What do you guy think about this compressor?

[tearlessj]

I've been looking forever for a good compressor deal on CL. I ran across this old Curtis compressor last night. I can't seem to find any information about the compressor at all. I was wondering if you guys had some opinions or information before I give the seller a call. It would also be easier for me, because I don't have a easily available 230v source.

Deal or no deal?

http://memphis.craigslist.org/tls/2707667295.html

 

[diesel research]

I don't have a easily available 230v source.

That is going to be a problem no matter which way you go.

In the end, it will be easier to fix that problem.

 

[tearlessj]

That is going to be a problem no matter which way you go.

In the end, it will be easier to fix that problem.

I would love to, but unfortunately i'm still a teenager living with my parents.

 

[Danglerb]

That looks to me to be on its third life (resurrected twice), so I would skip, but if you look at it I would take GREAT care in checking the farmer fixes that have kept it going.

Unless you plan on some very high air use activity, I think you can skate past 220 if its going to be an expensive pain to install.

What exactly are your needs for air? Anything in mind with high continuous air demand?

 

[Outlawmws]

That looks to me to be on its third life (resurrected twice), so I would skip, but if you look at it I would take GREAT care in checking the farmer fixes that have kept it going.
SNIP/QUOTE]


Not sure what you based that on.

It looks like any older Compressor to me


Go look at it. Empty the tank, fire it up and see how long it takes to fill.

LISTEN to the motor and pump for abnormal sounds. See where the compressor is for on/off (You can cheek on setting as you drain the pressure off), and look at the tank's max pressure markings.


If possible, check the drain valve if it has one, and see what comes out.

Note that from the pic, it appears that there is no belt guard, so you have to be more careful around the thing. both for fingers, and for things getting tangled in it.

Don't be afraid to make a lower offer.

 

[240sxguy]

Boy that looks JUST like my curtis compressor but laying on it's side. I am not sure about that one but mine could be configured for either 120v or 220v.

I paid 200 for mine and am happy with it. Being its hoizontal, I would offer less. Also check to make sure the tank drain isn't hopelessly plugged with ****. Check the pump model number, parts may be NLA. I was able to use some parts from a newer compressor, but once this thing dies for good I am going to something newer.

 

[pipsters]

60 gallon tank w/ 120v means it'll take FOREVER to fill up. It's a horizontal 60 gallon so it's going to take up a ton of floor space as well.

Personally, I would skip. anything above 30 gallons really needs to be 220 or you end up waiting a long time for the compressor to build back up to pressure. 120v compressors are very useful and can be used for basically everything except sandblasting and continuously painting or running any sort of grinder, however short 1 min run times are still possible which gets a lot of stuff done.

There is a "bigger is better" mentality on here, don't fall into that trap.

Also, good idea buying used. Find a 20-30 gallon 120v compressor used but good condition for $100-$200 and if you want to upgrade later, you can sell it for what you have into it.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Curtis is quality, very high quality. If it works well, then it is like buying an old 1960's or '70's Mercedes, they reek quality, but repairing may be expensive or impossible. Curtis is still in business. If they make repair parts for the pump is the question. If it works OK, then I'd change the oil and keep it running. It will run for a long period of time each time it cycles with that large tank, but it will be the slow, quite, pumping sounds. Your parents will appreciate the lack of horrible loud noise the newer faster compressors have.

Charles

 

[tearlessj]

Thanks for the help guys, I think i'm going to pass. Now that you guys mention it, it would take a while for the compressor to fill. I think i'm just going to bite the bullet and buy this one. The only thing that I want to do is run a small blast cabinet and LVLP spray gun.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-Q12126VP-Air-Compressor/p6981.html

 

[Danglerb]

Must be nice, being able to buy a shop quality compressor for the home garage, NEW. I think that one is more than I paid for my first car.

 

[diesel research]

120v compressors are very useful and can be used for basically everything except sandblasting and continuously painting or running any sort of grinder, however short 1 min run times are still possible which gets a lot of stuff done.

There is a "bigger is better" mentality on here, don't fall into that trap.

The Peter Principle states that "in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence", meaning that employees tend to be promoted until they reach a position at which they cannot work competently.

Likewise,

Storage requirements will increase to exceed storage capacity.

How is that relevant to tools? Tools tend to end up used beyond intended capability. A tool excellent for a particular task tends to get promoted and utilized until it's capacities are exceeded. 3/8 ratchets growing to 18" long is a prime example. Air compressors also often get continually pushed until their limit is found.

Notice he is already talking about "just a little sand blasting"...

 

[pipsters]

Likewise,


How is that relevant to tools? Tools tend to end up used beyond intended capability. A tool excellent for a particular task tends to get promoted and utilized until it's capacities are exceeded. 3/8 ratchets growing to 18" long is a prime example. Air compressors also often get continually pushed until their limit is found.

Notice he is already talking about "just a little sand blasting"...

Point taken but if he's already going to sand blast he should go 220 and skip the 120. Certainly not buy a new 120v, he will lose his shirt on the resale. A possible solution would be running two 120v on two separate circuits plumbed together.

 

[Al Bundy]

Must be nice, being able to buy a shop quality compressor for the home garage, NEW. I think that one is more than I paid for my first car.

Huh?

 

[diesel research]

It would also be easier for me, because I don't have a easily available 230v source.

That is going to be a problem no matter which way you go.

In the end, it will be easier to fix that problem.

Point taken but if he's already going to sand blast he should go 220 and skip the 120. Certainly not buy a new 120v, he will lose his shirt on the resale.

That's actually what I was trying to say.

Even if it is not your place, I would at least talk to owners (parents) and research to find out how much the 220v improvement will cost.