Feedback on Duct Builder

Accessories Community Created Accessories
22

Hi Dan,

This is awesome. I couldn’t find models I liked, so I started building my own in Fusion 360. I was almost done when this showed up in my "What You Have Missed " forum summary. I continued on my own, because it’s as much about learning how as anything else. Today, I see the change you made to the plug and socket. That’s really nice. I was putting a rim on the outside of the female half of my design, now I’m stealing yours.

I created a parameter named systemID for the system’s inside diameter, and I keep it the same for the magnetic coupler ends. It’s just a quick way to know that a coupler I print will match ones I already have by keeping the system size the same. It’s what you did for Dave. I just like the idea of having the feel more global, I know if it is set at the top, then everything I will print fits into the same family (4", 2.5" )

One thing I really want to work into mine is a place for an O-ring to provide a good seal—no high-pitched sounds of sucking air leaking at the couplers. I’m curious about your thoughts on it. A second thing would be allowing the hose connection to swivel. In one section of my shop, I use a Rockler dust right system. It has a swivel connection between the hose and the dust collector, which helps prevent the hose from twisting.

Thanks again for sharing the great application

23

I added a version with a seal. Spent a while figuring out the best way to do it and ended up with new standards that use foam cord, magnets and steel washers. It’s live but I’m still working on it. Thanks for the feedback.

24

Hi Dan,

One of the first versions I printed had the o-ring sitting on the face. I didn’t like that you have to glue it in so it doesn’t fall off. I felt like an o-ring glued in would be a pain to replace when you needed to. I like your idea of a foam cord.

I tried several iterations with an oring groove around the receiving interface on the male half. The o-ring can just be stretched over and snapped into place. It is hard to find the right amount to just touch the female section. I also spent way too much time trying to cut the groove with rounded top and bottom surfaces, where the o-ring needed to be pressed into it.

DCFittingMale
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I think I am going to move it up under the knurling so that the top of the female rim just sits against it when the magnets connect. I’m not sure

25

I like your idea of stretching the o-ring around it instead of gluing it in. I ordered some foam cord and magnets to try my design out.