No-Tool Low-Cost Fogger

Let's Build a High-Quality Fogger.

The goal of this project is to build a high qualith fogger (mist, but larger drops) without requireing a lot of tools. In fact, you will only need wrenches, a drill, and being able to solder. A part list is incuded at the bottom of this page.

Unlike some other model out there, no special machining is needed to perform the entire assembly. Just drill and one item to solder.

Step by Stem Instructions.

Step 1: Fogger end piece

Pick the thicker brass tube (1/8" OD, 10+inch). Insert the thinner brass tube (1/16" OD) by approx 3/4 of an inch. Be generous with flux, solder the inner tube to the outer tube until air-tight. Then cut inner-tube flush with the end of the outer tube. Picture show you the result.

Step 2: Fluid entrence hole.

At about 7" from the soldered tip, drill the smallest hole possible into the 1/8" OD brass tube. This hole will let the fluid into the airflow.

Step 3: Drill 1/8" fitting.

Take your brass compression fitting for 1/8" OD copper tube and 1/8" NTP Male. Drill 1/8" hole so that the 1/8" OD brass tube may be inserted.

Step 4: Assemble the brass tube

Slide the compression bolt, compression ring, and then the tube in the 1/8" OD compression fitting. Tube soldered part must be before the compression fitting, the tube's drilled hole must be after the compression fitting. You will tighten the compression only at the end of the next step.

Step 5: Compression fitting into the T

Take the brass right-angle adapter (1/8" NTP, Male, Female, Female). Tighten fitting of Step 4 into it. Tube sould still be loose. Adjust the 1/8"OD tube into the T-fitting so that the hole of Step 2 is in the middle of the T-fitting. Tighten the 1/8" compression ring until airtight.


Step 6: Finish air assembly

Now take a 1/4 OD compression fitting and tighten it to over the 1/8" OD brass tube. Tighten to the T-fitting. Then add the 1/4 OD line and attach with the compression fitting.

Step 7: Fluid assembly

Now tighten the precision flow adjustment valve to the T-fitting. Add the 1/4" OD line to the valve and tighten. The head of the mister is now complete.

Step 8: Drill 1/4" compression fitting.

Now drill the 1/4" OD compression fitting with male 1/4" NTP end so that the line may slide through. Slide enough line so that the line may reach the bottom of the water filter.

Step 9: Assemble the water filter and fittings

Now tighten the compression fitting of Step 8 into the water filter exit hole. Ensure line reach bottom of filter

Step 10: Continue assembling water filter

On the enter side of the water filter, add a valve (had to use a male-male 1/4" NTP nipple first). Then insert a 1/4" T-fitting (NTP, male, female, female) and then insert the pressure regulator. Then add another valve (had to use again a nipple) and finally the air pressure male coppler for your air compressor.

Step 11: Check assembly and install.

Check for air and water tightness, adujst as necessary. Fix on cabinet at approximately the same heights as your spindle.

Step 12: Install fogger head.

We used a Noga ajusting base. We attache the head by squeezing the brass tube that extends inside of the 1/4" OD line. This is why the 1/8" OD brass tube should be at least 9" in length.

Fixing the base was another project. Experiement with different pressures, between 5-20 psi work well for us.

Bill of material.


  1. One or Two Ultra-Formable 260 Brass Round Tube, 1 Foot Long, 0.014" Wall Thickness, 1/8"OD for Step 1. 8859K19

  2. One Ultra-Formable 260 Brass Round Tube, 1 Foot Long, 0.014" Wall Thickness, 1/16"OD for Step 1. 8859K171

  3. Compression Fitting Adapter for 1/8" Copper Tube OD x 1/8 NPTF Male for Step 3. 5220K61

  4. One High-Pressure Brass Pipe Fitting Sealant, Right-Angle Tee Adapter, 1/8 NPT Female x Male for Step 5. 50785K225

  5. Brass Compression Tube Fitting for Air and Water Adapter, for 1/4" Tube OD x 1/8 NPTF Female for Step 6. 50915K214

  6. 25 feets of PVC Tubing for Fuels and Lubricants 1/8" ID, 1/4" OD. 5187K61

  7. One Precision Flow-Adjustment Valve 1/8 NPTF Male x Compression Female, for 1/4" Tube OD for Step 7. 5049K1

  8. Two Brass Compression Tube Fitting for Air and Water Adapter, for 1/4" Tube OD x 1/4 NPTF Male for Steps 8 & 10. 50915K315

  9. One Pentek 158116 1/4" #10 Slim Line Clear Filter Housing (e.g. from Amazon) for Step 9.

  10. Two Brass On/Off Valve with Short Lever Handle, 1/4 NPT Female x 1/4 NPT Male for Step 10. 47865K11

  11. Two Standard-Wall Brass Pipe Nipple Threaded on Both Ends, 1/4 NPT, 1-1/2" Long for Step 10. 4568K132

  12. One High-Pressure Brass Pipe Fitting Sealant, Right-Angle Tee Adapter, 1/4 NPT Female x Male for Step 10. 50785K226

  13. One Primefit R1401G Mini Air Regulator with steel-Protected Gauge, 60-Scfm At 100-Psi, 1/4" Npt, or similar, for Step 10.

  14. One male 1/4" NPT & male compressor coppling for connecting assembly with standard air compressor for Step 10.


Cost should be approx $120, more or less.

Experience.


So far, it has worked for use quite well. It can be used in "air-mode" only, usually with a higher pressure (20-30 psi). Or in fogger mode at lower pressure (5-10 psi). To be used in both modes, we need the two valves as indicated in the Step by Step guide. Well worth it as wood may not need the mister, but aluminum definitely benefit from it.

The mister produces a nice fog, due to the specific length of the brass tubes, as suggested elsewhere.

The head got clogged once, but a bit of cleaning of the nozzle with a sharp object was sufficent to clear the opening.

Having an easy to set nozzle holder is key to efficiently direct the flow of air / fog to the right spot. We spent some money on a Noga attachment, well worth it in our opinion.

Enjoy.