Budget air compressor

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

My grandfather's air compressor is really run down. Two questions.

1. How hard is it to rebuild a compressor motor & whatever else is mechanically involved? This thing is like 50+ years old.

2. What inexpensive air compressor could I run at 90 psi at the tool to remove wheels and such? I can't think of a longer runtime than wheels? I'd also use air ratchet & tire inflator. Occasionally I've used a cut off wheel or air hammer, but seldom.

 

[930dreamer]

Most smaller single phase motors are just replaced, unless it only needs bearings. Make sure the tank isn't full of water.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Most smaller single phase motors are just replaced, unless it only needs bearings. Make sure the tank isn't full of water.

So it's not worth rebuilding? How can I check the integrity of the tank? And what's my most budget friendly option to get where I want with it? I run an ingersoll rand ti max which I believe eats up the most air.

 

[CafeTools]

I bought a Kobalt quiet tech nearly new from Facebook marketplace for $200. It might be better to get a new compressor?

 

[Farmer888]

I bought a makita mac2400 oiled compressor. Wasn't as cheap as the no name oil less but I think it's better quality and worth it. It isn't fully up to the task of running an impact for long but it will do it.
I just purchased a cordless impact and really I think it's a better move than buying a big compressor to run a impact properly.

 

[dylanmitchell]

Makita mac2400 or mac 5200 oiled compressors as long you're not running more than their 50 percent duty rating.

MAC2400
(40 PSI) : 4.8 CFM
(90 PSI) : 4.2 CFM

MAC5200
(40 PSI) : 6.9 CFM
(90 PSI) : 6.5 CFM

Home Depot has $25 off $100 on Makita but if you shop around you may find it cheaper. I have mac700 but but for what you want I'd look at the mac2400 or mac5200 may. Friend has a mac5200 and it's the step-up in capacity from the mac2400. mac5200 runs at higher rpm and is 90 db vs 80 db for mac2400 but earplugs or remoted location help with the noise.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Are any of harbor freights offerings good enough for my uses?

 

[sberry]

For full power the 90 is measured at the tool inlet.

 

[fatfillup]

Is it the motor or the compressor pump that is bad?

 

[MattT]

1. How hard is it to rebuild a compressor motor & whatever else is mechanically involved? This thing is like 50+ years old.

2. What inexpensive air compressor could I run at 90 psi at the tool to remove wheels and such? I can't think of a longer runtime than wheels? I'd also use air ratchet & tire inflator. Occasionally I've used a cut off wheel or air hammer, but seldom.

Motors are usually either good or bad so I doubt a "rebuild" would gain you anything. Bearings and caps can be economically replaced if needed. Anything more than that replace the motor.

If anything needs a rebuild it'll be your pump. Or you might be able to find a cheap replacement pump. I think harbor freight sell some.

If the old compressor has a decent size tank using it with a framing nailer compressor would work. I'm running an IR into a 20 gallon aux tank and it's tolerable for mechanic work.

Pressure at the tool depends on what's between the tank and the tool. The built in regulators on small compressors sometimes won't flow enough for an impact. Best to hook the hose direct to the tank if there's a port available. Then just keep the 3/8" hose under 50' and only use a QC at the tool and you should be good.

 

[MKSJ]

There are a number of postings of older compressor tanks failing and causing seriously bodily injury, more frequent in the cheaper compressors because people fail to drain them and they can sit for many months/years corroding away. Buying a replacement compressor would be the safest option, and not require a large compressor.

Probably look for something in the 5-6 CFM range at 90 PSI, Makita, Dewalt, California Air Tools are few that I would look at in the $150-250 range that is on sale. A larger tank/higher fill pressure will run less frequently. I have a DeWalt which is OK but loud, California Air are lower pressure but quieter.

 

[driftpin]

Where are you located? Having a location under your avatar helps if someone local knows of a decent deal.

The HFT w/the Italian compressor seems to have good reviews.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Are any of harbor freights offerings good enough for my uses?

The HF 21 gallon compressor that is constantly on coupon is good enough for occasional use if you don't need to take off more than 4 or 5 lug nuts at a time. It's somewhat noisy and builds up slow, but for around $150 you don't have that many options that will do.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'd be willing to go to $300 if it was a decent compressor.

 

[99LeCouch]

Taking off lugs and that's it? Skip the compressor and go cordless electric. Ryobi makes all that stuff you listed in 18v li-ion, IIRC. No worries about draining the tank or tripping over an air hose.

That being said, I have a 30 gallon oiled compressor. It was about $400. Picked it up to spray Fluid Film. Works for that just fine. Also gets about 15 lug nuts off before needing to refill.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have ingersoll cordless. I'd like to occasionally run my air hammer, angle grinder, tire inflator and ratchet. But I'd mostly be using my IR timax. My grandfathers toolbox mostly has air tools in it as well.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The one he has now seems to run out of air quick and provides little air. I don't think the tank has ever been maintained either. It's on its last leg.

 

[tvl]

I have the following Emglo compressor. I've had it about 8 years and have had no issues with it. I think I paid about $249 when I purchased it at Lowe's.

http://https://www.searsoutlet.com/br/pdp/emglo-e810-4v-4-gallon-heavy-duty-oil-lube-stacked-tank-air-compressor/199701?uid=62622067&storeZip=80005&sid=IDx20110411x000008&scid=scplp62622067&sc_intid=62622067&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxfzvBRCZARIsAGA7YMyYihpxMKFkQcCrgcBEdpUEF9FPODUPd9XrZTzExTCnPwFiWUu8GKIaAiQVEALw_wcB

 

[Marctrees]

So did you confirm that the tank does not have excessive water in it ?

Marc

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

So I see cfm... what do most air hammers (assuming that's the biggest hog) use? I'd think 15-30 second at most?

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

So did you confirm that the tank does not have excessive water in it ?

Marc

I have not. That compressor has always concerned me. My grandfather passed in March, so I thought it would be nice to bring it back to life the way he bought it and continue to use it. But I don't want to dismantle it without having a plan for another.

 

[Marctrees]

Dismantle ?

Open drain plug and make SURE it is open.

Marc

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Dismantle ?

Open drain plug and make SURE it is open.

Marc

I was planning on renewing the mechanical portions, new tubing, hoses. Stripping & repainting. Adding a water separator. New fittings.

 

[Marctrees]

What I mean is... your first step is to confirm the volume of your tank is fully available for air, and not notably filled w wter. reducing the volume available, hence decreasing stored air volume, and increasing pump cycle frequency w shorter run times..

Second - CONFIRM your tank is in good enough shape inside BEFORE you put time/ money into the rig.

Do advanced search and you will find threads about checking tanks.

IMO, the simplest way is to simply have your EMPTY tank and tap all around every square inch w a like 8 oz ball peen or tack hammer - ALL hits should ring kinda like a bell... If you hit an area that sounds dead, you may have structural internal rust degradation.

Marc