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How to make an air compressor with your own hands: design options. How to assemble an electric air compressor yourself What to assemble a compressor from

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

Ready homemade compressor

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

Engine selection

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

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

Compressor equipment

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

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

The design of a homemade compressor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Work on the compressor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

The compressor can be used in a wide variety of applications − for tire inflation, airbrushing, painting spare parts etc. Possessing necessary tools and certain technical knowledge, it is quite possible to independently manufacture this unit based on a conventional refrigerator. A homemade compressor gives about 7 atmospheres, which is quite enough for an ordinary garage workshop, so many people are increasingly thinking about how to make such a compressor? Do-it-yourself refrigerator compressor it will turn out to be quite quiet and, most importantly, cheap at its cost.

On average, the manufacture of this unit will require about one thousand rubles for all accessories.

Before trying to make ours out of an old refrigerator, you need to compare these two options, i.e. , sold in specialized stores, and our homemade version. In total it is possible to distinguish a few major differences between them:

  • The design of the factory compressor has an electric motor that transmits torque to the working chamber through a belt drive. As for the homemade compressor, it consists of a housing and the engine itself, without belts.
  • In the factory version, automatic pressure relief systems, inlet and outlet filters, pressure gauges, etc. are already installed. In the compressor from the refrigerator, you will have to install the adjusting equipment yourself, taking into account all the features.
  • Although most factory compressors are equipped automatic systems, in some budget models this feature is not implemented. In other words, these units will have to be turned off on their own, marking the time by the clock. Homemade compressors are mainly equipped with a protective relay that turns off the engine when there is a risk of overheating.
  • In some factory models, any lubrication may be completely absent. Of course, they have a small motor resource, but there are no various exhausts. This circumstance is very important, especially if the spray gun behaves rather capriciously, not tolerating various impurities. As for homemade compressors, there is plenty of this oil. By the way, you need to pay attention to which one to fill in - synthetics are very poorly combined with the usual, so you do not need to pour everything that is horrible.
  • The main feature of a homemade compressor is that it works very quietly, especially if you put all the tubes on it correctly, observing tightness. As for factory compressors, they behave more noisily, so its use is only possible outside the home.
  • The cost of manufacturing a home-made compressor is very low, because we take the main components from old equipment, and the control equipment will cost us one thousand rubles. As for the factory compressor, the situation is different.
  • It is not possible to make any technical changes to the factory compressor. In other words, if the unit is not powerful enough, then it can only be used as a pump for, no more. Homemade options the good thing is that you can add some details to them, for example, a large receiver, so you can significantly increase the power of the device.
  • Factory compressor are complete technical device, so any improvisation with it is impossible. With a home-made unit, you can do almost everything - take some parts out of the case, or hide everything in one box, and attach a handle on top for easy transportation.
  • You can install a fan on a homemade compressor so that it cools the device from the outside.

Read also: Review chargers for finger batteries

Most refrigeration compressors have some limitations in terms of their work. There are several modes in total:

  • Normal - 16 to 32 C.
  • Subnormal - 10 to 32 C.
  • Tropical - from 18 to 43 C.
  • Subtropical - from 18 to 38 C.

However, combined modes are more common, having a different range.

Thus, a homemade compressor can be much more efficient than factory, in terms of working with air.

In the video, a version of a home-made compressor for pumping wheels

Dismantling works

To make a homemade compressor from the refrigerator, you need to make initial preparations. It consists in certain dismantling works, i.e. we just need to remove the compressor from the refrigerator itself. It is located behind the refrigerator, in its lower part. To remove, we need an elementary set of tools: pliers, box wrenches and two screwdrivers (plus and minus).

The compressor is located between the tubes that are connected to the cooling system. These tubes must be cut off with pliers, but in no case should they be sawn off with a hacksaw. The fact is that with this method, small chips are inevitably formed, which can get inside the compensator.

Then we proceed to the removal of the starting relay - this is an ordinary black box, with wires sticking out of it. We unscrew the fasteners, then we bite the wires that lead to the plug. We must not forget to mark the top and bottom of the starting relay - this will come in handy in the future. By the way, we also pick up all the fasteners along with the unit itself.

Health check

After we removed the compressor, it is necessary check its performance.

The fact is that we are removing the device from an old refrigerator, so we need to make sure that our unit is still “alive”. So, we flatten the tubes with pliers - this is necessary in order for air flow to pass through them. Next, we need to put the starting relay in the position in which it stood in the design of the refrigerator. This is very important, because if the position is incorrect, there is a risk of damage to the device, as well as failure of the compressor winding.

There are wires on the relay case to which you need to fasten a piece of wire with a plug. It is better to wrap the junction with electrical tape to eliminate the risk of electric shock. Plug in the device. If you did everything right, then the compressor will work, and air will come out of its tubes. By the way, it is necessary to mark which tube the air flow comes out of, and which one it goes into.

Step-by-step instruction

Before proceeding to self-manufacturing, you need to make sure you have everything necessary materials and tools.

We invite you to watch the video detailed description process of one of the manufacturing options

Read also: We select oil for the air compressor

In addition to the compressor itself, which we previously removed from the refrigerator, we need:

  • Receiver. In this case, you can use the body of an old fire extinguisher, or weld the body from sheet metal and pipes.
  • Various hoses. At the same time, the length of one hose must be at least 600 mm, and the other two - about 100 mm. In this case, you can take the hoses from the car.
  • Various expendable materials- gasoline and diesel filters, wire, clamps, pressure gauge and epoxy.
  • Related tools, i.e. screwdrivers, pliers, drills, etc.
  • In addition, we need the usual wooden plank, which will be the basis of the whole structure. We attach the compressor to it using ordinary screws. Fastening should be carried out exactly in the same position that he occupied in the design of the refrigerator.

We take any plastic container suitable volume (from 3 liters or more). In the upper part, you need to drill a couple of holes for the size of the outlet tubes. We insert the tubes, after which we fill everything with epoxy. The inlet tube, into which air enters, must be located in such a way that there is about 200 mm from its end to the bottom of the receiver. The outlet tube must be immersed ten centimeters inward.

This is a description of a plastic receiver, but for greater tightness, it is best to make a receiver in an iron case. In this case, there is no need to fill everything with resin, and the hoses are simply welded. In addition, only a pressure gauge can be installed on an iron receiver.

To install it, you need to drill a hole for the nut on the receiver case. We insert it, and then brew it. Only then we screw the pressure gauge into this nut, after which the work is completed. Now we attach the receiver to our base with a wire. The scheme will be something like this:

Our homemade unit is almost ready.

There are quite a lot of photos and videos of its work on the Internet, for example, it is shown how it is used in airbrushing and for painting various spare parts, so the expediency of its manufacture is quite obvious. Finally, we need to add a few extra touches to our device.

It is necessary to take one of the hoses, which is ten centimeters long, and put it on the filter. If this is difficult, you can slightly heat the end of the hose to make it easier to put on the fitting. We put the second end of the hose on the inlet of our device. In this case, the filter will protect against dust entering the case. The second 10 cm hose must be connected to the inlet of the receiver and the outlet of the compressor. In this case, it is better to tighten the joints with clamps. Our third hose must be put on the diesel filter, and the other end must be inserted into the outlet of the receiver. At the same time, the free filter fitting will later be connected to various equipment for airbrushing, a spray gun for painting, etc.

Another video on the topic

Some technical data and service features

It is rather difficult to say unambiguously what kind of pressure this or that compressor will show. Much depends on the specific brand and the operational life of the device itself. By the way, old units show even higher performance than modern ones.

Read also: We repair Resant voltage stabilizers with our own hands

Service of our homemade device- This is a very important point in operation.

The main work will be to replace diesel and gasoline filters, as well as to change the oil in the device. Compressors usually have three copper tubes. We used two of them earlier, and the third remained untouched. It is the shortest and soldered at the end. So, the oil is drained through it. To do this, it is necessary to cut off the soldered part, and then drain the processing. Filling is done through it.

Does the compressor need to be repaired?

As for the repair of the resulting device, then here everyone decides for himself- whether it makes sense to mess with it or not.

The repair will consist of ringing the relay, as well as changing the oil in the device. If the manipulations did not help, then there is absolutely no need to invent something else. It is best to throw out the used device, and then make a new one. Moreover, the issue price is no more than 1000-1500 rubles.

Conclusion

In principle, we figured out how to make a compressor from a refrigerator.

It is difficult to overestimate the expediency of its manufacture, because with the help of this device it is possible to perform various works on airbrushing, tire inflation, painting various components and other works that require pressure force.

An additional advantage is that such a device can be used at home, because it makes little noise. In fact, this is the same refrigerator, only without unnecessary body parts.
Compressors recommended for ordering are listed below:

Description and characteristics

CALIBER KMK-800/9

Compressor type - piston oil

Engine type - electric

Power - 800 W

Max. compressor capacity - 110 l/min

Min. pressure - 0.2 bar

Max. pressure - 8 bar

Receiver volume - 9 l

Drive (type) - direct

Many craftsmen know that you can make a compressor from the refrigerator with your own hands! Can . But, few people know exactly how to do it! In this article, we will try to provide an exhaustive answer on how to make a compressor with your own hands, so that everyone can create this equipment at home.

After all, if you figure it out, then, in essence, an air compressor is needed in every garage. With the help of a compressor, you can pump up the wheels without visiting a service station or tire shop, supply air to a working pneumatic tool, or simply blow dust off the surface to be treated. So, consider the installation option for painting.

Factory or homemade compressor

There is a list of specific requirements for a painting station. The main condition is the need for a uniform supply of air, without any impurities. Among the standard defects that occur due to the presence of foreign particles include graininess, shagreen or cavities on the enamel coating. In the case of uneven ink supply, streaks or a matte heel may form.

Of course, if you pay attention to branded air compressors, then such installations are equipped with all the necessary functions for the quality work of an airbrush. The only drawback of such units is their cost.

To save money and create at the same time functional model, which will not be inferior to professional equipment, you need to familiarize yourself with the theoretical information base or watch the video on the topic “compressor for painting a car with your own hands”.


The principle of operation of any model, regardless of whether it is homemade or factory, is the same. The reservoir is pressurized. The method of air injection is different (manual, mechanical). In the case of manual feeding, there is a significant savings in money, but a lot of energy is wasted. After all, the process requires constant monitoring.

Automatic inflation avoids these disadvantages, except that the air compressor oil requires periodic replacement. Thus, there is a uniform supply of air to the switchgear. In theory, this looks extremely simple, so it is possible to create a workable compressor station in a short time.

Do it yourself

So, we choose the manufacture of a painting installation from a conventional car chamber. List of required material:

  1. Car camera that acts as a receiver;
  2. A pump with a pressure gauge that acts as a supercharger;
  3. chamber nipple;
  4. repair kit;
  5. Ordinary awl.

Now you can start making compressor station. The chamber must be checked for tightness, for this it needs to be pumped up. If there are air leaks, it is necessary to solve this problem, either by gluing or by vulcanizing with raw rubber.

After that, in the manufactured receiver with an awl, you need to make a hole. A nipple will be placed here, through which a uniform jet of compressed air will exit.

An additional fitting is attached by gluing. A repair kit will help in solving this problem. Then the fitting is connected to the spray gun. To check how the air flow comes out, unscrew the nipple.

At the same time, the native nipple remains, it will serve as a valve and hold excessive pressure. At the end, you need to determine the level of pressure by spraying paint on metal surface. If the enamel lays down evenly, then the installation works well.

In addition, the pressure value can be checked using a manometer. But, its level, even after pressing the aerator key, should not be spasmodic.

It is not difficult to design a compressor, but after its manufacture, anyone can make sure that repairing or painting a car will become much more effective than it was with a spray can.

Among the last parting words should be attributed to the fact that it is necessary in every possible way to avoid getting water or dust into the car chamber. So that these particles do not subsequently enter the spray gun, otherwise you will have to re-paint.

As a result of proper operation, the created installation will work for a long time, but it is still better to automate air pumping.

Semi-professional blower

Experts have repeatedly made reviews that home-made compressor units have a longer service life. At what comparison was made with domestic and foreign models.

This is, of course, because the installation is being manufactured with my own hands. Therefore, we will consider the option of how to make a compressor from a refrigerator, which will not be inferior even to products of famous companies. So, for its manufacture, the following list of materials is needed:

  • Receiver for the compressor;
  • pressure gauge;
  • Relay for pressure control in the compressor;
  • Thread adapters;
  • Fuel filter (gasoline);
  • Reducer with oil and moisture separating filter;
  • ¾ inch threaded water cross;
  • Motor for compressor unit;
  • Clamps are automobile;
  • Engine oil (10W40);
  • Switch (220V);
  • Oil resistant hose;
  • brass tubes;
  • Regular syringe;
  • Thick board;
  • Compressor rust converter;
  • Power system filter (diesel);
  • Metal paint;
  • Nuts, washers, studs;
  • Wheels for furniture;
  • Sealant, fum tape;
  • Needle file.

working mechanism

To simplify the procedure, the engine can be a compressor from an old refrigeration plant Soviet sample. There is one positive point here, namely the presence of a compressor start relay.


Soviet models are superior to their foreign competitors, producing more high pressure. After removing the executive unit, it is necessary to put it in order, freeing it from accumulated rust.

A rust converter will help treat the compressor to avoid further oxidation. Thus, the body of the working motor will be prepared for subsequent painting.

Installation scheme

After completing the introductory part, you can begin to change the oil. After all, if you do not prevaricate, then it is not enough which refrigerator managed to undergo regular maintenance or oil changes. However, such a course of events is also quite justified, because in this case the system is completely isolated from atmospheric influence.

So, semi-synthetic oil is quite suitable for this procedure. Moreover, it is no worse than compressor oil, and has a sufficient amount of useful additives.

We go further and finds 3 tubes on the compressor, 2 of which are open, one is sealed. In our case, open tubes will be used for air circulation (inlet and outlet). To understand how the air moves, you need to apply power to the compressor for a short time. Then remember or write down which air duct draws in air, and which, on the contrary, releases it.

The purpose of the sealed tube is a routine oil change. Therefore, the closed end should be removed. A needle file will help us with this, which needs to be filed in a circle around the tube. When doing this, make sure that the chips do not get inside the compressor.

After that, it is necessary to break off the end of the tube and drain the oil into any container in order to determine its volume for subsequent replacement. Then we take a syringe and fill it with semi-synthetics, but in a larger volume than was drained.

When the oil is filled, you need to turn off the engine lubrication system. This can be done by selecting the screw you need, after which this screw is wrapped with fum tape and twisted into a tube. It's time to remind you that oil drops will sometimes seep out of the outlet air pipe of the supercharger.

Therefore, here on help will come compressor oil separator.

When the indicated work is completed, it's time to start assembling the installation. You need to start by strengthening the engine with a starting relay on wooden base so that it is in the same position as it was on the frame.

This is necessary because the compressor relay is sensitive to attitude. To be more precise, an arrow should be drawn on the top cover. It is important to be accurate here, because the correct switching of modes will depend on the installation of the compressor.

Air tank

An excellent solution to the problem would be cylinders from fire extinguishers. It depends on their ability to withstand high pressure, in addition, the cylinders have a significant margin of safety, they are great as attachments.

So, let's take the OU-10 fire extinguisher as a basis. Its working volume is 10 liters. According to technical specifications the cylinder withstands pressure - 15 MPa. Now you need to unscrew the locking and starting device from our workpiece, and then screw in the adapter.

In this case, if traces of corrosion are detected, it is necessary to remove them with a rust converter. Of course, external removal is not difficult, but internally it will require patience. Therefore, we fill the converter inside the cylinder, and shake the contents.

After cleaning, you can screw in the water cross. Thus, two working parts of our compressor unit were prepared.

Mounting parts

To make it easier to store and move work parts, it is best to place them on the same base. As mentioned earlier, you need a wooden board, which will serve as the basis for securely fastening the engine, as well as the fire extinguisher body.


Therefore, we will use threaded studs as an engine mount, which must be threaded in advance drilled holes. Of course, plus everything you will need nuts (washers).

Then you need to place the receiver in a vertical position, 3 sheets of plywood will come in handy here. In this case, in one sheet you need to make a hole for the balloon. The remaining sheets are fastened with screws to the main board and glued to the sheet that holds the receiver.

But, on the eve, you still need to hollow out a recess in the wooden base under the bottom of the receiver. And finally, in order for the design to be maneuverable, you need to fasten the furniture wheels to its base.

After all that has been done, you need to ensure that the system is protected from possible dust ingress. A gasoline coarse fuel filter will come to the rescue. It will act as an air intake.

A rubber hose and an inlet tube of the supercharger will be involved here. It should be noted that there is low pressure at the inlet of the compressor station, which means that it is not necessary to strengthen the contact with the help of automobile clamps.

Thus, we have created an inlet filter for the compressor unit. An oil and moisture separator should be installed at the outlet of the station, which will block the ingress of water particles. Here the power supply filter will be used. Due to the fact that the pressure at the outlet of the compressor station is increased, automobile clamps will be used from this place.

So, the turn came to the oil and moisture separator filter. In this case, it must be connected to the input of the reducer, which is needed to decouple the tank and the pressure output of the supercharger. This means that we screw the outlet into the previously prepared crosspiece on the left side, and screw the pressure gauge on the right, thanks to which we can control the balloon pressure. On top of the cross you need to screw the adjusting relay.

The presence of a control relay will make it possible to set the range of the height of the receiver pressure, as well as to interrupt the power supply circuit in the supercharger in time. When it comes to executive mechanism it is recommended to use PM5 (RDM5).

With the help of these devices, the compressor will turn on if the air pressure in the tank drops below the set mark and turn off if the set parameters are exceeded.

The required pressure is set on the relay using two springs. The function of the large spring is to create a minimum pressure, while the small spring is responsible for regulating the upper limit, in fact, setting the shutdown limit of the compressor unit.

RM5 (RDM5) were originally produced for use in the water supply network, in fact, these are ordinary two-contact switches. In our case, one contact is used to connect the zero of the 220 V network, while the second contact goes to connect to the supercharger.

We conduct the network phase through a toggle switch to connect to the second input of the compressor station. If there is a toggle switch in wiring diagram, we will be able to quickly disconnect the system from the network, which will save you from running towards the outlet.

Naturally, all connections must be soldered and carefully insulated. After that, you can paint the finished installation and carry out test tests.

Adjusting the pressure

So, after assembling the structure, it is quite natural to check it. To do this, you need to connect an airbrush, or alternatively an air gun. Then, without including the toggle switch, we connect the plug to the network.


We set the control relay at the minimum pressure, and we supply power to the supercharger. Do not forget the pressure gauge, which allows you to control the pressure in the tank. After we managed to make sure that the relay turns off the engine, we need to check the tightness of the connections.

A classic soap solution can help here. If the system has passed the leak test, the remaining air can be bled from the reservoir chamber. It should be noted that in the event of a pressure drop below the set limits, the relay should start the compressor. In case of serviceability of all systems, it is possible to start painting any part.

In this case, you should not load yourself with pre-treatment of the metal. It is important for us to set the pressure necessary for painting the product.

Such experimentation will give us the opportunity to determine the atmospheric value so that the coloring of any product occurs in a uniform layer. In addition, it is very important that this whole process takes place with a minimum amount of blower operation.

Thus, the results can be summed up. Manufacturing car compressor, lifting activity for every car enthusiast.

Of course, it's hard to argue that the second version is more complicated and takes more time to manufacture, but thanks to the automatic pressure control system, as well as the presence of a supercharger start, working with such equipment will be one sheer pleasure.

In addition, you will no longer need to control the receiver's camera. Such a station will allow you to paint a car, a fence in a village or a garage door.

For continuous operation of the created compressor, it will be necessary to carry out periodic routine maintenance . To drain the oil, you can use a syringe. In this case, we unscrew the filler hole, put a hose on the tube and pump out the waste. Fresh oil can also be pumped in with a syringe. Filters are changed as needed, including in the event of a decrease in the rate of filling the tank chamber.

Make or buy

Today the market is filled with a variety of compressor equipment. There are piston units, vibration units, screw stations and other devices that are produced for different purposes. Ready-made installations can be purchased at auto parts stores or on specialized sites.

A large assortment can make it difficult to choose the right product. But be that as it may, if you decide to buy a ready-made station, focus on studying the technical parameters, cost and reviews.

To obtain a quality guarantee, it is better to purchase equipment from well-known trademarks, however, an expensive product will justify itself in the case of professional car repair. Little-known products can let you down, so it's best not to risk it.


Often budget options substandard materials installed. It is not uncommon for installations to fail due to instant breakdowns of individual parts, while warranty repairs will take a long time.

As already mentioned, a hand-made assembly is often more reliable than a factory one. Technical parameters are a separate plus. For example, according to statistics, refrigerator compressors last for decades. Regarding the fire extinguisher, we can say that this product has a tenfold margin of safety.

Therefore, it is better not to buy something that you are not sure about. In addition, having studied the current material, you know that you can make a compressor with your own hands, even at home. A well-made device will be the envy of your garage neighbors.

Another story

Let's start with the design technical requirement to the fruit of his own engineering. Let's say that it all started with the purchase of a new double action airbrush. Therefore, the issue of manufacturing a compressor unit with a receiver became extremely necessary.

The dual action airbrush has the ability to control the flow of air, as well as lock it and open the duct. In Europe, such a device is used with a separate compressed air cylinder. So, a compressor with a reservoir serves as a container for collecting air, and an airbrush uses this air.

Of course, the main component is the compressor. Here an old refrigerator will come to the rescue, from which you can remove an excellent compressor. To do this, you can go to sites that sell refrigeration equipment.

We determine the price and order delivery, but before that you also need to write out the name of the manufacturer's company and visit the site. So, in our case, the manufacturer is Danfoss. On the company's website, we download the technical description of the compressor.

Next, consider such an option as a do-it-yourself receiver for a compressor. Here, of course, you need a tank that was made to contain gases or can withstand high pressure. It is optimal if such a container meets the requirements of GOST. Therefore, we immediately exclude containers, by type plastic canister or bottles. Consider tank options:

  1. Carbon dioxide fire extinguisher. Withstands pressure - 10 atmospheres. Capacity - 3 l / 5 l / 10 l. Cons - metric thread at the entrance.
  2. Hydraulic accumulator. Good volume capacity, with low working pressure. There is a convenient thread at the entrance. Cons - needs to be fine-tuned, since, from the inside, it is divided into a membrane that contains carbon dioxide. The membrane must be removed.
  3. Oxygen balloon. Withstands high pressure. Cons - only extremely heavy models are available.
  4. propane tank. In general, it is similar to a fire extinguisher, but the manufacturer does not recommend their use for compressed air.

Links

After we have decided on the compressor, and selected the right product for the receiver, the next step is to combine them. In addition, you need to solve the problem of air flow to the airbrush.

You can start with a node that is attached directly to the receiver, and will provide air distribution. It must be recalled that the key factor is its compatibility with the receiver's connector. Next, pay attention to the pressure switch, which will ensure that the compressor is turned off and on.

The best option for the relay would be RDM-5, which is used for plumbing systems. This model is widely available for sale, and the good thing is that its connecting element is designed for external inch threads.


Then we determine the indication of pressure in the receiver. To do this, we need a pressure gauge for 10 atmospheres, it also has a suitable connecting size. And we will also need a static device.

Next, we deal with the air preparation unit. The hose that leads to the airbrush needs to be pressurized. Accordingly, there is a need for a gearbox with a pressure regulation limit of up to 10 atmospheres, and it is desirable that a pressure gauge and an oil separator filter be attached to it.

With the help of a pressure gauge, we will control the pressure, and the filter will ensure that particles of compressor oil do not get out of the receiver. But, do not confuse it with a lubricator filter, which performs a diametrically opposite function.

Let's continue collecting materials, and it's time to prepare fittings, turns, tees. We take an inch as the base size. To determine the quantity, you need a diagram of the air distribution and preparation unit.

We will also need external and internal adapters. If desired, you can make a plan diagram of how to make a compressor. The next step is placement. finished construction. Chipboard boards may be an option.

Of course, in order not to swear while moving the station around the workshop, it is advisable to immediately resolve the issue with roller legs. Any furniture store will gladly sell them to you. To save space, you can make a two-story structure. True, long bolts may be needed. So, we summarize the planning stage with a list of components:

  • Compressor;
  • Receiver;
  • Pressure switch;
  • pressure gauge;
  • Filter reducer;
  • Emergency valve;
  • Fittings, adapters;
  • Plumbing gaskets, fum-tape, sealant;
  • Cables, switch, plug;
  • Flexible oil resistant hose;
  • Chipboard sheet
  • Roller feet, bolts, nuts, washers and tools.

Starting assembly

It is ideal to remove the fire extinguisher assembly and weld on the adapter fitting. Alternative way, this is to unscrew part of the valve, leaving the internal mechanics and removing the control element, then screw in an adapter with an internal inch thread to one outlet, and an adapter from 1 to 38 to the other.

Using an adjustable wrench, twist the adapters according to the diagram. Next, we mount the gearbox, pressure gauge, pressure switch and adapter for a flexible hose.

The next step is to screw the wheels to the chipboard sheet. Since the design will be two-level, you need to drill holes for the studs. After that, put the fire extinguisher in its place.

In the case of using a hydraulic accumulator, the assembly scheme is even simpler, since it has brackets at the top and bottom. Therefore, the lower mounts are screwed to the base, and the upper mounts are used to install the compressor.

In our case, the second floor needs to be built. To do this, markings are made, holes are drilled, and the upper and lower floors are bolted together. Then the compressor is mounted on the second floor. Silicone gaskets are suitable to reduce vibration.

When installing the compressor, we put washers. We fasten the air distribution module to the tank. Using a hose and clamps, we tightly connect the compressor outlet and the inlet of the air preparation unit.

Now it's time to work with the wiring diagram. A jumper would be appropriate. Also protective elements do not interfere. The connection line must pass through the relay and switch. The connection itself will take place as follows.

From the plug, the phase wire goes to the switch. Then it is connected to the desired relay terminal. In the absence of a ground wire, we start a neutral wire to the ground terminal of the relay.

Already from the relay, the phase wire and the neutral wire go to the starting device of the compressor station drive and are connected according to the diagram to the required terminals. Next, on the terminal block of the starting device, we install a jumper by soldering.

It will ensure the connection of the windings to the phase. Cables can be laid in plastic ties. Check and run the installation. Then we paint it.

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