What choice of home-useable compressors does the industry currently have to offer? Frankly speaking, the assortment is small, and besides, the proposed samples have a lot of drawbacks, ranging from dimensions and weight to the noise level.

Ready homemade compressor

It turns out that a homemade compressor will be the best solution to the problem with home workshop equipment.

Engine selection

In my opinion, the best choice for a home compressor engine can be called a unit from a household refrigerator of the Soviet era. Personally, I made myself two home-made compressors with such units, one block was vertical (I don’t know the brand), and the second was from the Yuryuzan refrigerator (horizontally located).

One compressor was designed to power the airbrush, while the other worked with a staple gun. There were no problems with either unit. Many may object that they have little productivity, in my opinion, more is not needed for the house. But during operation, such a device is almost inaudible.

Compressor equipment

In addition to the engine and the pumping unit itself, the compressor also needs other components for normal operation. To make a compressor with our own hands, we need:

  • Foundation for the whole structure;
  • Air receiver;
  • Filters and moisture separator;
  • Connecting hoses or tubes;
  • Reducer and pressure gauge;
  • Starting equipment of the engine;

The design of a homemade compressor

The base, it is also a frame, can have any design and be made of any material at hand.

For example, you can use a sheet of thick plywood or chipboard of the required dimensions as a base, and mark all the components of the compressor so that free access to all its parts is provided.

In principle, the design of the base and its materials are limited only by the imagination of the developer, for example, I had one of the compressors without a frame at all (I will describe below how to do it).

As a receiver, most often resourceful people use old receivers from the KamAZ brake system, very handy thing, there are all the necessary threads for fittings and a valve for draining condensate. Alternatively, you can use an old foam or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher (preferably several in series).

With such a receiver, you will have to work a little - weld the pipes and bushings to connect the rest of the system.
It is best to use industrial-made air filters and a moisture separator, of course, the price is a little expensive (a good kit now costs from 3000), but the quality is worth the money.

It will not work to make an air compressor with your own hands without connecting hoses or tubes. By personal experience I can say that oxygen hoses (from welding) show very good results, the only drawback is a decent mass, and, therefore, it is inconvenient to work with an airbrush, it is better to use a standard spiral hose for it.

Everything is clear with the starting equipment, a standard engine starting relay is used, only a switch is added. It is more convenient to use the foot key, then the hands remain free during operation.

Work on the compressor

I'll tell you how to make a compressor using my example. It began with the fact that I tried to use a small compressor for inflating wheels from those that are commercially available for an airbrush. He was dissatisfied with his performance and set to work.

Took from mother-in-law old refrigerator, took out the unit with wiring from it, threw the rest away. The motor was sanded and repainted with spray paint, then went to the construction market. There I picked up a piece of oxygen hose, purchased suitable clamps and a switch.

After that, he went to his friends in the unit and became the owner of a new KAMAZ receiver. He brought all this good home and began to create a simple design.

In order not to make a frame, I decided to use the receiver as the basis of the entire compressor. To do this, I first cut it out of whatman paper and adjusted it to the place of attachment under the engine and supports for the receiver. After everything was ready, I cut out the parts from 1.5 mm thick steel, bent them and welded them to the receiver. Thus, an analogue of the factory compressor was obtained.

Then everything is simple - I installed a pumping unit on the pillows and connected all the electrics. Then he took up pneumatics, attached a fuel filter from a Zhiguli to the compressor inlet pipe through a piece of hose (subsequently replaced it with a frame soldered from wire, covered with thin foam rubber).

I screwed an adapter for the supply hose into the threaded bushing of the receiver and connected it to the pump outlet pipe, a dehumidifier unit with a gearbox and a pressure gauge, to which a gas valve with a connector for connecting the airbrush hose, was screwed into the opposite bushing. I tried it - everything works great, no complaints.

A little advice for those who are going to make a compressor from the refrigerator with their own hands - turn on a check valve between the compressor and the receiver, the load on the motor will be significantly reduced.

In the inventory of the car owner's garage, an air compressor will be useful. With it, you can paint a car, pump up tires, supply air to pneumatic tools. Consider how to make a compressor for painting with your own hands from available materials.

Compressed air - a true assistant to a true master

There is always a use for an air compressor in the garage: from the banal blowing off of dust from surfaces treated with abrasive to creating excess pressure in pneumatic tools. A considerable part of the working resource of the compressor falls on the performance of car painting. And this imposes certain requirements on the generated air flow.

It must flow strictly evenly and not have any impurities in the form of drops of water, oil or suspended solids. Such defects as granularity, shagreen and cavities on a freshly applied paintwork are just due to the ingress of foreign particles into the jet. Paint streaks and matte spots on the enamel occur when the mixture is unevenly supplied.

Branded air compressors from the manufacturer have all the features for a perfect airbrush, but cost a lot of money. You can save money and create a functional model that is not inferior to professional ones on your own by studying the theoretical information and watching the do-it-yourself compressor video as a guide. The principle of operation of all models, both homemade and professional, is quite simple and is as follows. An overpressure is built up in a device for storing compressed air, called a “reservoir”. Air can be pumped both manually and mechanically.

Saves money when hand-delivered financial resources, but a lot of effort and energy is spent on controlling the process. With automatic injection, all these shortcomings are eliminated, the only thing that remains is the routine oil change in the air pump. Further, compressed air through the outlet fitting is supplied in a uniform flow to the actuators. As you can see, there is nothing complicated, and you can create a workable model in a few minutes.

We make the simplest compressor with our own hands

One option would be to make a compressor for painting from a used car chamber. For manufacturing you will need:

  • The receiver is a car camera. Available with or without a tire
  • Supercharger - car pump with pressure gauge
  • Nipple from a bad camera
  • Repair kit for rubber
  • tailor's awl

Having collected necessary materials, we proceed directly to the manufacture of the device. We take an unnecessary car camera and check it for leaks by inflating it with a pump. If the balloon holds air, then everything is fine, and you can proceed to the next step. If there are leaks, localize the damage and seal them or vulcanize with raw rubber.

Further, a hole is made in the prepared receiver for an additional nipple, through which a uniform stream of compressed air will subsequently exit. We glue the additional fitting using a rubber repair kit and connect it to the spray gun. We unscrew the nipple in it - the air flow should come out freely. We leave the nipple in the native nipple of the car chamber - it will work like a valve, holding excess pressure.

Then, empirically, we determine the required level of air pressure in the receiver by spraying paint on any surface. The enamel should lie evenly, without jerks. The value of excess pressure is determined using a pressure gauge and must be such that when the aerator button is pressed, its level does not change abruptly.

It is not difficult to assemble such a compressor model, but you will immediately be convinced of the effectiveness of the repair with the help of a compressor, rather than spray cans of paint. The main thing is to follow the rule - moisture or dust should not get into the airbrush into the car chamber, and, therefore, even then, into the spray gun. Otherwise, they will mix with the car enamel, and all the painting work will need to be done again. The assembled model will work properly, but it is better to automate the air injection and make additional changes to the design.

Semi-professional compressor for do-it-yourself painting

According to experts, home-made compressors with receivers have a longer service life than models from domestic and foreign manufacturers. And this is understandable - everything is done by hand and, even if some part fails, it will be a matter of a couple of minutes to replace it. Consider how to make an air compressor that is not inferior to products of well-known companies from readily available materials that we need according to the list below:

  • pressure gauge
  • Reducer with oil filter
  • Pressure control relay
  • Gasoline fuel filter
  • Water supply cross (quadruple) with a three-quarter female thread
  • Thread adapters
  • Automotive clamps
  • Compressor motor
  • Receiver
  • Semi-synthetic engine oil with a viscosity of 10W40
  • Toggle switch for 220 volts
  • brass tubes
  • Oil resistant hose
  • Thick board for the base
  • pharmacy syringe
  • rust converter
  • Studs, nuts, washers
  • Sealant, fum tape
  • Metal paint
  • Needle file
  • furniture wheels
  • Diesel engine power system filter

Finding all the components is not difficult, it’s worth starting with the heart of the whole system - the air blower.

The engine is the actuator of the automatic compressor

As an engine, we will use a compressor from an old refrigerator. As a rule, they are equipped with a starting relay, which is very convenient for constantly maintaining a certain level of pressure in the receiver. It is preferable to use compressors from refrigerators of the old Soviet model, they allow you to pump a higher pressure than their imported counterparts.

After removing the execution unit from the dilapidated refrigerator, clean it of accumulated dirt and rust. Then treat with a rust converter to prevent further oxidation. This way you will prepare the engine housing for further painting.

Next, change the oil in the compressor. A rare refrigerator was regularly serviced and lubricated, which is quite justified - the system is completely isolated from the atmosphere. You can use semi-synthetic motor oil, it is in no way inferior to compressor oil and, in addition, has many useful additives.

There are three tubes on the compressor - 2 open and one sealed. The open ends are designed for air circulation, one of the tubes is the inlet, the other is the outlet. To determine which path the air is moving, momentarily energize the compressor. And remember which duct draws in air and which lets it out.

The sealed tube is designed for routine oil changes. The closed end must be carefully removed. To do this, we file the tube in a circle with a file, trying to prevent metal filings from getting inside the system. Then we break off the filed tip and drain the old oil into some vessel to determine the amount to be replaced. And fill in semi-synthetics in a slightly larger amount with a syringe.

Then the engine lubrication system must be shut off. For which, having picked up a screw of the appropriate size, we wrap it with fum tape for tightness, screw it into a tube. The supercharger from the refrigerator tends to sweat with grease - that is, there are droplets of oil in the output air stream. They will be held by an oil-moisture separator for the compressor. With our own hands, in the future, we fasten the engine with a starting relay on a wooden base to the position in which it was attached to the frame.

The compressor relay is sensitive to position in space and often its top cover is marked with an arrow. Only when correct installation the process of switching modes will proceed correctly.

Compressed air tank

Fire extinguisher cylinders are best for storing compressed air. They are designed for high pressure, have a large margin of safety and are ideal for installation attachments. Let us consider the metal case of the OU-10 fire extinguisher with a working volume of 10 liters as a receiver. This cylinder is designed for a pressure of 15 MPa or 150 bar with a large margin of safety.

We turn off the lock-start device (LPU) from the future receiver and in its place we screw in the adapter, on the thread of which we wind the fum tape for sealing. If the fire extinguisher has traces of corrosion, then they must be removed with abrasives and a rust converter.

From the outside, everything is easy to do, but from inner surface will have to fiddle around a bit. To do this, pour the rust-cleaning agent into the cylinder according to the instructions and shake the contents thoroughly. Then we screw in the water cross, using sealant and fum tape for sealing. So, the two main parts of our compressor are ready, and you can proceed to the next step.

Installation of device parts

For ease of storage and movement, it is best to arrange all compressor parts compactly on one base. We will use a wooden board as a basis, on which we securely fix the engine - supercharger and fire extinguisher body.

We fix the compressor engine with threaded studs threaded in advance drilled holes, and nuts with washers. We place the receiver vertically, using three sheets of plywood for fixing, in one of which we cut a hole for the cylinder.

The other two, with the help of self-tapping screws, are attached to the carrier board and glued to the sheet holding the receiver. Under the bottom of the receiver, at the base, we hollow out a recess corresponding in size. For maneuverability, we fasten wheels from furniture fittings to our base. Next, we perform the following operations:


Now it remains only to paint the entire compressor and proceed to field tests.

Adjusting the pressure in the receiver chamber

Having assembled the structure, you should check its performance. We connect an airbrush or a tire inflation gun to the compressor outlet. After that, with the toggle switch off, turn on the plug in the network. We set the control switch to the minimum pressure and then apply power to the supercharger. The pressure created in the receiver is controlled by a pressure gauge. After making sure that when a certain level is reached, the relay turns off the engine, we check the tightness of the air ducts and connections. This is easy to do with soapy water.

After making sure that the compressed air does not leave the system, we bleed it from the receiver chamber. As soon as the pressure in the cylinder drops below the set mark, the relay should work and start the compressor. If everything is functioning properly, you can try to paint some unnecessary part. Preliminary work on preparing the surface for applying enamel is not required here - it is important for us to develop skills and determine how much pressure is required to paint the product. Experimentally, we determine the value in atmospheres at which excess pressure is enough to paint the entire part with a uniform layer with a minimum amount of blower operation.

As you can see, creating a car compressor with your own hands does not cause any particular difficulties. The device made according to the second option requires more time to manufacture, but it will all pay off with further operation. The automatic pressure control and blower start-up system will allow you to work with great convenience, without being distracted by control over the receiver chamber. The compressor can be used not only for car care. With it, you can paint the fence, garage door.

In order for a self-made compressor to serve for a long time and properly, routine maintenance should be carried out. This is, first of all, regular oil changes and timely replacement of filter elements. Since we have securely fixed the engine to the base, there is no point in unscrewing it. To drain the oil, use a syringe. Having unscrewed the screw that closes the filler hole, we put the hose tightly on the tube and pump out the mining. We also pump fresh engine oil with a syringe. With filters, everything is simpler - we change them as they become dirty and the filling rate of the receiver chamber decreases.

Alternative choice - do it yourself or buy finished products?

Today, the market for air compressor offers is replete with variety. Piston, vibration, screw and many other classes of these devices are produced for various purposes. Ready-made compressors can be bought in stores household appliances, auto parts, on specialized sites. The variety of products offered is so great that it will take a lot of time to choose the required product. If you decide to purchase a ready-made device, carefully study specifications, price range and customer reviews.

Of course, it is better not to save money and purchase expensive products from famous brands. But a big-budget purchase pays off only if you plan to do car repairs professionally. The choice of little-known products is fraught with unjustified risks. Cheap models sin with low-quality materials. It often happens that engine parts fly out instantly, and warranty repairs take several months.

From the position of reliability, hand-made assembly wins in many respects. Firstly, according to statistics, compressors in refrigerators work for decades. And the old refrigerator is thrown out not because of a broken engine, but because of a refrigerant leak or corrosion of the walls and bottom. And there is nothing to say about the fire extinguisher - they are made with a tenfold margin of safety, which is immediately checked at the factory. So maybe you shouldn't buy a pig in a poke, but make a device on your own? Moreover, after studying the material, you know how to make a compressor with your own hands at home. A well-made and properly functioning device will not only please the owner, but will also become the envy of familiar motorists.

Almost all motorists who make something every day in their garage understand perfectly well that with tools and components in their hands, you can always create something you need.

In the same way, it is possible to create a whole compressor for painting a car from a conventional compressor for a Soviet-style refrigerator.

That's just how to do it in technical terms, and in what order?

Therefore, due to the frequently asked questions of beginner self-taught masters, in this article you will learn how to make such a compressor on your own and from manual materials.

Which compressor to choose (factory or homemade)

The main criterion that should be followed when choosing a station for painting is a uniform distribution of air, without foreign particles.

If such impurities come across, then the coating will be with small defects - graininess, shagreen, cavities. At the same time, streaks and stains can form due to these particles, so it is best to entrust the painting to a branded air compressor, but there is only one catch - such a device is too expensive, which many motorists cannot afford.

You can save money and at the same time create a functional model by creating functional equipment, which is described in many videos and articles.

You will only have to spend your precious time studying the material, and then creating equipment that must be of at least high quality.

The model presented by the factory or home-made does not play a role, because the principle of its operation is the same and it consists in creating excessive pressure. That's just the method of air injection is completely different - it can be extracted manually or mechanically.

In the second case, this is a significantly higher cost of funds, manual way economical, but time-consuming, requiring constant monitoring.

Automatic inflation does not consume your strength, but the product requires periodic maintenance, which is worth only the process of changing the oil for the compressor.

This is the only way to achieve uniform air supply and distribution. After studying the theory, you realize how easy it is to make a compressor station that will work well, while it does not take much time.

We collect the compressor unit from improvised means -

If you decide to create equipment for painting your own car, then you should stock up on certain materials for this:

  1. The reverse function will require a car camera;
  2. For the supercharger function, you will need a pump with a pressure gauge;
  3. chamber nipple;
  4. Repair kit and awl.

When all the components are prepared, you can begin to create a compressor station. To check how tight the chamber is, it is necessary to pump it.

If the problem still exists, then it can be solved in two ways - by gluing or by vulcanizing with raw rubber. In the resulting reverse, it is necessary to make a hole for supplying compressed air so that it comes out evenly.

A special nipple is placed in the hole for this. The repair kit will serve for the implementation of additional fasteners of the fitting. To check the uniformity of the air supply, it is enough to unscrew the nipple. Native nipple allows you to get rid of excessive pressure.

The level of pressure is determined during operation, when the paint is sprayed. If the enamel on the metal lies evenly, then the installation is functioning. At the end of the procedure, it is worth determining the pressure indicators, for this it is enough to spray paint on the body of your car.

If the enamel lies without tubercles, then the device is functioning efficiently. In addition, pressure indicators can be monitored using a special device - a pressure gauge. But, its indicator after pressing the aerator should not be chaotic.

As you can see special tools and knowledge to create such a compressor is not required. At the same time, repairing and painting a car in this way is more effective than using a spray can.

Remember that neither dust nor water should get into the car chamber. Otherwise, you will have to re-paint the car.

If this installation is used correctly and with the use of all knowledge, then it will last a long time, and if you also automate the pumping of air, then the process itself will go quickly.

Alternative to a professional device (compressor from the refrigerator)

Home-made compressor devices serve much longer than the presented time, even in comparison with domestic and foreign-made installations.

This is quite natural, because creating it with our own hands, we do everything for ourselves at the highest level. Therefore, people even thought about how to create a compressor from a refrigerator, which will be on a par with the installations of popular companies.

But to create it, you should stock up on such components as a pressure gauge, a relay, rubber adapters, an oil and moisture separator, a fuel filter, a gearbox, a motor, a switch, a hose, clamps, brass tubes, but also little things - nuts, paint, furniture wheels.

Creating the mechanism itself

Buying a compressor from an old refrigerator from the Soviet era can simplify the whole procedure. This will not pull too much on the budget, while there is already a compressor start relay.

Foreign competitors are inferior to this model, because they are not able to develop such a high pressure. But the Soviets cope with this task.

After removing the execution unit, it is advisable to clean the compressor from layers of rust. To avoid the oxidation process in the future, it is worth using a rust converter.

It turns out that the working motor housing is ready for the painting process.

Installation scheme

The preparatory process is completed, now you can change the oil. Since the refrigerator is old and it is unlikely that it underwent constant maintenance, it is worth updating this moment.

Since the system was always located far from external influences, maintenance work was justifiably not carried out there. For this procedure, expensive oil is not required, semi-synthetic is enough.

At the same time, it is not worse in terms of the presented characteristics of any compressor oil and has many additives used with benefit.

Inspecting the compressor, you will find 3 tubes, one of them is already soldered, but the rest are free. Open are used for air inlet and outlet. To understand how air will circulate, it is worth connecting the power to the compressor.

Write down for yourself which of the holes draws in air and which releases it. But the sealed tube must be opened, it will serve as an opening for changing the oil.

The file is necessary for the implementation of the tube file, while making sure that the chips do not get inside the compressor. To determine how much oil is already there, drain it into a container. With the subsequent replacement, you will already know how much it will have to be poured.

Then we take a spitz and fill it with semi-synthetics, but this time expect that the volume should be twice as much as it has already been drained. When the container is filled with oil, it is worth turning off the engine lubrication system; for this, a screw is used, which is pre-formed with a fum tape and placed simply in the tube.

Do not be alarmed if drops of oil periodically appear from the outlet air tube. This situation is not so difficult to resolve, find an oil and moisture separator for a home-made installation.

The preliminary work is over, only now you can proceed to the direct assembly of the installation. And they begin with strengthening the engine, it is best to choose wooden base for this and in such a position that it was on the frame.

It is worth noting that this part is very sensitive to position, so follow the instructions on the top cover, where the arrow is drawn. Accuracy is important in this matter, because the correctness of the mode change directly depends on the correct installation.

Where is compressed air located?

A cylinder capable of withstanding high pressure is a container from a fire extinguisher. At the same time, they have high strength indicators and can be used as attachments.

If we take as a basis the OU-10 fire extinguisher, which holds 10 liters, then we should count on a pressure of 15 MPa. We unscrew the locking and starting device, instead of which we install an adapter. If you have identified traces of rust, then these places should be treated without fail with a rust converter.

Externally, it is not difficult to remove it, but it is more difficult to clean it internally. But the easiest way is to pour the converter itself into the cylinder and shake it well so that all the walls are saturated with it.

When the cleaning is done, the plumbing cross is screwed in and we can assume that we have already prepared two working parts homemade design compressor.

Carrying out the installation of parts

Previously, it was already stipulated that for fixing the engine and the fire extinguisher housing, wooden plank, it is also even easier to store working parts.

In terms of mounting the engine, threaded studs and washers will serve, just think in advance about making holes. Plywood is required to fix the receiver vertically.

A recess is made in it for a cylinder, the second and third are fixed to the main board using self-tapping screws and hold the receiver. To give the design maneuverability, you should screw the wheels from the furniture to the base.

To prevent dust from entering the system, it is necessary to consider its protection - great option can be considered the use of a gasoline filter coarse cleaning fuel. With its help, the function of an air intake will be easily performed.

Since the pressure indicators are low at the opening with the inlet of the compressor equipment, it will not be necessary to increase it.

After creating an inlet filter for the installation work on the compressor, do not forget to install an oil / moisture separator at the end to avoid water droplets in the future. Since the outlet pressure is high, you will need car clamps.

The oil-moisture separator is connected to the inlet of the reducer and the pressure outlet of the supercharger. To control the balloon pressure, the pressure gauge itself should also be screwed in on the right side, where the outlet is located on the opposite side.

To control pressure and power at 220v, a relay is installed for adjustment. As an actuator, many masters recommend using PM5 (RDM5).

This device responds to work, if the pressure drops, then the compressor turns on, if it rises, then the device is pumped out completely.

To set the proper pressure, the springs on the relay are used. The large spring is responsible for the minimum indicator, but the small one for the maximum, thereby setting the framework for the operation and shutdown of the self-made compressor installation.

In fact, PM5 are ordinary two-pin switches. One contact will be needed to connect to the zero of the 220 V network, and the second to combine with the supercharger.

A toggler is needed to disconnect from the network from it and save yourself from constant running around in the direction of the outlet. All connected wires must be insulated for safety reasons. When these works are carried out, you can paint over the installation and check it.

Pressure regulation

When the design is assembled, it is quite natural to check it. We connect the last components - an airbrush or an air gun and connect the installation to the network.

We check the operation of the relay, how well it will cope with turning off the engine, and monitor the pressure with a pressure gauge. If everything works properly, proceed to the leak test.

The easiest way to do this is to use soapy water. When the tightness is checked, we bleed the air from the chamber. The compressor starts when the pressure drops below the minimum limit. Only after checking all the systems and bringing them into working condition, you can proceed to the procedure for painting parts.

For painting, you only need to determine the pressure and not load yourself with pre-treatment of the metal. To carry out painting with a uniform layer, it is necessary to experiment and determine atmospheric indicators in this way.

It is important to use the supercharger as little as possible. Each motorist will deal with the components and start manufacturing car compressor.

Can choose different variants production, but the use of starting a navigator, automatic pressure control is a more complex design, but its use is one and a real pleasure.

In this case, you do not have to take time to control the receiver, which will open up more opportunities, and you can start painting a car, a fence or even a gate.

Routine maintenance is a mandatory procedure in order to extend the life of your homemade compressor.

To change the oil - drain or fill it, you can use a regular syringe. Replacement of filters is carried out only if necessary, when the speed of filling the reservoir chamber is reduced.

Connecting components of the compressor

When it is decided which compressor to choose and reverse, it is worth considering the issue of combining them. At the same moment, it is worth determining how the air will flow to the airbrush. The unit that is mounted to the receiver is responsible for the distribution of air.

The main thing is that these components are compatible with each other. The pressure switch is responsible for turning the compressor off and on. RDM-5, although it is used for water supply systems, but this perfect option for our case - for the relay.

The bottom line is that the connection element fits the external inch thread. To find out what pressure is in the receiver, you must use a pressure gauge and first consider the size that is suitable for the connection. We apply pressure to the air preparation unit and adjust it within 10 atmospheres, at this stage it is necessary to attach the oil separator filter.

The pressure gauge allows you to check the pressure, and the filter allows you to prevent the ingress of oil particles from the receiver. Elbows, tees and even fittings are the next components that will have to be prepared for installation. To understand the exact number, you need to think over the scheme, choose an inch as the size.

After resolving the issue with adapters, it is important to consider the moment of installation of the structure, most often they use chipboard. The design of your station should be maneuverable, because it will have to be moved around the workshop, in order to simplify your work, you should attach roller legs to it.

You won't have to invent here for a long time, just visit the furniture store, where there are a lot of such furniture wheels. To save space in your workshop, you can build a two-story structure. But here it is better to stock up on large bolts to fix the structure. To make it easier to prepare for this step, make a list of required items.

Assembling a semi-professional air blower

The assembly begins with the removal of the fire extinguisher twist and the installation of the transition device. After removing the fire extinguisher valve, install the adapter there.

Four components are immediately installed on a durable hose - a reducer, a pressure switch and an adapter.

The next step will be fixing the wheels to be installed on a chipboard sheet. Since the design is planned on two levels, it is necessary to make holes for the studs where the fire extinguisher will be placed.

The accumulator is easier to assemble, because there are brackets on both sides. The lower part is fixed to the base, and the top is used to install home-made equipment.

To reduce vibration when installing the compressor, silicone gaskets are used. The hose connects the outlet and the inlet of the air preparation.

The next step will be the connection work. Jumper, protective elements - all this needs to be thought out.

The entire connection chain is carried out through the relay and the switch, assuming that the entire connection goes according to the scheme: the phase wire goes to the switch, the next connection is the relay terminal. To carry out grounding on the relay, a special wire is wound up.

Which is better: buy or make a compressor yourself?

Compressor equipment on the market is represented by a large assortment. Piston components, vibration units, screw stations - all these are components that are used in other areas.

If you wish, you can not waste your time creating the installation, it is presented at any point of sale of auto parts or on specialized sites.

Such a wide range makes it difficult to choose. required product. But if you decide to purchase a station, in this matter you should be guided by technical indicators, cost and reviews of those who have already managed to evaluate it.

If you are chasing warranty periods, then you should pay attention to the models of popular brands. Expensive products should be purchased if you are professionally engaged in repair work.

Products that do not have a name and status can let you down, so it’s better to spend money once and not take risks in this matter again. Many manufacturers budget options save on components.

As a result, you will encounter frequent breakdowns and replacement of parts, while warranty repairs will take a long time. Therefore, many motorists are well aware that a do-it-yourself installation is sometimes more reliable than a factory one.

Such products with technical indicators win. For example, the components homemade device for painting a car it lasts much longer - compressors from refrigerators can work for decades, a fire extinguisher also has a colossal margin of safety.

You can always improve the performance of your compressor yourself, everything is in your hands, but you can’t experiment like that with a factory device.

Garage neighbors will probably get it when they see a well-made and well-thought-out device.

An air compressor is necessary for every car owner, since it is very expensive to use the services of car services for any problem. For an urban car enthusiast living in a high-rise building, a compact, portable electric tire inflation pump is enough. If you have your own garage, a compressor device is already a mandatory measure. The device is useful for connecting a pneumatic tool, for repairing and painting a car. It is quite possible to make a compressor yourself, which will save up to 50% of the cost of a production plant.

Principle of operation

The homemade compressor works according to an elementary scheme:

  • An electrically powered or manual type pump is connected.
  • Air under pressure enters the container with a sealed design (a receiver or a cylinder is used).
  • The design has an outlet valve that directs air through the hoses to the spray gun, wrench, tire inflation adapter, etc.

As auxiliary elements, a pressure gauge is used to control the pressure and an automatic system for venting excess air. To prevent rapid wear of the device and ensure a high-quality work result, filters are connected to the output line to protect against the ingress 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 equivalent is suitable.

The procedure is carried out in stages, below are detailed instructions:

  • Clean the cylinder from the inside and outside of the remnants of the foam solution, dirt, rust and other contaminants.
  • Insert the adapter into the thread, installation must be carried out tightly.
  • Fix a quadruple to the adapter, female thread, size ¾ inch.
  • In the motor from the cooling installation, you should find the tip of the oil fill tube. Bite off the end with side cutters and replace the oil.
  • Drain the previous grease into a container with measured marks to determine the amount of oil.
  • Using a syringe, inject new oil into the electric motor, add 10–12% when calculating the amount.
  • Plug the oil filler tube again, you can squeeze 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 on the frame of the future unit. As fasteners, it is better to use bolts, but ties will also work.
  • Install a gasoline-type filter on the air intake pipe to clean the resulting air. Installing the filter involves installing a rubber adapter.
  • Fasten the fuel filter from the 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 reducer, the hose is attached to the quad.

Compressor from a fire extinguisher with a motor from a refrigerator

  • The remaining quad inlets are equipped with a pressure gauge and a relay to control the pressure level.
  • To adjust the minimum and maximum pressure on the cylinder, a spring-type control relay is installed. Connect it with one wire to the engine, and the other side to the negative wire of the network. The wire for connecting to the "plus" is connected to the start button. For a 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 DIY compressor is to use gas bottle at 50, an asynchronous motor and a compressor from the braking system in the ZIL-130. All elements are mounted on a frame, but you can do without it and make a carrier element from a cylinder to which a pump, filter, electric motor, and work control equipment are attached.

The simplest do-it-yourself compressor block can be made according to a step-by-step guide:

  • Weld the fitting into the air inlet line from the pump unit to the receiver.
  • Fix 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 reset valve, it can be replaced with a relay. When pressure rises to critical levels, pressure will be released.
  • Insert a tap from the bottom of the cylinder ball type to remove condensate.
  • Fasten the pump and motor with a drive belt that is mounted on the shaft pulleys.

Compressor from a gas cylinder with a supercharger from a truck

  • Create the electrical system of the installation: a button for turning on, off, connect 2 capacitors with a capacity of 30 microfarads and a starting element of 60 microfarads, a time relay and a magnetic type starter.
  • Install a device for filtering the air flow against the supply line.

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

Making an air electric compressor 220 V with your own hands

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

Necessary materials

Properly preparing materials is half of the successfully completed work on assembling a compressor unit. To create a classic device with operation from a 220 V network, you will need:

  • manometer;
  • relay for pressure control;
  • gearbox with built-in oil and moisture protection filter;
  • cleaning filter from a gasoline engine;
  • water cross with internal thread;
  • threaded adapters;
  • clamps or ties;

Making an air electric compressor with your own hands

  • engine;
  • receiver;
  • engine oil;
  • switch for operation with voltage 220 V;
  • brass tubes;
  • oil-resistant hose;
  • board;
  • medical syringe;
  • substance to eliminate corrosion;
  • washers, nuts and studs;
  • means for creating hermetic connections;
  • car enamel;
  • file;
  • small wheels from toy cars or furniture;
  • diesel engine filter.

Assembling the engine

Let's prepare the motor first. Its role is to build up air pressure. In order not to buy a special engine, you can use the engine from an old refrigerator.

Motor from an old refrigerator for making a compressor

There is a relay in the device of the power unit, it is useful to maintain 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 with greater power compared to imported products.

First of all, the motor is removed from the refrigerator. To make it usable, you will have to clean the case. It is important to apply detergent which 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. The definition 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. A semi-synthetic agent is best suited, which is not inferior in characteristics to a motor one and contains various useful components. For replacement, 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 file, you need to break the tube and inject new oil with a syringe.
  • It is important to properly seal the oil filling passage to prevent leakage. A screw with an appropriate section is selected, a fum tape is applied to it. In the process, a sealant will come in handy. The bolt is tightly screwed into the pipe.
  • The motor and relay are fixed on a thick base board. The sensitivity of the relay requires that the angle of the motor location that was present in the refrigerator be observed. Additionally, a marking is installed on the engine with the recommended housing location for stable and full-fledged operation.

Compressed air tank

The air tank is an integral component of the compressor, without which the unit 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). Alternative option will be the use of a receiver, old containers from a 10-liter fire extinguisher, since these tanks are sealed and quite reliable.

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

The start valve is replaced by a threaded adapter that 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 is pre-cleaned with sandpaper or a grinding machine. To remove rust from the inside, pour a special agent into the container and mix thoroughly. Next, a water-type cross adapter is installed, it is mounted using a sealant.

Assembling the device

final assembly carried out in stages:

  • The prepared receiver and motor are attached to a thick board. For fixing to the base, washers, nuts and studs are used. The location of the tank is strictly vertical. A reliable connection will be provided by 3 sheets of plywood, on one of which a hole is cut to insert the container. The rest of the sheets are attached to the wood and the receiver's plywood retainer. From the side of the floor, furniture wheels are welded to the bottom for ease of movement.
  • A rubber hose is put 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 the ingress of oil and water particles into the working composition, an oil and moisture separating filter from the 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 will do.
  • A cleaning filter is installed at the inlet of the gearbox; it will be required to create an isolation and direction of air movement. The connection is made with a water pipe type cross on both sides. A pressure switch or pressure gauge is installed on the opposite side to control and adjust 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 the adjusting pressure, intermittent operation of the self-made structure is ensured. To set the relay, 2 springs are actuated: one for setting the maximum pressure, and the second for the minimum.
  • Contact electrical circuit connects to the supercharger, and the second is connected to the "minus" phase. The second wire is connected to the supercharger through a toggle switch and with the mains phase. The toggle switch acts as a start button for activating and deactivating the device without removing the plug. All contacts are connected by soldering and then insulated.
  • Painting of metal structures.

After creating the compressor, it remains only to check its performance.

Testing and setting up a homemade

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

Check algorithm:

  • Set the position of 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. Control the work according to the readings of the manometer. Now the user should make sure that the relay is working, it should open the circuit when the indicators are exceeded.
  • To check for leaks, a soapy solution is used, which wets all connections.
  • Now the spray gun is turned on to release the container from air. If the system is in good order, after the pressure drops, the device should turn on.

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

We test and set up a homemade compressor for painting cars

  • The tank must be cleaned inside and out, otherwise progressive corrosion will create a hole. The sandblasting machine is one of the most efficient and simple ways cleaning. created with relative ease.
  • Before the start of work, body elements are straightened. You can go the standard route and use a hammer, hoods, spotter and then paint the body, but the designed one helps repair the damage without painting.
  • Be sure to paint with an airbrush after applying the primer. extremely effective, but has features of work and compatibility with other materials.
  • Before painting, all adjacent elements are either dismantled or pasted over, especially for glass. If paint gets on glass, there is a risk of damage to the material in the process of removing the agent. The auto glass repair kit will help restore glass from most damage. Roof rails on the roof of a car are difficult to dismantle, it is better to cover with a film and wrap it with tape.

Conclusion

When making a compressor electric type manually can save a lot of money. Additionally, the design can be retrofitted to create an apparatus suitable for specific purposes. Ready-made installation is often used for painting, connecting sandblaster, blowing the body after washing and inflating the wheels.

Each garage owner dreams of their own source of compressed air - having a compressor in the bins of the garage, you can do a lot of work to repair your car on your own. But the cost of a new compressor is quite high, and acquiring an old one at your own peril and risk is not the best idea. Although, in rare cases, you can stumble upon a very good deal. If you still need professional equipment, then you can familiarize yourself with the catalog sold by TechMash Group LLC.

But in any case, a do-it-yourself high-pressure compressor is a great option that requires minimal spending.

What is needed for this? First, you need to know how the elementary compressor unit in the kit functions. And this is the engine, compressor (unit), receiver, connection details. The motor transmits the rotating movements to the compressor pulley by means of a belt drive. The driven compressor absorbs atmospheric air, which then enters the compression chamber. The movement of the piston reduces the working volume of the cylinder, inevitably squeezing the air. The compressed air then enters a container called a receiver, and then through the hoses the air drives the pneumatics, sprays the paint, and supplies various tools with energy. The receiver is necessary to eliminate pulsation caused by uneven air compression by a reciprocating compressor.

Secondly, when creating a high-pressure compressor with your own hands, you need to decide for what purposes you plan to use the compressor, since this is the determining factor in the search for the necessary elements. By choosing a high-pressure unit of 10 atmospheres, you can provide yourself with compressed air for a long time to operate any type of pneumatic tools. For such a machine, a container is needed as a receiver, capable of withstanding such an internal pressure exerted. A well-preserved former-use fire extinguisher, a container from a gas cylinder, or a home-made container made by welding a muffled piece of pipe can serve as a receiver. But at the same time, the quality of the welds and the condition of the metal must withstand an internal pressure not lower than one and a half times the operating pressure of the compressor. This will fully ensure the safe use of a homemade receiver.

The inside of the container must be protected from corrosion. There are many special fluids on the market for such operations. Then you can give the balloon an aesthetic appearance by painting it. The receiver can be installed horizontally or vertically, depending on its shape and on the desire of the author of the idea. Having decided on the position of the container, you should start drilling holes - in the lower part, a hole is necessary for periodically draining the condensate that accumulates at the bottom of the cylinder.

The drain valve must be able to withstand the pressure generated by the compressor. Under the diameter and thread pitch of the tap pipe is cut internal thread in a newly drilled hole.

Next, the tap is screwed in - for reliability, you can use seals or silicone sealant. Then the same is done in the middle part of the receiver to supply air into it and in the upper part to exit. A non-return valve must be installed at the inlet to the tank so that the air does not have the opportunity to escape in the opposite direction towards the compressor.


At the outlet, a through valve of the appropriate pressure and diameter is screwed in. The outlet is best done at the top of the receiver, as in this case the maximum amount of liquid will remain at the bottom of the cylinder. The pressure gauge can be mounted by making a separate hole for it and cutting a suitable thread in it, or by attaching it to the outlet pipe, up to the tap. Thanks to the pressure gauge, it will be possible to control the operation of a home-made high-pressure compressor and, if necessary, subject the installation to more precise adjustment. Another not unimportant point - in order for the compressor to be able to periodically turn off and cool down at this time, you should pay attention to the size of the receiver. You should not make it small - the larger the receiver, the less often you will need to turn on the compressor.

As the main unit, you can use compressors from an old household refrigerator or a serviceable used unit. Often motorists use a 12 volt compressor to inflate wheels. Lots of options. The main thing is to decide for what purposes the compressor is needed and how much air is needed. The advantages of refrigeration motor compressors are that they already have an engine in their design. In addition, they create an extremely low amount of noise. The disadvantages include the fact that when working with air, and not with freon gas, the compressor needs frequent replacement of lubricating oil. As for the electric pumps for tire inflation, this is also a good choice to create a high-pressure compressor with your own hands. But at the same time it will be necessary to provide it direct current 12 volts, that is, an additional power supply is required. And the volume of the receiver must be calculated specifically for a specific model, since the period of periodic operation of such pumps is limited, and it will have time to gain the necessary pressure in the receiver before it turns off.

For greater ease of use of the compressor, you can adapt a very useful part - a pressure switch. It is best to install it on the receiver. Thanks to this device, it is possible to correctly adjust the start-up and shutdown of the unit, which is necessary to control the pressure in the receiver and the uniform operation of the compressor and electric motor.

The pressure switch eliminates the need to manually turn the compressor on and off, which means eliminating the risk of overheating of the electric motor and destruction of the elements of the compressor unit caused by excessive overpressure.


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