How to make a good compressor with your own hands at home? Designing a compressor at home How to make an air-cooled compressor yourself

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

Operating principle

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

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

Assembling a simple compressor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creating a compressor with a receiver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feasibility

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

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

Compressed air to help the car enthusiast

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

Air flow and spray painting

When working with paint, the air flow must be as uniform as possible. Also in stream compressed air there should be no water particles, oil impurities or other petroleum products. The presence of suspended and solid particles in the flow is unacceptable.

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

Branded or homemade?

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

Compressor operating principle

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

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

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

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

Homemade compressor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Semi-professional equipment

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

What will you need for assembly?

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

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

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

Engine as a supercharger

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

Preparatory procedures

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

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

Entry, exit and oil change

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

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

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

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

Choosing a capacity for the receiver

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

Fire extinguisher preparation

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

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

We install attachments

We almost made a compressor for painting a car with our own hands. To make it easy to move, the best option- this is the fastening of all components and parts on one platform. We have it wood slab. The motor from the refrigerator is already attached to it, and now you need to place a fire extinguisher-receiver there.

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

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

Protection from dust and small debris

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

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

Moisture protection

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

Denouement

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

We attach the pressure gauge

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

Importance of Relay

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

Electricity

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

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

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

Adjustment and first tests

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

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

First samples

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

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

Spray guns

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

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

How to set up a spray gun?

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

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


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

Compressor – irreplaceable thing in any garage. But buy good compressor not cheap. Craftsmen share their experience on how to assemble a compressor for a garage with your own hands from simple and affordable parts.

Air compressor - reliable assistant. Using a directed jet of compressed air, it is easy to clean your car from dust and increase the pressure in pneumatic tools for the garage.

Using a stream of compressed air, you can always perform high-quality painting of individual parts or the entire car body.

The main requirement for good compressor operation is that the air must flow under uniform pressure and be free of dust and oil. If during painting there are such particles in the air supplied by the compressor, then the paint layer is applied unevenly.

A good factory-made compressor is not cheap, but can be used both for professional painting and for performing high-quality, effective airbrushing. Having studied the principles of operation of such a device, you can make a high-quality homemade one.

The principle is simple - compressed air under pressure is collected in a sealed container (receiver). The pressure in the container can be increased either mechanically (manually) or using automation. It is inconvenient to constantly pump up pressure manually; automatic adjustment is easier to operate.

In compressors with automation, you only need to ensure that the oil in the pump is regularly changed to prevent rapid wear of rubbing parts.

A stream of compressed air flows through the fitting to the desired device (for painting, for cleaning or for blowing hoses).

How to make a simple compressor - detailed instructions

The simplest compressor can be easily made from a car inner tube. For simple repair work In a garage, such a simple compressor will do just fine.

We will need the following parts:

  • We will use an old tube as a receiver; the tire does not need to be removed. The main thing is that it is airtight;
  • the air blower in such a compressor will be a car pump with a pressure gauge;
  • You will also need a nipple from the camera, a rubber repair kit and an awl.

The procedure for assembling a simple compressor in five minutes:

  • Be sure to vulcanize the chamber if there is an air leak;
  • now you need to install an additional nipple in the chamber, through which air will be supplied to the spray gun;
  • the second native nipple of the chamber will serve as a safety valve to regulate pressure;
  • We glue the nipple, seal it with gaskets and connect it to the spray gun.

Important. The nipple from the second nipple must be removed so that the air stream from the chamber is supplied to the spray gun freely.

All that remains is to adjust the required pressure in the receiver. This is done through trial and error. We paint the test surface and ensure that the paint applies evenly. We monitor the pressure gauge - during the process of applying paint, the pressure level should decrease smoothly, and not abruptly.

Using such a simple compressor, you can tint the body or individual parts, but for professional and convenient work We need a more advanced compressor - with automation.

Improved handy DIY compressor

How to make a compressor that will not be inferior to the best Russian and foreign analogues? You will need the following parts:

  • regular pressure gauge;
  • gearbox, be sure to choose a gearbox with a filter to prevent oil and moisture from getting inside the receiver;
  • any relay for adjusting pressure indicators;
  • fuel filter (for gasoline, not diesel);
  • water connection for four outlets (internal diameter 3/4);
  • Diameter adapters will be needed for sealed connections of parts;
  • large automotive clamps;
  • receiver;
  • motor oil - you need a viscosity of at least 10W40, metal paint and an anti-rust additive;
  • electric toggle switch;
  • oil hose;
  • a piece of thick board - this will be the base of the compressor;
  • syringe;
  • hardware for fastenings;
  • silicone sealant and fumlent;
  • wheels for furniture;
  • filter for diesel engine.

Half of the components can be found in any garage.

Selecting an engine for a compressor

A good motor for our compressor is spare parts from an old Soviet refrigerator; it already has a start relay, this is very convenient, as it regulates the number of atmospheres in the receiver. You need an engine from an old unit (Dnepr, Donbass, Oka), imported models give lower pressure in atmospheres.

What should be done:

  • The compressor needs to be cleaned, rust removed, internal parts oiled and the outside painted. There are three outlets on such a compressor - we find out where the supply is and where the outlet of the air stream is, mark it with a cross;
  • One tube in older models is sealed, it needs to be carefully opened, this will be a hole for adding oil to the compressor.

Important. So that when sawing off the tip, chips do not fall inside the compressor.

  • pour out the old used oil and fill in the same amount of semi-synthetic oil, it is convenient to pour oil into the compressor with a 2 ml syringe;
  • We install a plug from the screw and seal it with fume tape;
  • install an oil filter on the outlet pipe;
  • We attach the compressor, compressed air cylinder and start relay to the board.

For compressed air, it is convenient to use a 10-liter tank from an old fire extinguisher; no more is needed. This cylinder can withstand pressure up to 15 MPa.

Household compressors for painting are available in large quantities in networks retail. Although it is worth saying that their price is quite high and depends on the manufacturer and its power.

Today we will tell you how to make a compressor for painting at home with your own hands. In this case, its price will not be significant, and instructions will also be provided in which you can look at photos and videos and do everything quickly and correctly.

We make it at home

First you need to do right choice compressor for painting. This will depend on the amount of work being done. If you use it for commercial purposes and make money from it, then it’s worth making it more powerful.

Attention: The higher the power of the compressor, the higher its price. But if you are painting cars or other non large structures, then it’s worth stopping at the middle power range.

What is needed and how it works

We will assemble an air compressor for painting, using a regular camera from vehicle/auto.

For assembly homemade compressor we will need:

  • Vehicle/auto camera. It will play the role of a receiver in our unit.
  • A pump, it is better to use it with a device - a pressure gauge. His role will be to pump things up.
  • Repair kit.
  • Awl for comfortable work.

Now after preparing all the parts, we can start assembling the station:

  • The first step is to check whether the chamber allows air to pass through, whether there are any holes or pores in it. We pump it up. If during the process we discovered depressurization of our facility, then we can stick patches on the right places, or treat the raw condition with rubber.
  • The next step is to make a hole in the receiver. For these manipulations we will need an awl. Next, we put the nipple from the camera there, it will act as an outlet for the air stream when our device is operating.
  • We attach and glue the optional fitting. It was precisely for this purpose that we initially prepared our repair complex. Then we attach the fitting itself. To make sure that the air leaves the container normally, you just need to unscrew the nipple.
  • However, we will not touch the nipple itself installed on the chamber; its role will be to perform the function of a valve, as well as maintain the required level of pressure flow. To know the pressure volume, we have to spray the paint material onto the surface. If the enamel is applied to the metal in even layers, then our work is done correctly and at a high level.
  • A pressure gauge can also help us determine the pressure level. Even after turning on the airbrush, the pressure should also be uniform.

The process of assembling a homemade compressor for painting is relatively simple and does not require special knowledge and skills, but its comfort and convenience begins to be felt immediately. It is much easier to carry out paint work using an airbrush than using a balloon.

Attention: To the last tips we can add that you need to carefully ensure that streams of dust or liquid do not enter the vehicle’s camera in any way.

If these elements still make their way there, you will have to prepare the paint for the job again. At proper operation The compressor will serve for a long period of time, however, if possible and desired, the air should be pumped in automatic mode, it is much more convenient and simpler.

We assemble the compressor with our own hands at a semi-professional level

It is possible to assemble such a unit, which in its properties will in no way be inferior to special compressors from leading developers. We will take a regular refrigerator as a basis.

To complete the work, you will need a number of spare parts and units, namely: a receiver, a filter, various adapters, oil, switches and other parts, which we will get acquainted with later. Let's consider the operating principle of this unit.

  • To make the process much simpler, the engine of our unit will be a compressor from a conventional refrigerator, which was produced in the Soviet Union. An undoubted advantage is the presence of an injection unit relay. Domestic refrigerators have a higher pressure level than their foreign counterparts, which is an important advantage. After the block has been removed, it must be prepared for use; the corrosion layer must be cleaned.
  • For such work we use a corrosion converter so that oxidation reactions stop taking place. This is how we produced preparatory work motor

Having made all the necessary preparatory measures, we can begin to change the oil. After all, if we don’t lie too much, almost no refrigeration unit has ever undergone an oil change over many years of continuous operation. This solution justifies itself, since during these works our mechanism is fully protected from external air.

  • To change the oil, we use semi-synthetic material. Its properties are no different from compressor oil and contains the additives we need.
  • The second step is to find three tubes on our compressor, two of them will be located in open state, the second is sealed. In the operation of our installation, the first two tubes will serve to pump air in different directions (it will enter and exit). To determine the movement of air masses, we need to turn on our injection unit into the network. Next, we carefully look at where the air is sucked in, and at what point it leaves our unit.
  • The tube, which is sealed, will act as an oil changer. From here we have to get rid of the closed part of it. For such work, we can take a regular needle file and make a cut around the circumference of the tube. Please ensure that pieces of chips and metal dust do not end up inside the injection unit.
  • Next, we break off the back part of the tube and drain the oil into a special container. This is done in order to determine the subsequent volume of the next pour. Using a syringe, we inject a small amount of new semi-synthetic oil.
  • When new oil is introduced, it is important to turn off the entire engine lubrication mechanism. We must pick up the screw, having previously wrapped it with tape, and screw it into a tube. It must be remembered that a small amount of semi-synthetic oil will sometimes leak out of the back of this tube. To avoid this, we need a special oil separator for work.
  • Once we have successfully completed the previous assembly steps, we can proceed to the next steps in creating our blower setup. The work begins with mounting the engine with the relay on a wooden bed. This must be done in such a way that it is like on the frame.
  • Such measures must be carried out, since the injection unit relay is very sensitive to its position in space. The actions must be precise, since the correct functioning of the compressor operating modes in the future will depend on the correct settings.

Air capacity

Where can I get the air container? For such purposes, we will need a canister that is used in fire extinguishers. All this depends on the fact that they have high strength against the pressure exerted on them; they are ideal as a canopy.

So:

  • As a basis, we take a fire extinguisher under the brand name OU-10. It has a ten-liter air volume and high level strength to the tested pressure. We unscrew locking mechanism, then install the transition device.
  • If you come across traces of rust, you need to get rid of it promptly. using a corrosion converter. We place the above liquid inside the can and begin to shake it.
  • After the rust has been removed and there are almost no traces left, we attach the crosspiece. During this work, we created two important spare parts for the future injection unit.

We carry out the assembly

To ensure that the parts do not interfere with each other, they must be immediately installed on the base. To make it, we take a board; the engine of the future injection unit and parts of the fire extinguisher will be attached there.

  • We use special threaded pins to install the engine on a wooden base. We insert the pins into the pre-made holes. Nuts will come in handy more than ever. You also need to drill a hole to mount the fire extinguisher. Other sheets are attached using self-tapping screws to our wooden base.
  • We place the receiver on a vertical level; we will need three sheets of plywood for such purposes. Makes a hole in one plywood for attaching a spray can. We attach other sheets with self-tapping screws. We glue them to the receiver sheet.
  • In advance, we hollow out a hole in the wood base for the receiver and its bottom part. In the end, so that the installation can move, we will assemble ordinary wheels from ordinary furniture, which are attached to the base.
  • Once we have completed the above collection work, we need to ensure protective functions our installation from dust flow. For these purposes, you will need a gasoline filter, which usually plays the role of coarse filtration. Its task is to become an air intake in our blower installation.
  • Next we take the rubber hose and compressor tube. The compressor input level is low, it is important to remember this, i.e. We will not need to increase the contacting properties with the help of clamps.
  • Those. We have already made an inlet filtration system for our compressor. At the outlet of the installation we attach an oil separator, which will protect the device from the penetration of parts of the dust flow. We will also need a power filtration mechanism. Since the pressure level at the output of the system is high, here we will need vehicle clamps.
  • Now we have smoothly approached the oil separator filter. We put it into operation by connecting it to the input part of the gearbox. The gearbox serves for decoupling and the output part of the compressor, i.e. We screw the cross into the outlet part on the left, and on the right side we attach a pressure gauge (this is how we will monitor the pressure level). We attach a control relay to the top of the cross.
  • The control relay allows you to adjust the level of discharge pressure height, as well as, if necessary, turn off the power supply to the compressor.
  • With the help of these spare parts, we will turn on our injection unit if the pressure level is low and, on the contrary, turn it off if the parameters rise sharply.
  • To adjust the level of recommended compressor pressure you need to use relay springs, there are two of them. The spring, the largest size, serves to create pressure at a low level, the small spring for maximum pressure, and it also serves to adjust the shutdown of the installation.
  • PM5 were originally assembled for water supply; they are simple switches of two contacts. One contact in our version is designed to work in a network where the voltage is at a level of two hundred and twenty volts, while the other contact works to communicate with the injection unit.
  • We provide power through a toggle switch to connect to the second input with the injection unit. If our circuit already has a toggle switch, we have the right to quickly turn off the system.

It goes without saying that all contacts must be properly sealed and insulated. Now we can paint our compressor with peace of mind and start trying to paint with it.

We monitor the system pressure

Now that our installation is ready, it's time to check how it works or run some tests. We connect an airbrush or spray gun. Without touching the toggle switch itself, we connect our system to electrical energy.

  • We set the relay to the lowest possible pressure level and connect the injection unit to electricity. We look at the indicators and characteristics on the pressure gauge, monitor the level of supplied pressure. After we have found out that the relay turns off the compressor engine, we look at the contacts and their sealing properties.
  • To determine the tightness, use a regular soap solution. If the entire installation has successfully passed all tests, then we must necessarily remove air below the level to start the entire blower mechanism. If the pressure level reaches the required limits, the relay starts the compressor system itself. If everything works as expected, we can begin the colorful work.
  • To paint metal surfaces and foundations, initially there is no need to prepare the very foundation for the work. All we need to do is set the required pressure level on our injection unit.
  • Such tests give us a chance to measure those necessary specifications, which will allow you to lay down layers of paint evenly. It is also necessary to remember that such painting work was carried out with a minimum of operation of the injection unit.

Instead of output

After completing all the above work and putting our injection unit into operation, we can sum up the first results. Thus, the process of assembling the compressor itself is not particularly difficult for all vehicle owners; special knowledge and skills are not required here.

  • It would be foolish not to say that the second type of compressor is much more complicated in terms of its assembly and the availability of the necessary spare parts and materials. However, due to the pressure in automatic mode and the special starting system of the entire injection unit, such a compressor is the most convenient and pleasant to use.
  • Also, you will not need to monitor the receiver. This installation can also be used for painting indoor gates or other surfaces.

Attention: It is not difficult to make a compressor for painting yourself; it is also important to do regular maintenance. Especially often they fail due to failure to change the oil. Therefore, monitor its quality first.

You now know how to choose a compressor for painting and can do everything yourself. Pay attention to the tightness of the joints and then the compressor will serve you for a long time.

It is not necessary to buy a compressor for painting work or inflating wheels - you can make it yourself from used parts and assemblies removed from old equipment.

We will tell you about structures that are assembled from scrap materials.

In order to make a compressor from used parts and assemblies, you need to be well prepared: study the diagram, find it on the farm or buy some additional parts. Let's look at a few possible options for making your own air compressor.

Air compressor made from refrigerator and fire extinguisher parts

This unit operates almost silently. Let's look at the diagram of the future design and make a list of the necessary components and parts.

1 - tube for filling oil; 2 - starting relay; 3 - compressor; 4 - copper tubes; 5 - hoses; 6 - diesel filter; 7 - gasoline filter; 8 - air inlet; 9 - pressure switch; 10 - cross; eleven - safety valve; 12 - tee; 13 - receiver from a fire extinguisher; 14 - pressure reducer with pressure gauge; 15 - moisture-oil trap; 16 - air inlet

Necessary parts, materials and tools

The main elements taken are: a motor-compressor from a refrigerator ( better production USSR) and a fire extinguisher cylinder, which will be used as a receiver. If they are not available, then you can look for a compressor from a non-working refrigerator at repair shops or at metal collection points. A fire extinguisher can be purchased on the secondary market or you can involve friends in the search, who at work may have decommissioned fire extinguisher, fire extinguisher, fire extinguisher for 10 liters. The fire extinguisher cylinder must be emptied safely.

In addition you will need:

  • pressure gauge (as for a pump, water heater);
  • diesel filter;
  • filter for a gasoline engine;
  • pressure switch;
  • electric toggle switch;
  • pressure regulator (reducer) with pressure gauge;
  • reinforced hose;
  • water pipes, tees, adapters, fittings + clamps, hardware;
  • materials for creating a frame - metal or wood + furniture wheels;
  • safety valve (to relieve excess pressure);
  • self-closing air inlet (for connection, for example, to an airbrush).

Another viable receiver came from a tubeless car wheel. An extremely budget-friendly, although not very productive model.

Wheel receiver

We invite you to watch a video about this experience from the author of the design.