Cyclone filter systems separate dust by generating a vacuum inside the dustbin. Due to this underpressure, the dust is sucked in via the side inlet of the cyclone filter. Because the cyclone filter has a rotated inside, it pushes the dust outwards to the inner walls. This phenomenon is also centrifugal force. Because there is a vacuum in the dustbin, the rotating dust is pulled down. The centrifugal forces and the vacuum create a miniature cyclone and thus separate the dust from the air. Because the dust is heavier than the air, only the dust will be drawn to the bottom of the dustbin. The cleaner air (up to 99% cleaner) leaves the filter system through the top outlet.

In three words: they work great. We have put cyclone filter model 3 to the test by filtering out dust from milled sheets of MDF. MDF dust is very fine and resembles the particle structure of baking powder. In our test 96% of that fine MDF powder was filtered and did not end up in our vacuum machine. That means that the vacuum bag needs to be changed 25 times less often than without a cyclone filter.

Suppose you have a Bosch AdvanceVac 20 vacuum cleaner and the vacuum bags cost between €2,50 and €4,50 each (depending on the store + shipping costs). When you normally use up one bag a week, with a cyclone filter this is reduced to only one bag every 25 weeks or once every six months (approximately). This means that on a yearly basis you don’t have to buy 52 vacuum bags but only two.

When a vacuum bag costs €2,50 each, then you don’t spend €130 on vacuum bags on an annual basis, but only €5. That will save you €125 year after year. When a vacuum bag costs €4,50 each, it is even a bigger saving of €225 annually.

In addition, it ensures that full suction power is maintained. Also, the vacuum engine does not wear out as fast, because far less dust gets into the vacuum cleaner itself. Your vacuum cleaner will therefore last longer.

We have put cyclone filter model 3 to the test by filtering out dust from milled sheets of MDF. MDF dust is very fine and resembles the particle structure of very fine baking powder. In our test 96% of that fine MDF powder was filtered and did not end up in the vacuum machine. That means that the vacuum bag needs to be changed 25 times less often than without a cyclone filter.

Suppose that a vacuum bag cost between €2,50 and €4,50 each (depending on the brand, the store and the shipping costs). When you normally use up one bag a week, with a cyclone filter this is reduced to only one bag every 25 weeks or once every six months (approximately). This means that on a yearly basis you don’t have to buy 52 vacuum bags but only two.

When a vacuum bag costs €2,50 each, then you don’t spend €130 on vacuum bags on an annual basis, but only €5. That will save you €125 year after year. When a vacuum bag costs €4,50 each, it is even a bigger saving of €225 annually.

In addition, a cyclone filter system ensures that the full suction power of the vacuum cleaner is maintained. Also, the vacuum engine does not wear out as fast, because far less dust gets into the vacuum cleaner itself. Your vacuum cleaner will therefore last longer.

A cyclone filter can be used for all types of work where dust is released. Cyclone filters can be used with sanders, mitre saws, table saws, routers, wall grinders, floor grinders, CNC routers, sand blasting cabinets, and drilling machines to name just a few. Click on the ‘Application’ tab or click here for more information.

All filters have different filter capacities. For example, cyclone filter model 2 can handle 240m3 air per hour whereas cyclone filter model 3 can handle up to 280m3 air per hour. In the comparison tab there is an overview of the different cyclone filters with their capacities.

Which cyclone filter you need depends on the technical specifications of your vacuum cleaner. If you look up the specifications you will probably find some information regarding the maximum airflow the vacuum cleaner can handle.

For example, the Bosch AdvanceVac20 can handle 70 liters of air per second. That is 252,000 liters per hour (70 liters x 3.600 seconds) and amounts to 252m3 air per hour (252.000 / 1.000). Cyclone filter model 3 is therefore the best choice for the Bosch AdvanceVac 20 vacuum cleaner.

The inner ring is for reinforcement of the dustbin. The ring falls exactly in the middle of the dustbin, because the dustbin tapers slightly downwards. The ring precents the dustbin from collapsing under even the most extreme vacuum pressures. Most plastic dustbins, and even some thin-walled metal dustbins collapse when put under vacuum pressure.

The type of dust bin that is most suitable for your needs depends on four things: (a) the power of the (professional) vacuum machine and the inner diameter of the dust port, (b) the type of dust being filtered, (c) the amount of dust being filtered, and (d) the type of cyclone filter that will be used.

a) (Professional) vacuum machine and inner diameter dust port

Do you have a powerful construction vacuum cleaner (Festool, Makita, Bosch blue, etc.) and does dust needs to flow through a relatively narrow  dust port (smaller than 30mm)? Then a metal dustbin is recommended. Powerful (professional) vacuum machines generate a high negative pressure in the dustbin. If the airflow is cut off by a too narrow dust port, then the vacuum cleaner motor will continue to operate at full speed, resulting in an even greater negative pressure in the dustbin. Metal dustbins are therefor more suitable for that kind of application.

b) Type of dust

For example, if large wood chips are sucked up, the 20 liter dust bin will quickly become full, because large wood chips do not compress well. In those cases, the 60 liter metal dust bin would be the best solution.

c) The amount of dust

Some work releases more dust than others. Milling, for example, sheets of MDF provides a lot of dust. The 20 liter dust bin would in that case be a bit too small.

d) Type of cyclone filter

Cyclone filters model 2 and model 3 can be mounted onto the 20 liter dust bin aswell as onto the 60 liter metal dust bin. The metal cyclone filter can also be mounted onto the 20 liter dust bin and the 60 liter metal dust bin. Almost always is the metal filter mounted onto a metal dust bin, because otherwise the grounding capabilities of the metal cyclone filter would be negatively effected by not being able to ground the plastic 20 liter dust bin. The XL cyclone filter is too big to be mounted onto the 20 liter dust bin. The 60 liter metal dust bin would be the way to go.

A cyclone filter system that is not working properly can have two causes:

• The underpressure in the collection vessel is not correct.
• The dust is too light and therefore cannot be drawn to the container.

In 95% of the cases, the cause is a vacuum inside the dustbin that is too low. This can be for a number of reasons:

• The suction power of the vacuum machine is not strong enough to generate the necessary basic vacuum pressure. This is usually only the case when the filter of the vacuum cleaner is clogged or if the vacuum cleaner motor is no longer functioning properly.
• There is an air leak in the filter system. Consider, for example, a lid that does not close properly, a gap between the base of the filter and the lid, or there is an air leak somewhere in the hose.

If you have a filter system with a anti-crush pressure valve, poor performance may be due to the vacuum valve opening too often. For a cyclone filter system to work properly, the anti-crush pressure valve must remain closed during normal use, otherwise dust will still end up in the vacuum cleaner. A valve that opens continuously is a sign that A. the spring resistance isn’t set correctly or B. the negative pressure is too high (for example, because dust is being sucked through a dust port that is too small). In those cases, a number of things can be done:

• Tighten the adjustment nut to increase the spring resistance. Turn the adjustment nut with a maximum of two rotations each time and then test the system. This prevents the pressure valve from being adjusted too tightly causing the valve not to open in a timely manner and thereby crushing the dustbin. For our blue dustbins the adjustment nut should be set slightly below the center of the threaded portion of the bolt.
• Lower the suctions power of the vacuum cleaner. Not too low, because there must be a basic vacuum pressure in the dustbin for proper operation.
• Use a nozzle with variable air inlet, for example our Pro-X nozzle. The nozzle can admit air from the outside by means of a slide, which reduces the vacuum pressure.
• Use a shorter hose on the side inlet of the filter. A hose creates air resistance: the longer the hose, the greater the air resistance. Greater air resistance creates greater a vacuum pressure.
• Use a hose on the side inlet of the filter with a larger inner diameter and a larger nozzle. As a result, more air can flow through the system which reduces the vacuum pressure.
• Reduce the number of bends in the hose that is attached to the side inlet of the filter. Every bend creates air resistance and thereby a greater vacuum pressure.

If you want to use a filter system with anti-crush pressure valve on machines whose dust port has an inner diameter smaller than 30mm and you do not have a vacuum cleaner with adjustable suction power, then we recommend using a nozzle with variable air inlet, for example our Pro-X nozzle. Smaller dust ports will cause excessive vacuum pressure, causing the valve to open continuously.