Learning how to make a vacuum at home can be both fun and empowering. This is a project you can do whether you’re retired and looking for a DIY experience, a parent in need of fun learning activities, or just wondering how your creation will compare with the best vacuum cleaners. Understanding how to build a vacuum can come in handy if yours breaks down and you’re unable to get a new one right away, as well.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Take all suggested precautions to prevent injury, such as using PPE (personal protective equipment) while you work on your project.
- While there are more complicated ways to create a vacuum cleaner, it is suggested that you avoid them unless you are already highly skilled in working with electronics.
- Be careful using a vacuum cleaner you have made yourself since there are far more chances for internal malfunctions.
How to Make a Vacuum
Now that you’ve decided you want to learn how to make a vacuum, it’s time to get down to business. There are a few ways to go about this. Today we’ll focus on the plastic bottle method since that’s one of the most user-friendly approaches. There are only a few parts required and minimal assembly, although you will need to understand some basics about wiring and how batteries work (just like you need to do if you want to learn how to make a pond vacuum).
Insider Tip
Understanding how to build a vacuum can come in handy if yours breaks down and you’re unable to get a new one right away, as well.
Using a Plastic Bottle
A more challenging approach, using a plastic bottle can yield interesting results. This is especially true if you’re using this as a project with your kids.
Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a few things for this project:
- Pen Refill Stick
- DC Motor
- Empty Deodorant Bottle
- Glue Gun
- Bandage Cloth
- Plastic Bottle
- Small-Sized Hosing
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Getting Your Housing and Fan Ready
You’re going to cut the top of the plastic bottle off, about a third of the way down the bottle. Put that aside and get out your motor. Use your pen refill stick to press tightly into the motor’s opening, attaching it firmly. You can also use your hot glue gun to make sure the pen refill stick doesn’t come off during use. From there, you’ll just attach the fan to the end of the pen refill stick with your hot glue.
Put Together the Bottom Portion
Use something like a knife or soldering iron, to puncture holes into the bottom of the bottle. This will allow air to flow back out. Cut a hole through the circle in the center of the bottle’s bottom. You’ll then use your hot glue gun to affix the homemade fan through that circular hole. Be careful with soldering irons and make sure you use gloves and goggles since they can be potentially dangerous.
Piece Together the Top Portion
Now, you’re going to take that bandage gauze and trace a pattern using the top of the bottle. You want to cut a circle that is just a little larger than the bottle’s cut-off bottom. You’ll cut the gauze out, and then affix it to the bottom of the bottle. This will act as your filter. Double-sided tape works wonderfully, but the hot glue gun can be used, as well. You’ll also want to attach your small hosing to the top of the bottle.
Put the Whole Vacuum Together
Attach the bottom and top portions, and you’ve created your new, homemade vacuum system. You’ll also want to attach a power unit, of course, to make the entire thing run. Some batteries will come with them, and others will not. Try and go for a dual package so you don’t have to get the parts separately. And for your next project, consider making your own pool vacuum if you have a pool at home.
Warning
Be careful with soldering irons and make sure you use gloves and goggles since they can be potentially dangerous.
F.A.Q.
How to Make a Powerful Vacuum Cleaner?
While simpler jobs like making a vacuum from a hairdryer or plastic bottle can be easy, it’s best to avoid any serious mechanical work. These homemade vacuum cleaners should be plenty powerful enough for small jobs in a pinch. For more powerful models, there are ways, but it’s better left to the experts to avoid injury.
How do you make a vacuum with compressed air?
It’s definitely possible, but a much more involved process. These models also tend to be more expensive than their electricity-driven counterparts. You may be looking at upwards of ten times the power consumption required than that of a regular vacuum.
So what do you need to make your own vacuum cleaner?
That depends entirely on what kind of vacuum you are looking to build. Different DIY projects require different supplies, so figure out what method you’re going with first. From there, it’s just a matter of gathering the supplies listed.
How to Get the Most Out of (or Into) Your Robot Vacuum?
Robot vacuums are incredibly popular choices, especially for those with little time on their hands. Getting the most out of yours means less manual cleaning. Ensure that you’re following best practices for charging, keeping the port clear of debris, and letting the battery charge fully prior to use. You’ll also want to clean your vacuum thoroughly and regularly.
STAT: I recommend the Roborock S4 Max as the vacuum that’s most likely to please the most people. (source)
REFERENCES:
- http://web.physics.ucsb.edu/~phys128/experiments/vacuum/VacuumRev07.pdf
- https://www.festo.com/net/SupportPortal/Files/286804/Basic_Vacuum_Technology_Principles.pdf
- http://dmf.unicatt.it/~gavioli/corsi/MSFM/ref/Vuoto+Camere/Books/Handbook_of_Vacuum_Science_and_Technology.pdfr
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arB59ilKkvA
- https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Vacuum-Chamber
