Full Version: Need good, used chip collector
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
5 Apr 2007
To: UncleSteve [#3] 5 Apr 2007
Steve,
I wasn't attempting to bring your search to a halt.
I see it as kind of like my search for a used 3-in-1 Maxi Press (corner rounder, notcher, hole punch).
When you have a machine that just won't wear out, it's difficult to find a used one.
Not to say they don't exist, but I ran out of patience waiting for a used model and bought one new.
EDITED: 5 Apr 2007 by DGL
From: Andrew [#5]
5 Apr 2007
To: UncleSteve [#1] 5 Apr 2007
I am using a standard domestic vac on one of my machines. I have it plugged in via a Vac Control box on which I am able to control the power / suction. I don't know if this is an option for you?
When engraving brass / plastics power is turned right down. Collects all the chips and I can barely hear it. when engraving steel I can't hear it at all because of the engraving noise!
When routing brass / profiling plastics I do need to turn it up quite high and noise is then an issue - but routing is not a big part of the workload.
Without the vac speed controller I would have spent a lot more on a commercial vac system. Before using it the domestic vac regularly overheated, or was switched off because I couldn't bear the noise.
From: UncleSteve [#6]
5 Apr 2007
To: Andrew [#5] 5 Apr 2007
From: Andrew [#7]
5 Apr 2007
To: UncleSteve [#6] 5 Apr 2007
The 1/2" tube from the engraver has an 'adaptor' to fit straight onto the metal hose of the vacuum cleaner. It came as part of the vac chip kit which I bought as a complete set. However without the use of the controller (a separate piece of kit I bought) it regularly overheated - and I also had to switch on and swich off the vac which wasn't alway convenient - especially if I wanted to leave a job to complete on its own.
Now it runs without complaint for several hours a day. Some of the brass jobs I run sometimes takes a couple of hours to complete. The vac is about 2' away from me 'purring'!
From: PenTrophy (PENINSULATROPHY) [#8]
5 Apr 2007
To: UncleSteve [#6] 5 Apr 2007
After 2 New Shop Vacs in two years, which as you say burned up and were loud... Went to the Goodwill and found a small portable vac for 4 bucks.
Ran a Tube plug with a 1/2 hole in the center into the vac hose and 4 feet of 3/4 - 1/2" hose to the nose cone.
6 years and still running.
From: laserman (MIKEMAC) [#9]
5 Apr 2007
To: UncleSteve [#1] 5 Apr 2007
UncleSteve,
What we used to do was to drill a couple of 1/4 holes into the top part of the hose of the vacuum this allowed for some cooling air and did not reduce the suction.
From: UncleSteve [#10]
5 Apr 2007
To: laserman (MIKEMAC) [#9] 6 Apr 2007
I know that the old Electrolux tank vacuums had holes in the metal end of the hose with a clip that went around most of it. By turning the clip, it uncovered different amounts of holes to lessen the suction...
Now if I could find an old hose..... <G>