Cleaning your CNC table with wet/dry Vacuum

[apeman88]

This really isn't 100% Tormach but it will be used with a Tormach so I figure I put it in here.

I'm tired of cleaning a wet/dry vacuum and buying a new one every 6 months. It seems the filter in the standard wet/dry vacuum (I'm using a Home Depot Husky right now) gets clogged up after a few minute of use and looses suction especially if you get it wet with coolant which is inevitable when vacumming chips.

What is everyone else using? Is there an industrial wet/dry vacuum? I'm on my 3rd wet/dry already so I've popped down over $400 on vacuums and am sick and tired of the regular wet/dry vacuums from Hardware stores.

I've been searching for an industrial vacuum and found these... does anyone have experience with them??

http://www.airtxinternational.com/vacuums.php

The SpeedVac is really cheap but not sure if it will work... the SmartVac or Drum Devil looks nice too. But all these uses compressed air so I would think they all use Venturi for suction. I was told Venturis are not great for suction... but they are claiming they work well. Anyone have experience with these?

I also came across the Big Brute which looks really nice... but they are in UK. http://www.bigbrute.co.uk/cleanup/cncmachines.htm Anyone know if there are equivalent ones in the US?

[TOTALLYRC]

I am using a cheap orange one from lowe's and I am not having problems at all, other than the cleaning part, and yes it still has a filter in it.
It is also quite small.
If the cleaning frequency is a problem, buy an industrial vacuum head that goes on a 55 gal drum, it should take quite a while to fill. If you put a drain valve in the bottom or at least as low as possible on the side and only use it to clean the machine, you might even be able to recover some of the coolant as it settles to the bottom.

Try your local industrial supply house or msc or graingers.

Mike

[levelzero]

I've been using a craftsman vac for almost two years now and it's still running strong. The paper filter disintegrated and the foam filter is only about 3/4 on but she just keeps going. I do 95% aluminium though so that could have an effect.

[saabaero]

I would think you should be able to use a standard wet and dry vacuum but replace the paper filter with a fine screen or open cell foam. Since you are just sucking up chips (and coolant), filtering out dust shouldn't be a problem. I use a stainless (wet/dry) vacuum from Lowe's, There is a deflector on the inlet to the tank that directs everything downward and away from the paper filter. It normally uses a paper bag for dust but is removable for wet applications. I keep the paper filter as I sometimes use the vacuum to clean the floor.

[Don Clement]

I have been using a Rigid wet/dry vacuum from home depot for about ten years in my shop. I cut the plastic hose in two and connect the two hose halves using a slip on piece of pvc so that if the hose get clogged with stringy chips, it can be easily cleaned A paper filter is not used but rather a layer of foam is used that can be rinsed clean. You might consider a K&N type filter http://www.knfilters.com/ K&N filters used to work great on dirt bikes in the dessert.

Don Clement
Running Springs, California

[apeman88]

Humm.... thanks for all the tips. I mustbe doing something wrong then. My wet/dry would last 6-9 months and it would die. I always buy the one with the microfilter thinking it would be better. Maybe that is my problem. I'll give the wet/dry vac another try.

However, does anyone have any experience with the Venturi style vacuums? Are they worth it?

http://www.airtxinternational.com/vacuums.php

[Geof]

Originally Posted by apeman88 ....However, does anyone have any experience with the Venturi style vacuums? Are they worth it? http://www.airtxinternational.com/vacuums.php

Have you looked at the specifications for these? Particularly the air consumption?

The Drum Devil uses 28 cfm, one of the Smartvacs uses 30 cfm the other 50 cfm.

Do you realise how big a compressor you need for even 28 cfm? I have a 7.5 hp Kaeser Rotary Screw compressor that provides 28 cfm at 100 psi. It cost over $8000 and it would only be able to run the smaller Smartvac. I think venturi style vacuums are a big have.

[MichaelHenry]

I've been using a Fein shop vac for the past 5 years or so and it's been working fine. Aside from drawing a good vacuum, it has a long power cord and a long hose which means I can use it on most of the tools in my shop without having to move the plug from one receptacle to another.

Mike

[Don Clement]

For my home I have a Dyson vacuum. No filters or bags. Great consistant suction with the Dyson. The Dyson uses a vortex to separate particles out. http://www.dyson.com/technology/rootTech.asp I inquired to Dyson about a shop wet/dry vac but Dyson does not make one. Too bad. The vortex idea would be the perfect solution.


-Don

[mc-motorsports]

I've been using a ridgid for 5 years, every day, I have to empty it about every other day, trust me I fill it up! Mostly steel, no problems. I can't tell you how many hoses and attachments I've replaced, probably a filter every month, but I swear by Ridgid shop vacs, mine looks like hell, has been though hell and still works great!

MC

[apeman88]

Originally Posted by mc-motorsports I've been using a ridgid for 5 years, every day, I have to empty it about every other day, trust me I fill it up! Mostly steel, no problems. I can't tell you how many hoses and attachments I've replaced, probably a filter every month, but I swear by Ridgid shop vacs, mine looks like hell, has been though hell and still works great! MC

What type of filter do you use on the Ridgid? I think 3 types are available. I have only used the Micro Filter (the most expensive one) but I've bee nfinding out as soon as coolant gets it wet... suction drops. Wondering if my filter needs to be replaced more often.

[mc-motorsports]

Originally Posted by apeman88 What type of filter do you use on the Ridgid? I think 3 types are available. I have only used the Micro Filter (the most expensive one) but I've bee nfinding out as soon as coolant gets it wet... suction drops. Wondering if my filter needs to be replaced more often.

I just use the "Standard 1 layer" Ridgid filters. The Micro Filters plug immediatly. I've never had a problem running the cheap one, usually there will be a half gallon of coolant in the bottom that I drain before dumping the chips into the scrap drums.

MC