Dust Collection Cart

by handmadewithashley in Workshop > Woodworking

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Dust Collection Cart

Build a Dust Collection Cart for a Shop Vac and a Dustopper Dust Separator
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Hello everyone, I'm Ashley and in this Instructable I'm sharing how to build a dust collection cart for the Ridgid shop vacuum and Dustopper (a cyclone dust separator for a 5 gallon bucket). This is a weekend DIY project that can be built from a single sheet of plywood.

Let's get started with the build!

The following are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build my dust collection cart (affiliate links):

The 36″ hose that came with the Dustopper is a few inches too short so I used the hose that came with my Ridgid vacuum.

I also use a Bosch vacuum hose for my orbital sander. It’s a nice hose and I recommend it. It needs an adapter to connect to the Dustopper.

My dust collection cart is largely inspired by the dust carts built by John of John Builds It and Matt of MWA Woodworks. I merged my favorite features between the two carts into this one.

Cut Parts According to Cut List

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Break down the sheet of plywood into the following parts:

  • 23 1/2″ x 40″ (Sides) x 2
  • 24″ x 22″ (Base)
  • 24″ x 14″ (Top Shelf)
  • 4″ x 24″ (Braces) x 3
  • 4″ x 22″ (Caster Supports) x 2

Drill Pocket Holes

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Grab a pocket hole jig drill and drill pockets holes on the following parts:

  • All four sides of the base
  • The short sides of the top shelf
  • The short sides of the braces

Assemble the Cart

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Assemble the cart following the diagram. Attach the two sides together via the top shelf and three braces. Install the base 3/4″ from the bottom of sides to allow clearance for the caster supports.

Cut a Hole in the Top Shelf for the Bucket

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Use a router with a circle cutting jig or a jigsaw to cut out a circle for the Dustopper bucket.

Install Caster Wheels

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Attach the parts for the caster supports to the base of the cart. Grabs screws and matching washers and install 4 casters to the underside of the dust cart.

Enjoy!

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The Dustopper + Shop Vac cart is a much needed shop addition. It’s so nice having the bucket on a set of wheels now.

Thanks for checking out my Instructable!

Watch the video tutorial:

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