Pressure Testing my homemade Air Compressor

A long time ago I built a 'silent' compressor out of some discarded refrigeration pumps and a gas cylinder.
It's probably best not to try this yourself, but this one has exceeded my expectations, running flawlessly for about 12 years. It's still working, but I want to move it, so thought it was a good time to give it a good check over.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday Olly, I think you’ve made the right decision by putting on a new tank, simple piece of mind if nothing else, cheers

[@ollysworkshop]

That's it Matty, it would probably last another 5 years, but wouldn't do my stress levels any good!

[@houseofbrokendobbsthings5537]

That looks awesome. Well played. Watch the hoses.

[@ollysworkshop]

Thanks Dan.

[@Rustinox]

I believe you made the right de decision. We can mess with whatever we want, but not with safety.

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Olly, A new tank would seem a wise choice... cool pressure tester... Cheers. Paul,,

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Paul, the new tank arrived today actually. I now just need to put it all back together!

[@GardenTractorBoy]

We have a fridge compressor that my granddad made many years ago. It still gets uses sometimes

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Joseph. It's so much nicer having it hum away in the background compared to a normal compressor.

[@TheRecreationalMachinist]

Frankentools at their best! I half expected (hoped!) the tank to come rocketing back toward the camera when you opened the valve! For what it's worth, I reckon I too would have swapped out the gas bottle for a purpose made receiver tank given your findings. Safety first and all that 👍. I've very recently parted with my noisy little compressor in favour of a littler-still fridge type (short video in the works) and I much prefer it, in spite of the greatly reduced amount of air it makes. Keep up the great work 👍

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Matt, I think I had more air in the tank than I should have. If there was no air in there it should have been fairly unspectacular. I could see a little pocket of air in the 6mm hose, so I was expecting a bit of a squirt, but it was a little more than I expected though. Now looking forward to rebuilding with the new tank, and making something a little less thrown together.

[@jagboy69]

Your contraption there will last longer than the oil-less compressors they make today. And yours is much quieter too! Probably sounds like 3 refrigerators running. ;-)

[@ollysworkshop]

Yup, pretty much sounds like a fridge. Keeps the wooden floor well oiled too!

[@jonsworkshop]

Hi Olly, interesting test. I always fancied making a fridge unit compressor just for the noise benefits. Don't trust myself lol. You have made the right decision I think. Cheers, Jon

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Jon. It's certainly very quiet, especially when behind a wall. I can usually tell when it kicks in by the lights dimming! I was always intending to put some sort of motor sequencer on it so only one motor switches on at a time, but still not done it. Another job for the list. I will definitely feel a lot more comfortable with a new tank attached.

[@MrFactotum]

hi Olly i don't think it would have blown if only using at 100psi but best play safe if unsure, it's just like pressure testing my loco boiler. good info for the uninitiated. take care Kev

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Kev, I would tend to agree that it probably wouldn't have blown, but I was sufficiently uncomfortable with the amount of rust, and as I was giving it an overhaul, seemed the best course of action. Peace of mind is also worth it for me.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Olly, Definately made the right decisión. Well filmed and narrated, well done!! When carrying out pressure testing at work we are also looking for permanent deformation. Looked at nice piece of pressure test equipment, by the looks of things Chinese, were you happy with it? Was the stunt cat yours? It didnt bat an eyelid!! Good luck from Spain!!

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi David, thanks. I was surprised by the pressure tester, it was the cheapest one on eBay and I wasn't expecting it to reach full pressure. It is very flexible and Chinese feeling, but did the job it was supposed to. The cat is one of ours, she's called Treacle. She wasn't in the firing line, and I only noticed the silhouette when editing, so I went out to find her afterwards for the close up shot.

[@metalworksmachineshop]

👍😀

[@stevewilliams2498]

Isn't it sad that these days we buy these Chineesium products in the full knowledge that the specifications are completely fictional. I have a generator that claims to have a 6.5 HP motor and an output of 8.5 Kw ! Neither of which are anywhere near close. The sad part is we still buy them.

[@ollysworkshop]

Hi Steve, I think we all know what we're getting in to with cheap Chinese tools. Certainly from my point of view, although I wish they were better, they are usually just about good enough to do what I need as a hobbyist. Also there are many tools that I just can't justify spending out on a 'proper' version which is usually about 10 times the price. The pressure tester is one of them. If I had needed to spend £100 on a pressure tester, I just wouldn't have bothered, but for £10 it was worth it just to have a go. I've now got a functional tool that I may use once or twice in my lifetime.

[@stevewilliams2498]

@@ollysworkshop Agreed. I feel the same. Some things I would rather buy second hand to be affordable but still give better service. I would have done the same with a pressure tester. If in time I had found it to be invaluable and used the item a lot it would be easier to justify a more expensive replacement.