The Eastwood QST-30/60

[gtr1999]

I use mine everyday for air tools and a blast cabinet. So use varies where the compressor cycles on/off or run consistently if I am blasting for over 5 minutes. There is no hour meter on it, I wish I wired one in when I got but I didn't bother.

I have mine plumbed into an 80 gallon tank with a black pipe air cooler in between. I manually blow down the tanks and will let them drain down completely from time to time. It takes about 10-15 minutes to fill both tanks and the pipes in the system so it will run steady then too.

 

[poppakap]

What’s the difference between the old one and elite?

 

[PedalToTheMetal]

What’s the difference between the old one and elite?

It is supposedly slightly more powerful. Eastwood's support told me that the motor and compressor and so different that they are not compatible with the mounts and lines on the tank.

Oliver

 

[M35A2]

I got one of the early shipments and just a week ago I went to trying it on and the breaker on the main panel popped. And a little smoke came out of the pressure switch. Checked everything out, tested the outlet which was fine and tested with another piece of equipment. Emailed Eastwood and they quickly sent out a new pressure switch but I get the same results with the new switch. Pulled the cover off the electrical box on top of the motor and it smells strange, not really a burnt smell, but it doesn’t smell good. Have another email into Eastwood hoping to hear back tomorrow.

This is a low use in my garage with the hardest use being a blasting cabinet that I use 3-4 hours once a month.

 

[poppakap]

It is supposedly slightly more powerful. Eastwood's support told me that the motor and compressor and so different that they are not compatible with the mounts and lines on the tank.

Oliver

Good info. Thanks.

 

[PedalToTheMetal]

Good info. Thanks.

Frankly, I suspect that they had more problems with the first generation than what they admit and that the "Elite" version is addressing them.
Why else would they launch a new version only a bit over a year after the first batch of the original version had been delivered, with almost identical specs, but obviously a new motor / compressor unit?

Other than M35A2 (s. his post above), whose compressor is also from the first batch that was delivered to customers, I couldn’t find any other reports of problems similar to mine.

I think I will therefore accept their offer to have mine replaced with the new “Elite” version.

Oliver

 

[Jvvmusme]

I got one of the early shipments and just a week ago I went to trying it on and the breaker on the main panel popped. And a little smoke came out of the pressure switch. Checked everything out, tested the outlet which was fine and tested with another piece of equipment. Emailed Eastwood and they quickly sent out a new pressure switch but I get the same results with the new switch. Pulled the cover off the electrical box on top of the motor and it smells strange, not really a burnt smell, but it doesn’t smell good. Have another email into Eastwood hoping to hear back tomorrow.

This is a low use in my garage with the hardest use being a blasting cabinet that I use 3-4 hours once a month.

your problem is the start condenser.

 

[M35A2]

your problem is the start condenser.

Eastwood is sending me new Capacitors for the motor.

 

[M35A2]

Got the 2 capacitors from Eastwood and installed them and have the exact same situation. As soon as the switch on the compressor is turned on, the breaker in the main panel pops. Plugged my sander in and reset breaker and the sander runs fine. So I am guessing something happened to the electric motor itself. Have an email in to Eastwood about it.

 

[TomC750]

I have had mine for a while now. Never worked it hard or for very long until I sandblasted a wheel. It ran continuously for maybe half an hour. THEN a haze in the shop became apparent, along with lots of oil on the floor. It blew all the oil out. What a mess. I contacted Eastwood and they said the factory filled it with too much oil and would send me 2 qts of oil, new sightglass and instructions.

Well, maybe some were overfilled, but why would I have lost all the oil? We will see when I get their shipment and I start over. I have lost confidence at this point. One thing that bothers me is some owners stating how quiet they are, I would not call mine quiet by any means.

 

[TomC750]

I did discover that the leak was sightglass related. Waiting for new parts.

 

[TomC750]

Well, guess what, Eastwood sent the repair parts to the wrong address, and forgot the oil.
They sent it to my son's address. In communicating with Eastwood they say today they sent it to the right address. Son's name is not the same as mine and we live in different states. They have mixed this up before and I thought it was straightened out. With this order I made sure they had the right one as verified by my email. Wonderful.

 

[TomC750]

Finally got the parts, and the oil. One qt. I was told it would be 2. So I questioned customer service about the discrepancy, they say 1 qt. is correct. So today I install the plugs where the sightglass was and put in the qt. It only comes up a bit more than halfway on the newly furnished dipstick. The instructions say to fill the reservoir to the top line. I figure it would take another half qt. to do that. Sent them another note asking for clarification. Can't say I am impressed with Eastwood at this point.

 

[oilslick]

What a **** show

 

[TomC750]

Well, finally got satisfaction from Eastwood. I complained about a screwup on the original delivery of the compressor as well as the latest confusion. They are crediting my credit card $250 for my trouble. Works for me!

I did get the unit reinstalled and it sounds the same as prior, so hopefully it is OK.

 

[M35A2]

Eastwood is replacing my compressor, shipping me a new one and the old will go back. Hard to beat that for customer service!

 

[EastwoodCo]

Hey Guys,

We wanted to reply to a few of the questions in the recent posts and help clear up QST Product line enhancement concerns.

-When the scroll compressor was being developed we were also working on an "Eastwood Elite" signature product line in our metal fab category. "Eastwood Elite" products are tested, built, and proven for serious enthusiasts and professionals and the regular use seen in that atmosphere.

-As time went on we rolled the Elite series out to our top products in each
category. Naturally, we felt the Eastwood QST was a product suitable to
fit under the Elite umbrella. This meant the product needed to meet the
same expectations as the other Elite products we offered. This is the sole
reason for a change in the graphics on the unit.

-As with any brand new product there are growing pains and rolling changes that need to happen. We pride ourselves in our ability to improve our products quickly and address any concerns or issues immediately. As a result our engineers have worked hard to make improvements to the components and features that match our expectations of the "Eastwood Elite" badge.

-The sight glass and oil level issues we caught early on and we were very proactive in contacting and sending ALL effected QST owners an upgraded dipstick conversion kit that resolved the potential issue.

-Unfortunately trade war issues have forced price increases across the board with all products and across the entire industry. The only way to keep the original pricing would have been to decrease the quality of the unit; not something we were willing to do. In fact we worked to improve the unit and further increase its performance.

We'd like to think the performance of the QST Scroll Compressors far outweighs the cost of the machine and still makes it a really great value. We have a lot of these out "in the wild" working in both home and professional shops quietly working away in the corner with zero issues, but as with any mass produced product there are going to be defects occasionally.

We appreciate all GJ members that have purchased a unit and chimed in (both good and bad). Feedback like this is what helps us continue to create innovative products and also improve upon them as we go!

As always if you have questions or concerns you can contact our tech team at: [email protected] or 1-880-343-9353

 

[tom86951]

I set up my compressor a few weeks ago and have been slowly plumbing my garage with copper pipes. Other than 3 or 4 test runs, the compressor hasn't been used yet. I ran it today finally with my blast cabinet and it pumped out good flow and is as quiet as advertised. However, when I went to check on the compressor after maybe 15-20 minutes of running, rusty water was leaking out where the clear tube goes up under the on-off switch? I depressurized the system and opened the main drain and got maybe a couple tablespoons of water. Anyone know what that tube is, and why mine was leaking rusty water?

 

[tapout187]

I’ve just read this entire thread. I’ve had all plans and intentions in buying this compressor for my shop build in progress. I hope most of the issues have been addressed with the elite model. Anyhow I’m just now starting the wire rough-in in my garage. I see this comes with a three conductor and ground cord. I read someone said you don’t use the third wire. If this is true should I run a two wire like 10/2 or three wire like 10/3 for this compressor?

 

[tom86951]

I set up my compressor a few weeks ago and have been slowly plumbing my garage with copper pipes. Other than 3 or 4 test runs, the compressor hasn't been used yet. I ran it today finally with my blast cabinet and it pumped out good flow and is as quiet as advertised. However, when I went to check on the compressor after maybe 15-20 minutes of running, rusty water was leaking out where the clear tube goes up under the on-off switch? I depressurized the system and opened the main drain and got maybe a couple tablespoons of water. Anyone know what that tube is, and why mine was leaking rusty water?

Fast-forward 6 months, and now the compressor is spitting significant amounts of oil out somewhere and is sitting in a puddle of oil -- I think from the main drain valve when the auto-drain fires.

I sent Eastwood a support request yesterday, and haven't heard back yet. I also tried to post the issue as a "question" on their product page. In response, I got an automated email saying my question was "live" online with a link that purportedly takes me to the question and any answers. The link instead takes me to the main Eastwood page, and my question is no where to be found. It appears the "questions" they show on their website are carefully curated. I want to like the compressor and Eastwood, but they are making it increasingly hard to do on both fronts.

p.s., My unit shipped around the time Eastwood posted in this very thread about how they were making improvements to avoid this sort of thing. Mine is the V2 version, and I'm seeing no evidence they've fixed their QC issues, nor improved their timeliness in responding to customers with legitimate problems.

 

[rpcraft]

So when you called them what was their response?

 

[pinballlooking]

After reading this post I changed my mind on getting one of these.
I went with the Emax industrial PLUS 80 gal silent air. You can easily talk when it is running very happy with it.
I got it on sale so the price was very similar to Eastwood QST-30/60.
Thanks for posting your issues that helped make my decision.

 

[tom86951]

Well, I got a response from Eastwood. The person that responded asked how long I've been using it, and said I likely needed to "change the two separators on the unit."

I am aware of the moisture separator that looks like an oil filter, but is there a second separator somewhere? I asked that question in response, but they take days to respond unfortunately. I wonder if he was talking about the oil filter and the moisture separator, though I can't imagine how an oil filter could contribute to this or why he'd call it a separator? Anyone know of a second separator on these compressors?

In the meantime, I had a new moisture separator, so put it on. It may actually be helping based on what I am seeing, but time will tell.

And, for what it's worth, I actually like this compressor a lot and would not necessarily discourage anyone from buying one. I just wish Eastwood were much more responsive, and did better QC. I'm also waiting for time to tell whether this is a fussy, high-maintenance machine or if I'm just going through some teething pains. My hope and hunch is just teething pains as it settles in....

 

[rpcraft]

I guess my point in my question above is that when you say they take days to respond, I presume you are sending an email, then why wouldn't you just pick the phone up and call and ask for their tech support? I get it that phone calls and conversations are not convenient but it seems like it would accelerate your response time.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Well, I got a response from Eastwood. The person that responded asked how long I've been using it, and said I likely needed to "change the two separators on the unit."

I am aware of the moisture separator that looks like an oil filter, but is there a second separator somewhere? I asked that question in response, but they take days to respond unfortunately. I wonder if he was talking about the oil filter and the moisture separator, though I can't imagine how an oil filter could contribute to this or why he'd call it a separator? Anyone know of a second separator on these compressors?

In the meantime, I had a new moisture separator, so put it on. It may actually be helping based on what I am seeing, but time will tell.

And, for what it's worth, I actually like this compressor a lot and would not necessarily discourage anyone from buying one. I just wish Eastwood were much more responsive, and did better QC. I'm also waiting for time to tell whether this is a fussy, high-maintenance machine or if I'm just going through some teething pains. My hope and hunch is just teething pains as it settles in....

The separator is the specialized internal filter that separates the oil from the air inside the machine. The discharge from the compression element is a high speed mixture of oil and air. This impinges on the separator. The oil coalesces within the fibers of the separator while the air passes through. The oil settles at the bottom of the separator element and is sucked out back to the inlet via a scavenge line. This is just a metal tube that acts like a straw in a soda, sucking up the oil as it pools in the bottom of the separator. Separators do eventually wear out and begin to pass more and more oil. However, if the scavenge line has blocked for any reason, oil will build up and carry over into the discharge air and into the tank. I don't know what Eastwood uses for a separator, but many smaller machines use a specialized spin-on type element for a separator.

 

[tom86951]

The separator is the specialized internal filter that separates the oil from the air inside the machine. The discharge from the compression element is a high speed mixture of oil and air. This impinges on the separator. The oil coalesces within the fibers of the separator while the air passes through. The oil settles at the bottom of the separator element and is sucked out back to the inlet via a scavenge line. This is just a metal tube that acts like a straw in a soda, sucking up the oil as it pools in the bottom of the separator. Separators do eventually wear out and begin to pass more and more oil. However, if the scavenge line has blocked for any reason, oil will build up and carry over into the discharge air and into the tank. I don't know what Eastwood uses for a separator, but many smaller machines use a specialized spin-on type element for a separator.

The Eastwood scroll has two spin-on canisters, one they call a "moisture separator" and the other they call an "oil filter." Both look like a classic automotive oil filter. I can't find reference to any other user-serviceable "separators" so am guessing the Eastwood employee who said I probably needed to replace "the two separators" on the unit was referring to the oil filter and moisture separator. If that's it, I'm hoping this is just a new-compressor thing and that these "separators" will last longer going forward.

I wish Eastwood had better customer/warranty support. I don't think they are trying to get away with anything or be unfair, but in my opinion their process is too sluggish and poorly executed by contemporary standards. I could literally order a different compressor, have it delivered, and then return it, TWICE, in the time it has taken Eastwood so far -- and I the clock is still ticking....

 

[MacMcMacmac]

That oil tank looks sealed up pretty good to me. I am thinking the white cannister is the separator, since it is on the air side at the final discharge. The clear plastic line going back to the scroll low pressure side is a classic sign of an oil scavenge line. I know it is called a moisture separator, but you would never route moisture back into the inlet of a compressor for any reason. There is likely (hopefully) baffling of some sort, an impingement surface or a nozzle directed at an angle inside that oil tank to help deflect the oil/air jet to begin the separation process. The separator filter should be just the final step. If we had an industrial screw on a PM schedule, we would normally replace the separator once a year, which could have been up to 8000hrs running time. Some neglected machines could have had separators in for years and still run adequately. Some never had their separators serviced at all, until they collapsed, tore through or caught fire. This is the beginning of woes...

I have not worked on any of these, but I have worked with compressors for 25+ years.

From a thread on Practical Machinist:

 

[tom86951]

I guess my point in my question above is that when you say they take days to respond, I presume you are sending an email, then why wouldn't you just pick the phone up and call and ask for their tech support? I get it that phone calls and conversations are not convenient but it seems like it would accelerate your response time.

I will do that if needed. I never got the impression that would help much. Also, at least during the warranty period, I think it is worthwhile to document the issue in writing. Maybe I'm just an old grouch, I dunno.

 

[tom86951]

That oil tank looks sealed up pretty good to me. I am thinking the white cannister is the separator, since it is on the air side at the final discharge. The clear plastic line going back to the scroll low pressure side is a classic sign of an oil scavenge line. I know it is called a moisture separator, but you would never route moisture back into the inlet of a compressor for any reason. There is likely (hopefully) baffling of some sort, an impingement surface or a nozzle directed at an angle inside that oil tank to help deflect the oil/air jet to begin the separation process. The separator filter should be just the final step. If we had an industrial screw on a PM schedule, we would normally replace the separator once a year, which could have been up to 8000hrs running time. Some neglected machines could have had separators in for years and still run adequately. Some never had their separators serviced at all, until they collapsed, tore through or caught fire. This is the beginning of woes...

I have not worked on any of these, but I have worked with compressors for 25+ years.

From a thread on Practical Machinist:

The white canister is called the "moisture separator" and the black is called the oil filter. So you are saying the clear line to the white canister carries moisture (oil and water?) toward the white canister? Mine was virtually new - nowhere near 8000 hrs. Maybe 50 hours of actual run time, probably much less. I ended up changing the white canister, since I had one, so will see if that helps. If so, any idea why it needed changing so soon and/or if this suggests any bigger problems lurking inside the machine?

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Again from the thread at Practical Machinist:



From what I deduce from looking at the piping layout, the plastic/nylon/teflon line returns separated oil back to the low pressure area near the compressor inlet. This is necessary on all oil flooded compression element compressors to prevent them running out of oil.

You can see the pressurized oil feed to the black oil filter goes to the cooler before it is supplied to the scroll and bearings. This is simply acting as a true oil filter just like one an automobile engine.

The larger steel line at the bottom of the white cannister is sending the air to the storage tank. At this point "all" of the oil should have been removed, within the acceptable oil carryover limits, measured in parts per million.

The big fitting on the end of the case with the hex is the air/oil discharge which feeds into the oil tank. This fitting likely has a one way valve in it to prevent pressurized oil from backfeeding into the scroll at shutdown and flooding oil out of the inlet valve. This is called an oil stop valve. Some designs simply rely on the inlet valve snapping shut to accomplish the same thing. This is a simple/cheap method, and makes things very messy if it fails to work.

50hrs seems like way too short of an interval for a separator change. Other reasons for oil carryover are overfilling or running too hot. I doubt that is the case with your machine. You may just have a duff separator. If Eastwood is calling out for a separator change at 50hrs and this is considered a normal service interval I would be very disappointed, unless the separator is extremely cheap to purchase. Even then I would consider this a less than optimum design.

 

[tom86951]

They charge $55.99 for the moisture separator. Eastwood didn't say for sure that was the issue. They asked how long I've run it and in the next sentence said it was "probably the two separators." I don't know what other separator he was referring to, other than to think maybe the oil filter. If they refer to the oil filter as a separator and suggest I change it, would I be crazy to question how that could be related to oil in the tank (and why their tech support thinks an oil filter is a separator for that matter....)?

p.s., and thank you for taking the time to explain it all!

 

[MacMcMacmac]

They charge $55.99 for the moisture separator. Eastwood didn't say for sure that was the issue. They asked how long I've run it and in the next sentence said it was "probably the two separators." I don't know what other separator he was referring to, other than to think maybe the oil filter. If they refer to the oil filter as a separator and suggest I change it, would I be crazy to question how that could be related to oil in the tank (and why their tech support thinks an oil filter is a separator for that matter....)?

p.s., and thank you for taking the time to explain it all!

There may be another separator inside the oil tank. If so, the only way I can see to reach it would be to unbolt the whole filter assembly and lift it off.

 

[tom86951]

So Eastwood wrote back this morning and said to change the white and black canisters, i.e., the moisture separator and oil filter. Is there anyway that an oil filter can contribute to oil in the air tank?


Edit: Eastwood is sending me a new oil filter for free (warranty), so at least their customer service guy seems to think it will help. If nothing else, I'm happy they are not asking me to throw money at parts in order to get to the bottom of it.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

It should have no effect on any oil carryover into your tank. The black filter should see only pressurized oil which is sent directly to the cooler then on to the scroll and bearings.

 

[tom86951]

It should have no effect on any oil carryover into your tank. The black filter should see only pressurized oil which is sent directly to the cooler then on to the scroll and bearings.

Thanks, that's what I gathered from your earlier response. I am guessing it's just their go-to first response by the front-line support people at Eastwood. If something's spitting out of the thing, tell them to replace both canisters before bugging the higher-ups... Hopefully, mine was just over-filled, since that seemed to be a prior issue they were having, and the new moisture separator will fix it. Time will tell.... Appreciate all the info!

 

[Dundertaker]

Hey Guys,

We wanted to reply to a few of the questions in the recent posts and help clear up QST Product line enhancement concerns.

-When the scroll compressor was being developed we were also working on an "Eastwood Elite" signature product line in our metal fab category. "Eastwood Elite" products are tested, built, and proven for serious enthusiasts and professionals and the regular use seen in that atmosphere.

-As time went on we rolled the Elite series out to our top products in each
category. Naturally, we felt the Eastwood QST was a product suitable to
fit under the Elite umbrella. This meant the product needed to meet the
same expectations as the other Elite products we offered. This is the sole
reason for a change in the graphics on the unit.

-As with any brand new product there are growing pains and rolling changes that need to happen. We pride ourselves in our ability to improve our products quickly and address any concerns or issues immediately. As a result our engineers have worked hard to make improvements to the components and features that match our expectations of the "Eastwood Elite" badge.

-The sight glass and oil level issues we caught early on and we were very proactive in contacting and sending ALL effected QST owners an upgraded dipstick conversion kit that resolved the potential issue.

-Unfortunately trade war issues have forced price increases across the board with all products and across the entire industry. The only way to keep the original pricing would have been to decrease the quality of the unit; not something we were willing to do. In fact we worked to improve the unit and further increase its performance.

We'd like to think the performance of the QST Scroll Compressors far outweighs the cost of the machine and still makes it a really great value. We have a lot of these out "in the wild" working in both home and professional shops quietly working away in the corner with zero issues, but as with any mass produced product there are going to be defects occasionally.

We appreciate all GJ members that have purchased a unit and chimed in (both good and bad). Feedback like this is what helps us continue to create innovative products and also improve upon them as we go!

As always if you have questions or concerns you can contact our tech team at: [email protected] or 1-880-343-9353

I've had a call and just sent an email to [email protected] early QST with the sight glass finally PUKED. I remembered this topic on the thread, and my QST was lightly used up until this weekend and first run with the BLASTING CABINET. If someone sees this first #E2544115 ...I know this is a crazy time but I'm now dead in the water on a major project. I'd like to get it resolved ASAP. I was not included in the "Proactive" sending of the upgraded parts.

The unit has been flawless until now and I've been really happy with it.

DG

 

[scheu]

DG - How did this work out for you? Or did it?
scheu

 

[Todd.Brock]

Any more updates on these compressors? I should have bought one in 2017. They are tapping in at 2k now with delivery and such.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Imatk]

Yeah I've been looking at this one and after reading the last few posts of replacing canisters at 50 hours I'm gun shy.

 

[Imatk]

Any update?