SparkFun Blower - Squirrel Cage (12V)

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So... I wish this was higher quality because it's exactly what I need for multiple projects. I got one, and just ordered two more because the power and configuration just isn't available in this size. The round outlet and pressure to noise ratio is what I'm after. It's not gunna blow leaves, but with a nozzle it puts out enough thrust to move itself on a smooth surface. If it had wheels it would 100% propel itself. This thing easily moves the rated 16cfm, but it does it at a significantly higher pressure than just about any other "computer" fan out there. I use them in 5 gallon bucket sterilization misters that put out about 4lbs(1/2 gallong) of water vapor an hour. (Hypochlorous acid as sterilizing agent) A single one of these blowers will fill a room with mist in about 5 minutes with a 1500ml 3 headed ultrasonic "pond fogger". It's basically a cool mist style humidifier on steroids. The fan pressurizes (blows into) the bucket *this is not a wet rated unit* do not use this to suck moisture/vapor* look at boat stuff if you need a wet rated 12v blower.This technology is what Japan has used to combat covid and protect the oldest population on Earth. Aerosolized Hypochlorous Acid (salt water that has been through electrolysis). It's amazing stuff.Here are some immediate modifications that should be made upon arrival:- immediately hot glue the lead wires in place or you'll rip them out like others have said. Be careful not to squirt glue through into the fan case... (there is a hole behind the wire hold)- if you're technically inclined just go ahead and add thicker longer wires and secure them. I'm not convinced the factory wires are thick enough for the power it puts out, but no problems other than me ripping them out and having to solder them back. So far I haven't felt the wires get warm, but it just seems like it's doing a lot of work for so little energy... it's only 10w and .9amp.You can make an adapter using 1in PVC and a heat gun. Look up how to flare pvc on YouTube. Do not heat the fan directly, just get the pipe flexible and it will slide over the outlet and shrink back over the lip. A little hot glue will hold it in place if your fit isn't perfect. You can also use a rubber plumbing adapter, but the 1in PVC is the easiest/cheapest way to get it connected to stuff available at the hardware store. I've also flared 3/4 pvc to fit and it isn't worth the hassle. The velocity is much higher, but it took me 30 minutes to get it right and it wasn't worth it. 1in has the proper ID. Use long sweep elbows available in the electrical pvc section for smoother high flow bends. Honestly you can use all electrical conduit, it's the same stuff but gray and not rater for high pressure fluids.Last but not least corrugated vacuum hose also fits directly on it, but cuts flow down dramatically over 3 ft. You'll have to shop around, the piece I've used came from an old shop vac. It's the smaller size, not the 2.5in. If you're trying to move air with this over a few feet, use smooth wall pipe where you can. 3ft of pvc pipe shows nearly 0 flow loss, but 3ft of vacuum hose is about half. This is all estimated visually using visible water vapor.It makes noise, but it's pleasant and it doesn't get loud unless your running it at full blast. Below 90% it barely makes any noise, but still will put out plenty of air. Run it at 100% for at least an hour to break in the bearings, it smooths out a lot after it wears in. It's comparable to a high end bathroom fan noise wise. No high pitch whine.So yeah... if you made it here and read this you're a bit of a mad scientists like myself. It's very usable, just cheaply made. If you can't drill and tap a hole or don't own a soldering iron this is not for you and you're gunna have a bad time.

This sucker moves a lot of air! Works great to blow air from a kegerator into a big T-tower.Works so well that we needed to dial back the voltage to reduce the airflow (and noise). It's rated for 12V but will works fine as low as 6VDC. Airflow and noise are proportional to the voltage.As others have mentioned, the nozzle is a perfect fit for 3/4" PVC fittings. Yes, it's a bit loud but for $10 it's an amazing value!

When item first arrived ground wire came off circuit board which I repaired. I then ran unit for approximately 2 twelve hour stints, at which time I noticed a clunking sound coming from fan. Apparently the bearing was wearing out. Soon the fan just stopped working. I couldn’t return fan seeing that I broke it trying to disassemble and repair it

Great little motor and works well for my project. I bought a second one too !!

Like others have said the wires come out too easily, I tried soldering them back in but just wasn't able to do a good enough job. I was meaning to use got glue and glue the wires down but I forgot and the next thing I know wires break at solder points. I had this running and it runs great but just don't understand how they haven't fixed this issue with as long as people have mentioned this.

I used this blower for a papr helmet. the intake was through a 3m gas mask filter. I used several of these blowers with no success in longjevity. Before purchasing for your project consider your application. This blower can not have a filter restricted air intake or a voltage regulated speed control. 12 vdc with no intake restrictions is the only way this motor will function as described.