Vintage Quincy air compressor 212-24?

[kingcobb]

The New shop plans are ongoing. Waiting on the quote from my builder. It will be 25x30 or thereabouts.

Been doing research on things and one thing I am needing is a compressor for the shop. We have a small makita big bore in the garage, but looking for something a bit bigger in the shop.

Hadn't seen anything for sale 2nd hand that tempted me, when I mentioned I had been looking to my father in law. He's got some giant monstrosity out in his barn that runs to both his wood shop and metal shop. Not looking for something that huge, but was curious what he might know of being available.

Apparently he has a quincy 212 that I can have. Its what he used to use on his shop before he upgraded.

He thinks its from the 50s, not sure tank size. He upgraded be cause it doesn't have a solenoid starter and it would have trouble getting going on cold mornings. Plus he started using his sander a lot more.

He sent me these pics today. Its a let me have it if I want it type of thing.

No clue on the motor issue.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Those aren't really that big and are only single stage so usually should be set to turn off at 115 or so. They are a quality compressor built to run forever so after you change the rubber diaphragms on the unloader you probably won't have to do anything but change the oil for the next 40 years.

 

[kingcobb]

Those aren't really that big and are only single stage so usually should be set to turn off at 115 or so. They are a quality compressor built to run forever so after you change the rubber diaphragms on the unloader you probably won't have to do anything but change the oil for the next 40 years.

Are the rubber diaphragm why it is not starting well?

 

[B_Bimmer]

No, they just get tired with age, not starting well is probably capacitors or cold oil. A good synthetic compressor oil helps.

 

[TeenagerThatLikesFloorjac]

I'd be worried about the tank, anything from that vintage needs to be thoroughly inspected and hydro pressure tested.

That tank is suspect. I've never seen an air compressor with feet that look to be angle steel, the shell ends seems to be very narrow too. I wonder if there is a certification plate on the tank.

The sticker that is almost fully peeled off might say "Westinghouse." Perhaps the pump was changed at some point as its a Quincy.

What kind of things are you going to be using the compressor for? Single stage QR Quincy's are generally limited to 100psi, although the smallest one can intermittently do 150 psi. You can probably get away with 110-120 psi. Depending on the use case 120psi might not be the best, factoring in the pressure drop in the lines you might only have a minute or so before you get below 90psi at the tool.

I have the smallest 2 stage QR Quincy (310) and it punches way above it's weight class. I have the cutoff set at 160psi. More air in the tank and it puts out a true 8CFM from 0-160psi.

The single stage pumps efficiency drops very quickly with increase in pressure. If it has a 1.5hp motor spinning the pump at ~700rpm you can expect about 7CFM. It could be plenty depending on your needs.

 

[Shoreline_]

Are the rubber diaphragm why it is not starting well?

Yes it could be. The diaphragm is used to unload start the compressor. If one cylinder is hanging up it'll start really slow.

Those old tanks are twice as thick as the new cheap crappy asme tanks. I have a Westinghouse tank from 1948. It's solid as a rock.

The single stage Quincy's are ok. You're usually good to 130 pounds just watch the amp clamp. This unit looks a little worn. Also the motor looks three phase ?

 

[kingcobb]

He was using it until he replaced it with his current one which I believe has a 250 gallon tank on it...sorry just my estimate, I have no idea what the pump or motor is.

The tank doesn't have feet on it, he just has it sitting on I beams to keep it off the ground.

95% of all i do with it is blow things out and use it with an impact wrench or air up tires. He used it for years with a orbital sander, ot would just run continously while he did it.

Its plenty big for me currently, especially with the free price.

 

[TeenagerThatLikesFloorjac]

In that case a single stage suits your needs. Free is free but please do your due diligence before putting it into service.

Perhaps a propane tank converted to house a compressor. If thats the case welding the plate that holds the pump and motor to the pressure vessel might've comprised it. (Not done at the boiler maker during manufacturing) The energy stored in the tank at 100psi is immense, you do not want near you if its not "safe", even if its outside of your building.

Older tanks are definitely built like tanks. New or old they do suffer from corrosion weakening them.

Here is a clip comparing the tank that my Binks compressor came with. Pressure vessel was built in 1959 versus a new thinner wall tank from 2021.

The 1959 is way beefier but this is what the inside looked like. There was multiple pinholes on the bottom that were welded up by the previous owner.




Inspect your tank thoroughly...

Fayette County man killed after air compressor explodes in garage

Troopers were alerted to a report of an explosion in the 400 block of Pleasant View Road in Smock, Fayette County.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Shoreline_]

He was using it until he replaced it with his current one which I believe has a 250 gallon tank on it...sorry just my estimate, I have no idea what the pump or motor is.

The tank doesn't have feet on it, he just has it sitting on I beams to keep it off the ground.

95% of all i do with it is blow things out and use it with an impact wrench or air up tires. He used it for years with a orbital sander, ot would just run continously while he did it.

Its plenty big for me currently, especially with the free price.

Can you post a picture of the motor nameplate?

 

[kingcobb]

Can you post a picture of the motor nameplate?

I will when I get a chance to see it in person.

 

[kingcobb]

Got some pics today. The legs are welded on, but the tank was inspected afterwards to make sure it was safe.

No label/tag on the motor.

Orange compressor is the current one he uses that he installed about 8 or so years ago.

 

[hampster]

It's free and solidly built. As long as you have the floor space and can hydro test the tank (pretty straightforward, videos on YouTube from Keith Rucker) then you've got nothing to lose and will have tool with some family history attached to it.

 

[Meursault74]

Name is in good company, have him take a closer look though.