Dust Collection Cart for a Shop Vac and Dustopper | How to Build Tutorial

Learn how to build a shop vacuum dust collection cart compatible with the Dustopper, a high efficiency dust separator.

Hello everyone, in this tutorial I’m sharing how to build a dust collection cart for the Ridgid shop vacuum and Dustopper  (a cyclone dust separator for a 5 gallon bucket). This is a weekend DIY project that can be built from a single sheet of plywood.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials check out my project gallery!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.

Let’s get started on the build!

Watch the video tutorial

Click play and watch the video tutorial below.

For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Continue reading for the written tutorial.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the dust collection cart.

Tools

• Track saw
• Table saw
• Pocket Hole Jig
• Router with circle cutting jig
• Jigsaw
• Drill / Driver

Supplies

• 1 Sheet of 3/4″ Plywood
• 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 3″ Caster Wheels (4)
• Screws and washers for caster wheel installation
• Wood Glue

The 36″ hose that came with the Dustopper is a few inches too short so I used the hose that came with my Ridgid vacuum.

I also use a Bosch vacuum hose for my orbital sander. It’s a nice hose and I recommend it. It needs an adapter to connect to the Dustopper.

How to build a Cyclone Dust Collection Cart

My dust collection cart is largely inspired by the dust carts built by John of John Builds It and Matt of MWA Woodworks. I merged my favorite features between the two carts into this one.

It has been a long time since I built something I modeled in SketchUp first. I have some rough woodworking plans for the dust cart. I hope to get better at this in the future.

Step 1: Cut parts according to the cut list

Break down the sheet of plywood into the following parts:

• 23 1/2″ x 40″ (Sides) x 2
• 24″ x 22″ (Base)
• 24″ x 14″ (Top Shelf)
• 4″ x 24″ (Braces) x 3
• 4″ x 22″ (Caster Supports) x 2

Step 2: Drill pocket holes

Grab a pocket hole jig drill and drill pockets holes on the following parts:

• All four sides of the base
• The short sides of the top shelf
• The short sides of the braces

Step 3: Assemble the dust cart

Assemble the cart following the diagram. Attach the two sides together via the top shelf and three braces. Install the base 3/4″ from the bottom of sides to allow clearance for the caster supports.

Finally attach the caster supports.

Step 4: Install caster wheels

Grabs screws and matching washers and install 4 casters to the underside of the dust cart.

Step 5: Cut a hole in the top shelf for the Dustopper bucket

Use a router with a circle cutting jig or a jigsaw to cut out a circle for the Dustopper bucket.

DIY Dust Collection Cart

The Dustopper + Shop Vac cart is a much needed shop addition. It’s so nice having the bucket on a set of wheels now.

DIY Project Challenge #1: Organization

My dust collection cart is part of a monthly blogger DIY project challenge. April’s theme is organization. The goal was to create a project that organizes some part of the home for under $50. Check out the other organization themed projects by my fellow bloggers:

• Easy DIY Corner Cabinet Organizer (Emory Farm)
• DIY Blanket Ladder (Joyful Derivatives)
• $50 Office Window Treatment Makeover (Kippi at Home)
• DIY Boot Tray (Sand Dollar Lane)
• Sunglass Holder – Easy DIY Wall Display (Never Skip Brunch)
• DIY Jewelry Wall Organizer (1905 Farmhouse)
• DIY Wrapping Paper Storage (Rufus & Henrietta)
• $50 Coat Closet Makeover (Southern Yankee DIY)
• DIY Bathroom Organization (Rocky Canyon Rustic)
• DIY Midcentury Modern Dresser Makeover (The DIY Nuts)

FIND ME ONLINE!

• Instagram: @handmadewithashley
• Facebook: @handmadewithashley
• Twitter: @handmadewithash
• YouTube: @handmadewithashley
• Pinterest: @handmadewithashley
• Instructables: @handmadewithashley