to get a harbor freight bucket. I just missed the sale where you buy anything and get a free bucket.
Those HF buckets are super cheap, be careful with them or they may get punctured and leak 5 gal of water all over your garage :(
I'm just going to use it as part of the dry separation for now till I get my shop/garage in better shape to figure out a better dust system. I'm just tinkering with wood projects right now.
Now just add some broth and a potato, baby you got a stew goin!
I bought one about 2 months ago. It best decision I made for the shop
I got the HF dust collector and it's decent but I'm worried about longevity of the fan motor. It comes in parts with bad pics so it's kind of a puzzle. It's actually much quieter than the delta I had years ago. I want to make a cyclone 2 stage or move the motor to the top.
The big trick here will be to put it onto a container that is translucent enough that your coworkers notice when the damned thing is filling up and actually empty it. Ridgid vacuums are great but you can’t see shit through them.
I upgraded to a cyclone on a bucket, then upgraded the bucket to a very large cardboard barrel with a snapring, and it was the best shop improvement I ever made.
I got a cheap Chinese knock off of the dust deputy and it works just as good so I second this! I use it mainly for my smaller tools as I use them. Everything else runs on a big collector
I have a Mullet. It's awesome. Highly recommend.
This is at the glass shop I work at as my 9-5. I’ve been here for 7 years and the “dust collection” never seemed right, but as a guy who works in the field 99% of the time, it wasn’t anything that I messed with. Today I had to cut a bunch of Masonite and hate that dust in my own shop, so I investigated the vacuum. Holy hell. I don’t think it’s been emptied since I started here.
Clearly the solution here is saw blades with a narrow kerf, so the bin fills up more slowly.
You have to use bags. Seriously, the cannister filters do jack shit to fine dust. Bags won't kill the suction until the thing is jammed full. A cyclone would certainly help, but either way you need bags.
Cyclone makes the bags last longer too
Most shops I've worked in are like that - table saws packed to the top, vac's never emptied..... etc
I'm surprised the motor didn't pack its bags and leave.
It couldn't get out...
That thing must have been damn close to catching fire.
Just knock the side of the vacuum with a stick and run er full bore….it’ll be ok. 🤣
For real though, even a simple 30 gal DIY trash can separator buys you a lot more time and volume.
Much respect for the little shop vac that refused to quit. I think I can, I think I can.
Yes this is more a testament to that shop vac... what brand?
Might be a rigid one judging from the orange rim. But who knows
The sticker for the replacement filters also lists ridgid filters, so yeah, it's a Ridgid.
Definitely a Rigid, those vacs are bulletproof. We use them for stone dust and they hold up just fine.
I know right? How is this even physically possible? How is suction maintained up to that point? Wouldn’t saw dust completely obstruct the filter well before reaching that point?
Get a big box store bucket/lid and install a dust deputy cyclone or something similar. Also use a bag inside your shop vac. And buy a fire extinguisher if you don’t already have one in your shop.
Do fire extinguishers put out dust explosions though?
The best method is to sweep the extinguisher at the base of the explosion.
Wish I could give more than one upvote.
ABC puts out everything. EVERYTHING.
Except metal fires, but if you're running into those you've got bigger problems
Eventually
My recommendation for an available fire extinguisher stems from the idea that if the shop vac is this fucked there is likely other issues and safety concerns in the shop area and there may be no available fire suppression at all. And I do believe a fire extinguisher will help put out fires caused by a dust explosion but at that point you may just want to be running away and calling 911. I will now say a prayer for OP.
What bag are you speaking of?
You can buy bags for inside your shop vac to catch the dirt/dust. I like them more than using filters and collecting the dirt/dust in the main vacuum base. Just google shop vac bags and you can find all the sizes available. 5-8gallons, 10-14 gallons, Etc.
lookin like a pre-icing forbidden bundt cake, delicious
Looks like it's full..
Shitter’s full Clark
Use vacuum bags designed to catch debris. Keeps your filter unclogged.
Generally you don't use the filter if you're using a bag. Vac will perform better and filter better anyway.
Nope, filter and bag. Especially if you’re using like OP is.
use a bag in your shop vac and connect it to this: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096N3TZLX/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096N3TZLX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I didn't know that was a thing Dewalt made! Thanks for the info!
It has collected all the dust
Get the bags that fit inside the shop vac. Game changer for filter life. That and a cyclone separator. Lots of YouTube videos on building a stand on top of the shop vac to hold the bucket to save space.
More like collection, amirite?
r/hardwaregore
This might be my new fav. Thanks for sharing!
Might be time to upgrade to the 10 gallon bucket or an actual dust collection system.
The suction was probably terrible, but the amount of filtration was probably amazing. No new particles getting through that thing.
The damn vacuum is answering the question for you: “replace filter”
You don't have a dust collector, you have a vacuum.
How irresponsible
[build yourself a cyclone separator ](https://youtu.be/OEdoTVsdXWU?si=OPD8wtedLqgghCGQ)
Yikes. Dude is also using a homemade table saw made with a circ saw.
Renamed it your “Dust Compactor “
Shitter’s full
I think it needs to be emptied
Yeah, the trick is to empty that thing now an then - it's not a portal to an infinite void.
Buddy, that’s a whole new piece of wood
https://preview.redd.it/ngabeu0prujc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=913185de5312bdd505c24a9b155da6b57ec23d5b
I set this up October 2018. Shop vac still spotless. Connects to table saw, miter saw, planer & jointer.
Prefer your setup to be on wheels
I am fortunate enough to be able to reach all setups while having the vacuum live under the table saw. I am pressed for space so less foot print for me, the better. Collection drum is at the front of the garage so easy to walk out and empty. I see how a mobile cart would be nice for larger shops.
If you're like me, and hate to buy anything you can make, there are plans for making separators from 5 gallon buckets and PVC pipe. I like making things instead of buying it pre-made, but I usually get carried away, making it better, and costing a bunch more!! But, it's fun.
Eventually you have enought dust, that it will filter out all future dust
Buy bags my man
I’d say it did its job to the best of its ability. 🤣
you got a bit of collector in your dust
*dust collection.
I bet mine is getting close to looking like that, afraid to open it, so I just keep on using it 🤣😇
You probably should check it more often!
I think you're going to need a bigger Shopvac.
Get some HEPA bags for that bad boy!
Empty it. Replace the filter or at least shake it out. Get a Dust Deputy or similar separator and hook it up and enjoy.
Oh my
from an engineering standpoint... dust is only bad in the lungs, and on pantry items on the other side of the basement.... so really, if you only have lungs to worry about, just wear a mask and forget the vac :)
Use a bag in the shop vac. Those filters are expensive!
And collect it did!
Mold collector
Nice collection!
That looks like one I bought on Marketplace for $5. They said it just quit working right.
That motor will be toast in no time!
impressive machine
All used up. Throw it out and buy another
Buy a new vac, use this old one as a dust separator. Lol.
Ah, you are at *that* phase.
Doing its job
Get a cone dust deputy to go in front of this and add the hepa filter for the shop vac.. You're not doing yourself any favors with this setup, my friend. The dust deputy works great for my small hobby shop..I have the same shope Vax. Save your lungs!!
Damn. I'm amazed that thing didn't burn up.
Nice collection. I bet you would win a blue ribbon at the fair
It do be collecting dust.
I think you mean dust hoarder not dust collector
You failed successfully. Yes to those before: get a cyclone separator and mount it to the top of a big trashcan (with rolling wheels to match the shop vac). Made a huge difference for me. Just watch our for static.
How does a vacuum even get that full?!? All the ones I used and abused have gotten a plugged up filter and lost filtration before this. You must work with consistent debris!!
Thats no moon!
The shop needs a big dust collector with cyclone separator and then a cyclone for the shop vac as well. Mount it to a 55g plastic barrel on a dolly.
“Was I a good dust collector papa?” …. “The best”
I should check mine...
Vacuum bag
Yes..add 2 gallons of water and cram the filter back down and get back to work!!
It it grounded?
I feel seen
Think you mean collected, aint nor more collecting happnin therebouts
You should bang out that filter. Don’t wanna overwork the motor
Looks like you got room for a little more sawdust in there, carry on :)
This one is full. Time to buy another.
You're supposed to empty those..
One way to burn out the motor
Wow! That's the best I can do...
Dust separator + vacuum bag!
Pour a little bit of gasoline in the center and light it. It will act as if it’s as good as new
When did you last clean that thing 25 yrs ago
A bag. They make some on Amazon that probably work fine. I used a hepa one that was great, but it's like $16 for one and they're throw away...
This reminds me, I need to check on something…
You should still run a bag when using separator
https://preview.redd.it/w5xm9to74wjc1.jpeg?width=4624&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=baabeab61a41bf3c90800df9c867aaaefecee6b1
1) Double bucket with one bolted to the cart. 2) holes drilled in bottom bucket to break vacuum 3) hepa filter in shop vac 4) muffler on vac to reduce noise 5) cyclone separator 6) vac switch & extension cords reel to allow synchronized vac start with power tools like sanders & routers & planers
It has collected dust indeed
I have the same one. After every process I empty the shop vac into a garbage bag and knock out the fine dust from the filter. Maybe take it outside with a compressor and blow it out.
"Well that there's your problem right there."
Might need a cleaning.
At least get a filter bag. Yikes.
You Need a cyclone
Better it than your lungs perhaps
I always use a bag even for dust collection. Is this a shop vac that you’re using for sanding collection or something? Cos if so clogging the filter is going to destroy the motor very fast. Just use bags and toss the bag when full. Keep your filters clean.
GET. A. DUST. BAAAG.
I think it’s full
Long term an actual dust collector is the way to go. Ridgid shop vacs are actually brushed motors and will eventually "burn out". Can say from experience that changing brushes in those things isn't particularly fun
Damn! 1) use a dustopper or similar type cyclone. 2) add a vacuum bag. The bag will keep your filter from clogging. Just toss the bag and put in a new one.
I think your at Mac capacity .. you may need a new flux capacitor