Small cyclone dust buster for Small CNC machines

A small cyclone dust collector for my 1610 CNC,

Works surprisingly well, only larger bits make it past the nozzle, and they are easier to clean later. The pictures show the results of a small carving job, all the dust was in the base cap, Normally a job like that would have a layer of dust all over the dust shield next to the machine; but it remained clean this time. PCB Milling (it's primary use) was also much cleaner. Not perfect.. but much better than nothing.

The unit uses a standard 4020 radial fan, upgrading to a 5022 or similar would be a handy upgrade, there is plenty of space. I plan to do this once I can get my hands on a suitable fan.

Two 4mm hex bolts are used to join the body to the mount, one is 25mm, the other 30mm, I have thin washers and nylon-lock nuts tightened to the unit remains secure, but adjustable.

The radial fan is glued to the cyclone body, I use simple contact adhesive because it is removable with a blade and some acetone if necessary. I will add a separate switch to the fan later.

The mount bracket is screwed to the side of the headstock with a couple of small self-tap screws and pilot-holes drilled into the headstock body. This does not affect the strength in any meaningful way, but you can glue etc if you prefer.

Finally; the nozzle should be a push-fit, with a bit of tape etc to make it secure. The idea is that it can detach/move if it hits the spindle or a clamp, without damaging anything else.

I made my own nozzle from the barrel of a ballpoint pen, and some 12 / 9mm aquarium tube to make the adaptor to the cyclone body.

• The hole in the body is 12mm outer diameter, feel free to be creative with your own nozzle, but I would suggest keeping the diameter to 6mm or so; my test with 9mm ID tubing did not work for me.

Category: Machine Tools