Sorry, I don’t have access to Cutrocket so I’m dropping the screenshot and zipped STL files here. Mods, if this is inappropriate here, my apologies.
I have a 5gal Stealthsonic, which has a 1-7/8" hose and attachments. The vacuum wand is too large to conveniently vacuum the nooks and crannies in my Nomads.
I am a long-time CPAP user and I realized that its hose is nice and flexible while being spiral-reinforced just like vacuum hoses. So I designed and 3D printed a reducer and mini-vacuum wand to adapt the Stealthsonic hose to a spare CPAP hose (they are available on Amazon for less than $10).
The reducer has mounting ears (with holes sized for Strongtie screws) which I used to screw it to the edge of my butcher-block workbench top. The reducer STL has a built-in snap-off support to support the inner overhanging lip (I thickened the wall at the bottom edge of the transition to better smooth the flow into the larger hose), so both models can be printed upright as shown with no supports. Use a good brim on the nozzle to keep it anchored.
I printed these in PLA+, .4mm nozzle, 4 layers all around so both pieces are essentially solid-walled other than the thick mounting ears of the reducer.
Randy, I know what you mean about CPAP hoses! I have one question, though.
Have you had any problems by restricting the suction with the smaller hose? I have a Dustopper dust collector that sits on top of a 5 gallon plastic bucket. If I stop up the suction it will make the bucket cave in, so I’d have to put a “leak” into the line to keep that from happening.
Tex, I only am using the small hose and wand to clean up the Nomad after a run, which only takes a minute or so. That said, there is definitely a flow restriction with the CPAP arrangement–I can hear the Stealthsonic motor working harder. I would not want to use a single CPAP for a dust boot. But that has been done with two hoses in parallel before…
[quote="Randy, post:5, topic:97140”]
… to clean up the Nomad after a run …
[/quote]
Randy, that’s what went through me when I read your original post, because I’m always having to undo my hose at the machine to clean up with. So, I’m thinking that I can put a “leaky Y” inline with the small hose attached. The small hose must pass dust easily, judging by your experience and the linked post from ancient history!
I have been machining aluminum, and the setup removes the small swarf just fine. I might tweak the wand to be a little shorter and broader at the tip to decrease its flow resistance–now that I have the experience of using it for a while. If so I’ll attach a new zipped STL.
I had a similar issue with the bucket collapsing. Some were better than others. I finally broke down and got the “crush proof” one from Oneida. It is much better and also clear so easier to see when the bucket is nearing capacity.
I cut about 2-1/2 inches off the nozzle end and re-profiled it (having the dihedral angle helps prevent dead-heading the airflow when touching flat against a surface) so I’ll upload a new model Monday.
Another option for the standard HD/Lowes 5 gal bucket is to cut a .75” wide by .5”or .75” thick stock ring and put it into the bucket at the midpoint height of the bucket itself.
