Air Compressor Plumbing Question

[Terra Nova]

I recently picked up an IR 2131QT impact and it seems a bit, let's say, nutless. It's being run from a Husky 30 gallon 110v compressor. I've not run another impact on this compressor but I really expected more from it. I'm leaning towards insufficient air volume may be the culpret. I'm running a 3/8 air hose with 1/4" harbor freight & Home Depot quick disconnects. I plan to pony up for the Milton V fittings but need to address the other restrictions at the compressor first.

Below is the pressure switch. It's attached via a 1/4" pipe and has a 1/4" outlet. Adding high flow fittings downstream of this probably won't make a big impact. Is it possible to remove the 1/4" pipe shown in the second picture and replace it with with a 3/8" T & tie in there with a shutoff and regulator without confusing the pressure switch? Looks like the switch gets it's signal pressure from the black hose that goes to the pressure line from the pump.

Thanks!

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[StaggeringGoat]

Your main air supply does not flow through that 1/4" hose, changing it out won't do anything.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

Yes you can move the pressure switch up and T into the tank below it. Probably don't need a regulator if you only use that port for your impact.

The 1/4" black hose is the "form-x" pressure relief - it dumps the pressure between the tank check and the compressor discharge so he machine isn't starting against a load (tank pressure).

GD

 

[StaggeringGoat]

Sorry, I misread the question. I would remove the bushing in the tank and install a 1/2" tee with a 1/2" regulator.

 

[reptilezs]

the regulator is the culprit probably

 

[Terra Nova]

Thanks guys, I will look into taping into it there. My concern was the pressure switch not working right and having it over pressurize the tank if I was running a tool while the compressor was running. Sounds like that's not a worry?

Thanks again!

 

[Greatbear]

The regulator on that compressor is a low flow rate unit. Upgrading it will help even with the 1/4" feed.

 

[KinzeMech]

Keep the regulator, but put a tee in the line between the tank and the pressure switch. Put a coupler on that tee. Then you will have two couplers. The original one behind the factory regulator, and the DIY port coming directly off the tank for unregulated air. Use the unregulated port for your impact, and for any other tool where you want maximum power.

 

[bsaint]

1/4" seems like enough on paper but really you need a 3/8" feed. I had a asme welder weld a 1/2" bung in my tank. After paying him, it was still cheaper than buy a new asme tank with 1/2" fittings.

1/4" is really only good for control air.

 

[strutaeng]

Speaking of tanks, ASME tanks have large [1 1/2"(+/-)] plugs for inspection. You can remove one of these and thread a bushing down to 1/2" or 3/8".

That's what I did on my 30 tank. I use the 1/4" lines for airing tires, pneumatic nailers, etc. I use my 1/2" line for HVLP, media blaster and impact.