Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 26

Thread: simple box: new modular (easy to build) vacuum box design

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    23

    Default vacuum box design: the simple box is modular and easy to build

    Please take a look at my new vacuum box design:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU2n...ature=youtu.be

    I've still got some testing to do, but I'd love to get this design out so other folks can build and test it. This design is my own and has very little to do with other box designs before it.

    See below for some information about my goals.

    Best,
    Josh

    The Design:


    · It's easy to maintain! The parts are modular- most can be modified and replaced as they wear. The box can be opened for any necessary maintenance and repair. The motor filters are serviceable and easily cleaned.
    · It's easy to build! It is built using simple CNC milling- no double sided milling and only simple pockets and profiles. Only basic assembly and glue-up is necessary for the main box structure. More complex parts can be simplified. The box doesn't need to be air tight as long as the motor mounts are sealed properly since the vacuum is pulled through PVC piping. The box could be made from most any materials.
    · It's efficient and quiet! Motors can be engaged individually instead of in pairs to save energy. It uses only the amount of power needed. Average noise level is hopefully reduced.
    · So far, it's reliable! It's average operating temperate is low, but it needs to be tested further. Each motor has thermal protection to prevent overheating. Cooling fans stay on even when the motors are off to ensure it cools completely.
    · It will be well documented and I hope to setup forums to make it user supported. There is the potential for multiple designs so it can be modified for your needs!
    · It'll stay completely open source!

    If all goes well, I will make available:


    · A bill of materials with information on sourcing
    · A 3d model in multiple formats
    · CNC (vcarve files) for easy milling
    · Assembly instructions to simplify construction
    Last edited by Josh Beckmann; 10-29-2015 at 08:28 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    23

    Default

    Here's an update on my progress. It's complete and includes detailed design files. The wiring diagram is in the works, and I hope to provide more detailed build instructions. It works great, and it's simple to build. Let me know if you have any questions.


    Video introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEKR...ature=youtu.be
    Design files and photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dle1e01j0...UL2t4QpUa?dl=0
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by Josh Beckmann; 01-05-2016 at 12:16 PM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    , On
    Posts
    863

    Default

    Nice job! Is the Simple Box louder than the other style?

    You ask for comments at the end of your video but comments are disabled.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    23

    Default

    Thanks for taking a look. I don't have any other style of vacbox, so I can't compare the noise. I can say that it's no louder than my cyclone. As shown in the video, you can also choose the number of motors (1-4) rather than just switching them in pairs. So, that helps too.

    There's also a lot of opportunity to put sound proofing inside the box, and around the PVC. The box runs really cool with the exhaust fans, and it has thermal overload protection if something went wrong. So, I could line it with insulation and test it.

    Most of the noise now is heard through the PVC manifold. On one hand, that could be wrapped with some kind of sound dampener. On the other hand, the vacuum needs to be routed to the plenum somehow and wrapping all of the plumbing might be unnecessary. I think some noise is par for the course and is certainly acceptable for me.
    Last edited by Josh Beckmann; 01-05-2016 at 01:36 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    , On
    Posts
    863

    Default

    I don't think noise will be an issue either.

    Does the other sealed style box create a volume of air that acts like a reserve or buffer tank?

    If that is an advantage, adding a tank into your system would be a easy.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Boston MA
    Posts
    23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by rb99 View Post
    I don't think noise will be an issue either.

    Does the other sealed style box create a volume of air that acts like a reserve or buffer tank?

    If that is an advantage, adding a tank into your system would be a easy.
    So far so good without the tank!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Cleveland TN
    Posts
    369

    Default

    Josh,

    I was looking through your files and you mention the Vcarve files but I only see the dxf files, did you mean to not include the .crv files?

    Joe
    2005 PRT Alpha 48x96
    2013 Colombo 3hp spindle
    Indexer (converted lathe)
    Aspire 9.0

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    , On
    Posts
    863

    Default

    Are you able to measure your vacuum with 1 2 3 and 4 motors running?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Kennebunkport, Maine
    Posts
    4,419

    Default

    IF it does what YOU need Josh...Congrats
    Watch your hearing!
    scott
    scott P.
    2013 Desktop/spindle/VCP 11.5**
    Maine

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    , On
    Posts
    863

    Default

    Which motors would you choose if going 120V?

    http://www.centralvacuummotor.com/lighthouse.htm




    I see they have a section for Shopbot:
    http://www.centralvacuummotor.com/shopbot.htm

Similar Threads

  1. easy to build tables extension table.
    By knight_toolworks in forum Folder 2016
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-17-2016, 11:20 PM
  2. ShopBot Easy Design brings up broken buttons
    By Riptide369 in forum ShopBotter Message Board
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 06-08-2016, 12:03 AM
  3. To cheap and easy to be true vacuum table?
    By Rob Gunn in forum ShopBot Accessories
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-11-2011, 09:03 AM
  4. Simple podium design?
    By harryball in forum Archives2007
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 08-20-2007, 11:34 AM
  5. Replies: 23
    Last Post: 11-18-2002, 12:35 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •