3D Printed Vacuum Cleaner for a CNC Machine
π Overview
Routing wood and acrylic on a CNC throws dust everywhere - it is bad to breathe and hard on the machine. This project builds a compact dust extractor around a 775 DC motor and a 3D-printed turbine impeller, then mounts it next to the CNC spindle with a printed adapter so it vacuums while it cuts.
The whole thing is 3D printed plus common off-the-shelf parts, so it is cheap to build and makes a big difference to your workshop air.
π§° What you need
- 775 DC motor (12V high-speed version)
- DC power jack + 12V power supply
- PLA filament + flexible filament (TPU, for the seals)
- 3D-printed parts: turbine impeller, motor mount, dust bin, adapters, nuts (author provides STLs)
- A length of hose (corrugated hose works too)
π§ Step by step
Watch the video first
The author filmed a full demo - watch the result before deciding to build it
Pay attention to the suction it achieves; that is your reference for parts selection
Print the parts
The impeller and housing are the critical parts - print them with high infill
Print the seals in TPU; how well they seal determines the suction
Assemble the body
Fit the motor into its mount and secure the impeller on the motor shaft
Keep the clearance between impeller and housing as small as possible - bigger clearance means weaker suction
Fit the dust bin
Add a mesh filter in the bin so debris does not hit the impeller
Keep the clips or threads smooth so emptying is easy
Connect the hose
Run one end of the hose to the extractor outlet and the other to the CNC dust shoe
Seal the joints with printed parts or hot glue
Wire the power
Solder the DC jack and connect the 12V supply, minding polarity
The current draw is high, so use thick enough wire and insulate the joints
Mount it on the CNC
Fix the dust shoe next to the spindle with the intake close to the cutter
Adjust it so it captures dust without blocking your view or hitting the workpiece
Finish up
Test suction and noise at different speeds
Empty the bin after each session to extend motor life
π‘ Tips
- The 775 motor is powerful but loud; add PWM speed control to balance suction against noise
- The closer the intake sits to the tool tip, the better - aim for the intake right at the cutter
- If suction feels weak, check the impeller clearance and whether the hose is kinked before buying a bigger motor