You are an owner of an air compressor, but you need a vacuum pump for your specific project. Instead of buying a separate vacuum pump, you should try the following method to convert your air compressor into a vacuum pump. Due to their shared working mechanism, an air compressor can be used to create a vacuum pump. To work correctly, both draw air from the outside environment.
Various air compressors can be converted into vacuum pumps. Sometimes these vacuum pumps work more appropriately than the original one. By using this vacuum pump that you made through a DIY project, you can save money and perform multiple tasks.
Read this guide to make your vacuum pump with an air compressor.
Tutorial to make a vacuum pump using an air compressor
Whether you want to use a vacuum pump for your automobile or other manufacturing process and don’t have a vacuum pump, you can make it from an air compressor. It might be possible that you have an old air compressor and want to convert it for some helpful machinery, then converting it into a vacuum pump could be the best option. The most fascinating aspect of this procedure is how simple it is to carry out at home.
Required tools
To perform the project, collect all these tools:
- Wire sniper
- Sandpaper
- Hose clamp
- Hose barbs
- PVC hose pipe
- Epoxy
- Goggle
- Gloves
Now that you have the required tool, you may begin the process.
Step 1: Open the compressor
To begin the process, remove the cap of the compressor. With the help of a screwdriver, unscrew the cap and remove it. Most compressor cylinders are under the cap. If you have a different compressor, then you can read the manual. When you have opened the cap now pump is in front of you. You can see other parts of the compressor too.
Step 2: Discover the air intake
After opening the compressor, find the air intake. You can check this under or at the top of the motor. In the case of the pancake compressor, it will be at the top. You can see the air intake valve by unscrewing the head. However, for another compressor, it will be under the motor.
Step 3: Close the intake valves
When you find the air intake valves, you can seal them using J.b weld. Fill them and sand them smoothly using sandpaper. Doing this can stop the airflow from where you don’t want it during the vacuum process.
Some air compressors have built-in hose barbs; you can join your PVC hose. While for the other, you need to make some changes and build your required point to attach the hose.
Step 4: Prepare the flange if needed
For attaching the PVC hose pipe, you need some modifications in the compressor. But these modifications are not permanent. You can convert your machinery back into an air compressor.
For preparing the flange/extension, you need to steel pipe and cut it into small pieces. Make a hole according to your required size and attach the steel pipe using epoxy. Let it settle down overnight.
Step 5: Make a hole
If your compressor does not have any way to attach the PVC hose directly, then you need to make a hole. This hole is necessary to make the passage for the hose. If your model has no upper cover, You don’t need to make these adjustments.
Step 6: Fix the hose barb
Now Link the hose barb to the PVC pipe. These are readily available in the marker. To fix that one place, you can use the clamp.
Step 7: Put back the compressor cover
In the end, put back the cover of the air compressor. Secure it in one place by tightening the screws back. In the end, join the hose and enjoy operating this as a vacuum pump.
Things to keep in mind when turning a compressor to a vacuum pump
While performing the process, keep the following things in your mind.
- Make sure your air compressor is not linked to electricity by shutting the power switch off.
- Carefully affix the flange using steel-fixed epoxy.
- Wear safety equipment to avoid any misfortune.
- Be sure to reassemble the air compressor carefully.
- Take some extra care not to harm the unit.
FAQs
How is the air compressor different from the vacuum pump?
These are similar in how their operating system taka air from their outside environment. However, there is a difference between them. An air compressor takes in the air and compresses it into a chamber or a tank. On the other hand, the pump releases the air and creates a vacuum. There are many other differences between them. It could be their applications and need for power for running.
Which air compressors, under what sizes, can be made into vacuum pumps?
In the market, different vacuum pump and air compressor combinations are available. You can buy them. But if you want to make a vacuum pump from an air compressor, you can consider smaller and bigger compressors. For example, a 12v compressor can easily convert into a vacuum pump.
But specifically, you should focus on the following types of air compressors.
- A tire inflator
- A vacuum-operated, multistage compressor.
Final Words
Both an air compressor as well as a vacuum pump are multipurpose machinery.Making a vacuum pump with an air compressor means you can take advantage of using a single unit for almost every kind of task. It will save you from high costs. You can implement the given method for your different kinds of air compressors unless they are suitable for performing vacuum tasks. Just make sure to follow the safety guide also so you could not harm yourself as well as your unit.