I'll use some waterproof deck-sealer on the plywood, then follow with some EZ Slide graphite paint on the interior sides and metal floor.
The collection box will be stored in my workshop, it's being built as a "take down" unit , so it will store flat when not in use. Let's say I have it assembled during the fall, I have room in Shop for it to be parked, out of the weather. I envision using this unit several times in the Spring, and then again from late Oct. through December for leaves, the rest of the time, it will be inside, de-assembled, dry, and stored. Should last for many years.
I'm not so much worried about dust as I'm trying to pick up leaves in the fall and thick grass in the spring, if a little bit escapes, no problem.
The total area of mesh opening might need to be larger, not smaller.
The principal behind how it works is a sudden pressure drop.
The leaves, grass, and particles "fall out" of the air stream due to sudden drop in velocity/pressure. Look closely at any TracVac, it's a simplistically great idea. No need for filtration, this is for bulk pick-up, not meant to vaccum down to micron levels. The more opening in the box, the more immediate the velocity drop, it's a bit counter-intuitive, the more openings, the more the debris will drop into the box.
I might even add some circular plastic vents high up on the back door , or at the back of the roof.
I will only add an interior deflector after testing and seeing a need for it.
Again, I want the air to go out of the box, not force it down into the pile where it may blow already collected material back to airborn.
The first run will certainly give me ideas for fine-tuning.
After having used a Trac Vac and examining how it worked, I think this will do a fair job.
More news to follow, this evening will be the back door construction.
