110v air compressor

[mast240]

So, at my work, we currently have a 20 gallon Ingersoll compressor. It has a 2hp, 100 duty cycle compressor on. The problem is, it just can't handle our needs. However, our biggest problem is that we are completely unable to run 220. Just not an option for us.

Here's my question... If we were to get a 60 gallon tank and throw the Ingersoll compressor on it, would it 1. Handle usage better (within reason), and hold up to use?

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[DerekV]

What you'll get with a bigger tank is longer tool usage time between cycling. However, it'll also take longer to fill up and shut off. This will not make the compressor handle your needs any better, assuming you're looking for it to keep up with your tools while running. If you use it here an there and don't want it cycling all the time, a bigger tank might then "handle your needs".

Sounds like you need a bigger compressor...

 

[Infinia]

It has a 2hp, 100 duty cycle compressor on. The problem is, it just can't handle our needs

If it cant do the job now, it is very unlikely it will magically start working with a larger tank. the usual "problems are related to your max 125 psi thus having a low cut-in psi to allow any reasonable line drop. It will have the same problem but takes longer to hit the cut-in point.

 

[Citation]

Do you have a second 120V circuit you can use? If you do then just buy a second compressor and pump them together. You could get a 30 gallon, 5 cfm compressor and have basically 50 gallons and ~10 cfm. You would want to slightly adjust the pressure switches so they don't both turn on at the same time (odds are they are far enough apart from the factory). Several people on the forum have talked about pairing up compressors this way.

 

[Eric29]

I don't know what the maximum pressure in that compressor is, but would a tank with a compressor that holds 175 psi work? There is the issue of keeping up with tools that require a steady air flow and a compressor that can replace the air you are using. But if you are using the compressor for something like an impact wrench that would require a relatively short blast of air to loosen things, would the greater air capacity get you closer to where you need to be?

This isn't theoretical for me. It is what I use for my impact tools. It does the job for me.

 

[theoldwizard1]

First, a 2hp compressor would draw about 30A. Start up current would be much higher ! It might claim it is 2HP, but it is likely much less.

Do you have a second 120V circuit you can use? If you do then just buy a second compressor and pump them together.

BEST SUGGESTION ! Add a 30-50 gallon tank.

 

[thatguysb]

Quick question.

what are your needs? i always wanted to buy one of that shopmate by IR for a while now, now you have me thinking
i saw a ford tech on youtube gave great reviews with it, but he is just a single user with one tool at any given time, thats my needs really.

just for impacts and the occasional cut off wheel.

 

[Voi]

Do you have a second 120V circuit you can use? If you do then just buy a second compressor and pump them together.

BEST SUGGESTION ! Add a 30-50 gallon tank.

I was going to suggest the same thing, although use the 60 gallon tank mentioned in the original post assuming they already have a line on one.

There are old discussions here. Search compressors in parallel or compressors in tandem using Google and site:garagejournal.com.

The math of running two compressors into another tank normally doesn't make sense but if 220 isn't possible and they already have a line on a cheap 60 gallon tank it might make be a reasonable choice.

 

[jakemac]

Do you have a second 120V circuit you can use? If you do then just buy a second compressor and pump them together. You could get a 30 gallon, 5 cfm compressor and have basically 50 gallons and ~10 cfm. You would want to slightly adjust the pressure switches so they don't both turn on at the same time (odds are they are far enough apart from the factory). Several people on the forum have talked about pairing up compressors this way.

If they had a 2nd 110v circuit available for another compressor, they would also be able to wire in a 220v line by piggybacking the 2 circuits and sharing the amp load with other things plugged into those circuits.

Is it possible to place a larger 220v compressor near your fuse box and run the air out to the shop ? This would let you have the 220v option without having to re-wire the building.

 

[dnschmidt]

How is it possible to not have 220V? I have it in my house (like everybody does) and I'm pissed that I can't get three-phase. 220V single phase is what comes into every building in the country. I'm having a hard time understanding this limitation.

 

[mast240]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think my original post was a little too vague... So here's some more info. Our main usage of air tools is impact guns, and occasional angle grinders. The problem we have right now, is that using impact guns, after getting about 2 rims off, our air pressure drops enough to kick on the compressor. I work for the DOD, so money for a new tank is not an issue, however, our biggest issue is our facility. For reasons beyond our control, we are currently in a facility where 220 is not an option, and our 110 circuits are already taxed to their limits, so adding a second 110 compressor is also not an option. My thought is, if I add a second auxiliary tank, say another 20 or 30 gallon tank in line, that this may give us extra capacity for our needs.

The IR compressor we have is bulletproof, it just lacks the capacity to keep up. I'm just wondering if you guys think doubling the capacity would help it keep up with demand a little better. I would love nothing more than to get us a 220, dual stage, 80 gallon compressor... But that just isn't in the cards for us at the moment, until we get a new facility.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[mast240]

Quick question.

what are your needs? i always wanted to buy one of that shopmate by IR for a while now, now you have me thinking
i saw a ford tech on youtube gave great reviews with it, but he is just a single user with one tool at any given time, thats my needs really.

just for impacts and the occasional cut off wheel.

The compressor, for its size, is great... It is freaking bulletproof. For a single user, I think it would be a great compressor. I would love to have it in my own garage. Our problem is, with multiple employees, any compressor of the size will have issues handling demand

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[BDT/NWMN]

How is it possible to not have 220V? I have it in my house (like everybody does) and I'm pissed that I can't get three-phase. 220V single phase is what comes into every building in the country. I'm having a hard time understanding this limitation.

In the USA, we use 240 Volt.. What part of Europe are You from?

 

[mast240]

Do you have a second 120V circuit you can use? If you do then just buy a second compressor and pump them together. You could get a 30 gallon, 5 cfm compressor and have basically 50 gallons and ~10 cfm. You would want to slightly adjust the pressure switches so they don't both turn on at the same time (odds are they are far enough apart from the factory). Several people on the forum have talked about pairing up compressors this way.

This was my first thought, however, our electrical in the facility is already taxed... Our current facility only has 3 separate 110 20 amp circuits, for an entire shop, and each one of them is running at max capacity

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[mast240]

Also, the facility we are in, for official purposes, is considered a "temporary" facility for us. Being that the facility is a govt facility, we cannot get authorization to do any electrical work (adding a new 220 circuit for example), because we are officially there "temporarily"... Our issue is that our "temporary" use of it has already been "temporary" for over 2 years.... Govt beurocracy at its best.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[mast240]

How is it possible to not have 220V? I have it in my house (like everybody does) and I'm pissed that I can't get three-phase. 220V single phase is what comes into every building in the country. I'm having a hard time understanding this limitation.

We are not authorized to make any changes to the building electrical... So running any new circuits from the fuse box is not an option. It's a weird situation to understand, but it's mainly because it is a government facility, the beurocracy of the govt gets in the way

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[IowaDon]

Would it be feasible to run a gasoline powered compressor outside your building, or a generator to feed a 240v motor?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[mast240]

Would it be feasible to run a gasoline powered compressor outside your building, or a generator to feed a 240v motor?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

We have those. That is what we were using prior to acquiring the IR compressor. So, that is our backup for really heavy use air tools (grinding welds for example). The main issue with this though, refueling them becomes a pain, and having to go outside and start it up, shut it down for each use also becomes a chore. So, for day to day lighter use, it just isn't worth the extra time to use them.

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

 

[Voi]

Would it be feasible to run a gasoline powered compressor outside your building, or a generator to feed a 240v motor?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Or maybe even natural gas or propane generator if the building has it?

Or buy some cordless angle grinders and impact wrenches?

I've never worked for a governmental agency so maybe getting a second air tank is easy but getting cordless tools is not. Just thinking out loud in case it helps.

To answer the OP's specific question, I don't know if adding a second tank will the difference between breaking lugs on four rims instead of two.

 

[IowaDon]

I work for the DOD, so money for a new tank is not an issue

I'd say get a tank and quick plumb it in with air hose to see if it helps your situation. Not much else for options...


Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Infinia]

Hi
If your only problem is waiting until the pump can catch up to take off 2 more wheels then simple arithmetic says double the tank size. I reckon with some system adj. or tune ups you can get more satisfying results.
Number 1 ) adjust the cut-in pressure to raise the tanks average output psi. This shouldn't be a problem running your pump since I think you said it's rated for continuous duty. This will help offset some air line losses. Best option is raise max psi to at least 150 Psi but not an option , short of buying a new compressor. Note higher pressure also makes smaller tanks hold more air.
#2) Consider shortening the air lines to reduce air line losses to the tool. ( the added secondary tank closer to the work? )
#3) Consider evaluating newer air tools to raise hitting power, use avail. air a little more efficiently, and speed things up in general..Sometimes air tools degrade with age /crud, and sometime they are plain junky to begin with, don't skimp use higher grade tools.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Quick question.

what are your needs? i always wanted to buy one of that shopmate by IR for a while now, now you have me thinking
.
.
.
just for impacts and the occasional cut off wheel.

Your cut off will run out of air, but if it is for occasional use, just wait for the tank to refill.