How To Make The Ultimate Shop Fan (Cheap D.I.Y Project)

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

What should I build next using a squirrel cage? Portable Swamp cooler? Downdraft grinding/ sanding table? Comment below and Subscribe to the channel !

[@shakaama]

yes portable swamp cooler. i'm dying here in Vegas. no air in my main house. just in my bedroom with a 500 btu A/C. you can imagine how i'm in hell here.

[@shakaama]

I had to do a double take you have a twin here in vegas... I had to tell myself, it was impossible that you're my friend. wow

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Haha! 😎 That's pretty funny. Vegas would be sweet! I would love to be able to get into the sema show eventually... one day! 💪👍🤙

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Yeah man! Definitely gotta get back in the shop to do some more videos. I appreciate you taking the time to drop a couple comments. Thank you !👍🤙

[@JustAlex686]

Make an air purifier

[@RealBelisariusCawl]

This reminds me of all the home-made stuff my machinist uncle had hanging around his garage. I miss you, great-uncle Joe. ❤

[@GregoryPaulHarmMA]

Thanks, CoMichael! I've had my old furnace blower in my shed for about a decade, not knowing how to wire it up as a shop fan. Your video explained it perfectly, and I am anxious to go get mine customized as you've shown, and be able to work in my shed in relative comfort.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Glad the video helped!👍 If I was to build it again though I think I would wire in a high low switch rather then the slide damper idea. The hvac motors are designed to run with a load on them (not exactly sure how they work) but rather then doing a damper I would have just closed off 75% of the area where the air blows out and just wired in a switch. But this is why I build because you never know what's going to work unless you try. Good luck on your project, safety first and have fun Challenging The Build 😁👍. Thank you for taking the time to drop a comment.

[@randyroberson3515]

Blocking the airflow partially, tends to unload the motor; that's why it speeds up when the damper you installed is closed part way. These are powerful, quiet fans. If you get a fan from a gas furnace, the motor will usually be 120 Volt; from an electric furnace, 240 Volt.

[@guerradan1958]

Thanks! Now I have the knowledge to make a shop blower. Great vid

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Awesome I am glad it helped, thanks for watching and commenting ...🤝👍

[@madpedalboards]

Great work all the way around. Your truck looks SICK!! Love the look and style. Very Cool.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I appreciate the kind words #MadPedalBoards , thank you. 👍 Things are just starting to get interesting, more to come stay tuned! 😁

[@tradingthefuturemarkets4403]

I saw squirrel gage and was like wait that’s diffent then I realized I had no idea what I was thinking .. great DIY video here

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Better late then never on a reply, sorry it took so long.. I have a few other ideas for the other squirrel cages. I've collected a few of them just like a squirrel would with his nuts... That sounds terrible, but I'm leaving it..😎

[@leifhietala8074]

The reason the motor speeds up is because you have taken some load OFF by blocking the output. It may feel like the air coming out when fully open is moving more slowly, and it probably is - but there's a lot more of it. By closing off part of the opening you are forcing some of the air that is in the housing to keep going around. Having already imparted kinetic energy to that mass, the motor doesn't have to work as hard to keep it moving. I think if you close off the output entirely, you'll hear the motor ramp up to its highest speed, and that's because it doesn't have to speed up any new air, just keep what's already in there going.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

The reason/theory makes sense to me👍. I appreciate you taking the time to post a comment. I use the fan daily and works amazing. Good post, thanks. 🤙

[@boreed5734]

I have the same set up as this I've already wired it up with the black high speed wire as my speed choice it runs fine but the motor is running too hot, I've tried running the opposite side of the motor completely open then ran it partially blocked then totally blocked no matter it still ran too hot after 10-15 min it's really too hot to touch but I cut it off before the motor could burn up, any ideas?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Maybe the motor is going bad or is bad? It's possible that it is starting to draw more amperage then its supposed to causing it to get hot.. Just a thought?

[@boreed5734]

@@ChallengeTheBuild I just got my entire A/C system replaced heating and all including outside unit. I didn't replace it because of that it was just time to upgrade and replace everything. It was 13 yrs old I replaced it with a Carrier. I kept the squirrel cage instead of discarding it to use in the garage...Motor looked fine is wasn't dusty or oily and it ran very quiet but I understand what u saying about amperage. It spins very very fast and will knock you over if you not ready.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Gotcha.. I still have this one I built in this video and actually have made a couple others using the same principles with no issues. I would say double check the voltage of the motor, there should be a sticker on it somewhere... Otherwise it's possible due to the new application of how its being used it may have wore it out the rest of the way..🤷‍♂️...Good luck be safe...

[@dontblameme6328]

You want the damper on the side opposite the motor. This creates the required restriction while insuring it pulls enough air across the motor to keep it cool.

[@thabigghomie_]

Nice i have 3 to do for my shed

[@OMNITEK]

i think if you add a position switch it will make life much easier so you don't need to re-wire every time you need to change speeds

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

At the time I didn't have any switches so I just direct wired it for fast and believe it or not I still use this air mover in it's original configuration today. Still works great too.

[@OMNITEK]

@@ChallengeTheBuild yeah those things run forever, great built brother

[@jimthesoundman8641]

7:50 That's a great idea for the cord winder.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

After watching a couple pvc hack videos I decided to modify one of the ideas I saw for this project, and I'd say it worked out great. Very cheap & easy too. I appreciate the comment Thank you. 🤝👍

[@we-r-one_automotive.daniel3108]

heck yea man good idea.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I still use it to this day. It works just as good as when I first made it!

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

The fan has a high/med/low the restance doesn't make it a the fan blow more it just runs better with back pressure created from the blockage you still have different actual settings.

[@musafirpandir2740]

Thanks for the idea bro! Regards from Indonesia

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Awesome! Thanks for checking in. Glad it was able to spark an idea 💡for you💪. Now its time for you to Challenge Your Build! 😁🤝🤙Stay safe👍

[@larryhunt8447]

Do you got to have that starter on there to do that wire that I got one on the back of a wood stove but don't want to hardly start

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Im thinking you are referring to the capacitor? That little round cylindrical piece? If so I know it helps with amp draw at the beginning of the start up but also know that it isnt required. I've wired a few quickly just to verify if they worked, some of which did not have the capacitor. Its possible that the motor is going bad..

[@normanveal5543]

YesssssSirrrr Thx a million👍🏾

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Right on! 🤝 you are welcome!! Appreciate the comment. 🤙

[@otrotland5377]

have you tried to do it with 220 volt fan, had my furnace replace and I almost had to beg to keep it

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I have not..sorry...I would think the process would essentially be the same but unsure... running 220v that would be a serious air mover.. good luck, & be safe.. thanks for the comment 👍

[@Nuf_Nivah]

You could help people with blower motor problems with their unit

[@LOUDsigh]

I work in a semi truck trailer. It's hot, dirty & sometimes chemicals spill. I know this will ventilate area but will it keep me cool as well?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

It moves a lot of air. Depending on the conditions, they will have an effect on how well it will perform. Thanks for leaving a comment 👍, be safe and I hope you stay cool...

[@bagusdy9389]

Nice, i will try to make one,, what if i replace the motor with bigger and higher rpm? Will it make much impact? Ty

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Im not sure if upsizing the motor is going to have much of an impact, I mean bigger is generally better but for the amount of time its gonna take plus overall output change Im not sure its worth it. Also the size of the cage and overall size of the housing plays a part too. Thanks for the comment, good luck & be safe. 👍🤝

[@bagusdy9389]

Ty, keep on build👍

[@DiLLyDaLLyHo]

You can get these squirrel cages in all different sizes. A small one would come from a small furnace and a big one would come from a big furnace.

[@johnnybunn8890]

Omg thx so much what a great idea I love it it also works so well

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

You are welcome, I am glad that you were able to use the idea to build your own. I find it to be a very useful tool (one that you dont think about very often). I appreciate you taking the time to comment 👍 and subscribing as well 👍👍thank you. I plan on making more videos very soon. Remember to always #ChallengeTheBuild !!🤙

[@oneaquaholic]

Any idea what I can convert a commercial air blower fan to? It’s normally used for one of those air dancers infront of businesses. Lmk plz. Got one laying around it’s powerful but super loud.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Honestly is useful as is for floor dryer/air mover, could also be used as like an exhaust fan for a downdraft sanding table or possibly a swamp cooler (which I intend to build at some point). Not much modification needed for what you already have...? Up to your imagination? Depending on what your likes and needs are..👍

[@oneaquaholic]

Ah. Time to get creative. Thanks for the response!

[@64maxpower]

Is the output simular?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Yes very similar...

[@64maxpower]

@@ChallengeTheBuild from video view the hvac Mad Max fan looks like it puts out more

[@Smokeroux]

Great Video and Build!! Do you think this is more efficient than old attic box fan? SUBSCRIBED!!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you, I have built a couple of these since this video... And yes I do believe that it is more efficient then an attic box fan. Thanks for watching and commenting..👍

[@Smokeroux]

@@ChallengeTheBuild my fan looks “KEWL” thou 🏁 🤣. kzbin.infoQ7-IdqVN0RU?feature=share

[@lmdetect]

As I understand it, the opening opposite the motor should be closed off. Otherwise you're more than double the amount of amps that the fan is rated for. Premature motor death. Just close off the opening opposite the motor side, wire in a 3 speed switch and bingo.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Interesting, never heard that theory. Good info👍, all I can say is mine is running overtime with how hot its been lately and it's still running strong. Maybe I should break out a multimeter and check to see how many amps it draws...Thanks for the comment

[@speake7777777]

​@@ChallengeTheBuild Not completely. They are supposed to have back pressure from the house duct-work to allow for air compression. You only need to block part of the open side to simulate this NOT all of it. When you do, it will increase the air output. The gate you put in the front may accomplish this, I'm not sure, I've never done that on mine. I used on both of mine the front grill of rotating pedestal fans people were discarding. The center plastic restricts the air for proper compression, and the outer grate once cut and flattened to fit keeps careless toes/pets from getting sucked in.

[@punchogunter2362]

You know what if you built a cage around it that you can slide filters on and some brackets for adjustment for what direction you want the air flow to be directed 😏

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Both are good ideas 💡 👍👍...

[@digitexstudios5634]

How can I get one of those fans? I keep looking but they’re hundreds.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I would try maybe calling local hvac companies and ask about maybe their scrap units? I have found a few cheaper ones on Craigslist, and maybe facebook marketplace? Its just a matter of always looking I guess? I have a few in my inventory but am saving them for a couple new builds I have in my idea book. And now because of scrap prices are really high I haven't been able to get my hands on any of them either...🤷‍♂️ I wish you the best of luck👍 Thanks for commenting! 🤝

[@joli78363]

More instructions how to wire it up perhaps?

[@RJB_FixinStuff]

You shou!d have made a way to tilt it up and down to direct the flow.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thats a good idea 💡 👌

[@jt9498]

That's a great idea for a shop fan and a great video on how to make one. The only thing I could do without is the annoying loud "music". I don't see any need for it really.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I completely understand 😁 this was one of my very first videos and since then have changed the way I edit my videos... Definitely a learning experience in more ways then one... Thanks for checking it out and commenting 👍

[@johncollins4811]

Where would I be able to find old furnace blowers? All the ones I see online are “too nice/new”... and expensive 😬

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I actually started to sell them myself on eBay ebay.com/usr/challenge_the_build (whenever I can get them) usually sell for about $35-$50 but shipping is always expensive. I would recommend checking Craigslist/FB market place ect. I see them on Craigslist for about $25-$35 every once in a while. They have a lot of different uses.. Good luck with the hunt.👍 If you can't find one and really want one, email me at [e-mail] maybe we can work something out?

[@joecuellar58jc]

Flea market

[@MC-hs4mf]

I’m told the motor is a 220 or 240 volt not rated for 120. So how long did it last?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Im sure they make 220v versions of them but the one in this video is 115v @ 4.6 amps if I remember correctly...That's why it's important to read the labels on the motors before doing anything in regards to wiring. And if you have questions always ask a professional electrician. As for how long did it last? I am still using it and it's working great...👍 Thanks for the comment.. #ChallengeTheBuild

[@MC-hs4mf]

@@ChallengeTheBuild mine says 208-230

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Whoa! You got yourself a serious fan... 😁👍

[@croth3000]

@@MC-hs4mf Single or three phase? There's a difference. Also to creator tape and toilet paper would do the effect your looking for. Great build tho.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

The unit I'm using is single phase, 115v and I believe it runs @ 4 - 5 amps? (Dont hold me to that). If I had thought about it a little more TP would have been a good choice. 👍 I would like to build another one but use a high/low switch instead. Thanks for dropping a comment.. 🤝

[@FuoFire]

You didnt tape the only thing that can kill you quick, the capacitor! Keep an eye on that

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Thank you for looking out👍 much appreciated.

[@JustinCrediblename]

I wonder how much power it consumes

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

110v and draws 6.0 amps, if I remember correctly it's 60 hrtz. So in my opinion it's pretty low on power consumption.

[@JustinCrediblename]

@@ChallengeTheBuild awesome. thanks. It's about 3x as much as a good 20" "super turbo" floor fan from Home Depot. But still acceptable for my indoor bicycle setup. I'll add a 6 position rotary switch to my shopping list

[@Z-Ack]

Wish i could find any squirrel cages for 20$.. hell id pay 50.. but cant find any under 75$ and those are itty bitty.. ive been using my old ac blower but wanted another or a few more.. cant find any that are the same size for under a couple hundred..

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I sell them on Ebay when I have them available generally between $25-$50 eac, shipping is always crazy expensive though. Here is the link Look at this on eBay ebay.com/usr/challenge_the_build to my profile, I actually think I have two in my shop now. I will check later today, if so will bench test them and let you know when I post one...(if your interested). Keep watch on CL and Facebook Market place local to you... you may get lucky... I appreciate you dropping a comment...👍👍

[@Mondo024]

So what did you do with the Ground wire from the plugin?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I can't remember, but I dont think the motor had a ground (I probably could have grounded it to the case) I only wired the hot(black) and neutral(white) wires . Hopefully this helps... Thank you for the comment. 👍

[@markheintz1878]

@@ChallengeTheBuild I wondered the same thing on my own fan. Why couldn't the ground wire in the cord be grounded to the case as another ground? Having anither ground really shouldn't be a bad thing or am I missing something?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I'd imagine it could get screwed to the case without any issue.. Never really thought about that being the answer... I know for the next one I make I am gonna wire a high/low switch in and change the design a little bit...

[@marcusw6767]

Im thinking the same thing. Mine has a ground green wire screwed onto the sheet metal. So what do I do with the ground green wire from the extension cord? Do I just not use it? Or do I connect it to the ground wire that is screwed into the sheet metal?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

If I remember correctly, I wired it to the ground that was attached to the case and haven't had any problems yet.

[@georgedavila4737]

Was this motor a 220 or 110v

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

The motor is 110v and if I remember correctly it uses 6-7 +/- amps running at around 1750 +/- rpms.. Definitely moves alot of air.👍

[@georgedavila4737]

Can a 220 be done the same way??

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

@@georgedavila4737 I'm sure it can be #ChallengeTheBuild😁, but I have not found an assembly (Squirrel Cage) with a 220v motor. You could probably swap out the motor but then the shaft size for the fan probably will become a problem.

[@otrotland5377]

any idea how to wire an ECM Blower Motor to do this

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I apologize for the late response I missed your comment, I do not have any knowledge of how to wire an ECM blower motor.

[@vperrino88]

You'll need to wire in a step down transformer to 24v for your speed tap and line voltage will remain constant

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Appreciate you giving that information 👍 . Thank you 🤝

[@MrJeffery9076]

Put a screen over the intake cats dogs fingers might help keep them where they belong

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I did later on.... Just never showed it... Good call though 👍

[@marmac567]

Its called scroll not squirrel,,, cos its scroll shape from the side.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I've heard it called multiple things (compressor housing/hamster wheel/squirrel/scroll cage ect.) I've just settled on squirrel cage.. Tamato / tomato 🤣😂.. Thanks for the comment. 👍

[@MC-hs4mf]

What gauge extension cord?

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I believe it was a 14ga cord (can't remember) , but what you need to check/verify is the amp draw on the electric motor and then make sure the cord you are using can handle the amp draw, read carefully and if you still have questions ask a professional electrician to be sure/safe...👍

[@raymondmaurer1838]

My only criticism of this build is that it's unsafe for the rug rats. - I came here seeking a literal exhaust fan where a metal dryer hose can be placed at the exhaust end of a car and have the blower blow the exhaust out of the garage. Guess I will keep looking.

[@nowuknowthis1903]

Not sure how this works, most hvac blowers are 220v

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

Not sure where you are located but the majority of the blowers are 110v here in the US (atleast the ones I've seen) definitely need to read the labels on the motors to verify though when you do a project like this.

[@nowuknowthis1903]

@@ChallengeTheBuild you are probably right. Where I’m at most of the air handlers are large so the fan is large. To keep copper cost and current down they go with 220 vs 110.

[@hectorcalderon3011]

I made one every 15 minutes it turns off I have to unplug it then after plugging it back in it will work for another 15 minutes

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

That's interesting, I haven't had any issues with mine yet, I know that the squirrel cage motors are designed to run with a load on them as well. I will have to run mine for an extended period of time and see what happens. I'm curious if it has something to do with a duty cycle?..I will let you know what I find out (soon).👍

[@matthunt1224]

Best thing to do is take a piece of wood, like a 1x4 put it over the middle of the opening, opposite to the motor.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I didn't think of that until later. I took the grate/cover from the top of the unit I scrapped, cut it to fit and put it as a safety cover on that side. And it restricted the air enough to make it work properly (same concept as the 1x4) and now its "safer" too 😁. Thanks for taking the time to lwave a comment!👍

[@Z-Ack]

Yea, you're extremely lucky if youre able to find a squirrel cage for under 100$ and that doesnt even include the motor and usually tiny little things...

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I didn't realize they were that hard to find. Appreciate you dropping a comment, thankyou

[@rhettdaw]

I have heard that you can find them for free if you call up a local hvac company and ask if they have any old units going to scrap!

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

This is true. Doesn't hurt to try.👍

[@davidblah-7215]

MUSIC TOO FREAKING LOUD

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

This is one of my very early videos... I was learning how to edit... I agree with you on that... I have changed the style of my editing over the years (hopefully for the better😁)... Thanks for watching and commenting, the feedback is good...👍

[@vinhhoach1854]

Could he had die when he touched the two ends of the capacitor. Just luck that there no juice left in there. Otherwise a great job

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I wouldn't have even thought about it, I don't think it holds that much power? Maybe it does? Thankfully was safe, but thank you for bringing that into awareness. Appreciate the comment thank you. 👍🏼

[@zanpekosak2383]

@@ChallengeTheBuild A mains capacitor will easily deliver over 300J of energy. Thats the energy of a high velocity 22LR BULLET! Be careful while manupilating it and always short it with pliers before touching it. A direct short will not damage it, but it can spot weld your pliers.

[@ChallengeTheBuild]

I appreciate you bringing more knowledge to this, definitely safety first. Next time I will be more aware of this. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@zanpekosak2383]

No problem. Great video and I will definetly try something like this one day for shop ventilation!