Abstract: A particle separator physically separates a mixture of small and large particles and metal particles which are suspended in a stream of air into discrete groups of small particles, large particles and metal particles. The particle separator includes a chamber having a bottom and including an inverted truncated cone. The cone includes an upper skirt which forms a seal with the inner wall of the chamber and an aperture in the lower end. The cone divides the chamber into upper and lower compartments. An inlet duct extends through the wall of the chamber into the upper compartment of the chamber. A filter plate is positioned within the lower compartment of the chamber and includes a first side surface which forms a seal with the inner wall of the chamber and a second side surface which forms a seal with the wall of the cone. The structure of the filter defines an intermediate compartment in the upper portion of the lower compartment.