On Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:24:27 -0700, Steve B wrote:

I need to build a vacuum with a 4" or 6" hose to pick up leaves. My
smaller Ridgid and other vacs clog too easily with leaves. Anyone know
of a site with simple directions and basics on such a thing? Might I
use a big barrel, and buy TWO smaller shop vacs and use TWO suction
motors on it?

Other ideas for a simple effective vacuum? Doesn't have to be that
powerful, just for leaves. Just a big hose to avoid clogging.

I don't know if two shop vacs are going to do it. The working vacuum
comes from air velocity, which a shop vac maintains is a hose that's
1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter. A 6 inch hose has 9 times more area, so
if you wanted to maintain the same air velocity you'd need nine shop vac
motors -- and motors designed for 2" hoses, at that.

How big is the hose in your Rigid vac?

If you could figure out how to duct it, using the motor from a big leaf
blower might work. You'd have to turn things around, so the intake to
the blower portion goes to your barrel, and you'd have to do it in such a
way that you don't interfere with airflow to your carb or away from your
exhaust.

Don't blame me if you get your head stuck in the hose...

--
www.wescottdesign.com