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Ryan

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 26, 2006
Messages
5,700
Location
Texas/Hawaii
air1.jpg


Okay, so the article isn't really vintage but seeing as it's New Year's Eve, we're sitting here wondering where the time has gone. It's hard to believe that 1998 was...
To read the rest of this blog entry from The Garage Journal, click here.
 
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Ramblur

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 4, 2006
Messages
449
Location
Central FLA
This ones still sitting in my old shop in Ohio. Vintage,means I'm afraid to plug
it in...:thumbup:

PICT0556.jpg


The gas station I worked in as a kid still had the original
1938 vintage air compressor.A very rythmic low rpm chug sound not irratating
at all. We pulled the valves and cleaned them about once a year.It finally
died about ten years ago. The replacement died about a month after the
warranty ran out...:headscrat
 

Charles (in GA)

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
12,489
Location
50 mi south of Atlanta
This is a 1973, give or take a year. I have the original manual and parts list, but no date, no receipt, so I cannot remember for sure which year I got it. Craftsman 1hp, 12 gal tank, 100 psi. I added the handy box and double pole 30 amp motor rated switch (set up for 120V but can be converted to 240V so I used a double pole switch in case it ever gets changed over.) Its been holding 100 psi for months now. Use it only occasionally now that I have a stationary shop compressor. 6.4 cfm @ 40 psi, 5.4 cfm @ 90 psi, it came without the belt guard, an option at the time, before they found out that stupid people used air compressors. I never had any little fingers around it so I didn't worry.

Charles.
 

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MAK

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 24, 2005
Messages
83
Location
Blairsville, GA - Flagler Beach, FL
A few years ago my dad gave me his old Kellogg American air compressor from back when he was doing a lot of home autobody work and painting.
It hadn't been used in about 20 years and is really old. Plate on the side of the tank says 1945... It's one heavy-duty monster. I think it's about an 80 gal tank.
I replaced the pressure switch, put on a new air filter, put new oil in the pump, ran a 220v line in my garage and fired it up. Has been running like a champ ever since.
compressor1.JPG

compressor2.JPG
 

67pete300

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
342
Location
East Lyme, CT
Oddly enough, I have the chance to pick this up today for $100:

3n53m13l511c1f9120912abe78c2e97f61420.jpg


See the ad here:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/977248066.html

He has replaced the motor with a 1 hp 115/220 VAC unit currently set up for 220.

He says it leaks down over time. Repair parts are available at Grainger.

I would have to run 220 to the garage (I'd probably need another circuit anyway if I left it at 115 because of the current draw.) But it would be a big step up from those other smaller units I posted earlier. And could be a fun rebuild project too.

Good deal? Or not so much?
 

Firefyter-Emt

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2005
Messages
171
Location
CT
Mine is an old Devilblis with a big old 220V motor in it (Repulsion Induction)

Oh, and when I mean big.... that's a 60 gallon tank!
Devilblis-1.jpg



Devilblis-5.jpg
 

Firefyter-Emt

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2005
Messages
171
Location
CT
IHMO, you will never see an old tank "explode". You will have leaks for a long time that start being bigger leaks to the point that you stop using the compressor before it explodes. The tank will rot out and begin to leak from the most rotted area a little at a time as the rot gets worse and worse.
 

Pete D.

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
270
Location
Chicago
Oldie but a good compressor had a gas engine on it when I got it. I think it was from the army. Sorry pics to big
 

Pete D.

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
270
Location
Chicago
Made the pictures a little smaller.:)
 

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Tuneup

New member
Joined
Jan 17, 2009
Messages
1
Location
Midwest
This ones still sitting in my old shop in Ohio. Vintage,means I'm afraid to plug
it in...:thumbup:

PICT0556.jpg



The gas station I worked in as a kid still had the original
1938 vintage air compressor.A very rythmic low rpm chug sound not irratating
at all. We pulled the valves and cleaned them about once a year.It finally
died about ten years ago. The replacement died about a month after the
warranty ran out...:headscrat


WOW! That is definately an old piece. Like some kind of ancient scuba gear !!
 

DHS

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
1,054
Location
Central FL
I just thought I would post a picture of a air compressor that I have in my shed. I love this thing it is not the fastest but it has a nice quiet chug.
 

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goodfellow

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 17, 2006
Messages
2,288
Location
NoVA
Hello I am new here, Im 25yrs old but I have a soft spot for old vintage tools. I just thought I would post a picture of a air compressor that I have in my shed. I love this thing it is not the fastest but it has a nice quiet chug.

Wow -- that is an antique!! What's the date of manufacture? I'm guessing around 1915-1920.

Incredible that something that old can still function well.
 

DHS

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
1,054
Location
Central FL
I believe its like a 1926. The electric motor that is on it is a little under powered and I would like to put another on it. I also have a Sibley and Ware camelback drill that is about 10' tall that is not operational yet but hopefully soon I will get back to it.
 
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Sambone

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
14
Yesterday, with the help of two strong buddies, I brought home an OLD Ingersoll Rand compressor. My guess is 80+ gallons. Other than the Ingersoll Rand nameplate, I can't find any other numbers except for a stamped 24867 on the base of the compressor itself.

I'll get some pics up as soon as I can, but I'm hoping someone can give me an idea of the vintage on this monster.
 

s_ontario

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 5, 2006
Messages
552
Location
canada
Here is a old Brunner compressor 1950's she still pumps very well

and what replaced it 3 years ago
 

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A_Pmech

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2007
Messages
8,002
Location
IL
Here are a couple of vintage Chicago Pneumatic compressors. Both were installed pre-1920 and ran continuously, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year until the mid 70's.

This one is around 250HP and output around at 300PSI.

cpcomp.jpg


It's baby brother, about a 40HP unit:

cpcomp2.jpg
 

cnc-me

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
1,183
Location
MI
2 Out of 3 are Vintage
The last one might interest the Quincy fans, out there. :)
Primary Compressor- Windy Worthy
Worthington 20 H.P. 1940's-ish, converted from an engine drive unit in 1984.
The tanks are 60 & 80 gallon Saylor-Beall rejects.
SB cuts out the tag on their reject tanks with a torch to stop
people from reclaiming them.:bounce:
I welded a piece of 1/4" flatstock to plug the holes.
This unit has run almost everyday for the past 25+ years with very little problems. Pump size is 6 X 3-1/2 X 4" Stroke.
Forced oil and still holds around 30 psi.
Worthington.jpg

Backup Compressor-
Ingersoll Rand Type 30 5 H.P.
Date on tank says 1968, and its never been painted, just factory primer.
Has a watercooled after cooler thats not currently hooked up to
a water source.
IR.jpg

Compressor #3-
Located in another building, but plumbed into the main system.
Quincy QT-5 5 H.P.
Special prototype breathable air unit.
We have never used the breathable filter unit,
just run it as a standard air compressor. Only 237 hours on this one.
And yes, that is a real tag, no computer magic here. :beer:
QuincyQT5.jpg
Tag.jpg
 

Sambone

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
14
Finally got some pics of the "new" monster. I'm hoping Tantara is right about the pump being the same to this day, as the one in ironroad's picture looks a lot like mine.

Can anyone suggest a vintage for this unit? I'm guessing 50's to 60's, but I can't find any concrete information and know you guys will have a better idea.

Front:
comp4.jpg


Back:
comp5.jpg


Closeup of pump and motor. You can see where an identification plate used to be on the pump.
comp3.jpg


comp2.jpg


I removed the gauge for transport purposes, but it goes up to 300. I'm guessing this is a dual stage compressor but don't know for sure. I think (and hope) it's single phase power but don't know how to tell for sure.
I don't know how much oil it takes or what kind.
Obviously, any information you guys can share would be greatly appreciated.

I would like to change the oil and clean up the pressure switch if not replace it and still have to wire it up obviously... just hope I can get some concrete information first.

And I'm GUESSING it's 80 gallons... looks almost dainty in the photos but this ***** is big. Thought about getting out the measuring tape and dusting off the cobwebs in my brain to do the math to figure out the volume of this pig.
 
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Sambone

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
14
Oh yeah, the old dude who sold it to me threw in this vintage battery charger for free!
charger.jpg
 

lucajack2cv

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2009
Messages
169
Location
Italy N/W
Nice 3d! Next to my garage there's a sort of power-station including a 380V generator (with Ducati diesel industrial engine) and a 60's italian 200 liters air compressor, coming from an old factory:

Air compressor:
index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2055.jpg

Ducati generator, recently rewired:

index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2055.jpg

index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2055.jpg


Outside, there's a similar air-compressor actually not-working (I found it inside a burned garage) but connected with the other one in order to increase air capacity:

normal_comp1.jpg

normal_comp.jpg

Ciao, Lucajack2cv!
 

Fubar

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 22, 2010
Messages
360
Location
Cape Cod Ma
Finally got some pics of the "new" monster. I'm guessing this is a dual stage compressor but don't know for sure. I think (and hope) it's single phase power but don't know how to tell for sure.
I don't know how much oil it takes or what kind.
Obviously, any information you guys can share would be greatly appreciated.

It is dual stage, and 30 wt non-detergent compressor oil is good. From the looks of the wire I'd say single phase (if it's three, the wire will have three conductors and a ground). And it looks like 60's. Nice find....
 
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danmc77

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2010
Messages
6
hey guys - first post here. Came across this thread while doing some research for the new compressor I just picked up. It's a vintage Champion Pneumatic, and according to the guy that I bought it from, it still works. Bought it from a farm, and the guy said he hasn't run it in a few years - I got it home and opened the valve, and it was still holding air, so I guess there are no leaks. Either way it's in real good condition, and I plan to use it as the compressor in my home garage.

I spent the last 12 hours or so cleaning it up - look pretty nice, IMO. Got it for $250.

Anyway, I know really nothing about it, and can't find much on the internet - anybody know of some resources for vintage compressors and Champion Pneumatic in particular?

Here are some pics - 3 tags - one from the deck, the electric motor, and the tank itself. Tank looks huge - around 80 gallons to me, but the tag say 20-48 for the size, so not sure what that means - no way this thing in only 48 gallons...

Let me know what you guys think.
IMG_3702.jpg
IMG_3703.jpg
IMG_3696.jpg
IMG_3691.jpg
IMG_3697.jpg
IMG_3699.jpg
IMG_3700.jpg
 

Stuart in MN

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 8, 2005
Messages
23,005
Location
Minneapolis
Wow, the date code is 1928 - that's an oldie. Could the numbers in the size blank refer to its dimensions? It looks like it could be about 20" in diameter by 48" long.
 

danmc77

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2010
Messages
6
Wow, the date code is 1928 - that's an oldie. Could the numbers in the size blank refer to its dimensions? It looks like it could be about 20" in diameter by 48" long.
hmm - good suggestion - that sounds about right - I'll measure it when I get home tonight.

Anybody know anything about the pump design? Why are the cylinders 2 different sizes? What about a regulator - how do I set this thing up with one to shut off at a specified PSI?
 

DHS

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 9, 2009
Messages
1,054
Location
Central FL
hmm - good suggestion - that sounds about right - I'll measure it when I get home tonight.

Anybody know anything about the pump design? Why are the cylinders 2 different sizes? What about a regulator - how do I set this thing up with one to shut off at a specified PSI?

The cylinder are different size because one is low pressure and the other is high pressure. It is a two stage pump, I have the same model and an ad from 1928 clipped from a magazine.
 

danmc77

Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2010
Messages
6
The cylinder are different size because one is low pressure and the other is high pressure. It is a two stage pump, I have the same model and an ad from 1928 clipped from a magazine.
yeah, I saw that - pretty cool - the pump is exactly the same.

Thanks for the explanation - I saw a couple ads for sale on Ebay, but the guy wants about $10 for them - too much IMO.

One other question, do you know what the little thing is on the left of the pump, below the smaller cylinder? It's the little tube that comes out of the base of the pump and terminates after the 90* bend - pointing up. Mine has 2 of them - one there, and another next to the pressure gauge.
 
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