Useful homemade products: making an air compressor with your own hands. DIY air compressor DIY small compressor

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

Principle of operation

A homemade compressor works according to a simple scheme:

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

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

An air compressor is essential for every car owner.

Compressor from a fire extinguisher with a motor from a refrigerator

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

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

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

Compressor from a fire extinguisher with a motor from a refrigerator

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

Compressor from a gas cylinder with a supercharger from a truck

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

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

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

Compressor from a gas cylinder with a supercharger from a truck

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

Making powerful car compressor for painting can be done according to various schemes. The main advantage of these methods is the availability of materials.

Making a 220 V electric air compressor with your own hands

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

Necessary materials

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

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

Manufacturing of air electric compressor with your own hands

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

Assembling the engine

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

Motor from an old refrigerator for making a compressor

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

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

Compressed air reservoir

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

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

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

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

Assembling the device

Final assembly is carried out in stages:

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

Materials for assembling a homemade compressor

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

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

Testing and setting up a homemade

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

Verification algorithm:

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

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

Testing and setting up a homemade compressor for painting cars

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

Conclusion

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

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

In the same way, you can create an entire compressor for painting a car from an ordinary compressor for a Soviet-style refrigerator.

But how to do this technically, and in what order?

Therefore, due to frequently asked questions from novice self-taught craftsmen, in this article you will learn how to make such a compressor on your own and using hand-made materials.

Which compressor to choose (factory or homemade)

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

If such impurities are found, the coating will have minor defects - graininess, shagreen, cavities. At the same time, these particles can cause drips and stains, so it is best to entrust the painting to a branded air compressor, but there is just one catch - such a device is too expensive, which many car enthusiasts 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 just have to spend your precious time studying the material, and then creating equipment that should at least be of high quality.

The model presented by the factory or home-made does not matter, because the principle of its operation is the same and it consists in creating excessive pressure. But the method of pumping air is completely different - it can be produced manually or mechanically.

In the second case, this is a significantly higher cost of funds, manual method economical, but labor-intensive, requiring constant monitoring.

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

This is the only way to achieve uniform air supply and distribution. Having studied the theory, you will realize how easy it is to make a compressor station that will work efficiently, and it will not take much time.

We assemble a 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:

The reverse function requires a car camera;
For the supercharger function you will need a pump with a pressure gauge;
Chambered nipple;
Repair kit and awl.

When all the components are prepared, you can begin to create a compressor station. To check how sealed the chamber is, you will need to pump it up.

If the problem still exists, then it can be solved in two ways - by gluing or vulcanization with raw rubber. A hole must be made in the resulting reverse to supply compressed air so that it comes out evenly.

A special nipple is placed in the hole for this purpose. The repair kit will serve for additional fastening of the fitting. To check the uniformity of air supply, simply unscrew the nipple. The original nipple allows you to get rid of excess pressure.

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

If the enamel lays down without tubercles, it means that 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, you don’t need any special tools or knowledge to create such a compressor. 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 inner tube. 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 air pumping, then the process itself will go quickly.

Alternative to a professional device (refrigerator compressor)

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

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

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

Creation of the mechanism itself

The whole procedure can be simplified by purchasing a compressor from an old Soviet-era refrigerator. This will not cost too much in terms of budget, and there is already a compressor start relay.

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

After removing the executive 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 diagram

The preparatory process is complete, now you can change the oil. Since the refrigerator is old and it is unlikely that it has undergone constant maintenance, it is worth updating this point.

Since the system was always located far from external influence, maintenance work was justifiably not carried out there. To carry out this procedure, you do not need expensive oil; semi-synthetic oil is sufficient.

At the same time, it is no worse in terms of the presented characteristics of any compressor oil and has many additives that are used to advantage.

When examining the compressor, you will find 3 tubes, one of them is already sealed, but the rest are free. Open ones are used for air input and output. To understand how the air will circulate, it is worth connecting the power to the compressor.

Make a note of which hole sucks air in and which one lets it out. But the sealed tube needs to be opened, it will serve as a hole for changing the oil.

A needle file is necessary to cut the tube, but be sure to ensure that the chips do not get inside the compressor. To determine how much oil is already there, pour it into a container. With subsequent replacement, you will already know how much it will have to be poured.

Then we take the spitz and fill it with semi-synthetic, but this time expect that the volume should be twice as much as what was already 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 fum tape and simply placed in the tube.

Do not be alarmed if drops of oil appear periodically from the air outlet tube. This situation is not too difficult to resolve; find an oil/water separator for homemade installation.

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

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

Where is the compressed air located?

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

If we take the OU-10 fire extinguisher, which holds 10 liters, as a basis, 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 find traces of rust, then these places should be treated with a rust converter.

It is not difficult to remove it externally, but cleaning it internally is more difficult. But the easiest way is to pour the converter itself inside the cylinder and shake it thoroughly 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 of the homemade compressor design.

Carrying out installation of parts

It was previously stated that for fixing the engine and the fire extinguisher body, it is suitable wooden plank, it’s also even easier to store working parts.

In terms of mounting the engine, threaded rods and washers will serve, just think about making holes in advance. To fix the receiver vertically you will need plywood.

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

To prevent dust from getting into the system, you should consider protecting it - using a coarse fuel filter for gasoline is an excellent option. With its help, the air intake function will be easily performed.

Since the pressure at the inlet of the compressor equipment is low, there is no need to increase it.

Having created an inlet filter for installation work with the compressor, do not forget to install an oil-water separator at the end to avoid the ingress of water droplets in the future. Since the outlet pressure is high, automotive clamps will be needed.

The oil-moisture separating filter is connected to the gearbox inlet and the pressure outlet of the supercharger. To check the balloon pressure, you should screw in the pressure gauge itself on the right side, where the outlet is located on the opposite side.

To control the pressure and 220V power supply, a relay is installed for adjustment. Many craftsmen recommend using PM5 (RDM5) as an actuator.

This device reacts to operation: if the pressure drops, the compressor turns on, but if it rises, the device is completely deflated.

To set the proper pressure, springs are used on the relay. The large spring is responsible for the minimum indicator, but the small one is responsible for the maximum, thereby establishing the framework for the operation and shutdown of the homemade 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 connect to the supercharger.

You need a toggle switch to disconnect it from the network and save yourself from constantly running around in the direction of the outlet. All connected wires should be insulated for safety reasons. When this work has been completed, you can paint the installation and check it.

Pressure adjustment

Once the structure is assembled, it is quite natural to check it. We connect the last components - a spray gun or an air gun and connect the installation to the network.

We check the operation of the relay, how well it can cope with turning off the engine, and monitor the pressure using a pressure gauge. If everything works properly, we move on to checking the tightness.

The easiest way to do this is to use a soap solution. When the tightness is checked, 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 can you begin the procedure for painting the parts.

To paint, you only need to determine the pressure and do not burden yourself with pre-treatment of the metal. In order to paint with a uniform layer, it is necessary to experiment and determine atmospheric indicators.

It is important to use the supercharger as little as possible. Every car enthusiast will understand the components and begin making a car compressor.

Can choose different variants production, but the use of navigator launch, automatic pressure control is more complex design, but using it is pure pleasure.

In this case, you will not have to devote time to monitoring the receiver, which will open up more possibilities, and you can start painting a car, a fence or even a gate.

Routine maintenance is a mandatory procedure in order to prolong the operation of your homemade compressor.

To change the oil - drain or refill it, you can use a regular syringe. Filters are replaced only when necessary, when the rate of filling the tank chamber is reduced.

Compressor connecting components

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

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

The bottom line is that the connection element fits onto an external inch thread. To find out what pressure is in the receiver, you need to use a pressure gauge and first think about the size that is suitable for the connection. We supply pressure to the air preparation unit and regulate 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 oil particles from entering the receiver. Turns, 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 through the diagram; select an inch as the size.

After solving the issue with adapters, it is important to think about the moment of installation of the structure; most often chipboard slabs are used for this. The design of your station should be maneuverable, because you will have to move it around the workshop. To make your work easier, you should attach roller legs to it.

You won’t have to invent for a long time here, just visit a 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’s better to stock up on large bolts to secure the structure. To make preparing for at this stage, make a list of required components.

Assembling a semi-professional air blower

Assembly begins with removing the fire extinguisher screw and installing the adapter 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 for installation on chipboard sheet. Since the structure is planned on two levels, it is necessary to make holes for the studs where the fire extinguisher will be placed.

The hydraulic accumulator is easier to assemble, because there are brackets on both sides. The lower part is fixed to the base, and for installation homemade equipment serves as the top one.

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

The next stage will be the connection work. Jumper, protective elements– all this needs to be thought through.

The entire connection chain is carried out through the relay and the switch, assuming that the entire connection follows the diagram: the phase wire goes to the switch, the next connection is the relay terminal. To ground the relay, a special wire is connected.

What is better: buy or make a compressor yourself?

There is a wide range of compressor equipment on the market. Piston components, vibration units, screw stations - all these are components that are used in other areas.

If you wish, you don’t have to waste your time creating the installation; it is presented at any point of sale of auto parts or on specialized websites.

Such a wide range makes choosing the right product much more difficult. 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 assessed it.

If you are chasing warranty periods, then you should pay attention to models of popular brands. Expensive products are worth purchasing if you professional level doing repair work.

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

Eventually you will encounter frequent breakdowns and replacement of parts, warranty repairs will take a lot of time. Therefore, many car enthusiasts 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 last for decades, a fire extinguisher also has a colossal safety margin.

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.

Your garage neighbors will probably get one when they see a well-made and well-thought-out device.

Conduct high-quality painting cars in garage conditions Maybe. To do this, you will need to design a convenient spray booth, as well as be equipped with necessary tool. Many car owners cannot afford the purchase of expensive equipment, so they have to make a compressor for painting the car with their own hands. This operation is significantly cheaper.

For competent manufacturing of this device You will need to familiarize yourself with the theoretical part. Thanks to this preparation, during subsequent work it will be possible to avoid the appearance of grain, shagreen or dust particles mixed with paint on the surface to be painted.

The operation of almost any factory-made or home-made compressor is based on the same principle. An increased pressure is formed in a sealed cavity, which is higher than atmospheric pressure, and then it is used in a targeted and dosed manner.

For injection, a mechanical or manual method is used. In the second case, you get savings on electricity, as well as independence from the presence of nearby working area power supply points. When automatic feeding air into the working cylinder, you will need to monitor the presence of oil for the air compressor.

Before you make your own compressor for painting a car, let’s prepare the tools. There is a method in which the working element is a car camera. To do this, we will select the components from the list:

working chamber from a car or truck;
a pump with a built-in pressure gauge to inject pressure;
additional nipple for camera;
hard awl;
repair kit for sealing the camera.

We first check the tightness of the selected chamber. To do this, it is pumped up and lowered into water. If leaks are found, we will definitely get rid of them.

We mark a point in the free space where the second nipple is supposed to be installed. In this place we make a hole with an awl. The fitting must be glued using a repair kit. A uniform air supply will be ensured through it.

An initial nipple built into the chamber is necessary to maintain the operating pressure at the required level. The performance of the installation is determined by the final result. When the paint is distributed evenly, this indicates correct assembly and sufficient pressure in the container. The pressure gauge built into the pump will help you select the desired parameter.

When such a homemade compressor is used to paint a car, you need to try to prevent moisture and small debris from getting inside the cavity. This will ensure maximum cleanliness of the surface to be painted. It is also advisable to prevent condensation from appearing inside the chamber.

Advanced compressor

With proper assembly and regular care behind the device, a homemade compressor can last much longer than the factory one. With all this, it is unlimited in repair parts, and can also be periodically improved and refined.

The basis for a more progressive model is the elements of an old refrigerator:

receiver for compressor;
pressure gauge 10 atm;
a relay that controls the pressure inside the compressor;
adapters with pipe threads;
gasoline purification filter;
gearbox with a filter protected from moisture and oil;
plumbing cross with ¾ inch thread;
electric motor for operating the compressor;
hydraulic hose clamps;
semi-synthetic oil;
oil-resistant hose;
copper tubes;
medical syringe;
wooden slab;
rust remover;
power system filter;
hardware elements;
furniture wheels;
sealant, sealing tape;
a small file or metal saw;
electric switch (220 V).

The advantage of earlier models of refrigerators is the presence of a start relay. Also positive is the fairly powerful pressure that the compressor develops. Using a rust converter, we clean problem areas on the body and working elements of the assembly being prepared.

It is advisable to carry out a little maintenance on the compressor by replacing its oil with semi-synthetic one. Modern oils contain a sufficient amount of additives to ensure long-term operation of the compressor. Its design has three pipes, one of which is hermetically sealed. The other two will have air circulation. To determine the direction of flow, you will need to connect the device to the power supply.

The sealed pipe completely hides the oil. Having bitten off with nippers or sawed off its end with a file so that the shavings do not fall inside the cavity, carefully drain the liquid into the prepared container. By this we will determine required amount replacement oils. It must be infused using a syringe in the same volume that was removed through the tube.

After topping up, plug the hole with a screw or self-tapping screw wrapped with sealing tape along the thread. Now the installation of the entire structure begins on a wooden base or a welded frame made from a building profile. Compressors from refrigerators are quite sensitive to their position in space. To identify it, there is a special arrow on the body. The correct operation of the entire unit depends on this.

As a container for air will do standard foam or powder fire extinguisher. It is advisable to select it so that the cavity is at least 10...12 liters. They are usually tested to withstand pressures up to 15...20 MPa. To release the cavity, unscrew the adapter with the locking and starting device.

If areas of corrosion are identified on the surface, they must be eliminated., preventing the spread of rust that could lead to perforation damage. Such phenomena are unacceptable, as they contribute to depressurization of the container.

You can pour rust converter into the cavity and shake it well, then pour it out and dry it. We attach the plumbing cross to the outside.

General installation of the structure

Most convenient option there will be an arrangement of all parts on a wooden base. For installation, holes are drilled and elements are secured with bolts and nuts. You can also use a sheet of plywood, to which everything is easily attached with self-tapping screws. 360 movable wheels are installed on the bottom plate or frame for greater mobility.

Coarse gasoline filters will help provide sufficient protection against the penetration of fine dirt or moisture. They are usually mounted on the air intake side. An inlet tube is placed on this side, which can be held in place even without clamps, since there is no high pressure in this place.

You will also need to install a protective filter on the outlet side, which will protect the air flow from moisture and oil particles from the compressor. Fuel filters are used as such a blocker. Without clamps such a unit will not stand.

We will install an adjusting relay into the output cross, as well as a pressure gauge to control pressure. We connect the free plug to the gearbox. Using a relay, you can adjust the pressure range in the receiver.

PM5 (RDM5) is used as an actuator. Initially it was used in plumbing systems, but since it is a two-pin switch, it is suitable in our case. One contact goes to the connection with the supercharger, and the second to the “zero” of the 220 V network.

Using a toggle switch we connect the network phase. It will help you quickly turn off the power supply if necessary, so as not to run to the outlet to do this.

Pressure monitoring

Having collected all the elements together, we need to check the performance of the mechanism. To do this, we connect the device to the power supply, and set the relay to the minimum pressure supply. We monitor the pressure gauge readings while the system is operating.

After checking the relay, you will need to identify possible areas of loss of tightness. For this operation, a prepared soap solution is used. It is made thick in the form of a paste. We coat problem areas with the solution while the compressor is running. If air bubbles appear, seal the leak.

During a possible pressure drop to critical values, you can install additional air pumping by turning on the compressor. After receiving positive results during the test, you can.

We select a satisfactory pressure for the operation of the system empirically. In this situation, it is necessary to select the settings so that everything happens at minimum values of the supercharger operation. With this design you can paint any surface.

Budget compressor option

Building a compressor for painting can be quite economical. It can also be based on elements from an old refrigerator, and any sealed cavity is usually used for a container with air:

Exhausted oxygen balloon. It is able to withstand high pressure parameters, but has the disadvantage of being large.
Propane tank. It has the same positive qualities as oxygen.
Fire extinguisher. Models with a volume of 10 liters or more are suitable, as they have a better ability to withstand high pressure. However, at the outlet they have a metric thread.
Hydraulic accumulator. The cavity has a good volume with sufficient working pressure. Requires some modifications to get rid of the membrane and metric threads.

At the next stage, we combine the receiver with the compressor. It is necessary to provide maximum compatibility of connectors for connecting a relay capable of turning off the compressor at the right time. You can also use RDM-5.

The pressure gauge is selected with maximum values of 10 atm. We select fittings, tees or angles with inch threads. This will make the installation easier and ensure maximum air passage through the channels. To place the structure, it is allowed to use chipboard.

As a result, the list necessary elements will be in the following configuration:

Prepared compressor;
Receiver for air flow distribution;
Pressure switch connected to the network;
Pressure gauge up to 10 atm;
Filter reducer;
Emergency release valve;
Transition threaded elements;
Sealing elements (tape, paste, etc.);
Electrical wiring, plugs and on/off elements;
Hose that protects against moisture and oil;
Chipboard;
Hardware elements, wheels, gaskets.

If you are afraid of the number of spare parts and the complexity of manufacturing, you can always purchase an inexpensive factory-made compressor.

Installing a receiver in the form of a hydraulic accumulator will be the easiest, since it is already equipped with the necessary brackets. They can also be used to mount the compressor on top. The result is a two-level structure.

As fasteners, it is advisable to use bolts with hooks passed through pre-drilled holes. This will ensure greater structural stability.

It will be possible to reduce the influence of vibrations with rubber/silicone gaskets used as damping.

Using prepared flexible tubes, we connect the compressor outlet and the inlet to the receiver. Protective mechanisms in the form of filters must be installed. Power is supplied to the switch and relay. The structure must be grounded.

To make your own compressor you will need a refrigerator, or rather, just one part of it. Often such a device is used together with a spray gun or airbrush.

It makes virtually no noise during its operation and has small in size, creating quite a strong pressure. This unit is also suitable for inflating car wheels.

What do we need?
1. The motor installed in the old refrigerator is the compressor. In general, all models are quite similar; if there is a difference between them, it is not significant.

The black box attached to the side is a relay from which comes a power cable with a plug.

2. The container into which the compressor will pump air is the receiver. Any hermetically sealed iron or plastic 3-10 liter container is suitable for such purposes. Alternatively, you can use a fire extinguisher, a tank from a truck, a small tank or a can of construction fluids.

receiver

3. To make a compressor, you will need three hoses: a pair of 10 cm and one 30-70 cm long (depending on the characteristics of the receiver). Car hoses are ideal, as they will be connected to their own “original” filters.

4. Another hose or tube is needed to connect the compressor to the air consumer. The material of the product, as well as its length, are determined by specific needs. If you plan to use the compressor together with an airbrush, a thin polyvinyl hose will do. The one that comes with the airbrush can also be used. If you plan to use the compressor for outdoors, it is better to find a hose of greater thickness.

To make a compressor you will also need:

Clamps (5 pcs. 16 or 20 mm each);
Copper or iron 6 mm tubes, one piece at a time (the diameter can be larger, the main thing is that the hoses fit on them). The length of the first tube is 10 cm, the second is 20-50 cm;
One filter per car (diesel and fuel);
Epoxy resin, soldering iron, welding machine;
Pressure gauge (optional);
Base for the receiver and motor (a wooden board of the appropriate size is suitable);
Steel tape;
Self-tapping screws;
The following set of tools: screwdriver, drill, pliers, knife, metal file.

Making a compressor from a refrigerator

At the compressor outlet there are three tubes: a sealed one (the shorter one) and the other two open ones. It is necessary to figure out which of them is the input and which is the output. To do this, move your finger over the inputs of the tubes, after connecting the compressor to the network. The one that blows air out is the exit, the one that draws it in is the entrance. Disconnect the compressor from the mains and note the position of the inlet and outlet.

Use a metal file to saw off a couple of tubes, leaving at least 10 cm for easy connection of the hoses. Alternatively, you can try to bite off the required part of the tubes with pliers. The main thing is to make sure that no sawdust gets inside.

Now the compressor needs to be secured to a wooden base by screwing its legs with self-tapping screws. For more reliable fixation, we recommend using bolts. The compressor must be secured in exactly the same position as it was done in the refrigerator. The fact is that the relay operates under the influence of gravity. After fixing the compressor on a wooden base, you can move directly to the receiver.

If a plastic container is used as a receiver, drill two holes in its lid to install the tubes and insert them there. Secure the tubes using epoxy resin. Leave 2-4 cm of tubes outside (on top of the lid). Use a 10 cm tube as the outlet tube.

The second should be much longer and practically reach the bottom of the receiver. It is necessary to move the inlet and outlet as far as possible from each other - this will ensure the best mixing of the air in the receiver itself.
For a metal receiver, you need to do the same thing, with the only difference being that the tubes need to be soldered or welded. The nuts can also be welded, and then you need to screw the hose fittings into them.

The pressure gauge is installed only in an iron receiver.

Just drill a hole in it and solder (weld) the pressure gauge. However, it would be more convenient to weld a nut into the hole and screw the pressure gauge into it. So, if it breaks, you can easily replace it with a new one.

Now you need to secure the receiver to a wooden base. Attach steel tape, installing directly near the motor. Use self-tapping screws for this.

We go further - we put a 10-centimeter hose on the gasoline filter. There will be no difficulties with the appropriate hoses (for a gasoline filter), but polyvinyl tubes may need to be heated so that they fit onto the filter. This can be done with a lit match or by holding them in boiling water for a while. The other end of the hose must be placed on the compressor inlet tube. A filter installed at the inlet is necessary to filter out dust. In this case, it is not necessary to use clamps on the connections: there is no pressure at all.

Another piece of hose is needed to connect the “input” of the compressor to the “output” of the receiver. You need to put clamps on their connections.

We put one end of a 10-centimeter piece of hose on the outlet tube of the receiver, and the other on the diesel filter. Each of the filters has an indicator arrow indicating the direction in which the air moves through them, so there will be no difficulties with connecting them correctly. A diesel filter, which is installed at the outlet, is necessary to filter water from the air.

The working hose connected to the airbrush must be put on the outlet fitting of the diesel filter.

Rubber feet must be screwed to the bottom of the wooden base. As an option, you can also glue felt linings. Otherwise, the vibrating compressor will scratch the floor during operation. The degree of vibration, as well as the noise emitted by the device, depend on the chosen model: those installed in imported refrigerators are practically silent, domestic ones are also relatively quiet, however, there are exceptions among them.

The pressure that will create finished device, also depends on its model. The older the motor, the higher its power. So, good old Soviet compressors produce up to 2-2.5 bar, and some up to 3.5 bar.

Maintenance

The filters installed in the compressor need to be replaced frequently. Oil that accumulates in the receiver must also be drained. Please note that the key factor that affects the service life of a homemade compressor is the regularity of oil changes. It is better to make the first replacement before assembling the device.

There is also a third tube on the motor; it is sealed. It is necessary to cut off its sealed end, turn the motor over and pour out the oil (there will be a glass somewhere). Using a syringe, pour fresh motor oil into the tube, there should be a little more of it than you just drained.

In order not to re-solder the tube through which you drained (filled) the oil, simply screw a bolt into it, which can be easily unscrewed at the next oil change.

A compressor can bring a lot of benefits in various areas of life. Perhaps you need a device for quickly inflating car tires, or you have decided to do airbrushing, but you don’t have suitable equipment, but I don’t want to buy it. You can solve this problem by making a compressor yourself. We will talk about how to do this and what is needed for this.

Make or buy

Before you learn how to make a compressor with your own hands, you need to understand how and what problems it can solve homemade version, and how to deal with them with a store-bought unit. In this regard, everything depends more on the direction for which you need a compressor. If you need it for simple tire inflation, then you can use a homemade one.

It’s another matter if you are drawn to creativity. It doesn't have to be airbrushing to trip over imperfections. home option. The thing is that painting requires a uniform and uniform air flow. It should be free of debris and other small particles.

If these conditions are not met, grainy paintwork or other types of defects may result. This is what you should think about first when you see photos of homemade compressors.

To all of the above, you can also add heterogeneous stains and drips, which will be a problem even when painting a bicycle frame, let alone car parts.

Despite this, both types of compressors are designed pretty much the same when it comes to the basics. In any case, you need a reservoir in which the air is under high pressure. It can be generated by manual injection, or it can appear from mechanical action.

If the first option is cheaper to implement, then it is worth considering that the work will be much more difficult, because you will constantly need to monitor the pressure level inside the compressor.

If the compressor is equipped with additional automation, all you need to do is add oil or change it from time to time. The result of the operation of such a device will be a constant and uniform supply of air, which can play a very important role important role for you.

Preparation

Here we come to step by step instructions for assembling a compressor at home. If we talk about its advantages, then first of all it is worth remembering the volume of operation, because such a unit will work significantly quieter than the factory version. To do this, you will need to tightly connect all the components, but this work is worth the effort.

What can you make your own compressor from?

First, you will need something that can replace the receiver. A simple car camera works well for this. Next you will need to find a simple pump with a pressure gauge installed. It is needed to increase the air pressure inside the chamber. To this we add a simple awl, a repair kit for the wheel and a simple nipple for the camera.

First of all, you need to make sure that the chamber is still sealed and does not leak air. If it turns out that she cannot cope with her tasks, in conditions of increased pressure the consequences can be serious.

If during the inspection you find air leaks, then the chamber needs to be sealed, and this is best done using vulcanization.

Since our camera will serve as a receiver, we will need to make another hole in it, for which we will need a simple awl. You will need to glue the nipple into it, which I talked about earlier. It will be used to supply air inside the chamber.

For correct installation the pacifier is well suited to the belt kit, which is indicated in the list necessary details. Next, unscrew the nipple and check how the air moves.

A DIY mini compressor is made according to the same principle, you will just need to take a smaller chamber, which will require a lower power pump. Such an installation will have lower productivity, but will have a certain compactness.

Peculiarities

After everything that was done earlier, you need to install the release valve on the nipple that was originally on the camera. It is necessary to relieve pressure if it rises too high. In order to check the performance of the device not only by direct use, it would not be superfluous to install an additional pressure gauge.

Otherwise, if you are painting, you will need to first do a test run, then look at the uniformity of the enamel or plain paint, and only then start working. This is not very convenient, and can be quite expensive, depending on the price of materials.

It is important to know that when checking the pressure level with a pressure gauge, its needle should not twitch. If this happens, you need to check the entire structure, as this is a sign that the air flow is not uniform.

In fact, the idea of homemade compressors and the manufacture of one does not require any superpowers. Naturally, you will need direct hands, basic skills in working with different instruments, and the main thing is the desire to do all this. If you need a compressor for professional needs, then it is better to turn to ready-made solutions.

There are many reviews that homemade compressors work more reliably and are more durable. It is important to understand that this depends primarily on who made this unit, and the materials that were used to create it are no less important.