Thread: Alternative to Clearvue

Originally Posted by delbs

Thanks to Chris for pointing me towards this mens shed project he was apart of. Corrimal Community Men's Shed Cyclone Dust Collection System. - Automatic Cyclone DC System need to identify the sources of this equipment

They made their own blast gate system but that was over 10 years ago and things have moved on from then. It was truly a huge step forward and has been used by a few other sheds IIRC.

I tried making a small scale model but gave up because it was too fiddly, so I want to try do a full scale model instead out of sheets of A1 cardboard. My major concern is joining all the sheet metal together. BP web site describes several different methods, although it sounds like some sections must be soldered/welded into place. Maybe overthinking it.

Recently spoke to Clearvue about shipping over a C1700 unit without the motor and mounting brackets. Sea freight is $1800 to Port Melbourne. If anyone else on here is interested in this idea, might be worth ordering units together to save on freight.

Now you understand why Clearvue Oz is not a viable business longer. The only way to save on freight is to have enough units to do a LCL deal which I used to do. The $1800 will not include costs this end and there are plenty of those as anyone who imports will attest to. There should be no import duties if the paperwork is done correctly by the agent due to the US/OZ trade agreement so keep that in mind. I would not import a CV unless it had a 16" impeller because that can be run slower thus reducing noise.

Things have moved on with assembly methods for a DIY build and soldering or welding will be unnecessary as adhesives such as Sikaflex would do the same job with a few pop rivets to hold the joints together while the adhesive goes off. Fibreglass mat could also be used if that appeals to the builder.

Keep in mind the export out of the US to Oz has become a bit more complicated since CV have moved from the west coast to the east coast, when they were on the west coast it was a direct shot to Oz where now it has to be shipped to the west coast or go the long way round via ship and that may not even be an option. I suppose shipping from Perth to the US would be about the same thing.

No duties, but there will be GST and a border fee (seems to be $88 at present). Not sure what the explanation is for a $88 fee on everything over $1000 and $0 fee on everything under a thousand....

Originally Posted by pippin88

No duties, but there will be GST and a border fee (seems to be $88 at present). Not sure what the explanation is for a $88 fee on everything over $1000 and $0 fee on everything under a thousand....

I don't know if a customs agent has to get involved but if that happens you will be amazed at the list of fees. The first units I brought in came air freight via UPS, I can't remember any details except I had to go to UPS to pick them up. I can recall the first freight quote being astronomical and CV had contacts which brought the price down by a lot and it was only that which allowed the project to go forward.

BTW, is this quote only for a cyclone body with fan housing and impeller? I wonder how much a short cone cyclone from China or Taiwan would cost landed in Oz. The long cone is only really needed if using filters.

I think I got one of the last clearvue max’s imported before it all closed up, but ultimately I had to offload on this forum for a few reasons, but primarily the height of the unit. It was too tall for my outhouse and covid caused no income for a year, so modifying was beyond my budget at the time.
If there is serious interest to alternatives, is it worth speaking to someone at timbecon to discussing modding what they sell as perhaps a group buy?
I’ve looked at this model (for example) a couple of times, but always shied away after reading BobL’s and others comments on various impeller and HP design being deficient.
90EFA0B7-B6A8-4C23-8926-71664B3B2FE7.jpegThis is on sale at $1500 presently (Intake is too small before we get to 3hp and impeller size isn’t shown)

This is $4500 with clearly a bigger intake and impeller (but still no info)
F034397B-B862-4C2E-941B-A3ABB8388066.jpeg

if there was interest and it was possible, I’d be prepared to speak with them on a custom impeller and motor setup from build but I don’t think it’s possible for a one off.

The quote I received from Clearvue includes everything but the motor, mounting bracket and filters. It's a 16" impeller. The latter don't seem to change the shipping costs.

The shipping costs is the same for 2 units. If its cheaper again at 3 units then I might be persuaded to join with others here and simply purchase one, if that means saving me the hassle of DIY.

Cost for the unit itself minus motor, mounting bracket, filters is approx. USD$1800.

If anyone reading this is interested in buying one, let me know and maybe we can save on shipping costs.

Otherwise, i'll continue on with the DIY option.

I was in communication with Clearvue around importing a unit without the motor but came in much higher than that at least for one of the quotes. I think it included the filter though and baffle so that will add to the quote I’d say

I gave up given the lack of engagement I had after enquiring to diy a cyclone that I was just considering waiting on the Laguna cyclones coming in via carbatec which I can’t even get an approximate date out of anyone. Not a huge amount of options within aus for this sort of setup.

I’d be interested to discover pricing if it’s cheaper for three + units coming in. I have purchased a 3M full face respirator though so I’ve bought a bit of time using this whilst searching for a suitable cyclone unit.

Cheers
Nathan

Clearvue will get back to me soon on pricing for 3+ units. I asked to to give quote with and without filters. Personally, I’m going without filters since I will vent air outdoors.

I can confirm the motors can be bought in Victoria, and I found there are lots of distributors for these around the country, too.

I will report back here once I hear back from Clearvue.

Originally Posted by Cin

Clearvue will get back to me soon on pricing for 3+ units. I asked to to give quote with and without filters. Personally, I’m going without filters since I will vent air outdoors.

I can confirm the motors can be bought in Victoria, and I found there are lots of distributors for these around the country, too.

I will report back here once I hear back from Clearvue.

You can use any motor as long as you are prepared to make the mounting plate, can get a taper lock to suit and it is capable of running the impeller at full speed. If a taper lock can't be found I have had them made in the past as they are a fairly simple thing when it is all said and done.

Thanks for your advice, Chris. Very useful to know, irrespective of DIY or purchasing from CV.

You will be pleased to know that the shipping quote for 3 units is the same as for 1. USD$1200 total delivered to Port Melbourne. Must arrange for collection or onward shipping from there.

I asked for a separate quote for 1 unit w/o filter + 2 units w/ filters. $2000 total.

Anyone keen on ordering together? I'm sure we could all pay CV directly.

If the shipment is being done LCL in a container the quoted freight figure will go up due to customs and port charges and I suspect you will need an agent to handle all that stuff. I used an agent for two reasons, I was working full time and I could not be bothered trying to figure it all out.

I can't seem to PM the creator of this thread? Send me a PM if still looking for a ClearVue extractor - I have a steel fabricated one with a 4HP extractor available. I'll list it shortly in the classifieds. Happy hunting! Mat

I’d say a few members would be interested in that option

Cheers
Nathan