Need good, used chip collector - Engraving Etc. Forum

From:	UncleSteve	5 Apr 2007
To:	ALL	1 of 10

6550.1
I am looking for a "reasonably" priced, used chip collector for my Vangard 3000 rotary setup. The small shop vac I am using is too loud and gets heated quickly due to reducing the inflow from 1 1/2" down to 1/2" at the machine ... "Good friends can be a real annoyance."

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	5 Apr 2007
To:	UncleSteve	2 of 10

6550.2 In reply to 6550.1
Steve, I'm not sure how many are available, used, although the GAST vacuum is the industry standard. Runs quiet and very durable. Mine's been running since 1989, with no signs of slowing down. As you say, the standard vacuums aren't only loud, they'll burn up in a hurry, if used as a chip collector. David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri DGL Engraving Port Hueneme, CA

From:	UncleSteve	5 Apr 2007
To:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	3 of 10

6550.3 In reply to 6550.2
quote: I'm not sure how many are available, used All I need is one! LOL! I am hoping that someone may be upgrading to a laser (no chips!) and changing to an exhaust system or is selling and willing to piece out an older system. "Good friends can be a real annoyance."

From:	Stunt Engraver (DGL)	5 Apr 2007
To:	UncleSteve	4 of 10

6550.4 In reply to 6550.3

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.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

EDITED: 5 Apr 2007 by DGL

From:	Andrew	5 Apr 2007
To:	UncleSteve	5 of 10

6550.5 In reply to 6550.1

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	5 Apr 2007
To:	Andrew	6 of 10

6550.6 In reply to 6550.5
What did you use to reduce the inlet on the vac to the1/2" hose on the spindle or aren't you using a chip collector on the spindle? "Good friends can be a real annoyance."

From:	Andrew	5 Apr 2007
To:	UncleSteve	7 of 10

6550.7 In reply to 6550.6

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)	5 Apr 2007
To:	UncleSteve	8 of 10

6550.8 In reply to 6550.6

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.

....
...
..
.
Mark
In the Great Northwest!

From:	laserman (MIKEMAC)	5 Apr 2007
To:	UncleSteve	9 of 10

6550.9 In reply to 6550.1

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.

CEM- Sales and Service of Universal Lasers, Versa Lasers, and Meistergram / H-square engravers.
2800 S. Main St.,Unit C
Santa Ana, Ca 92707
714-444-2385 Cem Lasers

From:	UncleSteve	5 Apr 2007
To:	laserman (MIKEMAC)	10 of 10

6550.10 In reply to 6550.9
I can try that.... the noise won't lessen but at least it will make the shopvac last longer... 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> "Good friends can be a real annoyance."