Twice this week I resorted to simply taping hoses/fittings to deal with getting my vacuum attached to a tool (Makita track saw and Domino). (My shop helper was disappointed in my "solution"). I have an assortment of hoses and connectors (bought when on sale years ago), but it seems I rarely have what I need. What's everyone's go-to?
Checkout the Rockler Flex Port Click Connect fittings. I think that they are all on sale right now. Just do not buy the kit that has the super flexible "expandable" hose. It is a total pain because the suction from the vac causes it to try to totally collapse the hose to its 3' minimum length so that it is constantly pulling you towards the vac or the vac towards you. (Unless you want to buy mine, then definitely get that one, LOL) If you want a dedicated hose kit, select the fix length one. But the cheapest approach may be to get the shop vac hose adapter and just the tool adapter that you need. (That is, unless you want to buy my flexible hose kit, which I highly recommend. 😉.) You will have to research which of the connectors you need for the tools you have but if you have a Rockler near you, the sales staff can probably tell you which one you need for those tools. You may be able to simply call the nearest one and ask them on the phone?
I wish you lived closer, I could turn PVC dust collection adapters on my metal lathe. I do it for my buddies in Michigan. You do what you have to do to make it work. Tape makes the size right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers, Jim ........................ Variety is the spice of life...............Learn something new every day
Thank you for all the suggestions and links. I don't have a Rockler or Woodcraft to actually check items in person (that would be ideal!). Lazyman, I think I have that same flex hose, although mine is black. I need to evaluate the random parts and fittings I have and measure for what I need. Wish more of this was a "standard" fitting.
Splintergroup- she is pretty chilled out when it comes noises (including the vacuum in the shop or house). She was embarrassed at my resorting to excessive amounts of blue tape to attempt a needed connection. 🤷♀️
BTW, my tape of choice when I have to rig up something like that is no residue duct tape or gaffers tape. It is more expensive than regular duct tape, but it peels off more easily and does not leave behind a ton of glue. I used to find the 3M tape at my local Home Depot but they stopped stocking it for some reason so I got it from Amazon the last couple of times. Gaffer's tape is similar but often even more expensive. There are some cheaper ones out there if you search hard enough but you have to read the reviews to make sure that they are not junk. The 3M tape is fantastic. I almost never use regular duct tape anymore.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
This was a temporary hold as I had to reset to my typical setup (use this vacuum with my router table and bandsaw, plus general cleanup). Will keep the others mentioned in mind for other situations where a more permanent hold is needed - thanks!
That's exactly why I started using the No Residue DT. It holds well but comes off when you want it to and there is no gummy mess to clean up afterwards.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
You can get into a rabbit hole with tape. Lots of options…and some aren’t cheap! Most of the higher end stuff is residue free, which is why I like it. But I still use a lot of blue tape still for stuff that doesn’t need extra help, one way or another.
Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".
