Q: Why is the bucket collapsing? How do you fix it?

A: A collapsing bucket is due to there being too much air flow restriction, a weak bucket, or an uncommonly powerful vacuum. Flow restriction can occur with a pickup hose that is too long, a hose with smaller than normal diameter, a tool that doesn’t allow sufficient airflow (i.e. orbital sander), a blockage in the hose, etc. When the flow of air into the Dustopper is restricted or the bucket is too weak, the bucket may collapse.

There are a few things you can do to improve the flow of air into the bucket. Avoid using a pickup hose that is longer than 12-15 feet; If you are using a reducer, drill three 5/16 or 3/8” holes around the face of a reducer or on the hose cuff (depending on which is closest to the input port of the Dustopper); Make sure there are no kinks or very sharp bends in the hose. Keep in mind that reducing flow restriction = faster air flow = better separation. Using a different bucket is a good remedy when flow is not restricted, but you are using an exceptionally powerful vacuum. i.e. >90” of water lift. Our Dustopper bucket is 90 mil (0.090”) thick and very strong.

What should you check?

  • A reducer in the pickup hose of much smaller diameter the 2 1/2"
  • The addition of a very long pick-up hose
  • The connection of an orbital sander, a crevice tool, or some other device having a design that severely restricts air flow
  • A complicated setup that includes multiple fittings
  • Something large lodged in the hose (this is pretty rare)
  • Most often the above will have a greater likelihood of happening when a very powerful vacuum is used.
    • European vacs often have as much as 90+ inches of water lift and can easily collapse buckets
    • US vacs generally are below 50” of lift, with some having more than 6 HP (Peak) producing slightly more. Buckets that are a bit thin are at risk.

The fixes:

  • A simple configuration with no restriction points produces the best results
  • If you notice your bucket collapsing when you use an orbital sander, we suggest drilling three 5/16” or 3/8″ holes in the hose cuff or reducer that is closest to the Dustopper. These images are with the original Dustopper, but the concept is the same with the Dustopper PRO.

  • This reduces suction in the collection bucket (stops implosions), and the induction of take-up air allows for faster flow within the separator which results in better separation.
  • There will still be plenty of suction to bring dust from orbital to the separator.
  • Purchase a bucket that is 90 mil (0.090″) thick or thicker.