The market for household goods is updated every day with new products that are designed to make human life easier. And here, not the last place is occupied by a high-pressure washer, which can significantly facilitate the process of washing a car, paths, shop windows and much more. A powerful jet of water can clean dirt even in the most inaccessible places and cope with old dirt on any surface.
But at the same time, it is worth noting the fact that due to the high cost, not everyone can purchase a device of this type, and therefore some craftsmen make it themselves. But we’ll talk about how you can make a high-pressure washer with your own hands in this article.
| The content of the article: |
How to make your own high pressure washer?
Pump and electrical network. For any water supply device, the basis is a pump. And in our case, it must also be quite powerful (from 150 atmospheres).
When choosing a pump, special attention should be paid to the working units, that is, to the material from which these products were made.
If possible, choose a product with a high-strength metal or ceramic piston. In this case, it is recommended to select the block head from brass or bronze alloys. This design can last much longer. Its service life between repairs is quite high.
A speed of 15 l/min for the pump will be sufficient.
It is recommended to choose an electric motor with a voltage of 220 V. An additional capacitor unit can provide reliable starting. Thanks to the higher speed, greater productivity is also ensured. But at the same time, a pump that is too high-speed at maximum operating speed is subject to intense wear.
The best option is a consumer of 2-3 kW and rotation up to 2000 rpm.
A homemade high-pressure washer must also have safety elements to preserve important components in the circuit. This link is the coupling connecting the pump to the engine.
If possible, we install a coupling that can compensate for small axial misalignments between the shafts.
You can also install a single-stage belt drive, which will balance the speed and load between the engine and the pump.
The subordinate number is selected from the required parameters according to the rotation frequency.
Reservoir and performance regulator. A mini washer also needs a water container. In this case, you can use a simple tank, which, if necessary, can also be powered from a permanent source of water (well or tap).
To exclude the possibility of various debris entering, it is recommended to install coarse and medium filters at the entrance to the container.
We also add shampoo or other approved car cosmetics to the main water container. In this case, the washing process will be more efficient.
As a rule, the pump has a capacity regulator combined with an auto-unloading valve, which redirects unused pressure back to the tank, reducing the load on the pump.
External elements. All elements are mounted on a frame, which can be made from profile or round curved pipes. For ease of transportation of the unit, a pair of wheels can also be attached to the lower pipes. In addition, we also install stops for fixation and a handle.
You can see what such a mini sink will look like in the photo.
For a high-pressure hose, you can use a plastic or rubberized reinforced hose. It is imperative to ensure the tightness of the connections using high-quality clamps or hydraulic sealing.
The fittings and valves used must be made of low-corrosion alloys: brass or bronze.
Water will be supplied through the gun from the nozzle installed in it. Visually it looks like a pistol from a gas station. A stream of water will be formed after pressing the key, which in turn will also save working fluid with consumable additives. You can buy a gun of this type at almost any hardware store.
- Periodically inspect the connecting units, and if necessary, tighten the threaded connections with a wrench.
- In order not to reduce the throughput of a homemade mini-wash, before each connection we inspect the filters installed in the device.
- To avoid accidents during operation, we must ground the electrical part. Therefore, the plug used must have a grounding terminal, and the cable must be copper, three-wire.
How to make a foam generator with your own hands?
You can make a foam generator at home. Of course, in terms of functionality, such a device will lag behind its analogue, but in everyday life its usefulness is difficult to overestimate.
The tools we need are:
- Set of wrenches;
- Roulette;
- Bulgarian;
- Pliers;
1) .We use an inch pipe with a length of about a meter. We fill the front part of the product with a polyethylene sponge, the purpose of which will be to form foam.
2) . We make a plug for one of the edges of the pipe, and screw in a special tee here. Then we connect the tap for the foam generator to the hole at the inlet.
3) . On the other side of the pipe we install a tap through which compressed air from the car compressor will be supplied.
4) . We connect the second outlet of the pipe through a special fitting with a hose for foam. To prevent the washcloth from getting into the tube, we also install a special filter. In this case, the filter element can have large sections.
A diagram of a foam generator of this type is presented below.
Please note that the density of the foam produced depends on the length of the tube and the density of its packing with a washcloth.
Any container that can withstand the pressure of the compressor is suitable as a liquid tank.
How to properly wash a car with a car wash?
Hand washing is the so-called easy option for cleaning a car from dirt. But as practice shows, in this way it is possible to partially clean the surface of dirt. Another thing is the use of special technical means - car washes, which supply detergent and water under high pressure.
In this way, you can not only clean off the dirt, but also a layer of oxides and synthetic resins, which during driving are deeply “rubbed” into the paintwork.
- Use a stream of water to remove dirt from the car wash sprayer in various directions.
- Apply a weak foam concentrate to the surface of the body under low pressure, which will effectively wash off the first two layers of dirt.
- Rinse the surface of the car with plenty of water.
- Apply the main detergent under high pressure, and this must be done from the bottom up. Leave the applied product for 3-5 minutes. At this time, you can wash the rims, suspension elements, and underbody.
- Rinse the surface of the car with plenty of water. Remove its remnants using a squeegee and special wipes. Wipe the car dry, not ignoring the internal surfaces (sills, doorways).
- It is not recommended to wash the car until its body has cooled down. . The consequence of contact of water with a hot body can be the occurrence of a corrosion process.
- If the surface of the car has ever been repaired using putty, you should not wash the car under too high pressure.
- It is recommended to wash your car with special detergents no more than 1-2 times a month, since such products contain substances that can negatively affect the paintwork.
- If possible, use detergents recommended by the manufacturer, as they will work best on your vehicle's paintwork.
In order for the car owner to be able to wash his car at a convenient time at home, he will need to use a high-pressure washer.
This equipment is manufactured under the Karcher brand, it has high performance, and as a result, the washing result is practically no different from if the car was sent for service. The high cost of such washing equipment will pay off over time. However, if you know how to make a Karcher with your own hands for washing, then you will save a lot of money and remain in the black.
Requirements for a homemade Karcher
A properly assembled homemade Karcher is practically no different in its technical characteristics from the branded one. The main thing is to take into account the requirements, which are presented to the unit:
It won’t be difficult for a craftsman to make a “Kärcher” with his own hands. To create a mini high pressure washer you will need:
Algorithm for making a mini-wash
When assembling the structure, it is very important to follow the sequence of connecting parts. The following are installed in strict sequence:
The principle of operation of this device made independently is as follows: the pump is turned on, then water flows into the hose from the canister, then the trigger of the gun is pressed, water is supplied by pressure in a thin stream. You can also use a car nipple designed for tubeless tires, as well as a pointed knife.
The operating algorithm is as follows:
Safety precautions when using the sink
When using a homemade washer You must follow safety rules, which will also extend the period of its operation.
It is imperative to take into account the operating cycle limit of the device. So, if you purchase a ready-made device, then the instructions contain information about how long it can work. The cycle can last 20, 30 minutes or an hour, it all depends on the performance of the device. And if you do not comply with the specified time interval in the work plan, the device will overheat and break down.
It is best to use a homemade device for no longer than twenty minutes. You can also calculate the time of use yourself; it all depends on the amount of material used to assemble the tank and its quality. The more plastic is present in the design, the shorter the operating cycle will be.
It is not recommended to pour process or river water into the tank, since they contain a large number of elements undesirable for the device, which negatively affect the quality of its operation. To the tank small particles did not get in or chemical elements, and to protect it from mechanical damage, it is recommended to install an additional filter for water purification.
It is also extremely important that all electrical equipment is grounded using a three-wire insulated flexible cord and a plug with a grounding terminal. The entire structure and filter must be cleaned periodically.
To successfully wash a car at home, many people prefer to purchase expensive Karcher equipment. But you can save a lot of money by assembling its analogue with your own hands. How to do this was discussed above.
Since I didn’t see the clutch cylinder, I didn’t understand much in the diagram either. Therefore, the following questions arose:
– cylinder diameter and piston stroke?;
– the ratio of the lever arms?, one arm, if I understood correctly, is 35 mm, and the second?;
– maximum pressure that the compressor develops?
And also - Lefty, I didn’t understand about 160 atm and the sound volume. The volume should not depend on the initial pressure. It depends on the muzzle pressure, or in other words, on the air flow and on the design of the muffler. Those. or you have a bad shock mechanism or muffler. If you fill a cylinder at 160 atm, then to what pressure do you fire, what is the energy and number of shots.
HP pump. I'm not an expert in hydrodynamics.
Therefore, I ask for help so as not to step on the notorious rake.
Sincerely, Vladimir
Connection tube too long - large dead space
It is not advisable to make the outlet hole on the side (in this design), see the previous paragraph.
Yes, I would also seal the HP cylinder
The rest can be seen from the picture
I almost forgot: there must be a bypass valve at the outlet (near the pressure gauge)
High pressure tank compressor!? Who knows what?
A couple of months ago I saw one of these at the market and held it in my hands. The seller asked for about $40, didn’t buy it, was greedy to take a “pig in a poke,” but now it’s gone. The compressor is not large, weighing about 8-10 kg (I don’t remember exactly), two-cylinder, V-shaped arrangement of cylinders of different diameters. The drive is connected to the crankshaft splines, compactly.
Working pressure 150kg\cm2. Used to start a diesel engine. But, since the equipment is military, maybe we can try to squeeze out more? In general, additional information is needed:
1 Drive power;
2 Nominal crankshaft speed;
3 Possibility of upgrade?
Regards, Oleg
The compressor is not an AK150, but if so, it was also used in the T80 to pump cylinders up to 150 atm. 3-stage design, one cylinder with 1 stage, the second 2 stages. I'll try to find the exact specifications.
High pressure pump
Do-it-yourself high-pressure pump Since I didn’t see the clutch cylinder, I also didn’t understand much in the diagram. Therefore, the following questions arose: – cylinder diameter and piston stroke?; –
DIY high pressure washer
A high-pressure washer is a convenient device that allows you to easily wash your car, as well as other surfaces in your home. Thanks to the strong water pressure, such devices are able to clean even heavily soiled surfaces without the use of detergents.
Such devices are usually installed in car washes and cost a lot of money. The Karcher high pressure washer has deservedly gained popularity, but not everyone can buy it. Therefore, for use at home, you can make a car wash with your own hands. A homemade car wash is an excellent alternative to professional Karcher devices, which you can assemble yourself from available materials.
Industrial pressure washer
What is needed for making
To make a Karcher high pressure washer you need to find suitable materials. You can use scrap items or buy new ones at the store. So, to create a mini-wash you will need:
- Water container. The container will contain water that is used for washing. The tank should have a capacity of about 5 liters, otherwise you will have to constantly refill the car wash near the water source. You should not choose a container that is too large, as washing will be very heavy. You can use an old plastic canister or bottle as a water reservoir. When choosing a container, you need to make sure that there are no seams at the bottom of the tank.
- Gun for irrigation hose. This attribute can be purchased at any garden supply store. In addition, you can make a gun yourself.
- Rubber hose with a length of 0.5 to 4 m.
- Several hose connectors.
- Sealant.
- Using a simple set of equipment you can assemble a Karcher type sink. Also, a homemade car wash will require the use of a set of tools that can be found in any home: a sharp knife, a compressor or a car pump.
Making a high pressure washer from a canister
Operating principle of the device
A DIY high pressure washer will work on the same principle as conventional car washes. The water is supplied through a rubberized hose under high pressure. Air is pumped into a container of water by a car pump, which creates excess pressure in the tank. Water is pressurized to the outside and released when the trigger of the watering gun is pulled. Thanks to the strong water pressure, a car wash can clean any surface.
In this case, the pump is used exclusively to pump air into the tank. You can replace the constant use of a pump by installing a pump that will allow you to increase the pressure manually. Also an alternative to automobile pumps are plunger pumps.
Types of high pressure washers
Plunger pumps are modern devices that belong to metering-type hydraulic devices. The plunger pump independently mixes water and detergents in selected proportions and supplies the mixture under high pressure. The disadvantage of installing such a pump is the excess final weight of the car wash.
How to assemble a car wash with your own hands
Initially, you need to prepare a water tank. To do this, using a sharp knife, you need to cut a hole in the lid of the canister, which will be narrower in diameter than the nipple. After this, a nipple is threaded through the inside of the lid.
Advice : If the hole is larger than required, the gaps must be additionally sealed.
Through the nipple in the lid, the pump will pump air into the tank, and will also fill with water and detergents.
Next, you need to prepare a system for connecting the canister to the watering gun. To do this, you need to cut a hole in the bottom of the canister close in diameter to the coupling. The coupling is attached from the inside of the canister; you can wind it using a piece of wire. After threading the hose connector, sealant must be applied around the circumference. A fitting is also attached to the coupling.
Approximate diagram of a homemade high pressure washer
After the sealant has dried, you can begin preparing the sink for use. To do this, plug the fitting with your finger and pour water into the canister. You can also add any detergents (specialized car washes or household chemicals) to the tank. The nipple must be connected to a car pump and gradually inflate the canister with air. While performing this action, you need to ensure that the canister does not inflate too much. If it was decided to install a plunger pump or pump, then they are attached to the fitting using connecting hoses.
Having completed these steps, a rubber hose is connected to the fitting, at the end of which a watering gun should be attached.
Setting up the operation of a homemade high pressure washer
Advice : You can check the correct assembly by pressing the trigger of the gun. If, as a result, water begins to flow from the gun with strong pressure, then the device is assembled correctly. If this does not happen, then the canister is leaking air and you need to check all connections again and, if necessary, treat them with sealant.
Thus, it’s easy to assemble a mini-wash with your own hands; just follow the suggested instructions and buy a minimum set of equipment. As a result, within an hour you can produce a car wash, which in terms of the quality of work is no different from professional equipment in car dealerships.
How to assemble a car wash with your own hands using improvised materials
List of necessary equipment and tools for creating a car wash. Detailed instructions for constructing a sink.
Plunger water pump - distinctive features and use in everyday life
If you decide to start a car business in the form of a car wash or simply decide to keep your personal car perfectly clean without resorting to maintenance services, then when developing a design for washing with your own hands, you cannot do without the use of high-pressure pumps. The best option in this case is to use plunger models that provide the necessary pressure in the system and are characterized by high performance and price.
What is a plunger pump. Operating principle
The main element of the pump is the plunger - a long cylinder-shaped displacer with a small diameter. Unlike the piston type, the seal is located inside the outer cylinder, in which the plunger moves, coming into contact with its walls. During the reverse stroke of the plunger, liquid is sucked into the working chamber through the inlet valve; during forward movement, the inlet valve closes and the liquid is pushed out through the outlet.
Rice. 1. Design and principle of operation of a plunger pump
Differences between plunger pumps and piston pumps
Many people confuse plunger and piston type pumps due to the similarity of the operating principle and design (a displacer moves in the working cylinder). However, there are significant differences that make plunger pumps indispensable devices in many areas.
- The plunger has a cylindrical shape, which makes it possible to process its surface with maximum precision and high purity, which cannot be said about the internal surface of the cylinders, the processing of which is technically and technologically difficult. This allows the plunger to be adjusted as accurately as possible to the surface geometry of the working cylinder, which has a positive effect on the output pressure indicators.
- Unlike a piston with a short length of the working surface of the ejector, the plunger cylinder has an elongated shape, which makes it possible to place a large number of seals along its stroke and, accordingly, obtain a higher pressure at the outlet.
- Seals in plunger types are located on the inside of the working cylinder, which is technologically difficult to process with high cleanliness and precision; the plunger in contact with the seals, on the contrary, has a very high processing class - this factor also makes it possible to obtain very high pressure in plunger pumps.
In modern high-quality plunger pumps, manufacturing precision is very high - the working cylinder moves inside the outer one with a gap between the walls of about 2-3 microns, and seals are placed on the outside of the plunger at its inlet and outlet of the cylinder.
- Unlike piston types, the working surface of which is deformed in contact with liquid at high pressures, in plunger pumps the rigid and durable working cylinder does not change its shape at high pressures, which makes them indispensable when precise dosing of liquids is necessary.
Rice. 2 Internal structure of a plunger pump
Thanks to their design features, plunger pumps make it possible to obtain an outlet pressure 3 times higher than piston pumps with the same working chamber dimensions.
Application area
Plunger models are special-purpose devices that create very high pressure, so they are practically not used in everyday life. The main areas of their use are the industrial sphere, they are used in the following industries:
- In the chemical industry for pumping substances with high viscosity and their precise dosage in the manufacture of chemical compounds that do not react with metal.
- For supplying measured quantities of water and other high-pressure liquids.
- In the oil and gas industry when drilling wells.
- In the energy industry in steam generators.
- In mechanical engineering in the manufacture of hydraulically driven equipment with operating pressures up to 3000 bar, in the automotive industry in injection systems of diesel engines.
- Plunger water pumps are widely used in car wash service centers.
One non-traditional application for plunger pumps is water jetting and cutting materials. At a pressure of about 2000 bar. A jet of water can remove paintwork or rust without leaving any residue. The technology is widely used in cleaning reinforced concrete structures, the sides of ships and runways. A water jet with a pressure of 3500 bar allows you to obtain the highest degree of cleanliness of WJ-1 surfaces according to the international standard.
Rice. 3 Appearance of the plunger pump
Main characteristics of plunger pumps
Plunger pumps belong to the volumetric type, that is, when the volume of the working chamber increases, liquid enters the device, and when the volume decreases, it is pushed out.
- Power consumption. The electricity consumed directly depends on the performance and pressure created; in this regard, plunger models have an advantage over other types due to their high efficiency of more than 90%.
- Performance. It is determined by the volume of the pump’s working chamber and has a wide range from tenths of a liter per minute to ten thousand.
- Operating pressure. The operating pressure of plunger types varies widely from hundreds to thousands of bar, the maximum value is about 3500 bar.
- Models differ from each other in the number of plungers.
The operation of the pump is characterized by increased vibrations, which negatively affect its service life and performance characteristics. An engineering solution to this problem was the use in one unit of several plungers operating with a phase shift. The most common are three-plunger models with a stroke offset of the working cylinders of 120 degrees; the maximum number of plungers can reach 6. The implementation of this method is achieved by installing three eccentrics on the engine shaft that control the stroke of the plunger cylinders with a shift of 120 degrees.
Do-it-yourself plunger pump in a car wash device
In everyday life, you can use high-pressure plunger pumps for water when organizing car washes with your own hands.
Fig.4 Hydraulic diagram of a car wash
To do this you will need the following components:
- High pressure plunger pump for water 100 - 200 bar. and productivity 15 l./min. Electric water pumps with an electric drive are quite difficult to find; usually an electric motor is connected to them.
- Electric motor 2 - 3 kW. with a maximum rotation speed of about 2000 rpm.
- Gearbox and V-belt drive for connecting the electric motor and pump. You can directly connect the pump and motor shafts using a soft coupling, which can level out the difference between the shafts and avoid damage in the event of jamming.
- Hoses made of reinforced rubber or high-pressure plastic.
- A gun with a nozzle and a handle that controls the water supply.
- Water tank with recharge from the water main and a filter element at the outlet. The need for a separate tank for washing a car is due to the fact that car shampoos are added to it - this cannot be done when the pump is directly connected to the water main.
- For ease of operation in the system, it is necessary to use a pump power adjustment paired with a discharge valve that releases excess water back into the tank.
Fig.5 Do-it-yourself car washing components
The main elements are mounted on a rigid frame, which is equipped with wheels and a handle for ease of movement.
Plunger pumps are quite expensive devices, widely used in industry to create high pressure of working fluids and their precise dosage. In everyday life, they can be used in systems designed for washing vehicles with your own hands.
DIY high pressure plunger pump for water washer
What is a plunger pump. The principle of operation and differences between plunger pumps and piston pumps. Application area. Main characteristics of plunger pumps.
How to make a high pressure washer with your own hands
What is a pressure washer?
Today, you no longer need energy and time to fight dried-on dirt and dust that has clogged up in secluded corners, because new models appear on the market every year high pressure washers. These devices are used for washing windows, cars, walls and doors of houses, barbecues and other objects that are difficult to clean with a rag or brush. Strong water pressure copes with this task much more effectively and saves money spent on washing the car at a service center; water consumption is also minimal. Therefore, having such a sink in your arsenal is useful for everyone.
The leading companies in the production of high-pressure washers are the German companies Bosch, Karcher (hence the second name for the wash - Karcher) and Elitech. The average price of these sinks on the market starts at 10,000 rubles. Inexpensive car washes cannot be used for more than one car per day, and the most expensive models are limited to seven cars.
Washing device
The main component of the sink (or Karcher) is the engine, which creates the necessary water pressure. A pump or motor will do (you don’t have to buy a new one, take a working one from an old car), the motor is built into the body of the sink and must be connected to a power source. For the body of the sink (body), choose a durable material, thick plastic or metal. Even if you purchase a wear-resistant case, it is better not to use the sink for more than three hours at a time. This will put the washer out of action soon.
Hose attachments are available to facilitate the cleaning process - brushes of varying hardness, soft rollers, standard sprayers. If you purchase a couple of attachments, you can expand the functions of your sink by using it as an automatic mop or steam cleaner (you need to equip the sink with a heater).
Internal pressure
The higher the pressure inside the housing, the stronger the stream of water gushing from the hose, which means the dirt comes off easier. Set the pressure carefully, because water can simply break a fragile car part or glass and leave dents. Manufacturers set the pressure at 150-170 bar, but 100 bar is enough to clean the car.
If the contamination cannot be cleaned with a jet of water, purchase a special nozzle for the hose, a turbo cutter. It will help wash tires, wheels, and remove dirt accumulated in the cracks. You can use the mini-wash both outside and inside the car. If you are using a turbo cutter, you will need a pressure of 160 bar.
Electric pump
Before purchasing and using a pump when designing a sink, read how to choose the right device.
The material of the pump determines its wear resistance. A bad option is a plastic pump; it will soon fail if you use it for more than 20 minutes at a time. Expensive but reliable pumps are made of brass because it does not corrode. These pumps are rarely found in commercial car washes.
How to use the mini-wash
To wash worked properly, follow these recommendations.
- Be sure to check the operation of the washer before you start using it, this will save your time and health.
- Clean and change the filter installed in the car wash after each use.
- If the washer uses electricity to operate and the source is unstable, provide it with a battery.
- Do not let children use the sink.
- If repairs are necessary, do not hesitate to carry them out. Replace damaged sink components.
- Update the device gaskets.
- Protect your sink from temperature changes.
How to make a Karcher yourself
Although car washes have achieved widespread use, they come at a high price. So, if you want to do the sink yourself, you will be needed:
- canister;
- irrigation hose with gun;
- pump;
- union;
- canister lid;
- tubeless wheel fungus;
- rubber gasket;
- coupling.
These are the components of the future car wash. Materials that will come in handy during the manufacturing process:
First stage. Selection of components.
The required volume of the canister depends on you and the purposes for which you will use the washer: a five-liter canister is enough for a passenger car. Drivers carry a car wash in their luggage, so choose a body based on both volume and dimensions.
The irrigation hose must be strong and flexible and should not be twisted or broken. Hoses with nylon braid are considered durable. A hose consisting of several layers is more reliable. Don't skimp on this component. The only requirement for the gun is that it must hold tightly to the hose.
The pump can be foot-operated or automatic. We won't need the high power of this pump, so don't buy an expensive one. Using an automatic pump is much more convenient than a foot pump, since you do not have to constantly drag the pump from place to place and do unnecessary work with your foot. However, the cost of the pump plays a decisive role; an automatic one is three times more expensive.
Choose the fitting and coupling at your discretion, the main thing is that they are in close contact with each other. It is preferable to purchase both the fitting and the coupling from the same material (plastic or metal).
Second phase. Preparing the canister.
Drill a hole in the canister that is the right size for your coupling. Insert a coupling with a screwed-in fitting into this hole. Secure the structure with sealant so that the coupling does not pop out during operation, and the required pressure is maintained in the canister.
Third stage. Cover assembly.
The lid needs to be strong, solid and suitable for the canister. To prevent air from escaping from the canister, attach a rubber gasket to the bottom of the lid. Then make a hole in it and insert the tubeless tire fungus into it.
Fourth stage. Assembly of the structure. Additional functions.
Screw the lid on the canister tightly, connect the cord from the pump to the fungus, attach the free edge of the hose to the hole made in the canister using a fitting. The homemade sink is ready. The principle of operation of such a washer is simple: using a pump, air is pumped into a canister of water (the canister is not filled to the brim with water). Create pressure up to 0.3 bar or higher if your canister can handle it. Under the influence of pressure, water streams out of the gun when you press the handle.
If you will use the sink during the cold season, equip your sink with a special burner for heating the water. For these purposes, you will need a larger canister; it will lose mobility, but with the help of hot water the car is cleaned of heavily dried dirt.
Provide a power source for the washer. If the washer runs on fuel (gasoline or diesel fuel), then there will be no problems with moving it. When planning an electric car wash, make sure you have a working and accessible source of electricity. In this case, you are unlikely to be able to freely transport the sink from place to place, but you will not have to spend money on expensive fuel.
Decide in advance what you are using the sink for. If you want to clean the windows of a house or the wheels of a car, then a compact, mobile washer on wheels and with a long hose will suit you. When using a sink on a production scale, you will not need its ability to move, so it is better to design a stationary sink. It connects directly to the water supply. If the need arises, set up automatic water supply to save money.
While you can save on water consumption, you cannot save on purchasing sink components. To prevent the item from becoming dirty after washing, purchase special filters. You don't need an expensive filter to purify the water to drinkable condition. A filter is needed to purify the water, at least from debris that will disable the sink.
You can even make money by designing a pressure washer if you open a car wash. The main thing is that the sink you make works. Using a car wash, you can clean bicycles, mopeds, cars, trucks and their components.
How to make a Karcher powered by a cigarette lighter
This sink design does not require any costs. Below are instructions for creating a more complex model:
- windshield washer motor;
- irrigation hose with gun;
- cigarette lighter (motor power supply), cigarette lighter plug;
- two hoses 3 meters long, one hose must fit freely into the other;
- corrugated hose with a diameter of 25-30 millimeters;
- switch;
- M8 bolt, washer and nut;
- two plastic canisters (volume 10 liters);
- 6 self-tapping screws;
- two-core electrical wire 5-7 meters long;
- plastic sleeve;
- power cable;
- brush for washing a car.
First stage. Creating a hose.
We make a small hole in the bottom of one of the canisters. A thinner hose (up to 6 millimeters) and a two-core wire are placed inside a thick hose (diameter 10 millimeters or more). Then the hoses we have fastened are inserted into the opening of the canister. A plastic sleeve is inserted into the free end of the hose. Next, a thin hose is attached to the washer motor, and the wires are also connected to the motor.
Second phase. Creating a canister with a double bottom.
The second canister is cut approximately in the middle in order to subsequently make a second bottom with a shuttle out of it. The motor is fixed to the second bottom of the canister; for these purposes, a homemade clamp is used, which can be made from the remains of a cut canister. For this we need an M8 bolt and a little sealant.
The wires are also secured using self-tapping screws and sealant. Then they connect, again using self-tapping screws, the body of the structure: the second bottom and the hinged lid.
Third stage. Completion.
Using the power cord, the wires are connected to the cigarette lighter. A hole is made in the brush for the button, the switch is secured. The brush itself is mounted on the edge of the hose with a plastic sleeve. Use the attached diagrams in your work to better understand the text.
Do-it-yourself high-pressure washer: photo, device, pressure
How to make a high pressure washer with your own hands What is a high pressure washer? Today, you no longer need energy and time to fight dried dirt and dust that has clogged up in secluded corners, because
The modern driver does not have to worry about the need to deal with dirt that has clogged up in the corners or stains that have become firmly ingrained into the car’s surface. New models of car washes are released every year, and their scope of use is not limited to car washing. This can also be cleaning windows, washing barbecues, doors and walls, and other objects that cannot be brought into a neat state with a regular brush or rag. Powerful water pressure can handle such tasks, but the cost of a decent device starts from 10 thousand rubles, so do-it-yourself high-pressure washing has become in demand.
The design of any washing machine is represented by the following functional units:
- The engine is an indispensable basis, thanks to which it is possible to achieve stable operation of the pump. The electric version is more common, but autonomous units can also be found. In the latter case, the engine can run on diesel or gasoline.
- The key purpose of the pump is to pump water from an appropriate reservoir or centralized network. To use the latter you will need additional hoses.
- A pump is responsible for pumping up fluid pressure, the wear resistance of which directly depends on the material used in its manufacture. Plastic options are the last thing that should attract your attention, since prolonged use (more than 20 minutes per session) will quickly damage it. Brass is the most reliable material due to its lack of tendency to corrosive processes. Purchased sinks are rarely equipped with this option, so you have every chance to make a unique and ultra-efficient device yourself.
- The motor fuse is responsible for monitoring the operation of the installation. When a critical water pressure level is identified, the rotation of the engine is blocked. An example of this kind of situation is the accumulation of liquid inside due to a blocked hose while the washer is operating.
- Filters are the main protective elements that protect the device from mechanical damage due to the ingress of sand and other large foreign particles.
DIY washing
Let's look at how to make a high-pressure washer with your own hands and what factors to consider before purchasing the components. Acquiring the design parts is the first step.
The pump will take the largest amount from your budget, but the importance of this element is difficult to overestimate. Focus on options with high levels of performance. The optimal pressure is to develop to 100-200 bar. Ceramic or other durable materials should be used to make pistons, brass should be used for the block heads, they should be made by casting. A large area of support should fall on the bearings of the crank mechanism.
Do-it-yourself car wash using a compressor is an option that allows you to save money.
Making it yourself is simpler; the compressor is a successful and effective alternative to a water pump.
Motor selection
It is better to choose a single-phase electric motor if we are talking about domestic use. Connecting to a 220 V network allows you to protect yourself from unnecessary problems and keep your finances intact.
Gearbox and capacitors
To increase ease of operation, a single-stage gearbox and capacitors can be used. The mentioned components of the design are not required, but they can increase the service life of the device.
Don't forget to buy a coupling that will be used to connect the engine to the pump. The soft coupling is something that should get your attention because its function is to compensate for possible misalignments. It is also an alternative to a fuse if problems arise with the pump or gearbox.
Water container
A specific volume of water ensures that the pump operates evenly, and the water requires an appropriate container. This can be a canister or a tank, which must be connected to the water supply network. At the outlet, do not forget to place a filter mesh; its functions are limited to filtering the incoming water.
Adding active detergents to the tank will significantly increase washing efficiency.
Regulator
The regulator responsible for the pump's performance is often equipped with an automatic unloading valve, which directs water in the opposite direction in case of dangerous circumstances for the operation of the pump.
Other details
Use a frame as a base. A gun with a nozzle that attaches to a hose and hoses designed for high pressure are also useful.
Assembly of the car wash is limited to fixing the listed elements on the frame and connecting them to each other.
Design options
Knowing the features of the technological process of assembly and packaging, it is worth thinking about the design features of the future device:
- Think in advance which power source will be acceptable for you. When choosing fuel, you don’t have to worry about the ability to transport and move the device. Giving preference to electricity, provide uninterrupted access to the source. Free movement of the unit is unlikely to be possible, but spending on expensive gasoline will be excluded from the list of problems.
- Before starting work, determine your operational goals. A compact unit with a long hose is ideal for washing car wheels and house windows. If you are aiming for use on a production scale, the ability of the device to move will not be so important, so you can immediately make the sink stationary and provide a connection to the water supply.
- If you intend to save money, set up automatic water supply. You can afford to save on water, but don't do the same with structural elements.
Operation and Maintenance
Proper washing service directly depends on compliance with the following recommendations:
- After each use of the washer, change the filter to maintain throughput at an optimal level;
- Before activating the unit, make sure it is operational;
- prevent children from having access to such equipment;
- purchase a battery if the source of electricity is unstable;
- replace elements that are out of order immediately;
- ground the electrical part using a cable with three copper cores;
- the plug must have a grounding terminal;
- do not use the device for more than 3 hours at a time, even if you made it from the most durable materials;
- do not fix the jet in one area on the surface of the car for too long, otherwise you risk damaging the paintwork;
- despite the pressure inside the case of 150-170 bar in the case of store-bought options, if you make it yourself, 100 bar will be enough;
- If stains are not removed under a pressure of 100 bar, it is better to get additional brushes or a turbo cutter in the form of an attachment to a hose.
conclusions
There is nothing complicated about making your own car wash. Study the device and operating principle, use your imagination, plan the necessary purchases and start assembling. Remember to periodically check the fasteners and tighten them if necessary, as they may become loose during use.
Do you know that if your car is more accustomed to a high-pressure car wash, you can also provide it with such luxury with your own hands without special stations?
Features of a high pressure car wash
Why are most special stations equipped with this type of washing? This is due, first of all, to the fact that with the help of this device you can wash the body, underbody, and suspension without much effort. The main positive feature of a high-pressure car wash is that a directed jet of liquid easily and effectively washes away dirt from the surface of an object. This jet occurs as a result of the operation of a high-performance pump, and is formed by a special tip.
Such a device will be useful not only for, but also for various household needs. So the intention to acquire your own system will solve many everyday problems, especially if you have a plot of land with a spacious house at your disposal. At least cleaning street communications and paths will happen many times faster. There are many stores that sell this type of product, but it is much more pleasant to make a high-pressure car wash with your own hands. Moreover, this process is not particularly complicated.
Do-it-yourself high-pressure car wash - basic elements
The first thing you need to do is purchase all the parts that you will need to assemble the device. The most important and expensive part of a car wash is the pump. It must be highly productive. In addition, such a pump must develop a pressure of up to 100-200 bar. When choosing this part of the system, it is very important to pay attention to what materials it is made of. The most optimal version of the working part of the pump should look like this: the pistons are made of durable metals or durable ceramics, the block heads are cast from brass, and the liners of the crank mechanism need to be provided with a large support area.
Sometimes, to save money, a car wash is assembled from a compressor; such a system is, of course, faster to make with your own hands, and the compressor in this situation performs the functions of a water pump.
Another important part is the electric motor. For a home car wash, it is best to use a 220-watt electric motor, that is, single-phase. This type of connection is safe and significantly saves money. Some car wash designs require the presence of condensers and a single-stage gearbox. These items may make the device easier to use and also increase its service life, but they are not required.
Collecting additional elements for a car wash
When creating a car wash with your own hands, you will also need a coupling. This element connects the pump and the electric motor. For a high-pressure washer, the best option would be to use a “soft” coupling, since it can compensate for the misalignment of the shafts along the axis. In addition, this type of coupling plays the role of a fuse in case the pump or gearbox jams.
An important element in the design is the water container. After all, in order for the pump to operate smoothly and uninterruptedly, it must receive a certain volume of water. Most often, a tank is used as a container, which is connected to the water supply network. At the outlet, a special fine mesh is installed in the tank, which acts as a filter. This is necessary to prevent dirt from getting into the pump and disrupting its operation. The washing effect can be significantly improved by adding detergent to the tank.
A necessary element is also a pump performance regulator. In most cases, the regulator comes complete with an automatic unloading valve. This device is needed to, if necessary, redirect water back to the container to avoid overloading the pump. Also, in the process of creating a car wash with your own hands, a frame is used as the basis for all the parts. In addition to this, high-pressure hoses are required for operation, as well as a gun with a nozzle. After all the elements are secured to the frame and connected to each other, the work on the car wash can be considered completed and you can begin to use this device.
Expert opinion
Ruslan Konstantinov
Automotive expert. Graduated from Izhevsk State Technical University named after M.T. Kalashnikov, specializing in “Operation of transport and technological machines and complexes.” More than 10 years of professional car repair experience.
Today, buying a high-pressure washer is not financially expensive. You can find a good household option from 5,000 rubles. The only problem is choosing a good manufacturer. The most in demand on the market are Bosch, Shtil, Karcher and some others. However, there are also many who, for some reason, prefer to assemble a car wash with their own hands; ready-made solutions fundamentally do not suit them. However, in most cases, making such a homemade product is not a rational solution.
On the one hand, a homemade sink will show that your hands are growing where they need to be, but on the other hand, it’s easier and perhaps even cheaper to buy a ready-made solution. This will eliminate the need to search for information on how to assemble your own washing machine from a compressor or high-pressure fuel pump from diesel engines. Plus, you will need to find a pistol (again, you need to buy it separately) and some other important design elements. With all this, no one guarantees that a home-made device will be reliable, and that washing with it will be of high quality. A homemade machine can be considered as a hobby option, but it is unlikely to be an alternative to a factory wash.