Finally got my Top Vacuum the way I like!!

rafairchild2 · October 21, 2023

I tried many different ways to create a top vac the way I like. (I think I saw someone else with this setup).For the longest time, I was using a 1/4" ID Loc-Line with a computer brush on the end. It worked okay-ish but for oily, or heavy wood, it would not work well at all. Also, small cut-offs would clog it. So I tried multiple design iterations. Had many "human factors" considerations too. Don't get in the way of my light/magnifying glass, away from my hands, stay put, don't bounce/vibrate, not get hit by the chuck, but be close to it, generate enough suction, etc.

Finally went to 3/4" ID Loc-Line and it works really well. One of the things I like is when I am going to a new hole for my pierce cuts and I lift the arm, then put it back down the top-vac is in the exact same place. No fiddling around to get it back into position. I am able to position it out of my hand area, close to the blade, and not be visually distracting. (Though I might paint the tip black to make it disappear more). It might even generate a strong enough air current around the blade I might not even need to use my "puffer".

I have a blast gate on the line to the bottom and top vac lines, and a blast gate on the bottom vac so I can "throttle" the flow to that when wood blocks all of the holes and I need less suction. This will increase the upper flow too.

Now that I am satisfied with my dust collection piping, I am duct-taping the joints. Of course, the PowerTec products are friction, and work well, but I want extra holding and sealing power. I got colored duct tape, so my Scroll Saw piping is the Orange Line, my hand-held hose for area clean up is the blue line, and the main is the Purple line, which goes to the cyclone and vacuum. I still have to tape my red and green lines. Sure it loses the clean look of clear pipe, but that is the trade-off I had to decide on with aesthetics.

I have the Loc-Line secured with zip-ties, and foam at the moment. I will be getting some self-adhering hose clamps shortly to replace them.