How to make an air compressor with your own hands: design options. How to make an air compressor What to make your own compressor from

A compressor is one of the tools necessary for servicing a car with your own hands. Moreover, it has a wide scope of application, that is, using this device, you can carry out various car maintenance operations, such as providing air to pneumatic tools, repairs. This article discusses how to create compressors with your own hands for painting cars.

Operating principle

Compressors are divided into several types based on their design. Below we consider the general operating principle of these devices. It consists in the fact that the air pumped by the engine enters a container where it accumulates, reaching increased pressure. When excessively high pressure is reached, excess air is removed from the container through the drain valve.

That is, compressors operate on the basis of maintaining pressure at a constant level. Constancy of pressure is especially important for devices intended for painting. In any case, air pressure is considered the main parameter of such a device, therefore the technology for creating a car compressor and the choice of materials for it are determined based on the required pressure value.

Assembling a simple compressor

The easiest way to create one with your own hands is based on a car camera. In this case, this item will serve as a receiver. In addition to a camera from a car, for the work described you will need: a nipple from another camera, a car pump with a pressure gauge, materials for working with rubber, and a set of tools.

It is important to find a whole chamber from the car, since the functions of the receiver in this case are to accumulate air. The role of an air blower in a homemade car painting device will be performed by a car pump with a pressure gauge.

The work begins by cutting a hole in the camera from the car and gluing a nipple into it. The nipple with nipple, which is initially present on the camera, will serve during operation to pump air into it with a pump, and the glued one will supply air to the sprayer hose. After this, you need to adjust the pressure in the chamber. This is done by selecting its value using a pressure gauge, based on practice, that is, by spraying paint.

If the car pump you are using is not equipped with a drain mechanism, you should slightly unscrew the hose from it, as this will avoid pressure drops during operation.

If there is a release mechanism, the pressure will be stable even without this action.

The following are some recommendations to simplify the work of creating such a compressor for painting a car with your own hands and achieving the desired result. So, you should first secure the chamber to avoid its vibrations when the air is supplied by the pump.

It is unacceptable to fill it with any bulk materials, as this may cause the channels to become clogged, causing the paint to mix with this substance. The same rule applies to liquids. That is, it is possible to mix the liquid and paint in the chamber. This will lead to the paint losing its properties and, moreover, it will be sprayed unevenly.

Creating a compressor with a receiver

This homemade compressor for painting a car is more complicated than the one discussed above. He is considered semi-professional. Therefore, in order to make this airbrush device for a car with your own hands, you will need a larger assortment of tools and raw materials:

pressure gauge;
pressure switch;
gearbox with oil and water separator;
cross and adapters;
nipple;
coupling;
oil/water separator filter;
a tube;
receiver;
car clamps;
furniture wheels;
fitting, nuts, washers, screws and studs;
toggle switch;
automobile oil;
fuel filter and oil and petrol resistant hose;
plug and cord;
refrigerator compressor;
plywood panels (chipboard);
dye;
sealant, fum tape;
rust converter.

Naturally, it is difficult to obtain such a large number of devices individually. Therefore, it is advisable to find an old refrigerator - it will serve as a source of some parts for the compressor. So, you can use a cylinder with a built-in relay. However, you first need to make cosmetic repairs, that is, clean them from dirt, as well as rust, which is present on many elements of old refrigerators.

It is advisable to treat the cylinder with a rust converter to avoid subsequent oxidation of this part.

In addition, it must be taken into account that during the operation of the refrigerator, the compressor may have lost its sealing, which led to a change in its operating conditions. Therefore, you should replace the original oil with an analogue for a car, since the latter can withstand much more severe operating conditions.

Synthetic motor oil for cars is suitable. To change the oil, there is a tube sealed in most cases on the side of the device. First you need to file it and then break it off. In this case, precautions must be taken to ensure that fragments of material do not get inside the tube. Car oil is poured into a syringe in a pre-calculated volume. After this, the tube is plugged with a screw of the appropriate diameter with a rubber gasket to ensure tightness.

As a receiver, you can use, for example, the body of an OP-1 fire extinguisher with a volume of 10 liters, having first sawed off the handle from it. Due to the fact that the refrigerator compressor is characterized by abundant evaporation of oil, an oil-water separator filter should be installed at the inlet of the receiver, which will prevent foreign liquids, such as water or oil, from entering the paint.

Next you need to drill a hole for the adapter and secure it. The easiest way to do this is by cold welding using Epoxylin. It is first necessary to repair the bottom of the receiver, namely to clean it of all dirt and rust for effective interaction of Epoxylin with the working surface and to avoid contamination of the paint during subsequent operation. Cleaning is carried out by sanding the bottom of the fire extinguisher in a circular motion with sandpaper until a metallic shine is achieved. After this, the adapter is fixed on the front side with a nut and left for some time (the exact timing is indicated in the instructions) for the Epoxylin to dry.

The base for a compressor for painting a car can be created from three wooden boards or plywood measuring 30 x 30. To increase the mobility of the device, you can equip the base with furniture wheels.

To secure the device, you need to drill holes for it and studs in the base. The latter are secured with nuts and washers.

A car filter with a paper core should be placed over the inlet port to prevent contaminants from entering it.

To increase ease of use, you should equip the compressor for painting a car with a pressure switch (for example, RDM5 or PM5), which will turn it off when the maximum pressure value is reached and turn it on when this value drops to a minimum. The maximum and minimum pressure values can be adjusted independently using the relay springs. The relay has 2 contacts intended for connection to the network. One of them must be used for its intended purpose, and the other must be connected to the compressor.

In addition, it is advisable to equip the compressor with a general shutdown toggle switch, which will allow you to de-energize the entire installation at once. It is installed on the gap between the network and the pressure switch.

Next, you can paint the receiver and begin final assembly. You need to screw a nut with a fitting onto the oil-moisture separator filter. One of the ends of a reinforced, oil-resistant hose is put on the latter. The second end is put on the compressor tube. The connections should be clamped with clamps, and the threaded connections should be sealed with fum tape. The filter must be screwed to the bottom of the receiver and the silicone connection must be treated with sealant. Next, screw on the cast-iron lid with the threads pre-treated with sealant, placing a rubber gasket under it. A tube with a quarter-inch thread is screwed onto the lid, and a cross is screwed onto it. To secure the receiver tightly to the base, it should be pressed with a plywood cover with a pre-made hole for it.

A relay is screwed to the left of the cross, a gearbox with a filter is to the right, and a pressure gauge is on top. At the end of the work, connect the wires to the relay.

The last step in preparing a car painting device for use is setting it up and testing it. Such a compressor for painting a car is much more difficult to set up with your own hands than the one discussed above, but it is easier to paint and make repairs with it. Moreover, this airbrush device can be used not only for painting, but also for other purposes, that is, it is universal.

Feasibility

Considering how much branded compressors cost, creating such an airbrush tool yourself turns out to be very profitable. Thanks to this, you can provide vehicle maintenance and repair without incurring high costs. In addition, homemade compressors are more profitable from a maintenance point of view. So, if branded devices need to be taken to a service center for repairs, repairing homemade compressors is easy to do with your own hands. In addition, since all their components are easily accessible, repairs are carried out in a short time and do not require large expenses. Moreover, due to the simplicity of the design, homemade compressors are very reliable, therefore, repairs will not be required often.

In a car enthusiast's garage you can find many useful and not so useful tools. In addition to the usual set, an air compressor would also be useful. It is suitable for painting a car, inflating tires, and supplying air for operating pneumatic tools. Let's see how to make a car with your own hands. We will also find out how it works and on what principle it works.

Compressed air to help the car enthusiast

Air compressors are quite useful in workshops and garages. There is always a task for these devices. This could be simple cleaning, removing dust that has formed after grinding, or creating air pressure for the operation of various air tools. Compressors are most often used for painting. This imposes some requirements on the device.

Air flow and spray painting

When working with paint, the air flow must be as uniform as possible. Also, the compressed air flow should not contain water particles, oil impurities or other petroleum products. The presence of suspended and solid particles in the flow is unacceptable.

Sometimes you can see defects when painting. This is often graininess on a freshly applied coat of paint. This happens because there were foreign particles in the flow. If paint drips or matte spots are observed, then this is a sign of uneven supply of paint, enamel or varnish.

Branded or homemade?

What is the difference between a branded compressor? Its characteristics are ideal for working with an airbrush or spray gun, but factory products cost serious money. If the device is needed infrequently, then you can save a little and make a unit that will be in no way inferior to factory models.

Compressor operating principle

Both professional and self-made devices work on the same principle. An excessive level of pressure is created in a container for storing compressed air, which is called a receiver. The air itself can be pumped into the receiver either automatically or manually.

If you work manually, it is, of course, very cheap in terms of finances, but it will require serious energy expenditure. You also need to constantly monitor this process. After such work, you will hardly want to do anything else.

If you use mechanisms to pump air, then this will make the process easier. There are no disadvantages here; you just need to change the oil in the air pump, depending on the regulations.

Next, the compressed air flow passes through the outlet valve of the compressor or, in this case, the receiver and is directly supplied either to the airbrush, or to the car chamber, or to a pneumatic tool. In general, the principle is very simple, and therefore the simplest working model can be built in a couple of minutes.

Homemade compressor

Let's look at how to make a simple compressor for painting a car with your own hands. As one of the options, let's try to make a device for painting work from a car camera. To create it, we will need a receiver, a supercharger, a spool from a damaged chamber, a repair kit, and an awl. When everything you need has been collected and prepared for work, you can begin assembly.

At the assembly stage, you need to check the tightness of the chamber. To do this, you can use a car pump. Every motorist knows how to do this. If the rubber holds the air pumped into it, you can move on to the next step.

If air leaks are detected, then you can use a repair kit or vulcanize the hole with raw rubber.

At the next stage, you need to make holes in the so-called receiver for another spool. This will be the exit valve. This fitting can be glued using the same pre-stocked repair kit. We will connect this valve to the airbrush. The nipple must be unscrewed from the fitting. The compressor circuit provides for the free passage of air. We will not unscrew the nipple in the main spool. He will hold the pressure.

Then, using the scientific method, we will try to determine the required level of pressure in our receiver. A spray gun is used for this. If the paint goes on smoothly, without jerking, drips or anything else, then everything is done correctly. It is advisable to control the amount of excess pressure in the receiver. When you press the airbrush button, the level should not jump.

As you can see, this is the most primitive compressor for painting a car yourself. Now you can create masterpieces or simply repaint the body.

It is not difficult to assemble this unit, and its usefulness can be seen during various repairs. If you have used it for painting before, then you will definitely be able to appreciate all the benefits.

Just remember that under no circumstances should liquid, dust or anything else get into the spray gun or the chamber. If damaged, dust or moisture will mix with the paint and the work will have to be redone. Then no adjustment of the spray gun will help. It will be more convenient if our camera is mounted on something. This will prevent it from moving on the floor.

This model works great and is already quite usable. But it’s even better to make the injection system automatic with small changes. Next we’ll find out how to make a more serious compressor.

Semi-professional equipment

Professionals say that such homemade equipment has a huge resource and service life, in contrast to factory models of foreign brands and domestic manufacturers. But this is understandable, because, knowing the operating scheme, if any part fails, it can be easily replaced. Let's see how to make a compressor that can be used for professional purposes.

What will you need for assembly?

So. Here you will need easily accessible spare parts for the compressor. This is a pressure gauge, as well as a reducer with a filter. You also need a relay to control the pressure in the chamber, a fuel filter from the car, and a water pipe with a ¾ internal thread. In addition, you should select adapters with threads, clamps from the car, a motor, a container for the receiver, 10w40 oil, a toggle switch for 220 V, brass tubes, and oil-resistant rubber hoses. These compressor parts can easily be found in the garage.

Thick wood will be used as the basis for the unit. You will also need a syringe from the nearest pharmacy, anti-corrosion liquid, fasteners, sealants and FUM tape, paint, a needle file, wheels from an office chair and a filter from the car's power system.

So, knowing the principle of operation of the compressor, it’s time to start construction. Let's start with the supercharger.

Engine as a supercharger

We will use a compressor from old refrigerators as a motor. Often it already has a built-in start relay, which in our case is very convenient. This will automatically maintain the required pressure in the receiver chamber. It is better to use a motor from old Soviet refrigeration units. They have higher characteristics compared to imported products.

Preparatory procedures

Feel free to remove the working part from your old refrigerator. Naturally, the part needs to be cleaned, because over the years the block has become overgrown with centuries-old dust, and also, possibly, rusted. After cleaning, you can treat the body with a rust converter to protect the unit from corrosion. So, preparations for painting have been made.

Change the lubricant in the control unit. It was rare that a refrigerator received maintenance according to the regulations. This system is almost completely isolated from environmental influences. Semi-synthetic is suitable for changing oil. It is no worse than specialized compressor fluids.

Entry, exit and oil change

Definitely has tubes. Two of them are open, one is sealed. Open tubes are used for air inlet and outlet. To find out which tube is the input and which is the output, you can turn on the power briefly. Next, remember which tube releases air.

The refrigerator compressor diagram says that the lubricant needs to be changed through a sealed tube. You should very carefully file the end of the tube. It is necessary to cut so that the chips do not get inside. Next, you need to break off the tip and pour the old grease into a jar. Then, using a medicine syringe, fill in more lubricant than was poured out.

In order for the unit to work properly, the lubricant tube must be sealed. A screw of a suitable diameter will help us with this. It needs to be wrapped with pre-prepared FUM tape and screwed into the long-suffering pipe.

Next, use the prepared fasteners to attach this device to the board. The electronic part is very position sensitive. Therefore, the top cover of the relay is marked with an arrow. Operating modes will only be switched if installed correctly.

Choosing a capacity for the receiver

As practice shows, it works best for painting if you use a used fire extinguisher as an air container. These cylinders are good because they contain the necessary safety margin. In addition, the fire extinguisher is designed for Another good thing about this choice is that various attachments can be placed on the cylinder body. Let's take, for example, a metal 10-liter cylinder from the OU-10. It holds a pressure of 15 MPa and has high strength.

Fire extinguisher preparation

Feel free to twist the locking and starting device right away, we won’t need it. And you need to screw the adapter into place, having previously wound the FUM tape onto the thread. If the body is rusty, you need to treat the rust either with chemicals or sandpaper.

On the outside, everything in the fight against corrosion is very, very simple. What about corrosion inside? Pour the cleaner into the bottle, and then you need to mix the product very well. Next, screw in the crosspiece from the water supply. And don't forget to seal the threaded connections. Now everything is almost ready.

We install attachments

We almost made a compressor for painting a car with our own hands. So that it can be moved conveniently, the best option is to mount all components and parts on one platform. Ours is a wooden slab. The motor from the refrigerator is already attached to it, and now you need to place a fire extinguisher-receiver there.

Holes for fastening must be made in the slab in advance. The motor from the refrigerator is already fixed with studs and nuts. The fire extinguisher should be positioned vertically. To do this, you can use plywood. For this you will need three sheets.

In the first sheet, cut a hole suitable for the diameter of the cylinder. Secure the rest to the stove. Next, secure these plates to the plate along with the sheet with the hole using glue. To make the fire extinguisher conveniently placed on the platform, you can make a recess under the bottom. To make our device maneuverable, take out the prepared furniture wheels and screw them onto the platform.

Protection from dust and small debris

Naturally, the equipment must be maximally protected from dust. To do this, we will use a car. The filter must be mounted in the air intake.

How to do it? Let's use a rubber hose. It should tightly press the autofilter fitting and the compressor inlet tube from the refrigerator. There is no need to clamp the hose with clamps on the inlet tube. There is no high pressure there.

Moisture protection

An oil and water separator needs to be installed at the outlet part. It will prevent liquid or petroleum particles from entering the system. To do this, you can use a filter from the diesel power system. The connection is made using the same hose. But here you already need to strengthen the connections with a clamp, because there will be decent pressure at the outlet.

Denouement

The diesel filter must be connected to the gearbox inlet. It is necessary to decouple the pressure at the inlet and outlet of the refrigeration compressor. To do this, you need to screw the high pressure outlet of the supercharger into the left and right parts of the cross.

We attach the pressure gauge

A pressure gauge is mounted at the upper entrance of the cross. We will use it to control pressure. You also need to tighten the adjusting relays. Do not forget that the threads must be sealed.

Importance of Relay

This device makes it possible to regulate pressure levels within a wide range. It can, if necessary, interrupt the power supply to the refrigeration motor. For these purposes, either PM5 or RDM5 is suitable. Both devices will start the motor if the pressure drops and turn off when it rises. The pressure level is adjusted using springs from above. So, using the large one we set the minimum levels, and the small one - the maximum limits.

Electricity

To make it all work, we connect the neutral power wire to the relay, and connect the second wire to the refrigeration motor.

Let's pass the phase wire through the toggle switch to the second contact of the compressor. This will allow you to turn off the power faster. Naturally, after connecting, you need to reliably insulate it all.

So we made a compressor for painting a car with our own hands. All that remains is to paint, configure and test it.

Adjustment and first tests

After putting all this together, you can safely move on to the first tests. Connect an actuator to the output of the unit. Then plug the cord into the outlet, set the relay to the lowest setting and turn on the toggle switch. Look at the pressure gauge readings. If you are sure that the relay turns off the motor, you can check the tightness. To do this, use the old-fashioned method with soap.

If everything is fine, then bleed the air from the receiver. When the pressure drops, the relay should start the engine. If everything works, then painting with a spray gun will no longer cause difficulties.

First samples

To test the unit in operation, any unnecessary part will do. There is no need for any surface preparation here. It is important to determine the operating pressure by trial and error. Using experiments, determine the figure at which the pressure is enough for complete painting without frequently turning on the engine.

As you can see, it is quite simple to make for painting. This unit can already be fully used for professional activities. The costs will definitely pay off soon. A compressor is needed not only for painting work. It has a very wide range of applications. And the semi-automatic system will allow you not to be distracted from work.

Spray guns

In addition to the compressor, airbrushes will also be needed for painting work. To do this, you need to purchase a pneumatic model. The right airbrush will allow you to carry out the work successfully. The tool should be selected based on the characteristics of the compressor.

The spray gun for a car should be selected correctly in accordance with the operating pressure. If you make the wrong choice, the pressure will drop too quickly, and the quality of work will be very low. There are several technologies that are used in this tool. They need to be selected based on the task. For example, modern LVLP technology makes it possible to use paint very economically with low air consumption, and the surface will be of high quality.

How to set up a spray gun?

High-quality painting is only possible with properly configured equipment. Setting up the spray gun allows you to change the width of the torch, air pressure, and paint supply.

With the width of the torch, everything is very clear. Maximum width - maximum speed, uniform application. For touch-ups, the torch is reduced, but the air supply is also reduced.

Adjusting the paint flow is also easy. Many specialists open it to the maximum. But the air supply can cause difficulties. To set it up correctly, you will need a compressor and instructions for a specific spray gun. You need to use a sheet of Whatman paper and direct a spray jet at it. If the flame is shaped like a figure eight, reduce the pressure. If the paint is applied in droplets, add it. Find the optimal position.

Using available materials and a standard set of household tools, any householder can assemble a homemade air compressor from a refrigerator. The scope of application of such a device is quite wide and justifies the expenditure of effort and money on its manufacture:

Air compressor for airbrushing and painting.
Electric pump for inflating car tires.
Power source for pneumatic tools.
Air pump for purging complex mechanisms during their repair.

Homemade air compressor from a refrigerator

The range of capabilities, power, durability and reliability of a homemade compressed air generation system, assembled on the basis of a compressor from an old refrigerator, depends on the correct design and installation of its elements.

Compressor selection problem

Compressor from an old refrigerator

The assembly of a functional and reliable device begins with the selection of its main part - the compressor. It is found in any household refrigerator, performs the function of a pump for pumping refrigerant and is a single unit in a sealed metal shell, on the outside of which a relay is attached to start it. Any similar motor in good condition will be suitable for solving the problem. The further selection and configuration of all additional structural elements is determined by the shape and characteristics of a particular device.

Compressor search

If you don’t have an old and unnecessary refrigerator at hand, then there is always the opportunity to purchase a dismantled unit on the used tools and spare parts market. There you can buy a workable option for 100-150 rubles.

Do-it-yourself dismantling of the compressor from the refrigerator

The device can be removed from the refrigerator using ordinary wrenches and screwdrivers. It is better to cut the air supply and outlet tubes rather than saw them off, so as not to clog the mechanics of the device. The standard start relay is also removed.

Features of refrigerators and their compressors

The capabilities and characteristics of the compressor selected as the basis for the future compressed air supply mechanism should be taken into account. The following options exist:

The simplest solution is motors operating in a linear circuit.
Motors operating using an inverter circuit.

Both options are suitable for work, but their features should be taken into account. Linear devices are designed for constant operating speed. Therefore, they are better suited for creating a compressor apparatus. Converter options are designed for variable speed, which should decrease depending on the signal from the temperature sensor.

Functionality check

Checking the functionality of the compressor from the refrigerator

In order to check the functionality of the unit, you should first ring it using an electronic resistance meter and then connect it to the network:

Each input contact is checked. Usually there are 3 of them on the block, configured for a standard relay connector.
The contact with maximum resistance refers to the motor starting mechanism (approximately 20-40 ohms)
A contact with a resistance of 10-15 Ohms refers to the winding that provides the operating mode (the wire on its winding is thicker).
The third contact is phase.

To test the connection, voltage is applied to the working and phase contacts, after which the working and starting contacts are briefly closed. The device should create a stable sound timbre when turned on, and an air flow should come from the output tube.

Development of a compressor station diagram

Preparing equipment for a homemade compressor station

When developing a diagram of a compressor station and compiling a list of additional equipment for it, the planned scope of application should be taken into account. The larger the receiver and the pressure in it, the wider the homemade possibilities will be. The standard scheme includes the following parts and mechanisms:

Electronic pressure sensor. It turns off the engine when the specified pressure parameters in the receiver are reached.
Pressure gauge for measuring the degree of air compression.
Safety valve.
Air dryer at the outlet of the receiver.
Air filter for installation on the inlet pipe of the compressor unit.
Filter for removing oil from the air stream under pressure.
Switch button.
Wires, high pressure hoses and fittings with the required configuration.
High pressure cylinder for receiver.
A ball valve that shuts off the air supply to the consumer at the outlet of the system.

Methods for purchasing equipment

An old refrigerator compressor can be purchased inexpensively on the used tool market.

Most of the parts for the compressor station are easiest to buy at a plumbing store. There are specialized websites where all parts, without exception, can be ordered in a few clicks. The necessary equipment can be purchased much cheaper on the used tool market. It is acceptable to use cheap fuel filters, but using a regular fitting and a metal dishwashing sponge, you can quickly make a more reliable filter for coarsely cleaning the air from oil, which is installed on the output tube of the engine block.

Receiver problem

Homemade welded receiver

Cylinders for homemade compressor equipment cannot be found on sale. For this purpose, cylinders of various purposes and capacities are converted into receivers:

Propane and methane cylinders.
Fire extinguishers.
Cylinders for storing compressed air, carbon dioxide, oxygen and others.
Homemade welded structures.

Attention: When using homemade housings for the receiver, it is necessary to take into account the degree of risk and explosion hazard of such a device.

The simplest option is a medium-diameter steel pipe with sealed plugs. The receiver body must contain at least 3 throughput units:

Inlet for compressed air from the compressor.
Outlet.
The condensate drain unit from the cylinder, which should be located at the lowest point.

When using steel cylinders, the inlet and outlet tubes are welded together. The housing must withstand more than 10 atmospheres.

Preparing and connecting the compressor from the refrigerator for use in a compressor installation

When connecting the compressor unit, you can leave the same circuit as was originally provided - through the start relay. You can connect the wires of a pressure sensor to this relay, which will interrupt the circuit after the calculated pressure parameters are reached in the receiver. Additional conveniences include equipping the entire system with a push-button switch and an LED operation indicator. Before connecting, you can change the oil in the block. Old oil is designed to work with freon. Special compressor oil for operation in air will protect the electric motor from overheating and premature failure.

Installing the air filter on the air intake

Installing a fuel filter on the compressor inlet pipe from the refrigerator to clean the air flow

To fit the air filter inlet tube, the simplest version of which is a plastic fuel filter, you can use either a soft rubber hose or a metal elbow fitting with a threaded connection. The easiest way to tighten the connecting soft tube, stretched over the plastic tip of the filter and the copper inlet, is to press it with a metal tightening clamp.

Installation of oil purification device

The air stream coming from the block contains a significant amount of oil, which can be filtered out using a homemade cut-off device. A drainage hole with a tap should be provided in its body through which it can be cleaned. It is possible to install a cooling coil made of a metal tube between the oil cutter and the compressor unit.

Main line with measuring and control equipment

Preparation for assembling the pipeline with control and measuring equipment for the compressor station

The easiest way to place all control and measuring instruments is on one highway. To do this, you will need regular metal tees from a plumbing store. On a single platform there is a sensor for shutting off the system when operating pressure is reached, a pressure gauge, a device for cleaning air from condensate accumulating in the receiver and a safety valve with which you can quickly release excess air from the cylinder. At the outlet of the main line, a control ball valve can be placed. The main unit is connected to the storage cylinder either through its standard inlet, or using a homemade inlet on its body.

Instrumentation connection problem

If the diameters of the installation instrumentation do not correspond to the dimensions of the available fitting, then in this case all instruments can be mounted using plugs in which holes of the required size are drilled and threads are cut with the appropriate pitch. Threaded connections are sealed using fum tape.

Problem with high pressure rubber tubes

Oxygen hoses with thick walls are one of the most affordable materials for connecting all parts of the compressor apparatus. But it should be borne in mind that the stream of air leaving the engine compartment will contain a large amount of oil, which destroys the rubber. For this reason, it is preferable to use metal (copper or steel) tubes.

Servicing a compressor from a DIY refrigerator

Maintenance of a homemade compressor station should be carried out taking into account the features of its configuration. The functionality and tightness of all components should be periodically checked. Violation of the tightness of locking devices is easy to identify if a pressure measuring device is installed, which will immediately show its rapid loss. The performance of the pressure sensor can be easily monitored using a pressure gauge, the readings of which can be recorded at the time of normal shutdown of the system after filling the air tank. You should also regularly drain condensate and oil from filters and cylinders.

An air compressor is necessary for every car owner, since using the services of car services for any problem is very expensive. For a city car enthusiast living in a multi-story building, a compact, portable electric tire pump is sufficient. If you have your own garage, a compressor device is already a mandatory measure. The device is useful for connecting pneumatic tools, for repairing and painting cars. It is quite possible to make a compressor yourself, which will help save up to 50% of the cost of a production installation.

Principle of operation

A homemade compressor works according to a simple scheme:

An electrically powered or manual pump can be connected.
Air under pressure enters a sealed container (a receiver or cylinder is used).
The design includes an outlet valve that directs air through hoses to the spray gun, impact wrench, adapter for inflating tires, etc.

As auxiliary elements, a pressure gauge is used to control pressure and an automatic system for bleeding excess air. To prevent rapid wear of the device and ensure high-quality work results, filters are connected to the output line to protect against the penetration of oil and moisture.

An air compressor is essential for every car owner.

Compressor from a fire extinguisher with a motor from a refrigerator

To create a homemade compressor, an OU-10 fire extinguisher or an equivalent is suitable.

The procedure is performed in stages, below are detailed instructions:

Clean the inside and outside of the cylinder from any remaining foam solution, dirt, rust and other contaminants.
Insert the adapter into the thread; installation must be done hermetically.
Fix a quad to the adapter, internal thread, size ¾ inch.
In the engine from the cooling installation, you should find the tip of the oil fill tube. Cut off the end with side cutters and replace the oil.
Pour the previous lubricant into a container with measuring marks to determine the amount of oil.
Using a syringe, introduce new oil into the electric motor, adding 10–12% when calculating the amount.
Plug the oil filler tube again, you can compress the ends or insert a bolt wrapped with fum tape.
Find a starting relay in the motor, which, together with the cylinder, should be installed in the frame of the future unit. It is better to use bolts as fasteners, but zip ties will also work.
Install a gasoline-type filter on the air intake pipe to clean the air received. Installing the filter involves installing a rubber adapter.
Attach a fuel filter from a diesel engine with a device for separating moisture to the outlet line from the supercharger with clamps. Without a filter element, drops of water and oil will get into the paint.
Connect a reducer to the line to maintain pressure inside the cylinder.
Behind the gearbox, the hose is attached to the quadruple.

Compressor from a fire extinguisher with a motor from a refrigerator

The remaining inputs of the quad are equipped with a pressure gauge and a relay to control the pressure level.
To adjust the minimum and maximum pressure, a spring-type control relay is installed on the cylinder. Connect it with one wire to the engine, and the other side to the negative wire of the network. The positive wire is connected to the start button. For a high-quality connection, soldering and high-quality insulation are used.

Compressor from a gas cylinder with a supercharger from a truck

An alternative way to make a compressor with your own hands is to use a 50 gas cylinder, an asynchronous motor and a compressor from the braking system in the ZIL-130. All elements are installed on the frame, but you can do without it and make a supporting element from a cylinder to which a pump, filter, electric motor, and equipment for operating control are attached.

You can make the simplest compressor unit with your own hands using a step-by-step guide:

Weld the fitting into the air supply line from the pumping unit to the receiver.
Attach the adapter for the output line from the receiver to the pneumatic tool.
Weld the fitting for mounting the pressure gauge.
Attach an adapter to connect the relief valve; it can be replaced with a relay. When the pressure rises to critical levels, the pressure will be released.
At the bottom of the cylinder, install a ball valve to drain condensate.
The pump and motor are fastened together using a drive belt, which is installed on the shaft pulleys.

Compressor from a gas cylinder with a supercharger from a truck

Create an electrical installation system: a button to turn on and off, connect 2 capacitors with a capacity of 30 μF and a 60 μF starting element, a temporary relay and a magnetic starter.
Install a device to filter the air flow to the supply line.

The manufacture of a powerful automobile compressor for painting can be carried out according to various schemes. The main advantage of these methods is the availability of materials.

Making a 220 V electric air compressor with your own hands

Making a compressor with your own hands is easier than it seems at first glance. Let's look at the basic principles of how to make a compressor step by step.

Necessary materials

Properly preparing materials is half the job of assembling a compressor unit successfully completed. To create a classic device operating from a 220 V network you will need:

pressure gauge;
pressure control relay;
gearbox with built-in oil and moisture protection filter;
gasoline engine cleaning filter;
crosspiece for water with internal thread;
thread adapters;
clamps or ties;

Making an electric air compressor with your own hands

engine;
receiver;
engine oil;
switch for working with voltage 220 V;
brass tubes;
hose made of oil-resistant material;
board;
medical syringe;
corrosion inhibitor;
washers, nuts and studs;
means for creating hermetic connections;
auto enamel;
file;
small wheels from toy cars or furniture;
motor filter from a diesel engine.

Assembling the engine

First, let's prepare the motor. Its role is to pump up air pressure. In order not to buy a special motor, you can use a motor from an old refrigerator.

Motor from an old refrigerator for making a compressor

The power unit contains a relay; it is useful for maintaining the selected pressure value in the system. Professionals note that Soviet refrigerators were equipped with more efficient motors; they are suitable for creating a compressor of greater power in comparison with imported products.

First of all, remove the motor from the refrigerator. To make it usable, the case will have to be cleaned. It is important to use a detergent that will prevent oxidation and corrosion. After cleaning the surface, the motor is suitable for painting.

Assembling a homemade compressor:

The motor contains 3 tubes: 1 sealed and 2 open for air circulation. Determination of the output and input channel is required: the easiest way to find out about the role of the tubes is to turn on the motor.
After external treatment, the oil must be changed. The best choice is a semi-synthetic product, which has the same characteristics as a motor product and contains various useful components. To replace it, a plugged tube is used, the end of which is cut off with a file. It is important to prevent sawdust from entering the system, therefore, after making a cut, you need to break the tube and introduce new oil with a syringe.
It is important to properly close the oil filling channel to prevent leakage. A screw with the appropriate cross-section is selected and fum tape is applied to it. A sealant will come in handy during this process. The bolt is screwed tightly into the pipe.
The motor and relay are mounted on a thick base board. The sensitivity of the relay requires maintaining the angle of the motor that was present in the refrigerator. Additionally, the engine is marked with the recommended position of the housing for stable and proper operation.

Compressed air reservoir

The air tank is an integral component of the compressor, without which the installation will not work. When choosing a tank, it is important to consider the amount of pressure that the cylinder can withstand (indicated on the body). An alternative option would be to use a receiver, old containers from a 10-liter fire extinguisher, since these containers are sealed and quite reliable.

The air tank is an integral component of the compressor, without which the installation will not work.

The start valve is replaced with a threaded adapter, which is screwed onto the receiver. Creating a tight connection will ensure the use of fum tape.

If there are pockets of corrosion on the receiver, it must first be cleaned with sandpaper or a grinding machine. To remove rust from the inside, pour a special product into the container and mix thoroughly. Next, install a cross adapter of the plumbing type; it is mounted using sealant.

Assembling the device

Final assembly is carried out in stages:

The prepared receiver and motor are attached to a thick board. For fixation to the base, washers, nuts and studs are used. The location of the tank is strictly vertical. A reliable connection will be ensured by 3 sheets of plywood, on one of which a hole is cut for inserting a container. The remaining sheets are attached to the wood and plywood receiver retainer. From the floor side, furniture wheels are welded to the bottom for ease of movement.
A rubber hose is placed on the air capture tube, to which a cleaning filter from a gasoline engine is attached. Separate clamps for attaching the filter are not required, because the inlet pressure is low.
To prevent oil and water particles from entering the working composition, an oil and moisture separating filter from a diesel engine is installed on the outlet tube. Due to the relatively high pressure in the wire, it is recommended to use auxiliary fasteners; screw clamps are suitable.
A cleaning filter is installed at the inlet of the gearbox; it is required to create a decoupling and direct air movement. The connection is made with a plumbing cross on both sides. A pressure switch or pressure gauge is installed on the opposite side to monitor and regulate the pressure level in the receiver. An adjustment relay is installed on top of the cross. All elements are mounted hermetically.

Materials for assembling a homemade compressor

By means of regulating pressure, intermittent operation of the homemade structure is ensured. To adjust the relay, they act on 2 springs: one to set the maximum pressure, and the second to set the minimum.
The electrical circuit contact is connected to the supercharger, and the second is connected to the minus phase. The second wire is connected to the supercharger via a toggle switch and to the mains phase. The toggle switch acts as a start button to activate and deactivate the device without removing the plug. All contacts are connected by soldering and then insulated.
Painting of metal structures.

After creating the compressor, all that remains is to check its performance.

Testing and setting up a homemade

Having made a powerful compressor with your own hands, you should connect the spray gun to it.

Verification algorithm:

Set the toggle switch to the inactive position, connect the plug to the electrical circuit.
Initially set the relay to a low value and start the installation. Monitor work using pressure gauge readings. Now the user should make sure that the relay is working properly; it should open the circuit when the indicators are exceeded.
To check for leaks, use a soap solution to wet all connections.
Now the spray gun is turned on to release the air from the container. If the system is working properly, after the pressure drops the device should turn on.

If the device has passed all stages of testing, it is recommended to test the device in action by trying to paint a body element. The greatest attention is paid to the quality of the layer and composition, as well as stability of operation.

Testing and setting up a homemade compressor for painting cars

The tank must be cleaned inside and out, otherwise progressive corrosion will create a hole. Sandblasting is one of the most effective and simplest cleaning methods. created with relative ease.
Before work begins, the body elements are straightened. You can go the standard route and use a hammer, hoods, spotter, and then paint the body, but the one developed helps eliminate damage without painting.
Be sure to paint with a spray gun after applying the primer. extremely effective, but has features of operation and compatibility with other materials.
Before painting, all adjacent elements are either dismantled or covered, especially glass. If paint gets on glass, there is a risk of damage to the material during the removal process. A car glass repair kit will help restore glass from most damage. Car roof rails are difficult to dismantle; it is better to cover them with film and wrap them with tape.

Conclusion

When manufacturing an electric compressor manually, it is possible to save a considerable amount. Additionally, the design can be retrofitted to create a device suitable for specific purposes. The finished installation is often used for painting, connecting a sandblaster, blowing out the body after washing and inflating wheels.

A homemade refrigerator compressor is most often used in conjunction with an airbrush or spray gun, as it operates almost silently, takes up little space and creates sufficient air pressure. It is also suitable for inflating car wheels. Next we will tell you how to make a compressor with your own hands.

Materials and tools for a homemade refrigerator compressor

Compressor. The motor is from an old refrigerator and is called a compressor; it is the central element of our product. You can see what it looks like in the photo: different models may differ in details, but in general they are similar to each other. The compressor is supplied with a start relay (a black box attached to the side), from which comes a power cord with a plug.

Receiver. A container into which air will be pumped by a compressor. Options are possible here: any tightly closing container with a volume of 3 to 10 liters made of iron or plastic is suitable. This could be an empty fire extinguisher, small tanks, various receivers from trucks, cans from construction liquids.

Hoses. You will need three pieces of hose. Two are 10 cm long and one is 30-70 cm long, depending on the shape of the receiver and the intended mounting. It is convenient to use fuel hoses in a car, as they will connect to car filters.

You will also need one hose or tube to connect a ready-made homemade compressor from a refrigerator to the air consumer itself. Here the length and material depend on the specific needs. If you will be using a compressor with an airbrush, any thin polyvinyl hose (or the one that came with the airbrush) will do. When using the compressor outdoors, it is better to look for a thicker hose.

Clamps. 5 pieces, size 16 or 20 mm.
Tubes. Two pieces - copper or iron, with a diameter of 6 mm or another - the main thing is that the hoses fit.
One is 10 cm long, the second is 20-50 depending on the size of the receiver, more details below.
Automotive fuel filters. One petrol and one diesel.
Pressure gauge (optional).
Epoxy resin if using a plastic receiver.
A piece of wooden board (base). The size depends on the size of the receiver and motor. They should be placed on the board nearby.
Steel tape or wire. Needed to secure the receiver.
Self-tapping screws for wood.

Tools:

Sharp knife
Screwdriver
Drill
Pliers.
Metal file (optional).

How to make a compressor with your own hands

Now directly about how to make a compressor with your own hands.

Three tubes come out of the compressor from the refrigerator: two open and one short, sealed. Plug in the compressor and run your finger near the outlets of the tubes. The one from which the air blows will be the exit, and the one that draws in will be the entrance. Remember which is which and unplug the compressor. Use a metal file to cut two tubes, leaving 10 cm or more to make it convenient to connect the hoses. You can bite it off with pliers, but you need to make sure that sawdust does not get inside the tubes. Next, we attach the compressor to the base board, screwing the legs with self-tapping screws (you can use bolts, it’s more reliable). Important: we fix the compressor in the same position in which it was fixed in the refrigerator. The fact is that the starting relay on the motor works due to the forces of gravity; there is an arrow on the relay body pointing up. Having secured the compressor, we move on to the receiver.

Let's make a receiver. Option if you have a plastic container. We drill two holes in the lid for our tubes. We insert them there, as shown in the figure, and secure them with epoxy resin. We leave ends 2-4 cm long on top. Now about the length of the tubes. A short one (10 cm) will be a day off. The second will be the entrance, we make it as large as possible so that it does not reach a few centimeters to the bottom of the receiver. This is done to space the inlet and outlet openings inside the receiver as far apart as possible for greater air mixing.

If you have an iron receiver, we do the same, but do not glue the tubes, but solder or weld them. You can also weld nuts, and then screw fittings into them for the hoses.

The pressure gauge can only be installed in a metal receiver. To do this, drill a hole in any convenient place on the receiver and solder a pressure gauge in it. A more preferable option: weld a nut onto the hole and screw the pressure gauge into the nut. This way, if the pressure gauge fails, you can easily replace it.

Now we take a piece of hose (10 cm) and put it on the gasoline filter. If you use gasoline hoses, there should be no problems; if you use polyvinyl pipes, you may have to heat it with a match or hold it in boiling water so that it fits onto the filter fitting. We put the second end of the hose on the inlet tube of the compressor. This inlet filter is needed to filter out dust. Here, the use of clamps on the connections is not necessary, since there is no pressure here.

We take the second piece of hose and connect it with the outlet tube on the compressor to the inlet tube on the receiver. We install clamps at the connection points.

Now we put the third piece of hose (10 cm) with one end on the outlet tube of the receiver, and put the other end on the diesel filter. We put on the clamps. There is an arrow on the filters (diesel and gasoline) indicating the correct direction of movement through the air filter. Connect both filters correctly. A diesel outlet filter is needed to filter water from the air.

We put our working hose on the outlet fitting of the diesel filter, which goes directly to the airbrush, spray gun, etc.

We screw rubber feet onto the underside of the base board or glue felt pads for furniture. If this is not done, the compressor may scratch the floor during operation - it vibrates. The level of vibration and noise depends on the model of refrigerator compressor you get. Motors from imported refrigerators are almost inaudible, Soviet ones are also quiet, but there are exceptions.

The pressure generated also depends on the model. Ancient motors are more powerful. Most Soviet compressors are capable of pumping up pressure to 2-2.5 bar. The compressor in the photo creates a pressure of 3.5 bar.

Maintenance of a homemade compressor from a refrigerator

Compressor maintenance involves regularly changing both filters and draining any accumulated oil in the receiver. But the main factor affecting the service life of the compressor is the frequency of oil changes. It is better to change it the first time before assembling the compressor. There is a third sealed tube on the motor. We cut off the sealed end from it and drain the oil from it, turning the engine over. About a glass of oil will spill out. Now, using a syringe through the same tube, fill in fresh motor oil, a little more than the amount that was drained.

Afterwards, in order not to seal the drain tube, we screw a bolt of a suitable size into it. The next time you change the oil, simply unscrew the bolt.