Not sure if this is the right category, I've wanted to convert two fridge compressors for air brush use for a while. The problem I have come up against has been start stop cycles and the start relay and PTC not liking it, and tripping out the compressor. So I've since found a couple of compressors that will play ball...
So I wanted to attempt to add an oil glass level to show oil level, and an oil filler port. I have a few ideas how to do this, but want to avoid getting metal swarf inside the units. And as the hematically sealed casing isn't that thick, find a way to mount these two service ports, either adding some kind of boss etc.
What I thought was silver solder with a torch, as it's got good tensile strength. But then remembered opening one of these compressors some years ago and realised the casing inside is not under positive pressure, but more a vacuum, or even nutural pressure state. And the original pipes as a refrigeration compressor are just normal solder joints. So debating if to soft solder, or even epoxy, although I'm not sure on longevity using epoxy. I know the slower curing epoxy Araldite is incredibly strong on a suitable surface, and any minor gap filling. And on a final, I'm not familiar with the clearances between the outer casing and the stator and windings, I could use another compressor as a sacrificial. Removing the top of it to establish clearance for two service ports (same model compressor) but at £ 40 a pop that's wasteful, and expensive. I was debating on drilling the casing as not toget any fine swarf inside the compressor, not easy to avoid when drilling regardless of how carefully it's done. And perhaps a Puch type tool maybe. The idea around all this is to create a silent airbrush compressor like the Bambi models available on the market, although the very expensive.
Any refrigeration engineers out there have any thoughts on this task ? Sorry if this is the wrong section to post this question in, but it's not an electrical problem, so thought this section was the most appropriate to post this to. Thank for reading, any thoughts appreciated.