What it looks like inside a dust collector (my hack for adding a viewing window)

[4/17/2021 update: This video was published when the channel was still called "Jesse MAKES"]
Those of us with woodworking dust collectors need something to help us know when it's time to empty the bin and this is a cheap hack you can do that does the trick!
This is not a sponsored video, but in case it's useful, the dust alert system I referred to in the video is this:
www.oneida-air.com/inventoryD...
And a link to the cyclone separator which works shockingly well:
www.oneida-air.com/inventoryD...
Also, I misspoke and said these bins are all steel, which is untrue. There are also some in heavy plastic and in fiber (like heavy cardboard).
Thanks for watching, and please subscribe!

[@bigpapaporsche1]

Nice video and idea! I just received an Oneida Cyclone with the Cardboard Barrel with straight sides. I plan on installing a Plastic Window near the top, probably 3-4 inches long to monitor the dust level.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

Very nice modification.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Thanks bob!

[@MrSkeeter18]

Thanks

[@mikesellman2540]

Thanks for the idea. I have been thinking about making some kind of window to view the chip level. I have plastic bins (not clear). After viewing your video, I first installed LED lights. My bins are in a separate room from my shop so I just put them on a switch so I can check the level prior to going into my shop. With the lights out in the room, I flip on the LED inside the bin, and I can see the chip/dust level through the plastic bin without even having to install the viewing window!

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Nice! Sounds like an easy solution.

[@bigpapaporsche1]

I forgot to add, I know Oneida installs a Plastic window on some of their small metal barrels, I wish they would make it standard. Also, the new Grizzy Models has a Vacuum Equalizer Hose installed between the barrel and the cyclone that allows you to install a Plastic bag inside barrel for easy emptying. I think this is a great idea that I plan on using!

[@howardsmaid3491]

The downside to this solution is that you have to continually check the level visually. During a large production run you can still back up the system.

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Yep, of course! I'm not proposing this as a replacement for a proper sensor alarm system... Just a super cheap way to make checking easier.

[@MrGwdvideo]

Hello - this is just what I wanted. Would you mind telling me the type of LED lights you bought, and what do you mean it is wired into the same power supply as the dust collector. this will work great from me as my jet cam with a 3 x 3 window into the can, so if I could light it with your solution I am golden. thanks Greg

[@LetsOverthinkThis]

Hi there. Glad I inspired you! I can't point you to the exact product since I have a lot of extra from other projects, but I just used led strip light. It has an adhesive on the back and i used waterproof so the leds are covered in silicone. They run from 5v so you use a plug in transformer to power it (a "wall wart") and run that transformer from the same power your dust collector runs off of. It's simple if you do any wiring but honestly I don't want to advise you to play around with wiring if you're not comfortable with it.