Scheme of the compressor from the engine from the refrigerator. Air compressor: do it yourself from the refrigerator

Compressor for airbrushing from the refrigerator motor»\u003e If you do everything right and take care of depreciation, then there will be almost no noise at all. For those who like to make something with their own hands, and this usually happens at night, this moment extremely important. parts for modeling and other hobbies that are usually taken up after the main work. Therefore, noise limits are very important.

The design of the compressor from the refrigerator is extremely simple. A container for pressure equalization is attached to the compressor from the refrigerator, since direct blowing is not stable. This container acts as a receiver, an air flow mixer.

What is required to make a compressor with your own hands and where can you buy all this?

1. Refrigerator compressor. You can unscrew from your old one, you can buy it at a repair shop that deals with refrigerators. In order not to be confused, let us explain that the refrigerator motor is the compressor.
2. Sealed container that holds pressure well. Receiver. Many use cylinders from fire extinguishers, but there are also plastic containers that are quite resistant to stress. It is important that the container is large enough to mix the air and equalize the pressure from the refrigerator compressor. You can make a receiver from a suitable plastic container from garden sprayers. If the container is plastic, you will need epoxy for fasteners.
3. Start relay. You can take from the same refrigerator or buy. But usually the motor and the relay are together, it is from the relay that the power cord with the plug comes.
4. Petrol filter, diesel filter.
5. Pressure gauge. Sold in a plumbing store. Not required, but desirable. Mounted on a metal receiver.
6. FUM tape for connections.
7. Three pieces of fuel hose. 2 for 10 centimeters and 1 for about 70.
8. A hose that will remove air. You can attach a regular hose from an airbrush or a thicker hose if the equipment will be used for painting cars.
9. Clamps, fasteners, electrical tape.

Some hands-on experience is desirable.

Manufacturing process

Most of the fuss will be with the receiver. If you use an old fire extinguisher as a receiver, be prepared for the fact that there will be quite a lot of metal work. In addition, it will be necessary to ensure tightness. If we do not have significant experience in working with metal with our own hands, it is better to take a plastic receiver.

In the case of using heavy parts, you should mentally prepare for the fact that the compressor will turn out to be stationary. It is better to immediately prepare a reliable base and fasteners for it.

Compressor preparation

Determine where the compressor has a tube for the incoming air flow, and where is the outgoing one. To do this, you can briefly turn on the compressor in the socket and determine from which tube the air is blowing. Be sure to mark the tubes at the base so as not to confuse. This can be done with colored tape or a piece of medical plaster.

Carefully cut the tubes to about 10cm. This is necessary for the convenience of connecting hoses.

The vertical position is important for the compressor. The relay housing has an arrow pointing up.

It will be convenient if we fix the compressor in the correct position.

Receiver

Consider a simplified version with a plastic canister. We cut two holes in the lid for the tubes. The inlet tube must be made long, almost to the bottom. Outgoing can be made short, about 10 cm.

Outside, there are small segments of about 2-3 cm.
The structure must be fixed epoxy resin to ensure tightness.
In the case of an old fire extinguisher, the same actions will have to be done by soldering and welding fittings.
But on metal body you can install a pressure gauge.

Don't solder the parts. Better weld nuts and thread where possible.

Connection of parts

Attach a gasoline filter to a short piece of fuel hose. Put the other end on the inlet tube of the compressor. The filter is needed so that dust does not fall into the compressor.

Connect the compressor output pipe and the receiver inlet tank with the second piece of fuel hose. The air flow will go from the compressor to the receiver. We put clamps on the hoses, since the air is under pressure.
Another short length of fuel hose is needed in order to secure the diesel filter. The filter is needed to clean the air flow.
A hose and equipment can be attached to the outlet fitting.

Compressor maintenance

Transformer or engine oil in the compressor must be changed periodically. It is advisable to change the gasoline filter about once every six months. Replacing the filter is a common maintenance, understandable to any motorist. All maintenance can be done by hand.

How to change oil

Examine the motor. A sealed tube should come out of the refrigerator compressor. Carefully cut off and drain the oil from the motor. Usually there is about a glass of it. However, if you purchased the compressor in the workshop, the oil is most likely already drained. Using a syringe, you need to pump in new oil and take care of how to close the hole. It will be most convenient to glue the outer thread with FUM tape and make a screw cap.

Compressor application

Mainly used for painting

• For airbrush painting. Airbrushing allows you to draw fine details and apply artistic images.
• For painting auto parts through a sprayer
• For quick painting during repairs. To do this, you need to attach wheels to the compressor platform, like a vacuum cleaner. The accuracy of painting with a compressor is much higher, it is used in luxury design interiors.

No need once again to talk about what the compressor is for, because this is already clear. But not everyone can do it from the refrigerator with their own hands. However, with patience essential tool and theoretical knowledge, this task can be dealt with, and quite quickly. You can use such equipment together with an airbrush, spray gun, etc. tool. Its key features are that the operation is almost silent, and the dimensions are small. But such a compressor creates very good pressure.

Why homemade and not professional?

You probably already know the answer to this question. Often it's a matter of price. Professional compressors are expensive. And if you have an old refrigerator that is idle, then why not take yourself a few hours and not make the compressor yourself. As for the design, it is different, but not much. Purchased models have an electric motor that transmits work through a belt drive. In our case, the electric motor and the working chamber will be in the same housing, but there is no belt drive.

less in homemade product and automation. Although here protection against overheating needs to be installed. Such a relay will save your motor from high temperatures and prevent damage. As for lubrication, professional compressors can also be dry, that is, without lubrication. Such models work due to graphite rings. In our case, there will be a lot of lubrication, which directly affects the durability of the equipment.

It is worth noting that it is not so difficult to make a home-made compressor from the refrigerator with your own hands. But you need to understand that attention to detail is required here. In any case, if everything works out for you, then at the end you will have a functional station that can be adjusted as you like and arranged as you like. All this, unfortunately, cannot be done with purchased equipment.

Dismantling works

Before using the compressor, it must be removed from the refrigerator and equipped accordingly. But more on that later. Now about how to do it dismantling works. There is nothing complicated here. You will need a small set of tools: pliers, two screwdrivers (flat and Phillips), a pair of box wrenches. Probably everyone knows where the compressor is located. Usually this is the bottom rear end refrigerator.

Now you can start removing. You will see copper pipes that lead to the cooling system. With the help of pliers, you need to bite them off. Preferably with maximum vacation. In the future, you can use them for your own purposes. It is worth paying your attention to the fact that you need to bite off the pipes, and not try to saw them with a file. "Why?" - you ask. It's simple, when sawing, small chips are necessarily formed, which, in one size or another, enter the compressor, which can lead to a deterioration in its technical condition up to breakage.

This work is not finished, we need to remove an equally important element - the starting relay. Usually it is a white or black small box with wires coming in and out of it. Carefully unscrew the fasteners and bite off the wires leading to the plug. Mark in advance where the relay has the top and where the bottom. This may be indicated on the case, check. are needed in order to remove the carcass of the compressor. So we removed the compressor from the refrigerator with our own hands. Another point, take all the fasteners with you, they will come in handy.

Checking the functionality of the equipment

The first step after removal is to make sure that the compressor is not “dead” and can be used for your own purposes. To do this, flatten the copper tubes with pliers. This is done so that air can freely exit and enter through them. In the next step, we need to put the starting relay in the position in which it was before removal. This is extremely important. The fact is that the relay works on the principle of heating the plates and gravity. Incorrect orientation will cause it to break. The compressor winding may even burn out, which is not good.

The relay has input wires. To them you need to fasten the wire with a plug. The connection point, in order to avoid electric shock, must be twisted with electrical tape. After that, you can plug the plug into the socket. If the compressor rumbles quietly to itself, and air comes out of the tube, then you did everything right and you can use the equipment. At this stage, it is recommended to mark the tubes so that you know which one is leaving and which one is entering. If, however, problems arise during operation, for example, the compressor does not turn on or turns off after a while, then you will have to dial the relay and find the weak link. This procedure requires minimal knowledge electrical circuits and electrical engineering in general.

Materials required for work

Before you make a compressor from the refrigerator, you need to get everything you need to work. First, it's a compressor. We have already figured out how to remove the engine (compressor) from the refrigerator, so you should have it at hand. By the way, different compressors are installed on different models of refrigeration equipment. They are usually a product cylindrical shape or the so-called pot.

In order to make a high-quality compressor that would fulfill its purpose at 100%, it is necessary to acquire a receiver. In fact, this is a container into which the engine will pump air from the refrigerator. In principle, there are no specific requirements for the receiver. The old one will do empty fire extinguisher, receiver from a truck. The volume can be different - from 3 liters and more. Also, before you make a compressor from the refrigerator, you need to find suitable hoses. The length of two of them should be 10 cm or more, the last one should be at least 50-60 cm. It is very convenient to take car hoses here. The fact is that they will be attached to the filters, and their size is perfect for these purposes.

As for consumables, these are two filters - gasoline and diesel, clamps, wire, epoxy resin, pressure gauge. As for the tool, every owner will find it in the workshop. Need a drill, knife, screwdriver and pliers. Once you've put it all together, you can get to work.

from the refrigerator: step by step instructions

Most compressors have three outlets. copper tube. Two of them are open, the ones you bit off with pliers, and one is sealed. It is usually the shortest. Accordingly, the tube from which air blows is the outlet, and the one that sucks in is the inlet. We don’t touch the third yet, but a little later we will figure out what it is for and what to do with it. So, after checking the output and input, make the appropriate marks and disconnect the compressor from the network. Next, we take a pre-prepared board. She will be our foundation. Using self-tapping screws, we attach the compressor to the board. Tubes must be further processed before connection. It is advisable not to use a metal file, it is better to take pliers.

One important point: the compressor must be attached to the base in exactly the same way as it was installed on the refrigerator. Mounting sideways or upside down is not permitted. This is due to the starting relay already familiar to us, which works due to the forces of gravity. Our do-it-yourself compressor from the refrigerator has not yet been made. Now we need to make a receiver. A plastic container will do. In its upper part we drill two holes for tubes of the appropriate diameter. Then we insert them there and fill it all with epoxy to seal. One of the tubes (inlet) should not reach the bottom of the receiver a couple of centimeters. A short tube (outlet) starts about 10 cm. Such manipulations are needed for more convenient air mixing.

iron receiver

"How to make from the refrigerator?" - you ask. Yes, it's very simple, for this you need to use the instructions described above. But there is one thing, for such purposes it is best to take an iron receiver. There is not much difference between plastic and metal, but only on an iron receiver can we install a pressure gauge. In addition, the hoses are soldered or welded, not filled with resin. This provides a better tightness of the container.

To install a pressure gauge, you need to drill a hole of the appropriate diameter, install the device and solder this place. Although it would be more humane to go the following way. We drill a hole in a suitable place and weld a nut on this place. Then it remains only to screw the pressure gauge, and the job is done. In principle, there is not much difference, only replacing a failed pressure gauge is much easier. After everything is done, you can attach the receiver to the base. To do this, use steel tape or wire. In fact, we almost made a compressor from the refrigerator with our own hands. There are a few small details left.

How to make a mini compressor: the last part of the installation

We have already passed most of the way. Now there are a few lines left. First, take a piece of hose (10 cm) and put a gasoline filter on it. If you use a car hose, then there should be no problems with putting on. If the hoses are thin and are not put on the fitting, then as an option they can be heated. The free end of the hose must be put on the compressor inlet. If the connections are strong, then the clamps can not be used, especially since there is practically no pressure here. It is easy to guess that the filter is necessary in order to prevent dust from entering the compressor. The second piece of hose is connected to the outlet of the compressor and the inlet of the receiver. There will already be a lot of pressure, so we put clamps. We put a diesel filter on the third hose, and insert the second end into the outlet of the receiver. The outlet fitting of the filter (diesel) is connected to the working hose of the spray gun, airbrush or other equipment. You will probably decide for yourself how you can use the compressor from the refrigerator and for what purposes.

Equipment specifications and maintenance

As for the pressure created by the compressor, it is difficult to talk about specific figures. Much depends on the model and age of the equipment. By the way, the "ancient" compressors are more powerful. They are able to give about 2-3 bar. Both imported and Soviet models work almost silently, however, there are exceptions.

As far as maintenance is concerned, this is a pretty important point if you don't want your fridge compressor to need to be repaired soon. It is not difficult to take care of such equipment with your own hands. The main rule is that it is necessary to periodically change the gasoline and diesel filters. In addition, it is advisable to drain the oil accumulated in the receiver. A decisive role in the durability of the equipment is played by the high frequency of oil changes in the compressor. You need to do this not so much often, but at the appointed time. To drain the mining, it is necessary to cut off a piece of the sealed tube. Remember, we mentioned it at the very beginning of the article. Through it, the old oil is drained and new is poured.

Should the compressor be repaired?

Often the refrigerator motor fails. Oddly enough, but often there is no point in repairing. But when it comes to refrigerant, the issue is resolved by replacing it. As for other cases, such as dust getting inside or winding burning, this is best left unattended. Really easier and cheaper to buy a new engine. But with your own hands it makes sense. There is nothing difficult in this. Moreover, you already know how to remove the compressor from the refrigerator. It is installed in the reverse order. It is important that the installation is carried out correctly. That is, the joints of the tubes must be sealed, and the wires must be reliable, that is, insulated. In general, the replacement process itself takes no more than 20 minutes. If you still decide to repair the refrigerator compressor with your own hands, then get ready for difficulties. First, ring the relay, perhaps it is in it, and therefore the equipment does not start. Then in the compressor. If this does not help, then the equipment can be thrown away, there is no particular point in messing with it.

Conclusion

So we figured out how to make a compressor from a refrigerator with our own hands. In general, a variety of difficulties may arise during the execution of work. From the fact that the hoses do not fit on the filter, and ending with poor connections or lack of response from the compressor. But most problems can be fixed. In general, such a compressor is a very useful thing. With it, you can do painting and other useful things. It matters more what kind of airbrush or spray gun you use than a compressor. The main purpose of such equipment is to provide constant pressure. If there is a need for a large pressure, say 3.5 bar and above, then it will not be difficult to find a suitable compressor. Most likely, this is the Soviet model. This is due to the fact that modern refrigerator engines, although not powerful, are very productive. That's all for this topic now you can get down to business.

AT modern world exists simply great amount various equipment and tools, for the operation of which it is necessary to have compressed air. At the same time, there are many other areas of application where this element is used as driving force, or it is the main one during operation. Given this, the question of how to make a homemade compressor is of great interest to many people, even if only in order to simply be able to connect a spray gun or a small pneumatic tool.

Application area

Before proceeding with the manufacture of such units, you first need to decide on their purpose. The fact is that different types works require a device with strictly defined parameters. Therefore, it is worth considering the most popular areas used in everyday life, and determine which homemade compressor is needed for them.

Painting

Most often, such products are used in order to be able to connect an airbrush or airbrush. These tools do not need very much pressure, and the compressor for them should not be too bulky to be moved if necessary.

The easiest way to make a homemade airbrush compressor is from a refrigeration unit. It is almost always produced in sealed form along with the chamber and motor. As a receiver, it is worth using small containers in the form of fire extinguishers or small gas cylinders.

Instrument connection

Pneumatic tools usually require a certain amount of pressure to operate. At the same time, it must be said that there are a lot of varieties and models of such devices that differ in a parameter called "air consumption". It is analogous to the power of an electric tool.

Given this, for such purposes, a home-made compressor from the ZIL-130 compressor is used. It is quite powerful, and with a good receiver, it is quite suitable for such work. Therefore, the tool is already selected for it, taking into account the technological requirements for performing specific work.

Sandblasting machines and press

For the operation of such devices, homemade compressors are needed. high pressure. Moreover, in some cases they are used not to create a certain pressure, but to maintain the air flow for a long time. It all depends on the model of the powered systems and their characteristics.

Typically, such units are equipped with rather large receivers that can maintain the required pressure. It is believed that a self-made compressor from the ZIL-130 compressor is better suited for such a device, but with right approach you can use the motor from the refrigerator. The main thing is to think over the system correctly.

Aquarium and decorative devices

Usually for such products such as aquariums, hot tubs or other devices, small and low-power compressors are used. However, they do not need a receiver at all or use small containers for it. Therefore, a home-made compressor for an aquarium is usually connected directly, although it is equipped with a check valve.

Given this, it makes no sense to take a large unit for such products into work. However, it is worth considering that sometimes it is much easier and cheaper to purchase a device from the refrigerator than a small specialized compressor.

Manufacturing process

All work should be divided into several stages. Moreover, each of them requires certain knowledge and skills. The fact is that even the simplest home-made compressor for painting needs not only to be connected to the system using pipes and hoses, but also to electrical methods control.

Necessary equipment

Almost all the main elements and components can be created from used things, but some elements will have to be purchased separately. In fact, you will need the following parts to work:

• Container for the manufacture of the receiver. It can be used as an old fire extinguisher, gas cylinder or hydraulic accumulator.
• Start relay. If you plan to make a home-made compressor from the refrigerator, then you can use its native unit, and there is a ready-made seat for it.
• Valve overpressure. In this case, it is worth buying a new product that is set to the required value or has a regulator.
• Pressure compensator. It is needed to be able to adjust the output flow, regardless of what pressure is in the system and at the inlet.
• Pressure gauge. It is desirable that this device has adjustable contacts that can be set to a certain value.
• control relay. It can be used to supply current to the starting circuit, depending on the position of the contacts.
• Dehumidifier. This unit is quite expensive, but it is he who is responsible for the life and quality of the product. Therefore, it is easier to make a homemade compressor moisture separator from an old oil filter using silicone gel as a filler.
• Check valve to protect the compressor.
• To connect all nodes, you will need pipes and fittings. You also need a wire to power electrical circuits.
• If desired, you can create a frame on which to mount all the nodes.

Tool

When assembling all systems, you may need:

• welding machine;
• grinder with cutting wheels;
• a set of tools (keys, screwdrivers, hammer, etc.);
• soldering iron;
• drill with drills.

In fact, the list of tools necessary for work depends on what type of compressor will be manufactured, and which components are used for this.

Working with the unit

If you plan to create a home-made ZIL compressor, namely from a car, then with the unit itself additional work production is not required. It can be immediately installed on the frame and connect the engine. In this case, it is best to use a belt drive.

However, when a homemade compressor is made from a refrigerator engine, some refinement is required. It is best to immediately cut the case along the top cover and carefully remove the mechanism.

Then it is worth cleaning the device and refueling it with oil. You also need to change all the hoses and connect the inner ends of the inlet and outlet to each other. Although it depends on the model of the compressor itself.

It should be said right away that homemade air compressors usually work with large quantity oils. Therefore, all hoses should be purchased at an automotive store, taking into account this environment.

After all, the mechanism is again placed in the case and covered with a lid. It can be fixed with soldering. However, you should immediately think about replacing this part, since it will be very difficult to install it back.

Attach an air filter to the compressor inlet. This will protect it from excess contamination. A non-return valve is mounted at the outlet of it.

Install the compressor in the same position in which it worked on the refrigerator. At the same time, it is fixed in a suspended bed using springs. In fact, you can completely cut out the seat on the refrigerator and mount it on the frame.

Some experts suggest using additional rubber pads to get rid of excess vibration. You can also use soundproofing, increasing the level of comfort of working with the product.

Receiver

It is best to use a 25 liter container for the manufacture of this assembly. If a homemade compressor from the refrigerator is used for an airbrush, then such a receiver will last him for two hours with the power off. This will help extend the life of the device.

First of all, an overpressure valve must be installed on the container. This can be done by welding or threading for seat. It all depends on the capacity itself.

Then an inlet is made through which air will flow inside. You can immediately mount a barometer on it, and then a dehumidifier. Air must enter the system dry so that fluid does not collect, as this will reduce its life and pressure level.

A pressure compensator is installed at the outlet of the receiver. It is thanks to him that it will be possible to adjust the air supply.

The receiver is also fixed on the frame, but without shock absorbers. At the same time, it is immediately connected to the outlet of the compressor using hoses or pipes. It is best to use flexible materials that will not be damaged by a little vibration.

A hose can be connected to the outlet of the container, connecting it to the necessary device. It should be attached to the clamps so that you can make a quick replacement if necessary.

Wiring

Creating a homemade compressor, you should not save on systems automatic control. They help a lot to save time and allow you to leave the unit unattended. Therefore, it is very important to purchase a pressure gauge with a limiter and an additional contact pair.

The wiring diagram of the power supply system is quite simple. Power is supplied to the pressure gauge contact group. At the same time, its arrows are set so that it is in a closed state until the pressure rises to the desired value, and is connected again at a different, minimum value.

Further from there, the wires are connected to the relay on the compressor itself. In this case, it will turn on only when the minimum pressure is reached, and turn off when the maximum value is reached. It is also a good idea to install an additional power line with a button that can be used in manual mode in parallel.

It is best to take a pressure gauge for work, in which the contacts of the working group can withstand mains voltage. However, they are quite difficult to find, and more often come across products with a nominal value of 24 volts. In this case, it is necessary to use a transformer that will be included in the circuit with contacts and relays.

Commissioning works

To begin with, close the outlet cock and fill the receiver with air. The pressure in it is selected based on the initial characteristics of the device, which used to be a container. This value is set as the maximum allowed.

The overpressure valve is typically set to a rating of 1.2 times the upper limit. At the same time, it is advisable to check it by disconnecting the pressure gauge contacts or setting the maximum level higher.

With a pressurized system, all components are checked for air leakage. It is easy to find by the characteristic whistling sound. Also, a similar defect can be detected using soapy water.

As the lower limit on the pressure gauge, a value is set equal to the minimum pressure required for the operation of a particular tool or device. After that, the time is measured during which the receiver will be empty during continuous operation. This data will help you plan the entire workflow correctly.

It is also very important to check the work electrical circuit. The compressor should turn on when the pressure in the receiver reaches a predetermined minimum, and when filled to the maximum, it must turn off. If this does not happen, then it is worth re-checking the entire electrical circuit.

• If a homemade compressor is not mounted in a housing or on a frame, then it will be very difficult to transport it. This may damage the connections. However, when fixing to a common frame, it is very important to solve the problem of vibration.
• When purchasing a pressure gauge, you should immediately find a seal or tag on it that would indicate the date of its last check. If it is not, then such a device should not be purchased. Even new products have a similar marking.
• Sometimes it is much easier to purchase a ready-made node than to create it yourself. However, some things just don't go on sale. They are either very rare, or have other characteristics that do not meet the design requirements.
• On the receiver itself, it is worth making a small tap so that you can bleed air. This will allow the unit to be transported without residual pressure in the system. Also, such a tap will make it possible to drain the liquid that will accumulate in the system, regardless of the presence a large number filters and other measures to separate moisture from the air.
• Some masters, in order not to make extra holes in the tank, prefer to create one branched outlet, installing all the necessary nodes on it. It's pretty practical solution, but according to safety rules, the overpressure valve must be located on the receiver itself.
• If, when working with the device, it is necessary to obtain a suction effect, then in addition it is necessary to make a special device from two thin pipes welded together at an angle of 45 degrees. Supplying air from the side acute angle, you can get the desired effect from the welded end.
• Before starting work, it is worth studying the market finished products of this type and estimate your estimated costs. It may be much cheaper and easier to purchase a product in a store than to create it yourself.

Conclusion

Having studied how a homemade compressor is made, it is worth understanding that this work requires the performer to have certain knowledge and experience. You also need a lot of different tools, among which there can be quite expensive types.

However, if you need to get a special device with individual parameters that are ideal for a specific tool or type of work, then you will have to assemble it yourself. At the same time, it is necessary to immediately understand that such products require quite high costs, although if you take into work components or parts that have already been used, then costs can be significantly reduced.

When the refrigerator breaks down, a person prefers to immediately send it to a landfill and purchase a new unit for freezing food. The compressor from the refrigerator should still be left, because this part household appliance can be of great use to a person. You can use the compressor from the refrigerator to inflate tires, to pump out water, and even in airbrushing this tool will come in handy. But before discussing the nuances of using the unit, it still needs to be mined. To do this, you need to find a unit that looks like a large black bowler hat at the bottom of the refrigerator. Next, unscrew the bolts and nuts with which the part is attached to the refrigerator itself. Using a hacksaw, the compressor must be sawn off from the refrigerator radiator. Now it remains only to check the functionality of the compressor. To do this, it is connected to the network, and if the part starts to make characteristic sounds, then it works.

The extracted compressor from the refrigerator can be used to repair another large-sized household appliances. So, for example, if a person’s compressor failed on another refrigerator, the part can be safely replaced and the equipment can continue to be used. However, often craftsmen find completely different areas for the use of this unit. So, for example, very often the compressor is used in garages for pumping tires and pumping oil. But before you start using it, you will have to install a special receiver. The receiver itself is required in order for the unit to work normally and smoothly, without overloading the network too much. Also, this nuance should be observed so that during operation, the compressor does not splash oil. The receiver should be fixed on the compressor tubes, additionally checking the strength of the connection. After that, you can proceed to the operation of the compressor for your own purposes.

The old refrigerator compressor finds its widest application in the garage. It has already been mentioned above that the technique can be used to inflate tires, due to the fact that the compressor itself is able to distill air. To inflate tires, the unit only needs to be plugged into an outlet and connected to the bus. It’s just that you can pump up no more than two tires in this way, since the compressor from the refrigerator works quite slowly, but at the same time it can noticeably overload the network. Refrigerator compressor has enough pressure to pump car tires. In order to inflate a bicycle wheel, you can use, for example, a part from an air conditioner. Another area of ​​​​application for a compressor in a garage is to pump out excess oil. Here you need to unscrew the oil filter, and use the compressor to pump out required amount oils. The process itself usually takes no more than 2-3 minutes, but the oil level must be monitored all the time.

One of the most popular uses for an old compressor is for airbrushing purposes. The art of airbrushing involves the use of a special apparatus for drawing a picture within the framework of a special technique. The compressor will just become such a unit, and quite powerful. To assemble the airbrush you will need old compressor, receiver, rubber tube, fine filters, PVC tube, mounting clamps and furniture screws. Before starting the assembly of the airbrush, it is necessary to replace the oil in the compressor with a simple car, as this will positively affect the operation of the equipment. Next, you should connect the receiver, connect the start relay and the filling tube to the compressor. The petrol filter should be mounted on the compressor itself, the diesel one on the receiver. By connecting the entire structure using the existing tubes, you can connect the airbrush to the network and use it to create original drawings.

It is also possible to effectively use an old compressor for pumping water from a water supply system. For example, when replacing or repairing a water pipe, it is often difficult to pump out all the liquid from the pipes, and this complicates everything. further actions. That is why experts recommend using a compressor. To create a water pumping system, you need a simple, Glass bottle, two suction tubes and liquid in a special container. One suction tube must be connected to the compressor, leaving the other end in the bottle. After that, it is recommended to close the bottle itself to create a vacuum. The second tube should also be taken into the bottle, and its end should be left in a container of water. In fact, the water pumping unit is ready, and you can start using it. With the help of another hole on the compressor, you can safely pump out liquid from the water supply system, significantly facilitating the repair process for yourself

All of the listed ways of using the compressor are real, but, of course, they should be resorted to only with special technical knowledge. If the person himself has a poor idea of ​​\u200b\u200bwhat a compressor looks like and how to create a tire inflation unit from it, then it is better not to work with this part of the refrigerator. On the Internet you can find many instructions for converting a compressor for a variety of purposes, and here it is very important to consider the scope of the unit. Also, when working with it, it is necessary to observe safety precautions, making sure that the network is not under too much voltage. An old and rusty compressor can serve a person for a long time. That is why, if the owner of the refrigerator does not plan to use it, it is better to immediately give the equipment for recycling, where the old compressor will definitely find its application in various fields.

A homemade compressor from the refrigerator is most often used in tandem with an airbrush or spray gun, as it works almost silently, takes up little space and creates sufficient air pressure. It is also suitable for inflating the wheels of the car. Next, we will tell you how to make a compressor with your own hands.

Materials and tools for a homemade refrigerator compressor

Compressor. The motor from the old refrigerator is called the compressor, it is the central element of our product. You can see how it looks in the photo: the details of different models may differ, but in general they are similar to each other. The compressor is supplied with a start relay (a black box attached to the side), from which a power cord with a plug comes out.

Receiver. The container into which air will be pumped by the compressor. Options are possible here: any tightly closed container with a volume of 3 to 10 liters made of iron or plastic is suitable. It can be an empty fire extinguisher, small tanks, various receivers from trucks, canisters from construction fluids.

Hoses. You will need three pieces of hose. Two are 10 cm long and one is 30-70 cm, depending on the shape of the receiver and the intended fastening. It is convenient to use fuel hoses in a car, as they will connect to car filters.

You will also need one hose or tube to connect the finished home-made compressor from the refrigerator to the air consumer itself. Here the length, the material depends on the specific needs. If you will be using the compressor with the airbrush, any thin polyvinyl hose (or the one that comes with the airbrush) will do. When using the compressor outdoors, it is better to look for a thicker hose.

• Clamps. 5 pieces, size 16 or 20 mm.
• Tubes. Two pieces - copper or iron, with a diameter of 6 mm or others - the main thing is that the hoses fit.
• One is 10 cm long, the second is 20-50, depending on the size of the receiver, more details below.
• Automotive fuel filters. One petrol and one diesel.
• Manometer (optional).
• Epoxy resin if a plastic receiver is used.
• A piece wooden board(the foundation). The size depends on the size of the receiver and the motor. They should be placed side by side on the board.
• Steel tape or wire. Needed to secure the receiver.
• Wood screws.

Tools:

• sharp knife
• Screwdriver
• Drill
• Pliers.
• Metal file (optional).

How to make a compressor with your own hands

Now directly about how to make a compressor with your own hands.

Three tubes come out of the compressor from the refrigerator: two open and one short, sealed. Plug the compressor into a power outlet and run your finger near the outlets of the tubes. The one from which air blows will be the exit, and the one that draws in will be the entrance. Remember which one is which, and unplug the compressor from the outlet. Cut two tubes with a metal file, leaving 10 cm or more to make it convenient to connect the hoses. You can bite off with pliers, but you need to make sure that the sawdust does not get inside the tubes. Next, we mount the compressor on the base board, screwing the legs with self-tapping screws (you can use bolts, it’s more reliable). Important: we fix the compressor in the same position in which it was fixed in the refrigerator. The fact is that the starting relay on the motor works due to the forces of gravity, on the relay case there is an arrow pointing up. Having fixed the compressor, we pass to the receiver.

We make a receiver. Option if you have a plastic container. We drill two holes in the lid for our tubes. We insert them there, as shown in the figure, and fasten them with epoxy. From above, we leave the ends 2-4 cm long. Now about the length of the tubes. Short (10 cm) will be the day off. The second will be the input, we make it as large as possible so that it does not reach a few centimeters to the bottom of the receiver. This is done in order to space the inlet and outlet holes inside the receiver as much as possible for greater air mixing.

If you have an iron receiver, we do the same, but do not glue the tubes, but solder or weld them. You can also weld the nuts, and then screw the fittings under the hoses into them.

The pressure gauge can only be installed in a metal receiver. To do this, we drill a hole in any convenient place on the receiver and solder a pressure gauge in it. A more preferable option: we weld a nut onto the hole and screw the pressure gauge into the nut already. So in case of failure of the pressure gauge, you can easily replace it.

Now we take a piece of hose (10 cm) and put it on the gasoline filter. If you use hoses for gasoline, then there should be no problems, if you use polyvinyl pipes, you may have to heat it with a match or hold it in boiling water so that it fits on the filter fitting. We put the other end of the hose on the compressor inlet tube. This inlet filter is needed to filter out dust. Here, the use of clamps on the joints is not necessary, since there is no pressure here.

We take the second piece of hose and connect it to the outlet tube on the compressor with the inlet on the receiver. We put clamps at the junctions.

Now we put the third piece of the hose (10 cm) with one end on the outlet tube of the receiver, and put the other end on the diesel filter. We put on clamps. An arrow is drawn on the filters (diesel and gasoline), indicating the correct direction of movement through the air filter. Connect both filters correctly. The diesel filter at the outlet is needed to filter water from the air.

We put our working hose on the outlet fitting of the diesel filter, which goes directly to the airbrush, spray gun, etc.

On the underside of the base board, we fasten rubber legs or glue felt pads for furniture. If this is not done, the compressor may scratch the floor during operation - it vibrates. The level of vibration and noise depends on the model of the refrigerator compressor you have obtained. Motors from imported refrigerators are almost inaudible, Soviet ones are also quiet, but there are exceptions.

The pressure generated also depends on the model. Ancient motors are more powerful. Most Soviet compressors are capable of pumping pressure up to 2-2.5 bar. The compressor in the photo creates a pressure of 3.5 bar.

Maintenance of a homemade compressor from the refrigerator

Compressor maintenance consists of changing both filters regularly and draining the collected oil in the receiver. But main factor that affects the life of the compressor is the frequency of oil changes. The first time it is better to change it before assembling the compressor. There is a third sealed tube on the motor. We cut off the soldered end from it and drain the oil from it by turning the motor over. It will pour out about a glass of oil. Now, with a syringe, fill in fresh engine oil through the same tube, a little more than the amount that was drained.

After that, in order not to solder the drain tube, we twist a bolt of a suitable size into it. At the next oil change, just unscrew the bolt.