convert a tire inflator-type air compressor into a vacuum pump

Step 9 Cut off tire inflator end of compressed air hose (for now), stow hose

I didn't want the tire inflator fitting on the compressed air hose restricting the air flow through the pump, so I cut the hose near that end.

(If I ever want to use the pump for inflating tires, I can splice it back together, using the same kind of double-ended barb shown before.)

Then I coiled up the hose and stowed it in the hose-and-cord storage compartment.

Comments

[noledude44]

Would be strong enough to use with a vacuum bag? I'm going to be making a longboard and i'm just checking out different ways to do it.

[geoslim13]

there is an instructable on making a vacuum seeler

[e-tek]

This is WAY after your postings - but I'll ask anyway. can this be used for a fresh-air system for painting and such? If it sucks air in one tube and exhausts it our the other, couldn't I attach a hose to a mask? Maybe using a nebulizer would make it even "cleaner" and able to run for hours at a time. Plus you don't need much air to fill amask for breathing. Thanks!

[votecoffee]

I would avoid using it for that.  Such pumps are designed for higher pressures and running them at low pressures would wear it out quickly.  Also, the air from these isn't as clean as other cheaper options for what you want.  If you smell the air from a tire air compressor it will have a definite odor.  Your best bet is to make a box to enclose a small fan for simple low pressure circulation.  You can get hose fittings for any size hose you want from a hardware store.  I would use a larger hose so air flows easier.  You may not need much air to live, but high levels of CO2 from old air is bad for you as well.

[e-tek]

Thanks a lot. Of courseI would put the intake outside, so the air would be fresh. Isn't the odor from the rubber hose? Here's a link to a perfect DIY set up, but the pump used are much more expensive in Canada than can be found in the states.

[votecoffee]

I didn't get to check the link out, but about the rubber hose:  I'm sure a good portion of the smell is because of that, but some is also from the air pump and it's internal parts.  Either way, it's not stuff you want to breath a lot of, and I assume this is something you would use often.

[aggiez71]

This is very cool and helpful and I believe I will start on mine tomorrow. I intend to use it in for pulling air out of resins in silicone molds for my Industrial Plastics Lab at school. maybe it will get me bonus points in the class. Did you ever put a gauge to it? if so how many mm Hg did it manage?

[aizazahm]

Hi, Can I use this vacuum pump for filling up my natural gas cylinder?

[miiwii3]

sure if you don't mind exploding :) but really dont use anything flammable read my comment above

[miiwii3]

oh i mean below i am stupid

[coop01]

I wouldn't recommend using this device for any application involving a potentially explosive or flammable material. Please don't even try it.

[miiwii3]

hey i feel like succing the air out of gasoline to make it look like i bought more gas than i did.
lalalalalalal
!!!BOOM!!!
honey what was that?
noooothiiing
ok did you bye that gas?
its a long story
uhhh i'll get my yarn

thats my prediction
that was in no way to make fun of anyone

[miiwii3]

did i spell succing wrong? yes sucking am i stupid or what?! i know i'll blame it on my exhaustion

[zivodrock]

Hi there! Is there any way for you to attach an internal 12V SLA battery to this and at the same time make it rechargeable? Am looking forward to your response on this. Thanks!

[chairchild]

easy enough to add a battery - I'd suggest a sealed gel-acid 12v item. Just fit the two wires from the power cable, to the battery. To make it rechargeable, fit the external power source, with the same polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative) If you get a car jump-start pack, it's just a 12v battery, with leads attatched, and a built-in charging circuit But tbh, most jump-start packs have lighter sockets on them anyway, so not really worth the extra hassle