Frankenstein compressor worth it?

[anythingyoucanimagine]

I've been using a mfg date Aug 2015 Craftsman single stage oil-less 1.5hp 26-gal vertical compressor. It is what it is and I'm not very happy with the performance.

I have a bunch of other 1-stage compressor parts and wondering if it is worth it to try and make something decent or just sell off (and scrap) what I've got and buy something decent 2-stage.

The sticker on the Craftsman electric says 3.8cfm at 90. I've got an old belt drive craftsman (I think with dvblias compressor) 20-gal unit that says 7.7cfm @ 90 and I have two emglo compressors (compressor head only) model KU, old style. Is it worth it to try and hack something together or just scrap/sell off all that stuff and buy something decent?

Is the old Craftsman 20-gal belt drive compressor going to be a huge difference compared to the newer 110V 26-gal unit?

Thanks.

 

[sberry]

Buy something ready designed plug and play. Even the economical 2 stage will outlast most owners and a guy doesn't have to play catch up and band aide to get the performance designed for running tools.

 

[sberry]

Ok, lunch done. Remember the actual rating of tools is 3 or 4 x the avg rating. Guys make 1 stage work but,,,, 2 is a whole different system specifically to run mechanic tools and for practical transmission.
I saw one here by a legitimate engineer where he calculated that this 4 or 500$ comp comes within a gnats *** of meeting demand and then spent another couple grand after the fact getting it to work if the tool wasn't plumbed direct to the tank.
2 lets a guy use smaller friendly main pipe or hose and regulate, then turn it up to compensate for loose in the secondary thru longer smaller hoses and connections,,, don't need "loops" and every other idea they read on the net to get it to work easy and correct.
I like 50 ft of 3/8 hose on a reel. Heavy I/2 air gun drops 25# minimum , some more over this and a comp that shuts off 125 and starts at 90 only delivers near adequate air for a pinch at the top of its cycle vs all the way thru to deliver 90 at the tool.

 

[sberry]

Here are a couple rules of thumb for stand alone units. 3 hp real power for mechanic tools. 5 for body work. The 3 runs impacts, ratchets and some grinding along with being able to pump hi pressure truck tires. 5 runs sanders, grinding without wait. 3 was designed back in the day when 60A service was normal in small garages, the 5 came along with the advent of 100A and has really replaced 3 for a lot of it and leaves some overhead as well as fast recharge.

 

[zendriver]

I consider my time very valuable so it would be hell no for me. I'd rather just have compressed air than, yet another project.

You decide what yours is worth. [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Had a 30 gal oilless craftsman 6.1cfm @90psi im thinking. Put a ring in it 3 years ago ad blew out the reed valve. Probably could have fixed it fairly cheap. I attempted a used pump and motor and the motor started going so I broke down and got a new 60 gallon. Very happy and not nearly as loud

 

[sberry]

I consider my time very valuable so it would be hell no for me. I'd rather just have compressed air than, yet another project.

You decide what yours is worth. [emoji6]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

I am all for fixing stuff if its worth it but often its still old **** when its done and it doesn't always match well with the franken method. In todays worls in my case might shop for some hi dollar pieces at super discount providing I wasn't in a hurry, might have some of it or have a special need. Really good pumps off 3 phase can be found cheap, but conversion to single and all the outfitting take some sport out of it as well as add to the cost.
Having the know how to make it efficient is another matter, by efficient I tend to mean economical. When I bought my last pump paid 1600 for it, but had the valves I needed etc and could likely get it for a lot less today on the used market.
But single, stand alone, might really tend to look at new unless I had a gift for deals on used,,, some guys do.

 

[sberry]

I bought a little used one a while back, ran when I got it, tested it, went to use and before it was over replaced every piece on it except the actual motor before it ran an hour.

 

[strutaeng]

I've been using a mfg date Aug 2015 Craftsman single stage oil-less 1.5hp 26-gal vertical compressor. It is what it is and I'm not very happy with the performance.

I have a bunch of other 1-stage compressor parts and wondering if it is worth it to try and make something decent or just sell off (and scrap) what I've got and buy something decent 2-stage.

The sticker on the Craftsman electric says 3.8cfm at 90. I've got an old belt drive craftsman (I think with dvblias compressor) 20-gal unit that says 7.7cfm @ 90 and I have two emglo compressors (compressor head only) model KU, old style. Is it worth it to try and hack something together or just scrap/sell off all that stuff and buy something decent?

Is the old Craftsman 20-gal belt drive compressor going to be a huge difference compared to the newer 110V 26-gal unit?

Thanks.

Emglo compressor pump? Yes, those are sweet, and will last a long time and are fully serviceable. In fact, it is likely the original tanks rusted away on those or motors burned up.

You can mount it on the belt-drive craftsman. I think 1 1/2 hp to 2 hp is what these call for. Just make sure the RPM are within range. You can call Jenny and they can tell you more specifics on the pump.

The "U" on the KU signifies "unloader." These pumps can unload the compressor head via a pilot valve, so that the unit doesn't have to start and stop frequently during heavy use. It will just "free wheel" until the pressure drops again. It's what a lot of roofers use with a bunch of roofing nailers going all at the same time.

I've got an old Emglo (now Jenny) with a KU and 2HP GE motor and an 18 gallon tank and the specs. list something like 8CFM. It is wired on 120V. It's old, but bulletproof. Much better than anything sold to consumers these days.

http://www.gotgreattools.com/jenny-...115v-or-230-volt-electric-air-compressor.html

It probably won't look cool, but seems like you can put something together with a bit in ingenuity.

 

[vavet]

I have a 20 year old C-man compressor, probably similar to yours. It works fine, but I hate. It's loud. It's slow to build pressure. Unfortunately, it seems to have the durability of anvil. I wish it would die so I could buy a new one. Once i get going in my shop again, I will buy a much more capable compressor and put this one of craigslist.
For you - do you want a compressor so you can work on your projects? Or do you want this compressor to be a project? If it's the former, just be done with it and buy the compressor your want.

 

[anythingyoucanimagine]

Emglo compressor pump? Yes, those are sweet, and will last a long time and are fully serviceable. In fact, it is likely the original tanks rusted away on those or motors burned up.

Exactly, the tanks rusted out. When I went to the website it said if you have a "G" beginning your serial # then order "new style"... I don't have a G. These are probably 1980's vintage.

I think 1 1/2 hp to 2 hp is what these call for. Just make sure the RPM are within range. You can call Jenny and they can tell you more specifics on the pump.

Thanks. I'll do a little digging and make some phone calls. I think that might be my easy way out for this. Short term a nice 2stage would be great but long term this is a vacation home and the pump will see very little use over the years.

The "U" on the KU signifies "unloader." These pumps can unload the compressor head via a pilot valve, so that the unit doesn't have to start and stop frequently during heavy use. It will just "free wheel" until the pressure drops again. It's what a lot of roofers use with a bunch of roofing nailers going all at the same time.

That's exactly where these came from. A roofing operation that never drained the water out of the tanks so tanks rusted out.

I've got an old Emglo (now Jenny) with a KU and 2HP GE motor and an 18 gallon tank and the specs. list something like 8CFM. It is wired on 120V. It's old, but bulletproof. Much better than anything sold to consumers these days.

http://www.gotgreattools.com/jenny-...115v-or-230-volt-electric-air-compressor.html

It probably won't look cool, but seems like you can put something together with a bit in ingenuity.

That's what I was thinking. I don't care if the compressor looks crazy, if I'm going to get a performance bump with the emglo KU it'll be better instantly. If they call for 1-1/2-2hp can I run two compressors from one 4hp motor?

Regarding the "time is money" or compressor being a project vs. working on projects, I want something easy and reliable. Most decent compressors should be easy and reliable.

 

[strutaeng]

2 compressor pumps running from a single motor? Um...maybe, but a 4HP is going to be hard to find. There are 3 and then jumps to 5.

I'd stay with a single motor. Scavenge another air compressor and you have 2 reliable units.

Maybe do a large tank, "duplex" compressor with 2 pumps, but I'd personally do 2, single units. 20-30 gallon tanks are plentiful and easy to move around.