The cyclone separator tower is an inexpensive way to put together a basic cyclone tower. The three uprights are 5/8" x 6' threaded rod and the plywood disc are 3/4" plywood 24" in diameter. The receptacle to collect the chips and saw dust is a 30 gallon garbage can and the fan motor is a 1 hp unit, although it could be any fan motor. The filters are Fram automotive filters 5" x 12", which I purchased for $ 3.97 each. I drill a 6" hole in the center of each plywood disc and three 5/8" holes spaced around the outside of each plywood disc.

Assembly is very simple. I place the trash can on the ground, and use a foam 1/2" piece of copper water pipe insulation around the top to create a good seal. I then just sit the first plywood disc onto the trash can and run the threaded rod down through the holes I have drilled in the disc around the outside securing them on both sides with nuts and washers. I make sure the disc sits about 1/8" above the garbage can.

I then fasten the cyclone to the top side of this disc with screws or bolts. I then put the top plywood disc on, adjust the height on the threaded rod and again fasten on both sides with nuts and washers. I then place the fan motor on top and secure it by bolting it to the top plywood disc. This can be done in various ways depending on the fan motor. I ran bolts through the bottom side of the top plywood disc into already existing holes in the fan motor, I just bought bolts 3/4" longer because of the thickness of the plywood. Use your imagination when doing a filter system. I used automobile filters, but you can use your existing bags or acquire aftermarket filter material and make your own.

The final step is to fashion a hook of some type on either side of the bottom disc to fasten onto the garbage can handles so it can be held up against the bottom disc to maintain a seal. I drilled two holes in the bottom disc and used screw hooks and wing nuts to accomplish this.