Air Compressor Working Life?

[Renegade1LI]

After 30 years years of service I think it's time for a new compressor. Without trying to measure the steel thickness or scope it i think it's time to scrap it. Not sure what the normal life span is but I don't want to spend any money on an old dog. Not sure if the tank is still good, should I cut it up before putting to the curb? Hate to see someone repower it and have an issue, plus I got my 300$ worth. Anyone have any good uses for an old tank?

 

[strutaeng]

Is that a 30 gallon ASME tank? I'm rocking this little Frankesntein smoker I made from an old Quincy 30 gallon compressor (tag stated 1983 on mine) when I was learning how to weld, about 11-12 years ago. I saved my compressor cast iron pump. Most of the parts came from BGE medium such as the little draft door, thermo. and the cast iron grate. Weber handle.

It was actually green, so it looked really ghetto...I mean, it still is! LOL. But it works! I make some killer guajillo barbacoa on the thing.

 

[Citation]

Unless it has a leak or a bad pump, just keep using it. If you don't want it, give it to someone.

 

[yatg]

I'm rocking this little Frankesntein smoker I made from an old Quincy 30 gallon compressor

Frakensmoker!

 

[xjfish]

Are you just wanting to retire the unit due to age or is there an issue with it? Tanks will typically develop a pinhole leak if lower portion of tank metal gets pitted.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Are you just wanting to retire the unit due to age or is there an issue with it? Tanks will typically develop a pinhole leak if lower portion of tank metal gets pitted.

I’ve rebuilt it a few times, i think it’s time to up grade , I’ll look for something i could do some light blasting with.

 

[Firebrick43]

I doubt someone would put a new pump on that but if your worried about it take the pump and motor off and take the tank and motor to the scrap yard.

As for working life, well it depends on the quality and way it’s made. I have a neighbor that is running an old Kellogg compressor from the 40’s. He bought it in the early 70’s from a gas station being torn down and it was old the. It has a riveted tank. Scares the **** out of me but he is 80 and I can convince him that the tank has to be close to rusting out.

The pump is 5hp size but is driven slow but a 3hp motor (original brass plate Westinghouse) and is very quiet.

 

[xjfish]

I’ve rebuilt it a few times, i think it’s time to up grade , I’ll like something i could do some light blasting with.

Well sir by all means upgrade! Sell your used unit and enjoy.