Refrigerator compressor for inflating tires. Homemade compressor from a refrigerator

• April 29, 2019
• Miscellaneous
• Tamila Gresko

If your old refrigerator breaks down, you can, of course, call a technician and try to fix it. If all the actions you have taken have not brought results, then there is only one option left - to send the used unit to a landfill. It’s better, of course, to take the refrigerator to a metal collection point and get money for it. Often inexperienced people who have no idea how much non-ferrous metal, namely copper and aluminum, are in the engine, sell old refrigerators as ferrous scrap. There are also beginners who do not know how to disassemble the refrigerator motor. According to experts, this is not so difficult to do. You just need patience and a certain tool. You will learn how to disassemble the refrigerator motor yourself from this article.

The principle of operation of the compressor device from the refrigerator

A standard refrigerator compressor is a compressor unit without a storage tank, which is enclosed in a metal casing. Two copper tubes extend from it, through which air is sucked in and released out under pressure. The electrical connection diagram practically does not change, since it is ready-made. Air filters are mounted on the inlet and outlet pipes, followed by an oxygen hose with an adapter for the consumer.

Features of the air compression idea

Before deciding to implement an idea, it is advisable to decide exactly: is this idea really worth taking on? Let's consider several important aspects of the topic in order to help future designers make the right decision:

1. Refrigeration compressors are not designed to work with air.
2. The compressor performance of domestic refrigerators is low.
3. To lubricate the mechanism of refrigeration compressors, special oil is required.

The corresponding conclusions follow from this. When working with air, the device will not be able to function for a long time without good cooling.

When a refrigeration compressor operates with freon, the housing is cooled due to other temperature parameters of the refrigerant.

Compression of the air mixture by a refrigeration compressor occurs under completely different temperature conditions, which will lead to an increase in operating temperature by an order of magnitude. Ultimately, without good cooling, the compressor will simply burn out.

A burnt-out refrigerator compressor as a result of a violation of technological operating conditions. The same fate awaits the device that is supposed to be used in the project if special protective equipment is not used.

The low performance of home refrigeration units is another factor limiting the use of such equipment for producing compressed air.

For example, to pump a 5-liter receiver to a pressure of 5-7 atm, it will take at least 15-20 minutes of operation of the refrigeration unit.

Meanwhile, this volume of air is not enough even to inflate a car tire in one sitting or spray paint one wall of a small garage room.

Poor performance of the refrigerator system is common for such equipment. But for an air compression system, especially with a high flow rate, a high-performance system is required

Finally, another important factor is compressor oil. To lubricate the mechanism of refrigeration compressors, a special freon oil is used, the properties of which change dramatically in contact with air.

If you do not change the oil to another type of lubricant that is structurally friendly to air, after a certain time the compressor mechanism will simply “close up” due to rapid wear of parts.

Operating pressure in a refrigerator compressor

The operating pressure produced by a standard compressor connected to the refrigerator ranges from 2 to 4 atmospheres.

This may seem like a small indicator to some, but no more is needed to circulate freon through a closed system; at this pressure it copes with its function perfectly. You also need to understand that when connected to refrigeration chambers, it is specially configured for exactly this power. The regulators keep the work at a certain level so that the refrigerant pipes do not rupture.

How to adjust the pressure in the compressor from the refrigerator

Self-adjustment of pressure is only possible if the person assembling the pump unit has the necessary skills. For proper regulation you will need:

• atmosphere regulator relay;
• pressure gauge;
• receiver.

The principle of operation of the automatic relay is the system of switching on and off the electric motor, as well as relieving excess pressure. When the number of atmospheres in the receiver reaches a critical set point, the relay turns off the engine and the air stops being pumped; the excess air is discharged through the unloading valve. If the power required for operation has dropped, the relay will automatically connect the engine, and it will continue to be pumped.

Important! The relay must be adjusted when the receiver is 40–60% full. In this way, you can establish a real operating indicator and correctly set the point of discharge of excess.

The schematic diagram for connecting an automatic regulator looks like this: it is inserted into the circuit between the secondary motor control circuit and the unloading valve. The connection is made using threaded heads. Two to the receiver - two to the pressure gauge. The remaining connectors are used to install a plug or an additional safety valve.

Different models of refrigerators use compressors of different operating principles. There are regular, linear and inversion. The principles of their operation are different, but they perform the same task: they build up pressure, forcing air or liquids to move in pipes or containers.

Refrigeration units fail for various reasons: freon leaks, thermometer and relay failures, wiring faults. If the compressor is intact and working properly, it can be removed and adapted for various purposes.

It is easily suitable for creating a spray gun to use as a spray gun when working with airbrushing. Another application is as a compressor for inflating tires. The third possible option is the creation of an air pistol for cleaning work surfaces. The fourth option is to assemble a compressor for a pneumatic stapler or nail gun.

Refrigerator dismantling work

In order to craft a mini-compressor with your own hands, you need to prepare for work.
First you need to remove the compressor directly from the refrigerator. This is the initial stage. It is located at the bottom of the refrigerator at the back. To remove it, you should prepare a set of basic tools: pliers, a set of keys and screwdrivers (curly and regular). There are two tubes on the compressor itself that connect to the cooling system of the refrigerator. They need to be bitten off using wire cutters or pliers. It is strictly forbidden to saw them off with a hacksaw, since when sawing small pieces of metal can get into the motor, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.

DIY compressor for a spray gun.

Watch this video on YouTube

After this, you need to remove the start relay. It looks like an ordinary black box with wires protruding from it. First you need to unscrew the fasteners, and then cut the wires leading to the plug. Don't forget to mark the top and bottom of the relay so that there is no error during installation later. You also need to pick up all the fastening elements of the unit; they can also be usefully used when making a high-pressure compressor with your own hands.

Selection of components

To make a high-quality compressor, you need to acquire all the components. A conventional hand pump or a container for holding air can act as a supercharger. The device for supplying air to the receiver will be a compressor from an old refrigerator; it can be easily dismantled using a set of keys, a universal screwdriver and wire cutters. This device will make it possible to make a durable device, as it is more reliable.

It is important to dismantle the compressor correctly to avoid damaging it. First of all, using wire cutters, you need to cut through the tubes coming out of the engine leading to the radiator grille. Next, the wires leading to the relay are cut, but their length should remain approximately 20 cm. Before unscrewing the compressor, you need to make a mark on the relay cover.

The fire extinguisher body will be an excellent replacement for the receiver. It is important that it is cast, seamless and has a volume of 10 liters or more. Before using it as a component, it is necessary to inspect the fire extinguisher from the inside for corrosion. To do this, the seal is turned out, and a flashlight is used for inspection. If corrosion is still present, it must be removed using a special liquid.

Purchasing additional materials

The remaining materials that are necessary to make a compressor for painting a car body from a refrigerator with your own hands can be purchased at a specialized store or on the market:

• automobile clamps, toggle switch, fum tape, oxygen reducer, shut-off valve, relay RDM-5 or RM-5;
• 5 meters of two-core wire, equipped with double insulation;
• ball valve used in gas lines;
• plumbing cross with 3/4 inch external thread and much more.

You will also need gasoline-oil-resistant silicone sealant. Having all the necessary devices and materials, you can assemble the air compressor, but before that you should change the oil in the supercharger.

What can be made from an old refrigerator compressor?

The compressor in a refrigerator is used to move vaporous refrigerant through thin tubes, so this part is used in homemade installations in which gases are compressed. The compressor cannot be used as a water pump, but any inert gas can be successfully transported or compressed with it.

These properties are used by home craftsmen to make the following products:

• Compressor for inflating tires.
• Compressor spray gun.

Each home-made device, which is used at home, is manufactured with minimal investment of time and money. Such compressors will practically not differ from factory products.

Design of rotor mechanisms

To be precise, such devices must be called double-rotor, since the necessary pressure is created by two counter-rotating rotors.

Design of a linear rotary compressor in diagrammatic form

Designations:

1. Outlet pipe.
2. Oil separator.
3. Sealed casing.
4. Stator fixed to the casing.
5. Designation of the inner diameter of the casing.
6. Designation of armature diameter.
7. Anchor.
8. Shaft.
9. Sleeve.
10. Blades.
11. Bearing on the armature shaft.
12. Stator cover.
13. Inlet tube with valve.
14. Camera battery.

Compressor for inflating tires from a refrigerator

The operating pressure of the compressor installed in the refrigerator is from 2 to 4 atmospheres. This is enough to inflate car tires. The operation of the device is short-lived, so during its operation you do not need to use a pneumatic accumulator. To make a device for inflating tires, in addition to the compressor, you need to prepare:

• Electrical cable with plug.
• Oxygen hose.
• Clamps.
• Automotive fuel filter – 2 pcs.
• Air pistol with pressure gauge.
• Spiral air hose.

In addition, to complete the work you will need a screwdriver, a knife, pliers and a hacksaw.

A do-it-yourself compressor for inflating tires from a refrigerator is made in the following sequence:

1. Remove the compressor from the refrigerator.
2. Connect the electrical wires to the electronic unit.
3. Install fuel filters on the inlet and outlet pipes.
4. Connect a spiral hose to the outlet filter.
5. Connect the air gun.

Operations are performed with care to avoid injury. Modern refrigerators use freon as a coolant, which is an inert gas, but when heated, this substance is unsafe for health. It is mandatory that all work on dismantling the engine is carried out when the refrigerator is disconnected from the household electrical network.

To dismantle the compressor, it is enough to cut through the copper tubes with pliers, at a distance of about 10 cm from the part. Then use a screwdriver to unscrew the four screws with which the shock absorbers of this part are attached to the refrigerator body.

If during the dismantling process it was necessary to remove the electrical cable, then it is installed in place. The main difference between using a refrigerator part in a homemade compressor is that the motor must run constantly when the device is turned on. Therefore, the wire going to the refrigerator relay must be disconnected and the contacts connected to each other for continuous flow of electric current.

Refrigerator compressor for inflating wheels Watch this video on YouTube

After removing the compressor from the refrigerator, the tubes are flattened, so the first thing that needs to be done is to restore the geometry of the pipes. To do this, use a hacksaw to cut off 0.5 cm on the incoming and outgoing tubes.

In order for the air entering the compressor to be cleaned of dust, you will need to install a fuel filter from the car on the inlet pipe. To do this, just separate 10 cm from the air hose, then put the section on the incoming pipe, and then tighten it with a clamp of a suitable diameter. At the next stage, a clamp is put on the connecting hose and the filter is installed. Once the clamp holding the filter is tightened, assembly of the compressor inlet is complete. If at the initial stage of manufacturing a homemade compressor it is difficult to determine where the air inlet is, then it is enough to plug the compressor into the network. The incoming pipe will intensively pump air inside. To determine air movement, touch the copper tube with your hand.

A second filter is installed on the outlet pipe. This part performs the function of an oil separator. To prevent internal parts from wearing out, oil is poured into the compressor housing. By installing a filter at the outlet, you can eliminate the possibility of oil getting inside the wheel along with air.

To make it easy to move while inflating the wheels, a spiral hose is connected to the outlet filter, which should be securely secured with a clamp.

After installing the air gun, the tire inflation compressor will be ready for use. If the step-by-step process is completed as described above, then such a homemade product will make it easy to set the required tire pressure. At the same time, the device’s performance is not inferior to industrial designs.

Compressed air can also be used to clean dust from electronic equipment, and a device installed in a garage is used to remove contaminants from hard-to-reach areas of the internal combustion engine.

How to make a simple compressor for painting a car

To manufacture the device you must purchase:

• Receiver
  , which can be a car tube with or without a tire.
• Supercharger
  . For this, a car pump with a pressure gauge is used.
• Nipple from an old camera.
• Repair kit for rubber.
• Tailor's awl.

After preparing the necessary materials, you can proceed to manufacturing the device.

For this:

• An unnecessary car inner tube is checked for leaks by inflating it with a pump. If the air holds, you can perform the next step. If there are leaks, the damaged areas are sealed or vulcanized with raw rubber.
• A hole is drilled in the prepared receiver to install an additional nipple, through which a stream of compressed air will flow evenly.
• An additional fitting is glued in and connected to the spray gun.
• The nipple in the remote control is unscrewed to allow free air flow.
• In the original nipple of the car camera, the nipple remains and will work instead of a valve, holding excess pressure.
• The required level of air pressure in the receiver is determined experimentally. In this case, you should spray paint on any surface. The enamel should lie down evenly, without jerking. The pressure gauge determines the amount of excess pressure.

Advice: The only condition when using the device is to ensure that no moisture or dust gets into the chamber, and then into the spray gun. Otherwise, everything will have to be done again.

The video will show you in detail how to make a compressor from a vacuum cleaner, refrigerator or other devices.

There is quite a wide range of devices available on the modern market for painting a car. But knowing how to properly make a car from an ordinary old refrigerator with your own hands, you can save a significant amount of money. Many people have a question: isn’t it easier to buy a ready-made device? The answer is simple - by making the compressor yourself, you can set the required power, which will allow you to do the job faster and with better quality.

Functionality check

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 so that air flow passes through them. Next, we need to put the start relay in the position in which it was in the refrigerator design. 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 body to which you need to screw a piece of wire with a plug. It is better to wrap the connection point with electrical tape to eliminate the risk of electric shock. We plug the device into a power outlet. If you did everything correctly, the compressor will work, and air will flow from its tubes. By the way, it is necessary to mark which tube the air flow comes out of and which one it goes into.

Manufacturing process

The most 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 working with metal with our own hands, it is better to take a plastic receiver. If you use heavy parts, you should be mentally prepared for the fact that the compressor will 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 the outgoing air flow is. To do this, you can briefly plug in the compressor and determine which tube the air is blowing from. Be sure to mark the tubes at the base so as not to mix them up. This can be done with colored electrical tape or a piece of medical tape.

Carefully trim the tubes to about 10cm. This is necessary for easy connection of hoses.

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

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

Receiver

Let's consider a simplified version with a plastic canister. Let's cut two holes in the lid for the tubes. The inlet tube must be made long, almost to the bottom. The outgoing one can be made short, about 10cm.

Small sections of about 2-3 cm remain outside. The structure should be secured with 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 the fittings. But you can install a pressure gauge on the metal case.

Connecting parts

Attach a gasoline filter to a short piece of fuel hose. Place the other end onto the compressor inlet tube. The filter is needed to prevent dust from falling into the compressor.

Use a second piece of fuel hose to connect the compressor outlet pipe and the receiver inlet tank. The air flow will go from the compressor to the receiver. We put clamps on the hoses, since the air flows under pressure. Another short piece of fuel hose is needed 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 Assembly Resources

Materials:

• Refrigerator compressor;
• Connection cable with plug;
• Car air filter – 2 pcs;
• Oxygen hose for pipes;
• Spiral oxygen hose with quick-release adapters;
• Air gun for inflating wheels;
• Clamps, wires.

Tools: knife, screwdriver, pliers.

Supercharger, pressure gauge and other parts

If you plan to use a powerful supercharger dismantled from old equipment, you need to purchase a pressure gauge and an emergency valve that will not allow the pressure in the receiver to rise above the permissible level. As for the simplest compressor from an old wheel, a car device powered by a cigarette lighter and used to inflate tires is quite suitable here. However, such a supercharger can create excess pressure, which will lead to a tire rupture. This situation is very dangerous and is fraught with injuries, sometimes incompatible with life. Therefore, you should never forget about the emergency valve.

Let's consider an example of a simple compressor based on a car electric pump and a tubeless wheel as a receiver.

Assembling a compressor unit

The compressor from the refrigerator is equipped with a start relay, to which the thermostat is initially connected. It is not involved in this assembly, so it must be disconnected by first marking the contacts on the starting relay and closing them with a piece of insulated wire.

We select an oxygen hose according to the diameter of the pipe, and install an air filter at the compressor inlet. One of its plastic air intake pipes can be cut off, leaving a hole free. The connection can be made without clamps, since this element of our installation is not under pressure. The pipe for it should not be made long. We cut it off with a knife and install the filter by hand. To prevent the copper tubes of the compressor from being on the same line and interfering with each other, they can be bent in different directions.

Next we attach the second air filter to the outlet. If necessary, the copper pipe can be shortened to accommodate it using wire cutters.

As the author’s own practice has shown, even with relatively low pressure, such an assembly cannot do without clamps. We place them on the pipes and tighten the connection. The author plugged the second copper pipe coming out of the compressor with a self-tapping screw and electrical tape.

We attach a small piece of oxygen hose to the air filter, and connect a spiral hose for compressor work. This can also be done through a quick-release adapter.

Now you can connect an air gun to inflate the wheels to the spiral hose and check the functionality of our installation. To avoid excess pressure in the hoses and filter, you can crimp the trigger of the air gun with a nylon tie.

As you can see, the author of the homemade product managed to obtain a working pressure of about 3 atm, which is quite enough for quickly inflating wheels in the garage. By the way, such an installation can be used for a wide variety of work, for example, for painting with a spray gun.

Step-by-step assembly instructions

Before you begin, you should prepare all the necessary tools and materials. Such kits may differ from each other depending on what the future owner of the compressor expects.

In addition to the compressor itself, which is removed from the refrigerator, you need to prepare the following:

• Receiver. As an alternative, a housing from an old fire extinguisher is suitable. You can also weld such a body from a sheet of metal or pipe.
• Set of various hoses. You can use car hoses. One must be 100 millimeters, and two must be at least 600 millimeters.
• Consumables. A gasoline filter from a car, a pressure gauge, clamps, wire, etc.
• Bonding tool. Pliers, screwdrivers, drill with a set of drills.
• Additionally, you will need a wooden board, which will be the basis for the entire structure. The compressor must be screwed to it using ordinary self-tapping screws. You need to attach the device to the board in the position in which it was placed directly on the refrigerator.

Then you should take a plastic container of any size from three liters.
In the upper part of the container you need to drill several holes for the compressor tubes. Then insert the tubes into the holes made and fill everything with resin. In this case, the inlet tube should be located at a distance of 200 mm from the edge of the receiver. The outlet tube should be placed 10 mm inside the container. The receiver can be made of plastic, and nothing bad will happen here. But for greater reliability, it is recommended to make it from a metal box. With this outcome, there is no need to fill everything with resin for a good seal, and the hoses are closed. Moreover, only a pressure gauge can be installed on a metal body.

Silent homemade refrigerator compressor (silent compressor)

Watch this video on YouTube

To do this, you need to drill a hole in the receiver for a nut, which needs to be welded in such a hole. Then there is the option of screwing the pressure gauge into the nut. After this, work on creating a homemade compressor from a refrigerator ends. You can use any materials for painting, but first you can clean and prime them to avoid corrosion. After this, you just need to attach the receiver to the base using a wire.

Step-by-step instruction

Before you start making your own, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary materials and tools.

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

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

:

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

We take any plastic container of suitable volume (from 3 liters or more). In the upper part you need to drill a couple of holes to fit the size of the outlet tubes. We insert the tubes, and then fill everything with epoxy resin. The inlet tube into which the 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 should be immersed ten centimeters inside.

This is a description of a plastic receiver, but for greater tightness it is best to make the 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 an iron receiver can install a pressure gauge.

To install it, you need to drill a hole for the nut on the receiver body. We insert it, and then brew it. Only then do we screw the pressure gauge into this nut, after which the work is completed. Now we attach the receiver to our base using 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 for painting various spare parts, so the feasibility of its manufacture is quite obvious. Finally, we need to add a few additional touches to our device.

You need 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 fit onto 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 from entering the housing. The second 10-centimeter hose needs to connect the inlet of the receiver and the outlet of the compressor. In this case, it is better to tighten the connection points with clamps. Our third hose needs to 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 subsequently be connected to various equipment for airbrushing, a spray gun for painting, etc.

Another video on the topic

Compressors using all sorts of unnecessary things as receivers

If, when choosing compressors and motors, craftsmen settled on components from refrigerators and cars, then they do not use anything as receivers - even bottles of champagne and Coca-Cola (at pressures up to 2 atm). Let's list a few worthwhile ideas.

If you have a receiver from KrAZ at hand, you can get a unit with minimal labor costs: all the pipes are already screwed into it.

If you are the owner of unnecessary diving equipment, you can use it at work.

Almost every summer resident with a stove on gas cylinders will have these unnecessary containers.

If the hydraulic accumulator in the water supply system has a leaky bulb, there is no need to throw it away. Use it as a receiver by removing the rubber membrane.

An expansion tank from a VAZ is an inexpensive purchase, even if it is new.

The next idea is for air conditioner installers who have leftover freon cylinders and split system parts.

Freon cylinder as a receiver

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

Wheel receiver

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

cheapest DIY compressor

Watch this video on YouTube

Spray gun from a compressor from a refrigerator

Home craftsmen manage to assemble high-quality compressors for spray guns from an old refrigerator. Professional equipment for painting cars costs a lot of money, because the demand for such devices is high. If you use this method, you can get a working device at minimal financial cost.

The compressor is the main component of such a system, so it must be carefully removed from the refrigerator. For this work, it is enough to use wire cutters and a screwdriver.

A homemade spray gun operates from a household electrical network, which experiences significant voltage fluctuations, so in order to maintain the pressure while painting a car at a certain level, the compressor should be equipped with a receiver. A fire extinguisher or gas cylinder is used for this purpose. When choosing a container, you should pay attention to its condition. If the metal is heavily rusted, then pumping air under significant pressure into such a tank is unsafe.

Clean cylinders with a volume of at least 10 liters are suitable for the receiver. In order to control the pressure while using a homemade receiver, a pressure gauge is installed on the cylinder, and a reducer is installed to prevent the formation of excessive pressure. These parts are mounted on a water pipe, which is installed at the outlet of a fire extinguisher or gas cylinder. An oxygen hose of sufficient length is connected to the reducer so that you can move freely with the spray gun during operation.

To spray paint, it is better to purchase a factory airbrush. Homemade products will not allow high-quality dosing, which will lead to disruption of the uniformity of application of the paintwork.

The function of the pump that will pump air into the tank will be performed by the compressor from the refrigerator. In order not to be constantly distracted, it is enough to install a pressure switch to turn on the motor. Such an element of the electrical circuit will start the compressor when the pressure drops to a minimum value.

DIY compressor for a spray gun.

Watch this video on YouTube

After dismantling, the tubes coming out of the compressor will be flattened, so to connect them to the hose, you will need to cut off the deformed areas with a hacksaw. This work should be performed in such a way that metal shavings do not get inside the device.

Next, according to the instructions, you should definitely install air filters. Automotive fuel products are suitable for this purpose, the use of which in a compressor unit will clean the incoming air from dust, and the outgoing air from motor oil. The filters are connected to the tubes using adapters made from sections of oxygen hose. All connections must be properly secured with clamps.

To prevent air from flowing back into the compressor when the device is turned off, an additional valve is installed after the outlet filter. This design will allow you to maintain pressure at the required level.

When the receiver and compressor are ready for use, they are installed on the platform. To move the product along a horizontal surface, bases on a metal plate equipped with wheels are most suitable. In order to install a homemade spray gun with minimal time, before starting work, it is recommended to make a small drawing. This approach allows you to avoid design errors even at the design stage.

If the reason for the failure of the refrigerator was not the compressor, then after removing the part from it you can make an excellent compressor for inflating tires or for painting a car. The refrigerator body can be given a second life. For example, use it as a flower bed, shelf for spare parts and tools. If you want to get into poultry farming, then a reliable incubator is made from a refrigerator, which will not be inferior in its characteristics to the best industrial designs. Radiator tubes should not be scrapped. They can be used to make heating installations, including those powered by solar energy. In general, a refrigerator is a device all of whose parts can be used after the equipment has served its purpose.

The compressor can be used in a variety of areas - for inflating tires, airbrushing, painting spare parts, etc. Having the necessary tools and certain technical knowledge, it is quite possible to independently manufacture this unit based on a conventional refrigerator. A homemade compressor produces 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? A DIY refrigerator compressor will be quite quiet and, most importantly, cheap in terms of cost.

Is it worth extracting copper from household appliances?

The question about the advisability of selling copper scrap can be answered unequivocally - yes, it is quite profitable and, moreover, saves natural resources. The second argument may seem insignificant, but if you think about it, all natural resources are exhaustible, and according to expert estimates, there are 5 billion tons of copper left in the bowels of the earth, which is quite a bit in comparison with other metals.

Is there copper in refrigerator parts?

In addition, copper is not contained in its pure form; ores have a large percentage of impurities and waste rock - from 70 to 95%. Currently, technologies make it possible to develop deposits containing 0.5% copper. When beneficiating such ore, a large amount of energy is expended; quarries and underground mines have a detrimental effect on the environment. This is why the metal recycling industry, including copper, is so developed.

If we consider the benefits of selling scrap metal in monetary terms, then for each kilogram of ferrous metal you can get about 6 rubles, in a standard old refrigerator about 60 - 80 kg. There are also two-chamber models weighing 100 kg, so you can earn up to 500 rubles, but if you disassemble the refrigerator and remove the copper from the compressor, you can still add 300 rubles to the price.

If the freezers are made of aluminum, then this is about another two kilograms or 200 rubles. In total, you can earn 1000 rubles if you put in minimal effort.

Which is better - a homemade option or a professional device?

Before trying to make our compressor out of an old refrigerator, it is necessary to compare these two options, i.e. a ready-made compressor sold in specialized stores, and our homemade version. In total, there are several main differences between them:

• The design of the factory compressor contains 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.
• The factory version already has automatic pressure relief systems, inlet and outlet filters, pressure meters, etc. installed. In a compressor from a refrigerator, you will have to install the control equipment yourself, taking into account all the features.
• Despite the fact that most factory compressors are equipped with automatic systems, some budget models do not have this feature. In other words, these units will have to be turned off independently, noting the time on the clock. Homemade compressors are mainly equipped with a protective relay that turns off the engine if there is a risk of overheating.
• Some factory models may not have any lubrication at all. Of course, their service life is short, but they do not emit various emissions. 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 what kind of oil you fill in - synthetic oil does not combine very well with regular oil, so you don’t need to pour in just anything.
• The main feature of a homemade compressor is that it works very quietly, especially if you put all the tubes on it correctly, maintaining a tight seal. As for factory compressors, they are noisier, so their use is only possible outside the home.
• The cost of manufacturing a homemade 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 impossible 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 tire inflator, nothing more. Homemade options are good because you can add some parts to them, for example, a large receiver, thanks to which you can significantly increase the power of the device.
• A factory compressor is a complete technical device, so any improvisation with it is impossible. With a homemade unit, you can do almost anything - take some parts outside the body, or hide everything in one box and attach a handle on top for easy transportation.
• You can install a fan on a homemade compressor to cool the device from the outside.

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

• Normal - from 16 to 32 C.
• Subnormal - from 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 ones in terms of working with air.

The video shows a version of a homemade compressor for inflating wheels

Compressor from a refrigerator for inflating wheels

Watch this video on YouTube

Compressor design through the eyes of Kulibin

The compressor motor is often equipped with three pipes:

• freon input;
• freon output;
• technological master.

The engine is bathed in oil, which also dissolves freon. It is difficult to change the brand (type) of refrigerant correctly. When vacuumizing, wait a quarter of an hour: the oil will release old freon. The compressor will have to run idle for 15 minutes. The oil change process is not easy, although the procedure can be followed. Before refueling, make sure: there is no water, air, or replaceable freon inside. For what? The old R12 is considered the worst enemy of the ozone layer, and is being replaced everywhere by a new, explosive one, but not in the concentrations inherent in rooms operating refrigerators, should there be a leak into the environment.

During operation, experimenters note that oil is thrown out of the outlet pipe. As part of the refrigerator, the nuance is devoid of lethal consequences. The liquid flows back into the oil bath. When you build a homemade compressor from a refrigerator, equip the outlet path with cleaning filters. Accessories are required to stop oil and water. Car enthusiasts use Lada Kalina fine fuel filters that cost 100 rubles apiece. Turn it on, it will be visible through the light-transmitting case: the paper filling swells. The main thing is that it doesn’t break.

It will be useful to install a safety valve; a Chinese pistol equipped with a pressure gauge is not a problem to buy. A couple of words characterizing the device. Let's call the main components of a homemade compressor station:

• compressor;
• receiver;
• control valves;
• connecting hoses.

The receiver is represented by a tank. Experienced citizens recommend making a suitable container out of a fire extinguisher; the authors prefer the idea of ​​welding a part from a piece of thick pipe or sheet steel. Select the size according to your location and needs; the reinforcement fits in random places. You will need four holes:

• inlet from the compressor;
• day off for use;
• control for pressure gauge;
• service for draining condensate.

The latter is located near the bottom of the container. Before making a compressor yourself, find documentation for the unit removed from the refrigerator. Laziness tormented me - calculate the working pressure of 8 atm. Enough to pump up the wheels and blow out the engine - with interest. When blowing out candles, reserve a limit of 15 atm. When choosing fittings, calculate the maximum pressure, making a reserve.

The control pipe is equipped with a pressure gauge and pressure sensor, which automatically switches off when the set value is reached. Remove the compressor from the refrigerator with your own hands along with the start-up relay (there are two relays in separate housings). The set of mechanisms is powered by a 230 V mains voltage. It would be better to find a surge filter similar to that protecting an old washing machine. The unit will protect the device. Residents of the garage cooperative often cook, voltage stability leaves much to be desired. The nominal value differs from the standard one, often contradicting GOST requirements for the quality of electricity supply services.

A few words about the operation of the compressor. The receiver needs to stabilize the pressure and allow the running engine to rest. The compressor pumps air into the cylinder, controlled by the control valve. The bypass valve protects the system from an accident, the start-up relay controls the normal operation of the engine and protects against overheating. Air is pumped into the receiver and taken in by an outlet hose equipped with a filter. Entering the compressor, the outside air is purified, dust is eliminated, and, if possible, moisture. Some motorists pump the receiver with 8 atmospheres and store the device for weeks. This cannot be done, although it is possible!

A humorous note with serious consequences allows for a useful farewell to end the subsection.

Pros and cons of compressors from cars and refrigerators

The good thing about a car compressor is that it can run on a battery. True, if you use it for some stationary crafts, then this is not an argument at all.

The car compressor works a little faster than its opponent. However, the difference is not so big as to draw clear conclusions.

We recommend: Do-it-yourself folding wheel chock

The advantage of a refrigeration compressor is that it is more durable than a car compressor. By and large, he is able to work for years. It also pumps up to 30 atmospheres.

The speed test showed that the compressor from the refrigerator creates a pressure in the wheel of 2 atmospheres in 2 minutes 45 seconds.

Whereas a car compressor copes with the same task in just 1 minute 29 seconds.

We recommend watching a detailed review of compressors in the video on our website.

Who is more powerful, no one expected this.

Watch this video on YouTube

Stage one

The good thing about a “manual” compressor is that it can be made exclusively to suit your needs. For example, if you make a compressor for an old-style airbrush (single-action), then, in principle, a receiver is not needed. This reduces the price of assembly costs.

But modern painting conditions require better technology, which is why a double-action airbrush is in use. It controls the air flow, so a receiver is necessary.

Directly compressor

The most popular option is to take it out of the refrigerator. Sites selling refrigeration equipment will help you choose the technical side of the required compressor. The most important criterion when purchasing such a compressor is the price. Air injection characteristics are the same in almost all models.

Receiver

It must be a container that can handle gas (or liquids) under pressure. The use of plastic barrels or canisters for these conditions is not recommended. The first option for making a good receiver is a fire extinguisher. A hydraulic accumulator, oxygen cylinder or propane cylinder can also be used. Once the main parts have been selected, all that remains is to assemble them together.

Features of servicing a do-it-yourself compressor

We have already figured out the differences between factory and home-made units. We established what spare parts and tools are needed to assemble the device with our own hands, and also examined the assembly process step by step and determined the scope of application of homemade compressors. It remains to touch on the features of their service.

The devices in question must be operated taking into account the following recommendations:

• It is necessary to protect equipment from overheating. Otherwise it may fail.
• It is necessary to regularly carry out maintenance of a homemade compressor. It consists of changing the oil and filters. If you used a unit from an old refrigerator, then it would be best to clarify what lubricant was used in it, and use only it or suitable analogues. If the device was purchased in a workshop, then all questions of interest can be asked to specialists. Replacing filters is also necessary to ensure that dust and other contaminants do not get inside the unit. It is recommended to carry out maintenance once every six months or once a year.
• A homemade compressor must be used strictly for its intended purpose.
• It is recommended to install the device in a vertical position. The correct angle will be indicated by the arrow on the start-up relay.
• For convenience, the unit can be equipped with wheels. When performing certain jobs, the use of additional devices (for example, a sprayer) will be required.