Homemade air compressor

[penth2o]

I'm not really the inventor type but mechanically inclined.
I have a gas 5.5 snowblower motor that is newer & runs great. I also have a brand new 100 gallon vertical propane pig.
I would like to use these items instead of scrapping them. Could I make a air compressor that sits outside the garage with these items?

Does anyone have any links or blogs on how to do this.
Does anyone have any experience doing this that could lend a hand or tell me what other parts I would need to buy to make this happen.

If this is not feasible, what would you suggest a use for these items.
I don't need a go-kart or log splitter.

Thank you in advance.

 

[KrisKustomPaint]

the propane tank would work fine for a tank, but the snow blower won't generate much psi. Try and find a second hand compressor pump, you could run that with the snow blower motor, or find an electric motor.

 

[nehog]

So you are going to get a compressor and link it to the snowblower motor?

IMHO your biggest problems will be fittings to fit the tank, and a frame to mount the compressor/motor combination.

 

[rsanter]

you could use the tank, get a motor (or use the engine off the snow blower) and then all you need id the pressure control switch

I have a rebuilt compressor pump for sale
it needs a 5 to 7 hp motor to spin it
would work well on a 100gal tank

bob

 

[Stephenw]

You would need to get a compressor pump that is meant to be driven by an engine. They use a different unloader design because the pump turns continuously while the engine runs.

 

[Greatbear]

Many "true" snowblower engines are not suited for general purpose use. They have limited cooling airflow since they are made for cold weather operation and need to build up some heat, and most don't have air filters. An air filter tends to become clogged with snow, which can melt and soak the element, then refreeze. Using such an engine for general purpose/compressor use will cause it to overheat, and dirt can damage the cylinder. These engines can be converted to general purpose use by fitting with an air filter and using an unrestricted cooling air screen/rewind housing.

 

[kams1973]

You're gas engine needs to exceed the HP rating for the compressor pump. Example: Your 5.5hp engine will not be able to power let's say a Kellogg-American 335 (5hp) compressor pump at rated RPM and PSI. The 5.5hp is probably a peak number in "standard" conditions (sea level, 59 degrees F, atmospheric psi of 14.7). The actual continuous hp is lower in standard conditions and decreases with altitude, temperature, etc...

 

[73Chevy]

You could definately add a compressor pump to that engine and use the propane tank as an air receiver. I use propane tanks for this sort of thing all the time. You'll just need to use the correct pulley ratio on the engine so that the pump spins at a much slower speed. They sell engine/compressor throttle controls relatively cheaply, basically like a normal electric pressure switch except it has a cable to control the throttle instead. Harbor freight sells a V-twin compressor pump for around $150 that would probably be perfect for this.

 

[stltikn]

Suggest you save your time and money and buy a complete unit. You can get a small inexpensive complete working compressor from HF or Northern Tool or COSCO etc. . Sell the snowblower engine and tank on CL for whatever you can get. You really will be money ahead.

 

[KrisKustomPaint]

Suggest you save your time and money and buy a complete unit. You can get a small inexpensive complete working compressor from HF or Northern Tool or COSCO etc. . Sell the snowblower engine and tank on CL for whatever you can get. You really will be money ahead.

Some time ya gotta build something just to try and see if you can.

 

[brownbagg]

I made an compressor out of a vw motor one time, two clyinder to pump air, two to run the motor

 

[kams1973]

If you still want to build a compressor, you will need to obtain a compressor pump. If the compressor has unloaders on its valves, you will need a pilot valve. If you have a pump without unloaders you will need an all in one pilot valve. An all in one has a built in check valve, a vent to bleed off air when pump reaches psi, and a port for a throttle valve. A throttle cable is used to idle down the motor while the all in one vents the excess air. You will also need safety valve for the tank. Then configure the tank with a baseplate to bolt on the motor and pump. As far as welding on the tank goes, I will defer to the more experienced members to comment on this. You may also want to go to a retailer that sells gas powered compressors. It is helpful to actually see these items I mentioned and where they are located. When I get a chance I'll put up some pics of 2 gas powered compressors I have built. Have fun and good luck.

 

[isaac338]

I made an compressor out of a vw motor one time, two clyinder to pump air, two to run the motor

That's rad. How well did it run? Any pics?

 

[KrisKustomPaint]

That's rad. How well did it run? Any pics?

I worked at a place that had a sandblaster that used a 302 ford for a compressor. One bank of cylinders was run on gas, and the other bank was the compressor. Loud as hell, but it did put out an amazing amount of air.

 

[pgreen]

I made an compressor out of a vw motor one time, two clyinder to pump air, two to run the motor

I have one too. Called a VolksAir from Dunn-Right Inc. http://www.dunnrightinc.com/

Don't have much time on it, pretty much just a test run. Still sitting there waiting on a real reason that I might need 58 CFM! Was a great project though. Sounds about like a 2-cylinder garden tractor engine, as the two driving cylinders use round garden tractor mufflers.

 

[Full Size 66]

I also have been told of using the old V-8 car engine for a compressor. The one described to me was a 57 chrysler hemi....