Even though the current temperature is very cold, it doesn't mean that it will snow later. In general, snow-making machines are expensive and impractical. If you want to see snow, even a little bit, there are several ways to make it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making Snow with the Snow Maker
Step 1. Make sure the weather conditions are favorable
Making snow depends on the weather. The ideal temperature for making snow is less than -3 degrees Celsius with low humidity levels. The ideal humidity level for making snow is below 50%.
Step 2. Gather the snow-making materials
The items needed vary in price. To make an affordable snow gun, visit your nearest hardware store. Here are the items you will need:
- Pipe cover 0.6 cm (1/4”) - 1
- NPT Tee 0.6 cm - 1
- Hex nipple closed 0.6 cm - 1
- Pipe nipple 0.6 cm x 5 cm (2") - 4
- Ball or Gate Valve (female) 0.6 cm - 2
- Adapter female (female) hose - 1
- Teflon Tape
Step 3. Roll each joint with Teflon tape
This tape helps seal the joint so the snow maker doesn't leak. Wrap tape around the threaded end. The threads should still be visible through the tape.
Step 4. Make a hole in the pipe cover
Use a 0.3 cm drill head to make holes. Later the snow came out of this hole. The size of this hole must be small so that it is not drilled too large. The water coming out of this hole should resemble mist.
Make sure the tape is wrapped in such a way that the pieces don't come loose when they're joined
Step 5. Assemble the parts
The size of the parts must be correct so that they fit when put together. All fittings must be NPT size 0.6 cm. Use a wrench or pliers to screw all the parts together until they are tight. The installation method is as follows:
- Attach the pipe cover to one end of the hex nipple. Then, connect one end of the vertical tee to the other end of the hex nipple.
- Connect a 5 cm nipple to the other vertical end of the tee (opposite the hex nipple). Now, on the Tee there is only one smooth side and one unfilled hole.
- Connect one gate or ball valve to the 5 cm end of the nipple. At the other end of the valve, attach another 5 cm nipple.
- Install the 5 cm nipple into the Tee hole that is still open. Next, the other valve will be installed. Connect the 5 cm nipple to the other end of the ball valve.
- Finally, connect the female adapter of the hose to the 5 cm nipple.
Step 6. Put the snow maker in place
Aim the snowflake at a 45-degree angle. You can position the snowmaker on a tripod, the end of a railing or deck, or other high, sturdy surface. Make sure the tool stands firmly in its place.
Step 7. Connect the water hose
The hose must be attached to the water faucet first. The other end of the hose is attached to the female adapter of the hose.
When setting up where the snowmaker stands, also consider the length of your hose. Make sure there is sufficient space between the faucet and the snowmaker
Step 8. Connect the air compressor with a 5 cm nipple
The air compressor will pump 8 CFM (26.5 liters/minute) at 40 PSI (2.72 atm) or 6-7 CFM (170-198 liters/minute) at 90 PSI (6.12 atm). You can read about it on the side of the air compressor. Turn on the water. Set the water and air pressure fixed at 40-50 PSI (2.72-3.4 atm).
- CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, while PSI stands for pounds per square inch.
- Before turning on the water or compressor, make sure all valves are closed.
Step 9. Open the valve slowly
This process will be repeated until successful. Start slowly, letting the water and air out a little at a time.
- Do not allow the air pressure to be higher than the water pressure.
- This tool uses internal mixing. That is, water and compressed air mix inside the tool to produce snow. Always monitor and regulate the amount of water and air flow in the snowmaker.
Method 2 of 2: Making Snow from Boiling Water
Step 1. Make sure the weather conditions are good
This method can only work in very cold temperatures (-34 degrees Celsius).
Step 2. Boil the water
Water should be boiled until boiling (temperature 100 degrees Celsius). If the temperature is less, the water will not freeze.
Step 3. Pour boiling water into the air
BE CAREFUL when throwing boiling water. Do not let the water touch you or others as this will result in burns. If the air temperature is cold enough, the water will turn to snow.
Boiling water is close to gaseous state. When water is splashed into the air, the droplets evaporate. However, very cold air temperatures cannot hold water vapor so the water will solidify and freeze
Tips
- Brass or galvanized materials are ideal for use, but are more expensive.
- Gate valves are better than ball valves, but they are also more expensive.
- You can replace the drilled pipe cover with a spray pipe.
- If possible, you can use a pressure hose on the snow maker.
- You can also make a snow maker with an external blend. To make it, more tools and materials are needed.
Warning
- You should always be careful when installing and using the snow maker. Wear eye protection at all times.
- Never throw boiling water on yourself and others. Remember that there is always a risk of an experiment failing. Do not let someone get burned because of it.
- Keep in mind that using a snowmaker comes with risks. Water can return to the air compressor and damage it. In the worst case, the air could return to your water system. Use this tool with extreme care.
