Homemade compressor for painting a car. How to make a homemade air compressor for painting

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An air compressor is a device that sprays paint. It is commonly used in workshops and garages to paint cars or inflate wheels. You can purchase such equipment in a specialized store or make it yourself. Unlike factory models, homemade equipment can be more efficient and last much longer. In addition, in terms of financial costs, independent production will be cheaper.

Using an accessory from a car, you can make a compressor of a simple design. This is a ready-made electrical device - wheel inflation device. The compressor has two positive properties:

Power. The device is capable of creating high pressure up to 5-6 atmospheres, without unnecessary load on the engine. This is the main advantage automotive devices. But it will take about 10 minutes to pump up the wheels. Therefore, the work is done intermittently, otherwise cheap devices may overheat during this time. The reason is the low performance of automobile compressors.
Performance. In a unit of time, the device is capable of releasing air quickly and in large quantities. Thanks to high performance, the container is filled faster and direct use compressed air makes the flow from the nozzle stronger.

A high-speed engine and a device with a volumetric piston system will help combine power and performance. To ensure that the equipment does not stop during overheating, it is necessary to create additional cooling of the cylinders. Sometimes turbines are used for the working unit. In everyday life for frequent use simple devices are not used because of their high cost. In order not to have to choose between power and performance, use a receiver.

The receiver is a storage tank. For industrial devices, a steel cylinder is used as a receiver. A fairly powerful, but not very efficient compressor slowly fills the cylinder. In a short period of time, a volumetric flow of air can be supplied from the receiver, but only when sufficient pressure appears. After the air is supplied, it should restore pressure. All devices operate on this principle. For a compressor with low power, an electric motor from a toy is suitable. This device is often used to supply air to an aquarium.

Functional homemade compressor

Unlike devices that are made from car accessories, the compressor from a refrigerator runs continuously. This is due to good power and performance. In addition, the quality is no worse than factory models. And if it is possible to get the components for free, then the production of such a device will cost a minimum. The device is designed for painting and blowing, tire fitting, and provides excellent performance for pneumatic tools. For the manufacture of a compressor for 220 V you will need the following parts:

Motor-compressor from an old refrigerator.
Tees, oil filling tube, hoses, fittings, air inlets.
A reducer that will monitor the pressure.
Two pressure gauges.
Receiver. A fire extinguisher or gas cylinder, which should be completely empty. Can be cooked homemade container made of sheet iron and thick pipe.
Filter for air purification.
Oil.
Emergency valve.
Start relay and pressure switch.
Paint for metal.
Fum tape, hacksaw and motor oil.
Key and syringe.

Compressor assembly consists of several stages:

High power compressor

If the previous version of the compressor is not powerful enough for you, then there are devices with more high pressure and great productivity. An internal combustion engine is used as a compressor, the crankshaft of which begins to work not from fuel combustion, but from the reverse process. At the same time, the piston group of the device has a large margin of safety. An electric motor with a power of 3 kW or more is used as a drive, which can be purchased at a low cost. Or use a working engine, removing the ignition and intake system, exhaust, starter group and gearbox.

This device is capable of creating a pressure of 10 atmospheres. Very noisy.

Medium Power Air Compressor

From a gas cylinder or fire extinguisher is created air compressor average power. To do this, connect an old fire extinguisher (cylinder) and a powerful auto compressor to inflate the wheels. At self-production The device must comply with the following rules:

Capacity with mechanical damage and corrosive deposits must not be used.
The structure must be well fixed.
A steel sheathing must be made. This is necessary if the receiver accidentally ruptures.
It is necessary to provide a pressure reserve. If you plan to increase the pressure to 5 atmospheres, then its strength should be from 10 atmospheres.
To ensure that the compressor automatically turns off when the pressure reaches maximum, install a sensor emergency shutdown. Or you should install a mechanical valve, which, if necessary, will provide an emergency pressure release.
Can't be left on for a long time a high-pressure apparatus, if used in rare cases. To maintain tightness, 0.5 atmospheres is enough.

Do not neglect safety precautions: do not forget about installing emergency sensors. An overinflated tire will simply burst, and if a steel cylinder explodes, you can get seriously injured.

It’s easy to make a compressor with your own hands. Its design can be simple or complex, the main thing is what it is intended for and how much you are willing to spend on its manufacture. But do not forget that the device must meet technical safety requirements.

The car is a device for mechanical compression of gases, which generates an air pressure at the outlet that is greater than atmospheric pressure. By pumping air into the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine, the compressor increases engine power by increasing the efficiency of fuel combustion. When the supercharger is running, the fuel mixture contains more air, which makes it easier to ignite and releases more energy during combustion. In the course of research, it was found that the engine adds 46% of power and 30% of torque to the latter - this device is so important!

This device is used as power pneumatic tools

An air compressor is installed not only in cars with internal combustion engines - this equipment is used to power pneumatic tools in industry and other industries. Main performance characteristics air compressor - operating pressure and capacity in liters of air per minute.

The following types of air compressors are distinguished:

Piston. Device with direct force transmission. During engine operation, the piston moves along the cylinder and compresses the air that enters the system. There are oil and oil-free piston blowers, the latter of which are widely used to power spray guns in the painting industry. Double piston air compressors are used for industrial purposes due to their high performance.
Rotary. Power is transmitted from the engine using a belt. Propellers with rotating blades compress the air inside the device and create. Rotary equipment is characterized by high performance, good efficiency, low noise and vibration during operation. Air type oil is used sparingly and does not enter the compressed air. 380 V is especially widespread in production.

The blower can operate independently or using a receiver, which ensures an even supply of compressed air to the system. An air compressor without a receiver is less expensive and smaller, but is more susceptible to breakdown.

Can I do it myself?

Not everyone can make an air compressor for an engine on their own, and making modifications not provided by the car manufacturer can have an unpredictable effect on the operation. However, it can be assembled for a garage or auto repair shop - with the help of such a device you can quickly fill tires with air, create overpressure for spray guns and other pneumatic tools, as well as find other uses for the equipment.

A do-it-yourself compressor with a receiver will last much longer than purchased equipment, provided it is properly assembled from high-quality parts. This is explained by the fact that the master, who set out to make an air compressor with a receiver, makes it for himself, and for this reason he cares about quality. What parts are needed and how to assemble?

Assembling the compressor with your own hands

The main element of a homemade air supercharger is the propulsion system. Recommended for use in the refrigerator. It is notable for the presence of a start relay, which provides the ability to set and maintain a certain level of air pressure in the receiver. If you don’t have an old and unnecessary refrigerator at hand, you can find the unit at an industrial waste dump or from friends. Preference should be given to a refrigerator made in the USSR, since for the production of Soviet refrigeration equipment powerful and reliable compressors were used.

The refrigeration blower has three tubes, one of which is sealed at one end. The rest are air ducts - one lets air in, the other exhausts. When further assembling the unit, it is important to understand in which direction the air flows circulate. To determine, you need to turn on the compressor for a short time and observe in which direction the circulation occurs. It is recommended to mark “input” and “exit” different colors so as not to be confused during assembly. An air filter will help prevent arbitrary changes in air direction. check valve for the compressor.

In addition to the heart of the old refrigerator, for assembly car compressor you will need:

Air receiver ( good option is a fire extinguisher).
Pressure gauge.
Coarse fuel filter.
Moisture separating filter.
Air pressure control relay.
Set of adapters, clamps, hoses.
Toggle switch for 220 Volt voltage.

At various stages of assembly you will need: a base for installing the finished unit, wheels (can be taken from old furniture), paint, engine oil and anti-corrosion agent.

Receiver assembly

The compressor receiver is a durable container that contains air under pressure. The role played by the car air receiver is to eliminate pulsations during air supply by the compressor, which is carried out by equalizing the pressure in the system. The secondary role of the receiver is the storage of inert gases or condensate.

The receiver capacity is absolutely sealed, and the required volume depends on the cyclicity of air consumption by the consumer and the performance of the air compressor. Using a receiver extends the life is often used in various fields, including painting, industrial production and other industries.

An automobile air receiver can be manufactured in three ways:

Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. Well suited for long-term storage of gases under pressure up to 10 atmospheres, it has durable steel walls and is safe to use. A fire extinguisher with a volume of 5-10 liters is sufficient for the receiver. To convert the fire extinguisher into a compressor receiver, you need to remove the shut-off and starting device and put the prepared hose adapter on the hole. The container must be emptied and washed thoroughly. Next, the plumbing cross is installed and sealed. After this, you can use the manufactured receiver for work.
Hydraulic accumulator. A more specialized device with a sufficient range of capacities. Disadvantage: low nominal pressure. Plus - suitable outlet thread. To use as a receiver, you must remove the internal membrane for storage. carbon dioxide, then connect the hose as in the example with a fire extinguisher.
Oxygen balloon. Exceptional strength and air pressure of tens of atmospheres, but small capacity, inconvenient transportation and heaviness. To use, just connect the hose - the homemade receiver is ready for use!

A do-it-yourself air receiver can be made from any cylinder for storing compressed gases, but before use you need to make sure that the selected container can withstand the operating pressure of the future compressor.

Final assembly of the compressor unit

The compressor and receiver should be installed on one common base for ease of storage and transportation homemade equipment. The compressor from the refrigerator, found earlier, must be cleaned of rust (if any). Next, the oil in the air compressor is changed, since the old one has probably become unusable. You can’t pour any oil into an air compressor; if you don’t have a special compressor lubricant, you can use motor oil, synthetic oil, or semi-synthetic oil.

Install the compressor and receiver on one common base for easy storage and transportation

The compressor is assembled in five successive steps, as follows:

Place the refrigerator blower on the prepared base and secure with threaded rods. The receiver is installed in a vertical position and secured by folded sheets of plywood in the amount of three pieces with a hole for the cylinder. Wheels are screwed to the bottom of the base for easy transportation.
Install the compressor and check valve for the air compressor into the air intake hole. For convenience, you can use a rubber hose.
At the outlet pipe of the supercharger, install a water separator through a hose - it can be taken from a diesel engine. To prevent the hose from breaking under pressure, it is necessary to strengthen the connection with automotive clamps. A moisture separator must also be installed at the inlet of the gearbox - a device for decoupling the pressure in the receiver and the compressor. The outlet pressure pipe is connected to one of the ends of the water cross.
Set to top part a relay crosspiece for adjusting pressure, and a pressure gauge at the free end for control. All joints must be firmly reinforced with fum tape and tightened with clamps to prevent failure.
Using a 220 Volt toggle switch, connect the mains phase to the compressor output. Insulate the contacts with electrical tape or dielectric casing.

After connecting the equipment to the network, the oil-fired air compressor can be considered assembled. You can plug the device into the network and check its functionality.

What problems can await during assembly?

Auto air compressors are simple devices in terms of design and operation, but during self-assembly you may encounter the following problems:

Oil supply to the wrong hole. Due to the presence of several tubes in the supercharger, it is possible to get confused and pour oil into the wrong hole. To prevent the problem, oil must be poured into either of the two inlet tubes - the outlet tube is excluded.
Small diameter of the receiver inlet. If using a standard cylinder thread is not possible, use flux on the element and attach a collet clamp. The final design can withstand pressure of 5-6 atmospheres.
Incorrect connection of blower tubes. In order for circulation in the system to occur smoothly and in one direction, you need to install a check valve on the compressor yourself. It will prevent possible problems and will ensure stable operation of the supercharger.

Try to assemble the oil supercharger with your own hands in full accordance with the instructions, recommendations and safety rules. In this case, there will be no problems with the operation of the equipment.

Setting the required pressure

A motorcycle air compressor or car supercharger must be properly prepared for first use. To get started, you need to set the pressure mode using a relay. The adjustment is carried out using two springs - the large one sets the minimum pressure, the small one sets the maximum. The first contact of the relay is connected to zero, the second is attached to the supercharger.

WATCH VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

When using the equipment for the first time, monitor the pressure gauge readings - the relay should turn the blower on and off when the lower and upper limits are reached set pressure respectively. After final adjustments, you can paint the homemade supercharger and continue operation.

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 take up airbrushing, but you don’t have the appropriate equipment, and you 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 tank 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 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, 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 nipple is well suited to the repair kit, which is indicated in the list of necessary parts. 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.

If you want to work in your garage or shed as a hobby, and you have enough free time to do it - why not.

DIY compressor photos

The compressor is used for independent vehicle maintenance, including painting, inflating tires, supplying air to pneumatic tools, and others. repair work. Making a compressor for painting a car - economically profitable solution, which does not require significant financial investments.

Principle of operation

Based on the principle of operation, there are Various types equipment, but it is based on one technology - the air supplied due to the operation of the engine is transferred to the container and, accumulating, reaches higher level pressure indicator. As soon as the pressure reaches a critical point, excess air is removed using a bleed valve. Thus, compressors work by maintaining pressure at a certain level.

Most an important condition is a constant indicator of the pressure level specifically in compressors used to paint a car. However, regardless of the functionality of the tool, this parameter is key, and therefore the manufacturing technology and materials used are selected depending on the required pressure. On the Internet you can find many various videos assembly of any compressor, however, the most popular options are very few.

We assemble quickly and easily

One of the most available options A compressor for painting work is a tool made from a car inner tube onto wheels. It is she who acts as a receiver. It is also necessary to have following materials and tools:

The nipple of another car camera.
Car pump with pressure gauge.
Consumables for working with rubber.
Set of automotive tools.

The chamber must be intact, since the main function of the receiver is the accumulation of air. Acts as a supercharger in the device car pump. We assemble the compressor carefully following all the necessary steps.

First of all, you need to make a hole in the chamber and glue the nipple to this place. Thus, the “native” nipple will serve to pump air into the chamber, and the new one will serve to supply air to the atomizer. Next, you need to adjust the pressure using a pressure gauge, selecting the optimal indicator during operation.

To simplify the work of making a compressor for painting a car, you must follow the following recommendations:

To prevent vibrations during air supply, the chamber must be carefully secured.
You should not fill the chamber with bulk substances as this leads to clogging of the channels, which means the paint mixes with them.

Compressor with receiver

This option is much more complex in design than the previous one. Such a tool is already considered semi-professional, which means that in order to assemble the compressor, it is necessary larger number tool and material. Important elements Such equipment is a do-it-yourself refrigerator compressor. It is worth considering that the compressor of an old refrigerator may lose its seal, which means its functionality is reduced. In such cases, it is necessary to take care of changing the oil. This procedure is performed as follows:

File and break off the tube on the side of the compressor.
Pour oil inside using a syringe.
Seal the tube with a screw with a rubber gasket.

In order to compensate for the abundant evaporation of oil, it is necessary to install an oil and moisture separator filter at the inlet of the receiver, which will prevent foreign liquids from entering the paint.

After this, you need to drill a hole for the adapter and install it using, for example, cold welding. The outlet is equipped with an air vent car filter to prevent dirt and liquids from getting inside.

Once the preliminary assembly is completed, you can assemble the compressor:

Fasteners are screwed onto the separator filter and installed with one side on a reinforced oil-resistant hose, and the other on the compressor tube.
All connections are clamped with clamps, and the threads are sealed with fum tape.
Screw on a cast iron lid with a rubber gasket backing.
Install the toggle switch, pressure switch, reducer, pressure gauge and connect all the wires.

Upon completion of assembly, the compressor must be adjusted and tested. It is certainly more difficult to make such a tool yourself, but its functionality is much more extensive. For ease of use, furniture wheels can be installed on the compressor.

Most common faults

The receiver does not maintain the set pressure level when the power is turned off. This is possible if there is a leak in the system and it can be detected using a soap solution on the following most vulnerable areas:

highway;
piston valve;
pressure relief valve on the receiver.

If a leak is detected in the compressed air line, this malfunction can be eliminated with simple electrical tape and sealant. If there is a malfunction on the tap, then the valve must be replaced.

The engine does not respond to starting. First of all, you need to make sure that the power source is in good working order and the integrity of the cable, and also evaluate the quality of contact connections and fuses. Incorrect pressure settings on the receiver can also affect the performance of the instrument. To diagnose this malfunction, you need to bleed the air from the reservoir and try to start the engine.
No pumping. The first cause of such damage may be damage to the electrical network. It is also possible that the pressure in the receiver is too high.
Compressor overheating. This situation is possible with increased temperature conditions and when the voltage drops in the network, as well as during prolonged operation of the tool.
The air at the outlet contains water. As a rule, the reasons for this phenomenon are the following:

The collected water in the receiver has reached a critical level
inlet filter contamination:
increased level of room humidity.

Undoubtedly, self-assembly compressor installation is a complex and time-consuming process, but the benefits are undeniable. It is worth noting that Maintenance such a tool is much simpler and cheaper. Painting a car with your own hands using such a compressor will also be significantly cheaper than in any auto repair shop. A do-it-yourself painting compressor for a car will last a long time if assembled and used correctly.

What selection of compressors suitable for home use does the industry have to offer today? Frankly speaking, the range is small, and besides, the offered samples have a lot of disadvantages, ranging from size and weight to noise level.

Ready homemade compressor

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

Engine selection

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

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

Compressor equipment

In addition to the engine and the pumping unit itself for normal operation The compressor also requires other components. To make a compressor with your own hands we will need:

Foundation for the entire structure;
Air receiver;
Filters and moisture separator;
Connecting hoses or tubes;
Reducer and pressure gauge;
Engine starting equipment;

Homemade compressor design

The base, also known as the frame, can have any design and be made from any available material.

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

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

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

With such a receiver you will have to do a little work - weld in tubes and bushings to connect the rest of the system.
Air filters and dehumidifier are best used industrial production, the price is of course a little expensive (a good set now costs from 3000), but the quality is worth the money.

It is impossible to make an air compressor with your own hands without connecting hoses or tubes. By personal experience I can say that oxygen hoses (from welding) show very good results, the only drawback is that they are quite heavy, and, therefore, it is inconvenient to work with an airbrush; it is better to use a standard spiral hose.

Everything is clear with the starting equipment; a standard engine starting relay is used, only a switch is added. It is more convenient to use a foot switch, then your hands remain free when working.

Working on the compressor

I'll tell you how to make a compressor using my own example. It started with trying to use a small commercially available compressor for inflating wheels for the airbrush. I was dissatisfied with his performance and got to work.

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

After that, I went to my friends’ unit and became the owner of a new KAMAZ receiver. I brought all this stuff home and started creating a simple design.

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

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

An adapter for the supply hose was screwed into the threaded bushing of the receiver and connected to the outlet tube of the pump; a moisture separator block with a reducer and a pressure gauge was screwed into the opposite bushing. gas tap with a connector for connecting an airbrush hose. I tried it - everything works great, no complaints.

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

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