How I built my Homemade Hand Engraving Machine Part 2 Modify 12v compressor

[@aperahamlincoln6168]

Oh man I was just shopping for a graver till I seen they are thousands of dollars. Came across your video and I can’t wait to build this. You have just got me into engraving sir. Bless you.

[@CJ8898x]

Just my luck Rick, I get a compressor that the pistol section doesn't have the c-clip holding the pistol in place.so I just removed the little check valves and screws. Applied the JB weld and put it back together.

[@CJ8898x]

Also my wires have no imprint on the wires that show which one is the ground.

[@danorourke1895]

Hi Rick just wanted to say thankyou for this I have ordered a 50 Cal Can too. My expensive graver packed up last summer so I am making a fankengraver with the hand pieces and air supplies and switches. Plus everything you have set out as well.

[@brucecorley4089]

So far so good. The main change I made is to cover the holes I cut into the ammo can with very fine mesh (to keep out insects). I had a little trouble locating the small brass fittings but I think I've got that covered. The trade school machinist students are building my handpiece (great folks BTY); I just had to buy the materials. The gravers I plan to make out of old jewelers files. Rick was great to email me the plans. Thank you, sir. Great project that will lead to a nifty new hobby.

[@mcearl8073]

FYI, if you have baking soda it works great with superglue for filling holes and cracks. It acts as an activator so it cures very quick and gives it some additional filler material. It can be sanded almost immediately too if needed. Even if you don’t use it for the pistons I figured it might come in handy at some point down the road.

[@djr4413]

It works! Thanks to you and Shaun, this thing is awesome, I think I paid $20 for an ABN air compressor, and that was the most expensive part!

[@giwangpvcartslamp1349]

Did it really work? You have made it a fund whether this is able to carve on a motorbike engine block

[@davidpayne4380]

Thank you for a great series of instructional videos, and I will soon be following them. One question, why when the compressor comes with a perfectly good air outlet do you seal it up and make your own outlet? Regards Dave

[@ralex397]

Because I wanted it to exit out the top and not the side. I would have still removed the pressure gauge, not needed, and plug that hole. Its a personal preference thing. Do what works for you. And have fun!

[@davidpayne4380]

@@ralex397 Thank you.

[@michaelroth227]

Hi Rick, I just built one based on your instructions, works nicely so far! I still need to build the handpiece, but that shouldn't be too bad. I really like the ammo can idea for it, fits great in it. The speed control I found has a % display on it which is nice. Thanks for the great video! Mike

[@ralex397]

Thanks Mike!

[@CJ8898x]

Can you use denatured alcohol instead of isopropyl alcohol to degrease the pistol before plugging the ports.

[@ralex397]

Sure, what ever works to remove the oils. I used isopropyl alcohol because that is what I had. I would have used MEK but I was out.

[@CJ8898x]

@@ralex397 Rick your videos, are the the best. If you ever decide to run for president, you have my vote automatically buddy.

[@ralex397]

@@CJ8898x Thanks!

[@moonolyth]

I use break cleaner and JB weld for stuff like that.... Must say don't comment on other mens Vices but that's a nice big one ! I have the same one and don't know how I got along without .... fantastic information !!! Thanks for taking the time.

[@marcelomattioli9033]

it is really necessary to modify the compressor, my graver works with a standard compressor, thanks

[@ralex397]

Yes, you must modify a small compressor / tire inflator for this type hand piece to work, it will not work with regular compressed air.

[@raymondmirabal5879]

Can you not use a 120 volt portable car air compressor with a variable speed foot switch?

[@ralex397]

I haven't tried to build one but it should work just fine, let me know how it turns out, and what parts you use!

[@MrMiso01]

Hi Rick, I am asking for a little help when you read this comment. I have a desire to engrave and I bought a mini 12v compressor but my compressor does not have piston like this. My compressor has a plastic piston with holes and another plate with a valve on top, just below the pressure gauge. Please tell me which holes I need to glue and how to get my compressor ready for engraving. I bought 2 compressors, but both have the same working principle, with a plastic piston with small holes. Thank you in advance.

[@ralex397]

Block the hole/s in the piston with glue or epoxy. Remove the valve from the plate on top just below the pressure gauge. Refer to this drawing; kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGKpiZ2Letd2Z7s

[@MrMiso01]

@@ralex397 thank you mate

[@orenishilewis2695]

thanks for video. If I modify this can I use it with my Andu engraving set up? I am VERY new to engraving? thanks

[@ralex397]

Sorry, I don't know anything about an Andu engraver.

[@CJ8898x]

Hey Rick, my wires on my compressor doesn't have any imprinting on the wires, what would you suggest buddy.

[@ralex397]

If its a 12 volt compressor it wont matter, should run fine either way it hooked up. Before you cut the wires, plug it in and see if you can determine the direction of rotation, then rewire it and see if its rotating in the same direction, if it is your done, if its running in the opposite direction, reverse the wires.

[@CJ8898x]

Will JB weld work for modifying the compressor ?

[@ralex397]

I do not know, never tried it, let us know if it works for you!

[@the_first_woodwizard]

Another fine addition, and simple too!

[@aperahamlincoln6168]

Also if you sprinkle baking soda on super glue it hardens instantly

[@taschcan7771]

Is this compressor good enough for long time use? Like an hour or so.

[@ralex397]

As long as you keep the cylinder lubed it will last 1000's of hours. If it runs dry it will wear out quick. After the compressor is modified the piston is never under a load, like it is when it's pumping up a tire.

[@johnhowton6339]

thanks for demo

[@xxhellshakerxx2018]

Rick, i know im late to the party and this video is 5 yrs old. However, though i do feel i could make this machine. I am unable to craft the hand piece itself. Do you make and sell ones?

[@ralex397]

I no longer make them to sell, I do supply the blueprints and drawings for free.

[@wernergerstner7776]

Hello Rick, my name is Karl Gerstner from Germany. I'm an avid viewer of your site. I have a question for you and I hope you want to help me. I am disabled and engrave as a hobby. I have a compressor, a pedal and an engraving hammer. What electronic parts do I need to get the hammer working? I would be very happy about your help. Keep up the good work with your films, they are very good. My compliment. Kind regards Karl.

[@ralex397]

In the description box under video 1 is a parts list, you will need a power supply; at least 15 amps, and a 12 volt speed controller, I bought both from eBay. You can email me at; [e-mail] for free blueprints and wiring drawings.

[@brianwhite5930]

Rick, thank you for the videos. Can I use a harvested power supply from a desktop computer? 3 12v outputs. 1 at .5A and 2 at 16A. Would it damage the compressor? I figure I would use the .5A for the fan.

[@ralex397]

Yes, a power supply from a computer will work fine, I was going to use one but it wouldn't fit in the ammo can.

[@stevenguyen2546]

Thank Rick for sharing, hope someone here can help,, i see that the pump is 100psi,,, i already have a AAA pump that is rated at 300psi,,, can i use this or have to get 100PSI ?

[@ralex397]

What size is the cylinder head?

[@toofankumar8457]

Nice video👌👌👌👌

[@AAchurch]

Hi Rick, after watching several times, I notice that the cylinder is put back in backwards. It came out if you notice with the bearing facing the motor and it was put back together in the other direction. I just wanted to point it out if you have not yet noticed... I do love the videos, I must say...:) Thanks again really.

[@ralex397]

It doesn't matter, it works either way. Thanks for watching, glad you like the videos!!

[@michaelhightower8160]

🤔Now why is it necessary to get rid of the air gauge? 🤗And by the way you did a fantastic job showing 👀 all of us just how to do this modification 👏👏😁👍!

[@ArcaneTinker]

The compressor no longer builds pressure as it's now basically like a syringe that is being pushed in and out really fast. The gauge would only flutter for a few minutes before the internals are bashed to bits from the oscillation.

[@TayouTroy]

Hi, Do you know if this modified compressor will work with the cheap gds clones hand price selling on AliExpress and ebay?

[@ralex397]

I do not know, I haven't tried one.

[@MrSabazio]

so my compressor has a hard time getting going and does not reach full speed, if i remove the cylinder or loosen the cylinder assembly it has no issues, its oiled, any suggestions?

[@ralex397]

Has it been modified?

[@MrSabazio]

@@ralex397 Yea, followed your instructions to a T, though mine did not have the C ring on the piston, its fixed to the shaft.

[@ralex397]

Did you remove the valve above the piston and it's open at least a .170 or larger to the 1/4" tubing? A few people have sealed that valve too, that will make the compressor run slow.

[@MrSabazio]

@@ralex397 its open, just stalls in the cylinder and has no torque to even start without giving it a wack to get the counter balance to shift.

[@ralex397]

If your going through a speed controller bypass it and put 12 volts directly to the compressor. See what happens.

[@ehud59]

Tanks for good video. This is what I needed to know.🙂🙂🙂

[@keirambelli6394]

Does it have to be in the ammo box, or will it work just the way it is with the modified compressor?

[@ralex397]

No it does not have to be in an ammo box, feel free to put it in what ever works for you. I have seen the parts installed in homemade wood boxes and Tupperware.

[@keirambelli6394]

Got it Thank you for replying!

[@mikeva77]

I built my machine exactly like you did. I bought a hand piece and pre-sharpened gravers from eBay. My machine works. I can adjust the speed and do everything it’s supposed to do. When I put a coin in the vice and turn the machine on it graver will barely scratch the coin much less carve it. What am I doing wrong?

[@ralex397]

I am going to need more information to help, email me at [e-mail]

[@savestheday258]

Graver geometry and sharpening are very very important. Look into the lindasay engraving templates for a lower cost method of a precise sharpening system. If it's not the gravers themselves then I bet the piston isn't making solid contact with the tool. Good luck

[@elielalves9349]

Pra quer serve essa adaptação no motor qual a diferença dele com adaptação e ele original

[@ralex397]

a modificação é fazer o ciclo do ar no cilindro para frente e para trás, sugar e soprar o mesmo ar. deixará de funcionar como compressor

[@elielalves9349]

Rick Alexander obrigado amigo

[@Picklemedia]

So basically, you're making it so it pushes _and_ pulls air back and forth, rather than pushing it each stroke? Then, the engraver has a ball bearing that gets push back and forth making it pneumatic? Is this how it all works? I am very new to this. Thank you

[@ralex397]

Yes a small 12v compressor is modified to push and pull air back and forth, I don't use a ball bearing I make a piston it is way more efficient. I can send you the drawings if you email me.

[@Picklemedia]

@@ralex397 okay. Where do I find your email? I might just buy the engraving tool as they seem fairly affordable, but the compressor part seems more worth the build. What do you think? I appreciate your time and advice.

[@ralex397]

@@Picklemedia My email is [e-mail] At this time I do not have any ready to ship, it may be a while before I do.

[@savestheday258]

Hey Rick is there a reason you used half of 2 different compression fittings and drilled one out? From what I can tell they sell 1/4od x 1/8mip sharkbite quick connectors that would have worked and also they sell 1 single brass compression fitting that is 1/4od x 1/8 mip as well. Do you think those woukd work being directly screwed into the compressor port instead of all that extra work? I'm gonna try it building aachine for a friend and let you know. I got the original 2 fittings that you used as well incase i find a problem with my idea and need to go back to the original route. Let me know your thoughts though 👍

[@ralex397]

What ever it takes, I showed what I used to get it to work, with what I could find at the hardware store, Im sure there are many ways to adapt the compressor and ammo box to the 1/4" tubing. I make my own fittings, but most people are going to go to the hardware store and buy the fittings to adapt it. If you can find a fitting that screws directly into the compressor and you can attach the tubing to it, thats the fitting you want, but depending what the hardware store has in stock you may need other adapters, or have to drill the fitting open a little larger, depends on what you can find. Good Luck!

[@savestheday258]

@@ralex397 yes your completely right, and I think I answered my own question. I forgot the threading on the compressor ports aren't 1/8 right? More like the 5/16-24 grub screw you used to plug the extra port. So your method is probably still best. If I do find an alternative I'll share it with you incase its helpful for you in the future. Thanks for the quick response btw ✌️

[@travisbernard8618]

Rick thanks for sharing your videos I would like to build one and befor I do would like to know if regular hand peace’s will work with it like grs or amazon cheap ones? Thanks

[@ralex397]

No as far as I know they will not work with this system, I have not worked with the Chinese hand pieces so I do not know if they can be modified.

[@travisbernard8618]

Rick Alexander ok thanks guess I’ll have to build one can I get some blue prints from u by chance?

[@ralex397]

@@travisbernard8618 email me at [e-mail] for blueprints

[@rogercrier]

Have I got this right, you are modifying it so the piston now blows air down the tube,then sums it back?

[@ralex397]

After the modification the compressor piston pushes and pull the same air back and forth, it no longer compresses the air it sucks and blows. Up stroke of the piston pushes the piston in the hand-piece to hit the tool holder, the down stroke of the compressor piston sucks the piston in the hand-piece back. Simple design the compressor motor is never under a load and should last thousands of hours.

[@elielalves9349]

Oi amigo qual o máximo de tempo q eu posso ficar com ele funcionando

[@antoniorenato9525]

Olá!como faço para comprar essa máquina???

[@antoniorenato9525]

Qual nome do aparelho que grava? Qual motor é?

[@elielalves9349]

@@antoniorenato9525 comprar no Aliexpress

[@antoniorenato9525]

@@elielalves9349 Boa noite meu amigo o motor eu encontrei no AliExpress mas aquele aparelho da gravura que fica na mão como se chama Aonde eu posso encontrar

[@elielalves9349]

Lá também colocar peça de mão de buril ou só colocar (buril pra ourives)

[@the_first_woodwizard]

Rick, try using acetone to degrease the piston.

[@ralex397]

I would have but I was concerned about the material that the seal for the piston was made out of. I didn't want the acetone to dissolve the seal, it may not of, but not knowing what the seal was made of I didn't want to take the chance.

[@patw999]

I agree with Rick, acetone can do a number on certain types of o-rings and seals. If it's unknown then stick with alcohol.

[@mylgphoneelgee162]

Yeah acetone will prkb eat up your o rings if not mistaken

[@wamfk]

hello nice tutorials does anyone know of a small unit avalible in australia like this ( quiet and with a bearing in the bottom end ?)

[@xclavo3]

David .A.Ford you can find this exact compressor on eBay

[@antonpikard1372]

Like your site, makes good watching. I am surprised you used 3 in 1 oil. I have always thought this was not a good lubricating oil ?

[@ralex397]

Its good enough for this application, the compressor is never under a load, any oil will work, should run for thousands of hours.

[@elielalves9349]

Olá amigo com essa adaptação em que melhor a diferença do motor, em quer muda da maneira original pra maneira adaptada

[@michaeltongue]

Thanks for this, very helpful.

[@joedirt165]

Thanks Rick for the Great Info, great Job. I'm on a shoestring budget and this is a great DIY fix. One Question, How has it been working the last 11 Months. Has it held up to constant Use? How many hours do you think you have used it for?

[@ralex397]

Holding up very well, I expect it to run for thousands of hours.

[@cyberpunk4622]

Keep a can of brake cleaner spray handy in the garage, it will clean up those parts pronto!

[@nwss9053]

How well has your personal machine held up?

[@nwss9053]

Specifically the compressor

[@ralex397]

The compressor is holding up very well, it should last until the brushes wear out, thousands of hours. The compressor is never under a load like it would be if you were airing up the tires on your car.

[@bryanwesley6275]

Any way to buy one off u

[@ralex397]

I do not sell these you have to build it yourself. I do supply free blueprints.

[@bryanwesley6275]

Rick Alexander where does a man find blueprints thanks again

[@ralex397]

@@bryanwesley6275 email me at [e-mail]

[@pequodexpress]

Your tutorials have helped me tremendously to get my head around this mod. And then I realized that my air gravers, which will be arriving soon, do not utilize pulsed air but normal compressed air. Would this 12V DC compressor work with such air-gravers without the pulsing modification?

[@ralex397]

No it will not, Shaun Hughes has a video that shows how to modify the Chinese hand piece to work with this mod. GoodLuck!

[@pequodexpress]

If that is a Chinese ball vise on your bench, how well does it work and where did you get it?

[@ralex397]

The 5" ball is Chinese, it is a nice vise for the price. The 3" was made in India, it is a POS. Bought both of them off eBay.

[@pequodexpress]

Thanks. I'll go with the 5" Chinese vise.

[@pequodexpress]

Thanks. I found a Taobao seller for the 5" vise.

[@joedirt165]

Thanks Again Rick for all your Hard work. The main question I have is , 1. Do you know how many strokes Per Minute that this machine puts out? 2. I plan on engraving knives and need something that will cut or bite into spring steel and stainless steel. 3. Do you think this will fit the bill? I've spent the whole weekend looking at those Chinese GRS knock Offs, and I don't want to take the chance buying one that works so, so. Besides this is way cheaper and I'm on a budget. I contacted Mr Hughes but he hasn't got back to me yet. Thanks again

[@ralex397]

1. Strokes per minute are more than needed, you must use speed controller to slow it down. 2. Spring steel & stainless no problem, plenty of power. 3. You will be very happy with this homemade machine, I engrave 4140 Chrome Molly steel with it. The Chinese knock offs can be modified to work with this machine.

[@billbarrett582]

@@ralex397 slow as heck though.

[@ralex397]

@@billbarrett582 without the speed controller installed my compressor runs way to fast.

[@inverted311]

Hello, would you be willing to make and sell one?

[@ralex397]

At this time I do not have any for sale, I am going to start making the hand pieces later this month. I will post a video when I have any for sale.

[@inverted311]

Rick Alexander I would really like to get the compressor and the whole set up ready to go if possible and when and if you are willing to put together a complete package. Thank you for your time.

[@ralex397]

At this time I am not making the whole kit, I can't warrantee the components in the box, the compressor is modified, the power supply and speed controller are made in China. And I do not do this for a living. Thats why Im showing everyone how to make there own. I don't think it will be much longer and other people will be selling these.

[@mcearl8073]

Inverted 311 how much is a a normal one to buy? The draw to this is we can make it ourself to save the money, if someone invested their time plus parts it would probably just make sense to buy a commercially available kind that comes with a warranty and whatnot.

[@inverted311]

Bmac 814 The least expensive one I was looking at was around $500-$700 U.S. To start off and see if one even likes it, something like this is Crazy cool.

[@h.m4087]

You forget the camera super engineer!!!!

[@xclavo3]

I would love to buy a couple of hand pieces from you, is there any way to follow you? Instagram or FB?

[@patw999]

People call 'em grub screws because they don't know the difference between a set screw and a grub screw. LOL

[@gianbattista]

sei sempre fuori dalla telecamera

[@ralex397]

Non si tratta di me, ma della macchina, non ho bisogno di essere davanti alla telecamera.

[@isabelcristinasilva930]

Hi. Your voice... are you Mr. Bean?

[@giannidn60]

Per chiudere 2 fori e svitare 4 viti hai fatto tutto sto casino, e menomale che hai visto gli altri video, 30 minuti persi

[@peterlunn1360]

Hand engraving, with a machine? - thats not really HAND engraving then, ist it?!