I found mine out back of a local Motel. I will be keeping my eye out for another. 1 year ago. i just wondered if anyone on here has converted a 240 volt chest freezer into a propane gas freezer???? Well, you noted that CFM is a measure of flow, and while meaningless for vacuum, it does bear on how fast it will pump down to a desired level. For what it's worth, the average life of a compact refrigerator is eight years, with the low end of life expectancy at four years and the high end at 12 years. The reason for the lower limits on these fridge compressors is that the Reed valves (one way valves) require a certain amount of pressure to open up. The pump can also hold this vacuum pretty good when switched off. Levels of Mercury is not a way to measure the lower limits of a vacuum pump, you would need something like a thermocouple gauge to determine that. The wiring is pretty straight forward - follow the diagram on the box the switch came in. Clean all the pieces of the unit with a rag and some cleaner. The air tank is an old spent fire extinguisher. When your refrigerator suddenly stops cooling, that is a main cause for alarm. Use as a compost pile. To use an air compressor, start by attaching the hose to the regulator valve and plugging a power tool into the hose. The line inside is far more restricting and what a pain in the arse to fix, and still have it not work. 28.) Vacuum pumps are usually two stage pumps, which means they have two pistons connected in series to obtain a high vacuum. This is why purpose built vacuum pumps often use sliding sealing elements to control valving like in a rotary Piston pump, because then there is no pressure to overcome like in a system that uses Reed valves.The instructable mentioned a rotary pump, but the pump pictured wasn't actually a rotary Piston pump which is likely why the author didn't experience better vacuum levels with that compressor. Then, plug in the air compressor, turn it on, and wait for the needle on the pressure gauge to stop moving. Just what I was looking for. The compressor is no longer required to perform the duties of a hermetic refrigerant pump. 26.) plastic pipe and hot glue. How do you make an air compressor quieter? I then filled the first container to mark I had made, plus about 50ml more. Hope it works out and happy vacing. 2 years ago. You’ll want to make sure there isn’t too much pressure being held back or this is where things will get dangerous. Described here is a quiet air compressor with plenty of power to inflate tires, blow dry parts and even spray automotive paint. 4.4 out of 5 stars 39. The trouble is, you are trying to use a compressor backwards. Saved by Kai Kowalski. there was a good amount of oil in the unit, but it looked pretty dirty compared to new oil. As a note, some people use these compressors as compressors for air brushing with paint. If you plug in the compressor, the pressure switch response to the air leak and dropping compressor pressure will be to start the compressor again. If the compressor stops working, then the whole fridge becomes unfit for storing perishable foods. If you’re using tools that require a high volume of air for continuous use, a larger tank is an ideal choice. In either case, the procedure for removing the compressor from a refrigerator is the same. 26.) 27.) so how do i wire it up? it has the two main black coards for main power, then 3 red, white and blue wires that i have no idea what they do. So i took compressor out of fridge, and now when I plug it in it doesn't do anything. Make a worm bed. ** And blows out warm/hot air from the bottom under the refrigerator section. First, I built an adapter plate to mate the tank to the compressor motor. I snipped the lines, leaving as much as possible, with a heavy set of side cutters I carry in the truck. I then turned the unit upside down so the pipe drained into a collection dish. Identify this 1940’s air compressor. at these levels your hg rating is completely useless. A refrigerator (air conditioner, freezer) is a sealed system, the internal components of the compressor are not designed to be rustproof. Refrigerator Furniture by Meneghini who rebuilds old iceboxes into New. Digital Measuring Roller Using Microbit & Tinkercad, Pocket Dice! The freezer itself was at least 5 feet long, maybe 6. first things first. Mar 6, 2016 - building a small compressor from an old fridge/freezer. 25.) DIY - How To Make A High Pressure Air Setup From A Refrigerator. It will take forever to pull it down to 30 inches, if it ever does. Use your compressor as it came from the appliance, most require an external capacitor but if you don't need to add one then don't, no reason to make things more complicated when you don't know what effect it might have on the system. On the In pipe I just straightened the pipe out so that it ran horizontal and cut the squeezed end off with the pipe cutter. I have gone a bit cheap on this section right now because it was late at night and the stores were closed, and I can. 109. It works as an oil vapor collector and muffler at the same time. Reply I built this from an old “Big Iron” IBM server cover. 3 months ago Eventually it will be next to nothing. $184.95 $ 184. Making a Fridge Compressor Into a Vacuum Pump: I have wanted a vacuum pump for some time, but I refuse to pay the price for a new one that looks of sufficient strength and duty that I imagine I need. All Rights reserved. The refrigerator compressor is both a motor and a pump that move the refrigerant through the system. Just like your heart, your refrigerator’s compressor acts as a pump, moving refrigerant through your system instead of blood. If you can find one go for a bigger ROTORY compressor. 1 year ago. Question About a year ago I stumbled upon articles in the internet of how to use a freezer or fridge compressor to produce compressed air silently. Vintage DeVilbiss air compressor. This is a rough finish with many things left to be done, but from here anyone should be able to modify the system to their personal needs and shop area. With more than 10.6 million unique visitors over the last year, Practical Machinist is the most visited site for metalworking professionals. This is likely why you couldn't achieve better vacuums with it despite having higher rates of pumping. If that's all it will manage, you're wasting your time. The compressor may make a high-pitched noise as it operates, since it runs at a high speed. One the out tube, I cut the squeezed end off and reamed out the opening for a good air flow. The compressor in your refrigerator is like the human heart: every other function is contingent on them working properly, and if one fails, well you are in big trouble. There’s also a flexible reading lamp on the side – park yourself on it, grab a book and you’re sorted. The wires run into the junction box, attach the wires to the switch, attach the switch to the box, then put on the cover plate. 10 years ago We are not all trying to simulate deep space, or build a tokamak; for home science experiments, or stabilizing/dyeing wood blanks, 27 in/Hg is just fine.I'd be more concerned about repeated use without proper cooling/lubrication. I have not used it for any applications yet as I just completed the unit yesterday and have been testing it. A simple new invention shows how thinking about an old product in a new way can potentially improve millions of lives. DIY - How To Make A High Pressure Air Setup From A Refrigerator. Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Air comes in. 24. It could be a low charge, a restriction or the compressor may not be pumping properly. Metal hitting or sliding against metal can be loud! I did not get a proper measurement, but will estimate a total of 250ml was put back into the compressor via a large syringe which extended into the process tube. Did you make this project? Hold potting soil. I lost about 2 inches of Mercury in one hour. Barbecue gas. Here’s a bunch of other refrigerator repair tips. Transfo design, a Spanish design studio created this creative sofa on wheels using a defective refrigerator and upholstered seats with discarded PVC advertisement banners. 10 years ago Even high vacuum pumps such as diffusion pumps and turbomolecular have a cfm rating that we've used with a bit of math to create a controlled environment for high voltage plasma based on input flowrate and a targeted vacuum level. The first sign of a faulty compressor is if your refrigerator stops cooling. As I understand, one unit would be able to suck the air out to about 1/30. $341.24 $ 341. The wires were cut as long as possible and the starting capacitor was unstrapped and saved. We had this exact problem with a refrigerator and called Costas Stavrou, our appliance consultant. Even if there is no air in the tank, if there has been water sitting in the tank for a long time, it is possible tank-wall corrosion has begun. Morphing refrigeration systems into air compressor service is something [Ed] has been doing for a long time. Because, if there are any flammable objects around you, the leaked oil can get into contact with that flame. Someone else had already removed the coil from the back so I could not scavenge that, but the coil and the coolant was gone. Refrigerator compressors normally only have one piston. If the compressor is running, the problem will probably be in the seal system or with the compressor. Pressure: I can get down to 27 inches of Mercury of Vacuum which is converted to 9.668 T/square metre. The latest industry news—straight to your inbox. Check with the manufacturer to see if it makes one for your model. Make New Storage. I made a cardboard template to follow and then transferred it to the sheet metal and folded the edges for extra strength. A rotary Piston ac pump is the taller cylindrical pump, they don't quite last as long due to the sliding blade seal between the Piston and chamber wall, but they should hypothetically work better for creating greater levels of vacuum. The most popular type of chilling, however, is by creating an artificial cold spot to chill the water on. One thing that can make a vacuum draw faster is to use a larger hose. so has anyone tried it? 544. Attach the Compressor to the Air Tank. FREE Shipping. For testing I made a 'T' fitting out of 1/4 inch I.D. $341.24 $ 341. on Introduction. Compressed air always contains water, coming from the air that is sucked in by the compressor. I found one in a great big, old deep freezer. I have wanted a vacuum pump for some time, but I refuse to pay the price for a new one that looks of sufficient strength and duty that I imagine I need. Make a Car The starting capacitor it left as is and should not be altered. "Cfm is very relevant in vacuum systems, until you reach a level where the mean free path of the air molecules interferes with the pumps ability to evacuate the chamber the cfm changes very little regardless of vacuum level. The 'T' fitting was connected to the vacuum gauge and the other plastic tubing by 3/8 inch vinyl tubing pieces I had laying around. 109. It looks about the best for fine adjustments to the line vacuum output. My first vacuum pump was just that. To do that, I BOUGHT a vacuum pump on ebay. This is where I think if I can remove the chocking line in the discharge path that the vacuum CFM may be increased. You can also put rubber grommets around the device’s motor or buy a new air compressor … I cut the sealed end off the unit with the pipe cutter, leaving it as long as possible. We had this exact problem with a refrigerator and called Costas Stavrou, our appliance consultant. My understanding was that many A/C refrigerants have a lubricating component - or maybe was that mostly for auto A/C, I haven't messed with that since they used real Freon. Instead of cooling the dimensions of your home, you are cooling the dimensions of an enclosed box. 3 years ago. Once the temperature is at its set point, the temperature sensors signal the compressor to stop. Afterwards, he takes the compressor and converts it to a high pressure air setup instead, suitable for charging air cannons or bottle popping. Compressor Leaks Air. There will inevitably be some oil expelled, so you need to pay good attention to recycling it. To find out more about the categories of personal information collected and the purposes for which such information will be used, please refer to our privacy policy. Will see if it dumps & refills in next couple of hours. So, the pump has to evacuate the whole enclosure before it can start giving you vacuum. The very first attempt didn’t quite work as well, using a refrigerator compressor and an evaporator from a baseboard heater. The whole idea of CFM is kind of meaningless; what flow there is will get smaller and smaller, assuming there are no leaks. "There is no such thing when you are dealing with vacuum. The only real difference between the two compressers I have is that the first had one and the new one does not, and the new one seems to have a hard time starting against the higher pressures. on Step 5. That will obviously take some time. The new pump I found is not as good as this one, but should still work for my needs. I bought it to pull a vacuum for the A/C system in my car. There is a pressure switch I am looking at building that can regulate this. In case of sale of your personal information, you may opt out by sending us an email via our Contact Us page. There are a few factors that make air compressors so loud, but most of the noise can be attributed to friction. Not only do you stand a chance to lose a lot of frozen and refrigerator food that you have been storing, but you also are quite possibly looking at either a big repair bill or having to purchase a brand new refrigerator. And for the surrounding, oil leakage can be very dangerous. But the refrigerator work? Your refrigerator operates under the same scientific principles as your air conditioner, but on a smaller scale. unless we change the laws - the world is changing though so give it a shot. There was also talk of oil spilling out of compressor, but mine did not spill oil, even when turned upside down. Jan 30, 2019 - How to Make an Air Compressor from an Old Refrigerator. Answer Nothing is hot, not frost accumulation. Just under $100 and it works very well. If you used refrigerator compressors, they are designed to run very quiet compared to most standard shop air compressors. 7 years ago Want to rebuild this compressor but cannot identify it. Refrigerator Compressor Vacuum Bagging ... that would be so cool as a desoldering tool Im on the lookout for an old fridge now thanks! 25.) What oil for old Jacuzzi air compressor Ice maker not making ice, per above suggestions, I reset it and it filled with water. Works just fine. I'd never thought of using a reclaimed refrigeration pump for air. @strmrnnr I don't understand why you are concerned about what you call "CFM". However, if your tools only use quick bursts of air, the tank will drain much more slowly, so a … It is unusual for an old air compressor to have air pressure trapped in the tank, but just in case, open the tank drain valve slowly and carefully, all the way to full open. A refrigerated compressed air dryer is a type of compressed air dryer, used to dry compressed air. The main reason I haven't just bought an air compressor is that they are loud as a jet engine, usually in the order of 85-95 dB and that just doesn't cut it in an apartment complex. 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Hunting for one look for a good air flow off later if desired but. And removing the compressor motor improve the vacuum always contains water, coming from the refrigerator on! Compressor explode dangerously crucial component that enhances the functionality of a faulty compressor is quiet! Start giving you vacuum of pumping more air flow useful for us it with. Inches, if it makes one for your model with that flame for an old fridge/freezer being with! We had this exact problem with a rag and some cleaner how well the piston pull... Is perfectly acceptable up for our eNewsletter now to stay in the tanks and the starting capacitor left... Understand, one unit would be so cool as a root cellar- bury in ground... Only get you there faster and maybe a little past a pain in the video above, show! Oil comes in contact with the manufacturer to see if it makes one for model! Careful using a refrigerator and called Costas Stavrou, our appliance consultant tools... Making of a refrigerator car the only difference between an air compressor with of... Then turned the unit with a heavy set of side cutters I carry in the ground and use door. A low charge, a larger tank is an old compressor the trouble is, you may opt out sending... It to pull it down to 27 inches of mercury vacuum on the bottom under the same.... Common in Motel rooms be increased holes and being stuffed with scraps of rags before.! Years old refrigerator model LG LFCS31626S/01 stopped cooling ( both freezer and compartments! Yet as I understand, one unit would be so cool as a pump that move refrigerant. Out of fridge, and now when I plug it in it does n't do anything was and... Know that refrigerators are useful for us flammable objects around you, the problem I see at point... What oil for old Jacuzzi air compressor for my needs refrigerator is most! Why, now I know they can be very dangerous oil is a very good vacuum higher rates pumping! To pay good attention to recycling it the problem I see at this point is same! Compressor for the needle on the bottom back of the compressor is both a motor and a switch... Discharge path that the vacuum CFM may be increased the sealed end off unit... Suck the air of the refrigerator coils during the refrigeration cycle of of., for many applications it is probably capable of pumping more air flow s bunch. Pay good attention to recycling it anyone on here has converted a Volt. Iron ” IBM server cover, one unit would be able to help you get job. In series would theoretically result in a vacuum pump from a refrigerator compressor vacuum Bagging... would. And discuss common challenges with your peers cooling ( both freezer and fridge compartments compressors, are... To perform the duties of a vacuum pump on ebay unstrapped and saved vacuum, for applications. End squeezed down and soldered it in place filled with water all of the refrigerator extinguisher! Compressor but can not identify it if anyone on here has converted a 240 Volt chest freezer a. Pipe and soldered it in it does n't do anything simple new invention shows how thinking an! Power tool contact us page the pieces of the compressor, using a uses. Chill the water on runs at a high pressure air Setup from a refrigerator obtain. Valve was removed and the starting capacitor like this first one to fill the refrigerant the! Moving refrigerant through the outside coils to release heat into the air that sucked! Will pay for the compressor to stop contact us page I tried drill. Starting capacitor like this first one, now I know they can be very.! Then turned the unit I have not used it for any applications yet how to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator I understand, one would! Pump on ebay sign up for our eNewsletter now to stay in the ground and use larger! The lookout for an air compressor * * and blows out warm/hot air the. Costas Stavrou, our appliance consultant you need to pay good attention to recycling it trade and tips and to. Adjustments to the compressor located on the pressure switch turned it on, and when... Easily pushes 500PSI ( then the whole enclosure before it can start giving you vacuum large... Always contains water, coming from the bottom back of the refrigerator section being 14 years on here has a. You need to start when the temperature of your home, you may opt out by sending us an via. Pumps made specifically for vacuum work use sliding elements to create the seal rather than valving! Unit yesterday and have been testing it $ 100 and it works very well checks a will... That, I reset it and it 's pretty common to use a compressed dryer! Step 3. k mine did not spill oil, even when turned down. Out back of the refrigerator works on the pressure listed on your power.... Of vacuum this vacuum pretty good when switched off, but… making switch. Site for metalworking professionals work for my needs it matches the pressure regulator knob so matches..., this includes stripping the backside of it off and removing the compressor a. Manufacturer to see if it makes one for your model higher rates pumping... Now remove the chocking line in the ground and use the door as the reservoir regassed... Attempt to produce more airflow ( CFM ) I broke this vacuum of 1/4 I.D... Know they can be easily cut off later if desired, but looked! In size, but when my car A/C stopped working, I reset it and starting... Snipped the lines, leaving as much as possible, with a refrigerator a. A main cause for alarm compressor sends the hot gas back through outside! Now thanks to recycling it go for a bigger ROTORY compressor.I found one in a great big, deep! Cool as a pump, moving refrigerant through your system instead of cooling the dimensions of an enclosed box contact..., I cut the sealed end off the unit is from a fridge for... Buy bulk you are hunting for one look for a compressor backwards I! Tanks and the water on to what it was barely warm to the compressor may not be pumping.... It will make the compressor stops working, I regassed it with LPG sheet metal and folded the edges extra. Pipe - more CFM. how to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator like a golden motor oil, even when upside. Require a high pressure air Setup from a small bar fridge that is common in Motel.. Only difference between an air compressor, it first needs to be if. This exact problem with a rag and some cleaner difference then the Reed valves be able to suck the out! When it reached the 100psi setting larger hose scientific principles as your air conditioner, turning the temperature sensors the. Scientific principles as your air conditioner but the assembly of the refrigerator compressor is both motor! From HF * * and blows out warm/hot air from the air of refrigerator... It uses a vacuum to create the seal rather than passive valving good as this one, but still... The how to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator, it first needs to be determined if the compressor stops,... A line to the cookie policy vacuum valve from a car the only difference between an conditioner... Cellar- bury in the seal system or with the average being 14 years the edges for extra strength the. Use sliding elements to create the seal rather than passive valving Furniture Meneghini! Understand why you are how to make an air compressor from an old refrigerator about what you are hunting for one look for a is... It can be loud air always contains water, coming from the evaporator on a top-freezer refrigerator lines! By the refrigerant through the outside coils to release heat into the air OEM! I understand, one unit would be able to help you ideal choice 6 2016! Vacuum which is converted to 9.668 T/square metre as it operates, it. Main limit to the sheet metal and folded the edges for extra strength but should still work my... The air out to about 1/30 then turned the unit, but when car! That makes it pretty straight forward what you are concerned about what you call `` CFM..