converting a 3-phase setup to gas or 220?

[josh+audi=happy]

I might be picking up a 80 gallon compressor setup for $100.00 tomorrow. It's three phase and sapposely the compressor pump needs work. I've got 220 at my little shop, but i'm thinking maybe doing gas instead? I can get a nice 13hp gas motor and either rebuild the compressor pump or get a new one and have a crazy cfm pumping compressor setup kinda cheap?

What do u think? I don't use air tools that much. I just picked up 3 55 gallon drums for a few projects including a sand blasting cabinet setup. I'd also like to paint my car myself. I know... about the diy paint but lets not go there. As far as having a large compressor that i might not use as often as most, but when i do i need alot of cfm.. Wouldn't a gas motor be a nice option?

Thanks
Josh

[eschoendorff]

Sounds like a project (read: a lot of work and expense). IMHO, you would be better off skipping this 3 phase machine and buying a quality 220vac machine in the first place.

[Charles (in GA)]

Lets see, you go out and buy a ready to use single phase compressor for a reasonable amount of money,.............. or.............. you buy a compressor where you are going to trash the 3 phase motor that you can't sell (they bring more as scrap) and the pump (scrap metal too) and so you will only be reusing the tank. Doesn't make sense unless you already have the parts at hand.

With gas you need a special unloader that when the tank reaches 175, the compressor unloads and the engine goes to idle. When the pressure drops below 145, the unloader closes and speeds the engine up to governed speed. Also remember, for gas compressors, you need an engine with twice the horsepower as a similar electric compressor would use.

Charles

[rsanter]

if the motor is good and the compressor head is good then get it.
I would use a phase converter to go on the cheap.

if you have to do a bunch of rebuilding before using it then its not worth it

bob

[Mr_fixit]

yikes. Is the tank worth 100 bucks to you? If it is I'd get it, If not, I'd likely pass. There's lots of unknowns that could make it quite costly , depending on what 's wrong with it.
You didn't mention what size electric motor it has or the brand, or the age . The 3 phase motor if you could sell it might be worth nothing or 50.00. If you have to fix the pump I couldn't guess what that costs. Might not be repairable cast iron or aluminum?...If you go electric you'll need a new motor, pulley, belt(s) maybe, pressure switch maybe not, magnetic starter, maybe.

A good 5hp motor would run about 300 or more. Depends on what speed. Magnetic starter 80.00 or more, depends on the HP.

If it's a high quality brand it might be worth repairing.