DIY blasting compressor

[KemppiFrog]

After reading a thread a couple of years ago, that mentioned converting a VW engine to a compressor, I was mulling over something similar with what I have in the 'might come in useful' shed.
So, I scrapped the trusty Ford P100 and mounted the 1.8TD engine in a frame. The first motion shaft has a yoke welded to it for the rotor-flex rubber coupling that was in the prop-shaft, clutch is functional.
The Renault 1250cc engine is driven off the pulley end, via the coupling, to keep correct rotation for the oil pump.
Spark plugs were converted to NRVs as in one of the pics, the manifold will be be joined with rubber tube and has a big blow-off valve at one end and
1" BSP at the other.
Now, I will run it up this week end with the inlets acting in 4-stroke mode, so half capacity. But I have half built some bits to get the inlets to open on every down stroke. Essentially linking the rockers so that the valves work in pairs. When either push rod opens a valve, the other also opens. Not too tricky for the middle two cylinders, touch more so for the outers.

I built the pot a while back out of a gas bottle and will put up a pic later today.

Since I collected some ancient wrought iron gates for renovation this week, I need to get the kit running ASAP, as in the next two days

Edit: Seems the server didn't upload the pix, will try again.

 

[Windy Miller]

Very intersting project there KF - and loving the hi-tec start of the ark welding mask!

 

[KemppiFrog]

Very intersting project there KF - and loving the hi-tec start of the ark welding mask!

Huh! As a lot of my migging is short runs, I find the stone age mask is easier than wearing the auto. Plus, force of habit. ( First time I used the Auto, I picked up the old mask and held it in front. Prat,moi?)

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Why not do away with the rocker completely, put light springs on the inlet valves so they become poppet valves, leave the exhaust valves closed and use the spark plug holes as the outlet with non return valves.

 

[KemppiFrog]

That was recommended on the old thread, but having trouble finding soft springs. Plus, the valves are relatively heavy and if the springs are soft enough to open under air pressure, they might be prone to bounce. RPM will be 2000 as a starter. That gives me around 40CFM in 4T mode, enough to get started.
KF
Ex valves will remain closed and the plug nrv s are in the bottom pic.
If the inlet mods work, I should get more air capacity than using them as poppets.

 

[KemppiFrog]

Here is the pot for the blasting material. Only bit that is different from most, is the loading hole. The plug is a 'hat' shape, with a rubber seal on the rim and pulled up by the chain and spring arm. The spring holds it in position, until the pressure seals it. The funnel is the top of a CampingGaz 907 cylinder.
Still needs the external plumbing, off to the local B&Q tomorrow. The grit feed is via a ball valve in the base, still needs a control arm. Which I would like to operate from the nozzle end, using bleed pressure and a diaphram operating link. But that might have to wait until later.
Nozzles are from SS rod, until I get decent ones from UK, I expect to change them often
KF

 

[captain-destructo]

hmm looks and sounds very interesting
i shall have to have a search for the old thread

dont forget to keep us all informed

thanks john

 

[julieanncharters]

proper scrapheap challenge stuff good on ya.

 

[captain-destructo]

hi there
any more news on how this project is going?
thanks

 

[KemppiFrog]

Hi Capn',
It took a surprising amout of time to finalise all the ancilaries, cooling, fuel system, rear engine mounts, etc. plus the gates got put back a bit for some more urgent work. But nearly there. My air hood is going to make you laugh.
KF
Might be running tomorrow if I am not forced to go on a pic-nic by the river.