Air Compressor - New to Forums

[MechMatt]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Matt and I'm from California. 18 Years old and getting into DIY work, whether it be the car, family's cars or different things around the house. Anyhow, I just picked up a used air compressor.

I have a few questions, first off, what can I do to extend the life of this air compressor. When I drained it today( I drained it as soon as I got it home and figured out how to do it) the water coming out was rust colored. Hopefully this is a non-issue as it seems to be reported many times on these forums without worry. The compressor fills up quickly, is not loud, and from what I have seen so far, looks to be in good condition. The belt doesn't show any signs of wear and everything seems about now.

The biggest thing for me is what kind of add-ons can I do to improve performance and life of the unit. I purchased the entire setup including all the hoses and 2 air blowers for 200$. Tri coupler, 50ft of 1/4" amflo hose on a magnum retractor, 15ft of 3/8", and a coil hose. I'm hoping this is a decent deal. What do you guys think about it?


I hope I can contribute as much to this thread as I have taken from it. Looking forward to having some fun on these forums and learning from the guys that have been there and done that.

Thanks again,

Matt

Here are the pictures -

 

[diebog]

Welcome Matt!

Ya I would say 200 is a real good deal for all that you got. I have one by craftsman thats about that size but its the oil-less ones which are crazy loud. That unit should last you a long long time. And don't be worried about the rust water, all air compressors pull in moisture from the air and their pumping up and it collects on the walls inside and ends up sitting at the bottom. Just make sure you blow it out every month or so, more if its been raining and/or you been using more then normal. The actually a timed blow off valve just for this purpose. You set it up to blow out the watter how ever ofter you want. Big shops that run all day would have them go off a few times. So you would just set it up to your liking.

If you plan to run air tools, paint guns, sand blaters, plasma cutters, etc. basically anything but just using a blow off nozzle, you need to get a water separator on your out line to protect your tools. Filter dryers can get real expensive so what I use is just a plain water separator inline (my garage is plumbed with 1/2" pvc everywhere) on a low point in the runs and then I use a motorgurad filter (looks like a roll of T.P) for my plasma. If I want to do light painting or something, ill use the inline decesant filters that have the small blue beads inside.

For air tools I always put a few drops in before and after I use the tool. For sandblasting I haven't had any huge moisture coming out of the lines where it would cause problems, so I don't do anything special here.

As far as "extra" things to do to your compressor, I don't know any things off hand besides making sure it always has the correct amount of oil. There should be a sight window somewhere. And chance the oil per what the manual says hour wise. And depending on where your going to put it, the air filter may needed to be cleaned out as well. Ive seen some people put them on the outside of the garage with just a piece of plywood shedding off any rain. And if your located on a dirt road of have gravel all over, you can imagine how much **** that compressor sitting outside will take in. Just use your best judgment.

Other then that, get some tools and have fun with it.

 

[MechMatt]

Thanks a ton diebog, got the water separator, the basic ingersoll one for now as well as some marvel air tool oil.

I appreciate all the help.

Can't wait. Paired with the Aircat 1150 - In this for the long haul

 

[C96]

Hi Matt welcome to the Garage.

Compressor looks brand new! Looks to have a nicer paint job than many cars I see.
Nice to hear a young guy getting involved with not only this site, but cars and home repairs as well, you should fit in quite well here.

Now, please disregard the statement in red below. This is 100% wrong and extremely dangerous. PVC is not approved for compressed air lines.

(my garage is plumbed with 1/2" pvc everywhere)

Sorry diebog its just plain wrong

 

[MechMatt]

Roger that C96, the PVC statement seemed a little off. Maybe a typo or something (I hope). I picture PVC exploding under high pressure. But what do I know, I'm about as ignorant as it gets

 

[vovka]

nice deal on a nice compressor
change oil in it and drain the water out and it should last a very long time
my dad has one almost like that and its probobly 10-12 years old and still works great
I just got a 80gallon craftsman for my self 10 years old runs strong and i know it will last

 

[Durka]

nice deal on a nice compressor
change oil in it and drain the water out and it should last a very long time
my dad has one almost like that and its probobly 10-12 years old and still works great
I just got a 80gallon craftsman for my self 10 years old runs strong and i know it will last

 

[sberry]

Don't worry about it and get a piece of 3/8 hose for a 1/2 air gun.

 

[seagullplayer]

Looks like a great deal to me, that thing doesn't even look broken in.

Unless you know otherwise I would assume the oil has never been changed and change it now. The rusty drain water is no big deal, you are gonna see that, drain often.

 

[scw1991]

Matt,

Welcome to the forum! There is a bunch of very knowledgeable folks here and a wealth of information.

Compressor maintenance: keep the air filter clean, change the oil in accordance with manual, and drain the tank often. Make sure you don't shove the compressor up against a wall or install in a small confined space like a closet. This is a common mistake I see often. Compressor and motor need to have proper air circulation.

Unless you're a production shop, I personally feel you don't need to spend the money on oil lubricators and special air line filters. If you use an impact gun or pneumatic nail guns, simply put a few drops of oil in the tool before each use. For painting projects, you can purchase small disposable spray gun filters to remove any moisture and contaminants.

And last but not least....always wear safety glasses!

 

[sberry]

Agree, you don't want an oiler but a filter regulator is a good idea and I really don't lose sleep over the oil and in this case the air, it just doesn't look like this come out of a hard luck body shop. Next time you want to flush a few bucks down the toilet get a qt of Amsoil comp oil and call it a day. If its brite and clear now there is no panic as it is.
That's a nice little unit, I bet it hasn't got an hour on it.

The big tank will let the air gun work, you could try it thru the reel but to work right5 run it with the 3/8 hose off the unit. There is probably a lot of other stuff it will work ok for and this being a home brew shop will help.

 

[diebog]

Hi Matt welcome to the Garage.

Compressor looks brand new! Looks to have a nicer paint job than many cars I see.
Nice to hear a young guy getting involved with not only this site, but cars and home repairs as well, you should fit in quite well here.

Now, please disregard the statement in red below. This is 100% wrong and extremely dangerous. PVC is not approved for compressed air lines.


Sorry diebog its just plain wrong

Huh? Are you joking or something? Ive seen so many shops plumbed with 1/2" or 3/4" pvc without any issues. I don't quite get what your saying if your being serious. I know of a few professional shops right now that use pvc that have NEVER had any problem. Were only talking 120 psi here. And I think 1/2" Schedule 40 is rated to 300 psi. And Schedule 80 is even higher. So I don't see the problem here. Now if you were running 200 psi or more, then ya that would be a bad idea. One of my shops was plumbed at least 15 years or more ago and to this date there has never been a broken pipe or rupture of any kind due to using pvc. So I don't think its fair to say its 100% wrong and extremely dangerous.

Most general use compressors shut off around 120 or so. Yes you can adjust the pressure switch to make it pump up to 140 160 etc. but thats not needed in a normal mechanics, diy shop.

Check this PVC pressure chart out. 1/2" PVC at schedule 40 is rated to run at nearly 350 psi. And has a bursting level at 1,900 psi. Thats so crazy high that in no time would any part of the system be under that much stress that it would reach even the MAXIMUM operating pressure. Even if for some reason one decided to turn up their compressor, there is a built in pressure relief valve that will blow off.

Allot of people use it without problems but if one doesn't feel safe using it or has a compressor that puts out 175 plus or something then go with black pipe.

 

[kenfain]

PVC!!! Say it ain't so!! Here we go again!

 

[Durka]

Huh? Are you joking or something? Ive seen so many shops plumbed with 1/2" or 3/4" pvc without any issues. I don't quite get what your saying if your being serious. I know of a few professional shops right now that use pvc that have NEVER had any problem. Were only talking 120 psi here. And I think 1/2" Schedule 40 is rated to 300 psi. And Schedule 80 is even higher. So I don't see the problem here. Now if you were running 200 psi or more, then ya that would be a bad idea. One of my shops was plumbed at least 15 years or more ago and to this date there has never been a broken pipe or rupture of any kind due to using pvc. So I don't think its fair to say its 100% wrong and extremely dangerous.

Most general use compressors shut off around 120 or so. Yes you can adjust the pressure switch to make it pump up to 140 160 etc. but thats not needed in a normal mechanics, diy shop.

Check this PVC pressure chart out. 1/2" PVC at schedule 40 is rated to run at nearly 350 psi. And has a bursting level at 1,900 psi. Thats so crazy high that in no time would any part of the system be under that much stress that it would reach even the MAXIMUM operating pressure. Even if for some reason one decided to turn up their compressor, there is a built in pressure relief valve that will blow off.

Allot of people use it without problems but if one doesn't feel safe using it or has a compressor that puts out 175 plus or something then go with black pipe.

It's really sad that you aren't.

Give yuh a hint, - it's not totally about burst pressure....Be safe!

 

[diebog]

PVC!!! Say it ain't so!! Here we go again!

So I guess this topic has been talked about before? Sorry, I didn't know. Im not trying to start something here. I was just stating that its operating pressure is well 3 times what a general compressor like what I have and what Matt here has. In truth there are so many other things around my shop that one can worry about and that cant hurt anyone if not careful. I use grinders with no guards, I pin up the guards on skill saws. etc. I still got all fingers and toes. You just have to be careful with what your doing on just about any thing you do now a days.

Now something that is a real danger that is somethings overlooked is welding and doing mods on a compressor tanks. Its is a big no no because it can turn into a bomb if not welded correctly. But people do it all the time. While I realize that danger from welding on a compressor tank, which can become a bomb can cause allot of damage compared to 1/2" pvs that breaks, I don't see a huge danger as was said before.


Like I said before, if used properly at kept around 120 psi. where is the danger? You would have to take a hammer to it and even then it will just break in half. I have and will always use PVC for air. Before all the air systems came out, thats what most used. Its cheap to configure a shop, easy to add reels and attach on to etc.

 

[MechMatt]

Thank you for all of the input. Looks and performs like it has only a few hours on it as well - but who's to say. The old man I bought it from -very nice guy- said he used it mainly for blowing up tires and blowing wood shavings and dust off of his wood projects. A little overkill don't you think!? Ha.

I don't mind one bit though, I reckon I just invested in a lightly used compressor that should last a good while.

This is the oil I drained out, disregard the sand particles on the sides, they were in the container already. He may have not used it very much, but it defintely doesn't look like he changed the oil. Since a year ago when he bought it, hopefully not too much damage has been done..if any.


Refilled it with - Couldn't find a synthetic 30 weight at my local family run auto store. Will synthetic make THAT much of a difference?

 

[Durka]

So I guess this topic has been talked about before? Sorry, I didn't know. Im not trying to start something here. I was just stating that its operating pressure is well 3 times what a general compressor like what I have and what Matt here has. In truth there are so many other things around my shop that one can worry about and that cant hurt anyone if not careful. I use grinders with no guards, I pin up the guards on skill saws. etc. I still got all fingers and toes. You just have to be careful with what your doing on just about any thing you do now a days.

Now something that is a real danger that is somethings overlooked is welding and doing mods on a compressor tanks. Its is a big no no because it can turn into a bomb if not welded correctly. But people do it all the time. While I realize that danger from welding on a compressor tank, which can become a bomb can cause allot of damage compared to 1/2" pvs that breaks, I don't see a huge danger as was said before.


Like I said before, if used properly at kept around 120 psi. where is the danger? You would have to take a hammer to it and even then it will just break in half. I have and will always use PVC for air. Before all the air systems came out, thats what most used. Its cheap to configure a shop, easy to add reels and attach on to etc.

Totally disagree. I believe it's against the law/code. If it isn't, it should be. One little mishap and PVC could easily take a life. If something where to come in contact with PVC under 100 psi, -could easily explode.

You also have to reduce pressure restraints when using it for that. X 50% and that's just the pipe BP. Joints are even less

Why take the chance ? No, it wasn't that popular IMO. I know it was used. Galvanized pipe was more popular in the old days.

Search around the net or here , -there's quite a bit of info explaining it better than I have.

 

[Durka]

Dang, that is nice little air compressor Matt.. 200 bucks that's it ?

Is it fairly quiet?

 

[C96]

Huh? Are you joking or something? Ive seen so many shops plumbed with 1/2" or 3/4" pvc without any issues. I don't quite get what your saying if your being serious. I know of a few professional shops right now that use pvc that have NEVER had any problem. Were only talking 120 psi here. And I think 1/2" Schedule 40 is rated to 300 psi. And Schedule 80 is even higher. So I don't see the problem here. Now if you were running 200 psi or more, then ya that would be a bad idea. One of my shops was plumbed at least 15 years or more ago and to this date there has never been a broken pipe or rupture of any kind due to using pvc. So I don't think its fair to say its 100% wrong and extremely dangerous.

Most general use compressors shut off around 120 or so. Yes you can adjust the pressure switch to make it pump up to 140 160 etc. but thats not needed in a normal mechanics, diy shop.

Check this PVC pressure chart out. 1/2" PVC at schedule 40 is rated to run at nearly 350 psi. And has a bursting level at 1,900 psi. Thats so crazy high that in no time would any part of the system be under that much stress that it would reach even the MAXIMUM operating pressure. Even if for some reason one decided to turn up their compressor, there is a built in pressure relief valve that will blow off.

Allot of people use it without problems but if one doesn't feel safe using it or has a compressor that puts out 175 plus or something then go with black pipe.

No diebog not joking one bit. I am being very serious.

I would hate to see this young man think it was even remotely ok to use PVC for exposed compressed air lines.

The link you provided based the charts from the ASTM D1785 Standard Specification for Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Pipes Schedules 40 and 80.
Unfortunately they failed miserably to indicate that those pressures are for water pressure only! Not compressed air pressure!

Here is a link to the ASTM D1785 Standard in PDF format stating it’s based on water pressure. ASTM D1785 Standard

Like I said before, if used properly at kept around 120 psi. where is the danger? You would have to take a hammer to it and even then it will just break in half. I have and will always use PVC for air. Before all the air systems came out, thats what most used. Its cheap to configure a shop, easy to add reels and attach on to etc.

Wow, sorry you are so misinformed and don’t mind having a potential PVC shrapnel bomb in your shop.

California and elsewhere, OSHA will fine you and make you remove it from the premises.

PVC is DANGEROUS and ILLEAGAL to use for exposed compressed air lines period.
Here is an OSHA violation for people using it at your so-called safe PSI level of 120 pounds. OSHA PVC pipe violation

 

[scw1991]

A buddy of mine had a portion of his air line made from 3/4" Sch.40 PVC explode at 150 psi and send shrapnel everywhere. Not pretty! Thank God him and his two kids weren't in the garage when it happened.

 

[MechMatt]

Dang, that is nice little air compressor Matt.. 200 bucks that's it ?

Is it fairly quiet?

200$ for the whole unit including the hoses and all the couplers. I'm not well versed in air compressors, but I would say that it is "fairly quiet". Quieter than the tiny 12x4 wide x 3 tall oiless one we have I. The garage that takes 10 minutes to pump up tires.

 

[sberry]

but it defintely doesn't look like he changed the oil. Since a year ago when he bought it, hopefully not too much damage has been done..if any

Its not had any damage from not changing the oil, a year is fine and then some, even an hour a work day would only need it every couple years. That 30 w is ok in warm climate. Run it another year or 2 and change it to the Amsoil it would probably be good for the life of the unit.

 

[Farmall450]

Hi Matt welcome to the Garage.

Compressor looks brand new! Looks to have a nicer paint job than many cars I see.
Nice to hear a young guy getting involved with not only this site, but cars and home repairs as well, you should fit in quite well here.

Now, please disregard the statement in red below. This is 100% wrong and extremely dangerous. PVC is not approved for compressed air lines.


Sorry diebog its just plain wrong

Agreed, NO PVC!!!!

 

[kenfain]

We've all seen tire shops and such, where PVC is used daily, with no problems. But that's not always the case. Anyone who doesn't know about PVC danger in a compressed air system, should Google it. Then you'll understand, if not, use the search function. It's safe to say it's been discussed.

Saving lives one post at a time, it's what we've trained for people. LOL ..

 

[Bruce57]

Nice compressor, great deal. If you don't have the rest of the belt guard I suggest you get it. It's a little risky without it.

 

[MechMatt]

Thanks Bruce, I do have it. Took it off to see how the belt looked.

Milton V couplers coming in a few days. Aircat 1150 coming tomorrow. The strut bars should be a piece of cake with a little penetrating oil and an impact wrench. woohoo

thanks again everyone

 

[diebog]

No diebog not joking one bit. I am being very serious.

I would hate to see this young man think it was even remotely ok to use PVC for exposed compressed air lines.

The link you provided based the charts from the ASTM D1785 Standard Specification for Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Pipes Schedules 40 and 80.
Unfortunately they failed miserably to indicate that those pressures are for water pressure only! Not compressed air pressure!

Here is a link to the ASTM D1785 Standard in PDF format stating it’s based on water pressure. ASTM D1785 Standard





Wow, sorry you are so misinformed and don’t mind having a potential PVC shrapnel bomb in your shop.

California and elsewhere, OSHA will fine you and make you remove it from the premises.

PVC is DANGEROUS and ILLEAGAL to use for exposed compressed air lines period.
Here is an OSHA violation for people using it at your so-called safe PSI level of 120 pounds. OSHA PVC pipe violation

I did some more research and found allot of examples of pvc failing. I had no idea until today when you had brought up not to use pvc for it being unsafe. Like I said in all my years of being around shops and helping friends plumb their shops etc. I have never seen or herd of a problem. So I apologize for any misleading or frustration I have caused.

Reading some of people experiences on some forums got me thinking. One guy worked in a shop that worked on planes and while they were at lunch a spot ruptured in the 3/4" pvc and send arrow shaped splinters through the plane. They tried turning it into the insurance but not only did they deny the claim, they dropped all coverage that instant. I also read some mixed thoughts that as long as it was behind sheetrock and not exposed to a worker passing by that it was ok. But others said black pipe is the only thing that will pass an inspection.

Some guys say copper, some say black pipe, some say galvanized which others say the galvanized interior can peel off and plug/cause problem in tools. I guess there is also a type of plastic that is rated for shop air use and is black in color and used push together fittings, but it is expensive. I think there is also an aluminum system as well. Everyone seems to do something different. But what most did agree on is not to use pvc.

I guess Ill become a true believer in no pvc for air use when I have to go to the eye doc and have a 1" shard of pvc extruded from my eye. I usually have to learn the hard way. Osha would have a field day with the tools I use and how I work. Metal grinding seems to be my enemy as it never fails even with using safety glasses I have had to go to the eye doctor at least 3 to 4 times a year to get metal out of my eye. Somehow it bounces up and goes in. The doc says "don't use wear safety glasses"? I finally got a full face shield which so far has kept the metal out. To me sight is one of those things I really rely on and need.

 

[ZRX61]

A buddy of mine had a portion of his air line made from 3/4" Sch.40 PVC explode at 150 psi and send shrapnel everywhere. Not pretty! Thank God him and his two kids weren't in the garage when it happened.

You should see the damage it will do an an aluminum aircraft when it explodes inside a hangar...

 

[BikerDad]

Congrats on the compressor. I just wish I could fall into a deal like that one here. Folks around here are mighty proud of their compressors....

 

[Bandit]

Sch. 40 PVC Piping ?
Years ago I was called to give a bid on installing air lines in a large commercial sheet metal shop , I found they had piped it in PVC and either an insurance inspector or the town code enforcement officer shut them down .
I quoted both copper $$$$ and black pipe $$$ , I didn't win the bid as they went with a " friend of a friend $$ .
They went with Black Iron Pipe and it was obvious he was a " Plumber " .
AS ALL THE DROPS POINTED DOWN from Bottom of the Horizontal Runs , and there were No Drain Leg's at all . LOL
Bob

 

[66dave]

Matt-nice job. A quick add on that will ease your life is this item:

http://t.harborfreight.com/retractable-hose-reel-with-50-ft-air-hose-69265.html

The reel is top notch, the hose is ok.. I tried one out, used the hell out of it and now have 5 in a large shop. I replaced all of the hoses with Goodyear, now I could not imagine living without them.

If you plan on using any hard pipe (for instance copper), remember to use a vibration isolator between the compressor and the wall. But since this has mobile capability you may not use hard line.

Use oil sparingly, if the air motors seem slow add a drip, but too much could lead to gumming up the air veins of the tool. Oil can also back stream in lines, leaving them contaminated, so watch out if you use air or painting. POU filters are a must when spraying paint.

Welcome to the forum, there are many great people here. Enjoy

 

[66dave]

Sch. 40 PVC Piping ?
Years ago I was called to give a bid on installing air lines in a large commercial sheet metal shop , I found they had piped it in PVC and either an insurance inspector or the town code enforcement officer shut them down .
I quoted both copper $$$$ and black pipe $$$ , I didn't win the bid as they went with a " friend of a friend $$ .
They went with Black Iron Pipe and it was obvious he was a " Plumber " .
AS ALL THE DROPS POINTED DOWN from Bottom of the Horizontal Runs , and there were No Drain Leg's at all . LOL
Bob

Bob brings up a good point, any hard line needs a taper for water to run into a drip leg. Any take offs from a main hard line need to go up then turn down, this prevents water from going in your tool. Check out the Milton site or IR site for more info on system plumbing.

 

[C96]

ALL THE DROPS POINTED DOWN from Bottom of the Horizontal Runs , and there were No Drain Leg's at all . LOL
Bob

To bad for them, maybe you will get called back once again in order to install it correctly after all their pneumatic tools and equipment seize-up.

3rd times a charm they say, to bad it will be at 3 times the $.

Bob, what the hell!
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Where have you been…?

 

[sberry]

Another thing to remember, just because this will run from 120V doesn't really mean it shouldn't be on its own circuit. They are notorious for tripping breakers. They have a super high start/run current for the circuit they are hooked to.

 

[MechMatt]

All right everyone, one last thing. Upon further inspection, when fired up there is a slight rhythmic sound coming from the motor or at least on the motor side of the unit somewhere.

This could very well be perfectly normal and nothing to worry about but I guess I'm going a little crazy making sure everything is fine.

I recorded the sound here - What do you all think about it?

You can hear it best at about 12 seconds

 

[Durka]

I hear it as well, -could be just about anything IMO. Sounds pretty good actually.

Have you gone over the nut and bolts yet. I'd make sure everything is tight and probably not worry about it.

 

[scw1991]

Sounds good to me. That rhythmic sound may simply be the resonant frequency of the structure coinciding with the motor and pump RPM. Nothing to worry about.

Have fun using your new compressor!

 

[Bandit]

Hi C96
" Bob, what the hell!
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 3
Where have you been…? "

I have often stopped bye and read some post now and then , I went to register and it said my e-mail was all ready registered ?? .

I quoted a business on re-piping there complete air system using my method , Not like the ( $$$$ ) Quotes they were getting involving After-Coolers , Refrigerated Driers , Deliquescent Dryers and an assortment of Filters and Drains from the Big Compressor Houses .
As I had all ready re-built there three KA-462 and the airend on one of there 25 HP Sullairs , they let My Daughter and I go for it .
We came in Way Under the other Quote's and they had No Water at all at there machining centers .
Bob
They real Bummer is that I will have to move out of Taxachusettes to Buy most of there products
But it is FUN to watch them being made
https://yhm.net/

 

[PT Doc]

From the photo, it looks to me like there is too much weight on the left of the fittings. It's you call but that translates to leverage and torque on the fittings. Just my 2 cents.

 

[compressornew]

I think you can use 60 to 80 gallon tank with compressor machine.Also increase the power supply unit with 1 to 2 phase units.