build an aircompressor?

[1930artdeco]

Hi All,

I poke around Cl every so often to see what compressors are going for as I am going to try an buy one late this year. When I was growing up dad made a compressor using a pump and old water heater tank. Is it worth buying a pump that works off of CL and then the tank to put something together? Or, should I just buy one outright? Just curious.

Mike

 

[rustyjames]

I've built my own compressors but I never used a water heater tank!

 

[KRB52]

Maybe it was an old water tank, the ones used to store the water from the well and keep the pressure in the system for the house supply. Make sure it's solid, inside and out, with no thin spots from rusting.

 

[dogdog]

I think you are better off using a proper tank for this job, they don't explode but can certain rupture when miss used and caused bodily harms.

I think the components are simple enough. There is some sort of rating on the tanks plates. Some one post about these plates some years back not sure when.


Compressor,
compressor limit switch
pop off safety valve.
a check valve to the tank from compressor (I think)
tank
drain
and your what not connectors.

 

[lilredex]

Just buy one.....by the time you assemble all the components you will spend $10 to save $5. Been down that road.

Around here older 2HP/ 2 Cyl units go for a hundred or a little more on KIJIJI.

 

[zkling]

Is it worth it? Usually not. Even then it helps to have a starting assembly say a good tank and motor, but bad pump. Piecing one together, unless you luck into parts or want a specific build is going to be $ and time consuming. And depending on your experience with similar systems, very frustrating.

If you are talking a smaller single stage ~3hp one, possibly as that is a bit different than a industrial unit with unloaders, starters and control circuits.

 

[Outlawmws]

I've built compressors from parts, but that was because I got the parts for free or so cheap that may as well have been free. My current Main comp is an 80 gallon built that way.

Generally if you are in no rush you should be able to find one cheaper than parts, especially where you live.

I agree, what size and recovery has a lot to do with it. So what do you want out of a compressor? Mine actually needs more head than it has, but for my use it get's me by...

 

[rsanter]

If it was me I would look for a bargain on a used one
Even if you have to replace the motor or the pump you will be ahead of starting from scratch

Bob

 

[marinusdees]

I have built compressors using water heater tanks and reciprocating refrigeration compressors. They are still working. Be sure to use a pressure relief. Hot water heater reliefs are satisfactory. I built one using a Dunham-Bush V-6 refrigeration compressor and a GE Tri-Clad motor and an 80 gallon water heater tank. The compressor drove through a Lovejoy coupling, obviating the use of belt(eliminating thr risk of fire). I sold it to a friend of my son for $300.. I have a standing offer to buy it back for the same price. 15 years later, he still has it. Wish I did.

 

[SeattleKent]

Just keep checking Craigslist. Takes a month or two but eventually you find one that works well and is cheap.

 

[Unmarked Bill]

If you feel like getting down to LA I have an old Ingersoll t30 and a tank and a 220 motor kicking around. I'm not super attached to that stuff and you could put together a good compressor. The motor I haven't run lately but the pump and the tank should be fine.

 

[Fixnair]

I'd stay away from the water heater tank. They are not designed for the expansion rate of compressed air and the abundance of oxygen compressed air has. They are generally thinner walled than air tanks.

 

[Packard V8]

Yes, I've built several compressors and one of the first with a small tank is what I use forty years later to fill tires.

No, I don't do it any more. There are so many good complete operating compressors these days, it's easier, quicker, less expensive to buy one. Sometimes they need a rebuild kit in the pump, but if the crank is good, that's still better than chasing all the components.

Maybe, keep looking, but define your current and future needs and your budget so you'll know it when you see it.

jack vines

 

[sberry]

Buy a running unit.