I have two gate valves on my vacuum system used for the bandsaw and vertical belt sander and the horizontal belt sander. I alternately open the one I need and close the other. But the other one won't close because of chips in the track. I have tried wires and hooked scribers to clean them out but the stuff is really packed in there so I thought I'd make a tool that works for that,
I chose a piece of .100" stainless rod that was the antenna from a boom box I scrapped years ago. I filed a point on it in the lathe and then bent it down to go in the track and put a loop on it to hold it from turning. It needed more than a loop so I made a wooden handle for it that works great. I put a magnet in the handle so it is stuck right to the bandsaw ready to use. I went to the wood room looking for some handle wood and this piece of hard maple burl said "pick me...pick me"..........so that is what I made it from. I cut out the loop shape in one half with the Dremel and finished it with clear satin enamel.
I added some shots below of the vacuum set up and the dust that keeps the valve from closing. Here are the two valves coming off the Dust Deputy. This is how it typically is when I need to shut the valve Picking all the chips out Cleaned and shut
Cheers, Jim ........................ Variety is the spice of life...............Learn something new every day
Hi Ryan. I thought there must be a better one. I have not looked for a self cleaning one but that is what they all should be. I'll probably stick with these since I can clean them now. It is only needed about twice a year but it used to stop me for a half hour to get the gate anywhere near closed . I did find the 5 " self cleaning valves ( https://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Aluminum-Blast-Collection-System/dp/B01DZ2PKLS/ref=asc_df_B01DZ2PKLS?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79989522876825&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583589102166405&psc=1) and they are open on the bottom . I could do that to mine with a Dremel, but it would be a vacuum leak. I use 2 1/2" valves
Cheers, Jim ........................ Variety is the spice of life...............Learn something new every day
Jim, I used the same gates as yours and cut the bottom off to make them self cleaning (before I upgraded my DC). I put a flap of aluminum tape over the end to form a kind of loose seal that would pull against the gate when the vacuum was on, but I don’t think it was necessary. If that small of a leak sinks your dust collection system, you’ve probably got bigger problems.
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
i gotta agree with ryan jim, i did the same thing making a tool to clean em then said enough and got the self cleaning ones. i recently got some from woodpeckers. there 100% free flow and will never clog. ive replaced 3 so far and may do more.
working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.
Nice solution Jim. I've been getting by with a 16P nail but it's not very ergonomic. I've swapped out all my gates for self cleaning ones except for 2 that are built in and unable to be swapped out.
Thanks, Steve. I only have the two of them right by the bandsaw and only close the one once or twice a year. This tool is handy and I'll get by! Maybe you can open the bottoms of the two that can't be swapped out like I've heard is being done by others
Cheers, Jim ........................ Variety is the spice of life...............Learn something new every day
