Build Your Own Compressor from Components/New and Used?

[beartoothweb]

I missed out on the $160 2-stage HF deal (they canceled my order).

I was wondering if it's possible to build a decent compressor by accumulating both new and used parts? Sometimes, the motor goes, or the tank rusts, or whatever.

Thoughts on doing it this way?

 

[Packard V8]

I was wondering if it's possible to build a decent compressor by accumulating both new and used parts?

Yes, it is possible:
1. I've been using one I built thirty years ago from a truck compressor head, a tank I picked up at a yard sale, a used 1hp motor and a valve/gauge/drain unit from Grainger.
2. Recently, I picked up a non-working Quincy 206 on a 30-gal ASME tank for $100, got the non-standard 1/2hp motor running, then found a 1hp motor for $25, replaced a broken drain plug and have a $350 compressor.
3. I was given another Quincy 206 pump which looks like it could be the basis for another build.
No, if you have to ask this question, you might be too far behind the curve to build one cost-effectively. Besides, in today's craigslist world, there is a screaming deal on a compressor at least once a week in any small to medium metro area.
Maybe, you should read up on how-to, collect free to near-free parts and see what happens. In the meantime, watch craigslist morning, noon and night. Don't pull the trigger unless you can see and hear it run.

thnx, jack vines

 

[Tantara]

I am putting together a air compressor right now to replace my old 5 horse compressor. I rebuild a Ingersoll Rand pump my neighbor donated to the cause. I had to look high and low to find a 7.5 hp motor on Craigslist. So now I have three major components, pump, motor, and tank off of my old compressor. The final piece to the puzzle was finding a guy that build air compressors for a living to explain to me the proper way to put it all together.

I found him last Friday I will be going to see him tomorrow. That is how I am doing it. I think the compressor will be decent.


Brad

 

[thammel]

I built one 25-30 years ago from Popular Mechanics plans. Nothing huge - a 1 hp electric motor, a grainger portable air tank and a York automobile A/C conpressor. I still use it. It actually doubes as a good vaccuum pump by valving off the intake.

I plan to buy a bigger one for handling significant air tool loads.

Tom

 

[KenS]

I would suggest buying a used one off craigslist and save yourself the aggravation.

Of course if you are patient, you can often find good used compressor heads at reasonable prices. Also be on the lookout for compressors with blown heads to salvage the tank, motor and pressure switch. These are ideal since you can take them apart at the site where you buy them which makes moving the individual components much easier than trying to move the assembled compressor.

Just don't make the mistake of buying and/or making a compressor that's too small for your needs.

 

[rsanter]

I think I would buy one with a bad motor or pump. then you are starting with 2/3rds of what you need and are only hunting the 3rd part

bob

 

[Hiball]

Yeah, I would definitely try and find a donor compressor, Its not that you cant buy a Good New pump, New motor along with Tank its just not nearly as cost effective and replacing a single item. I build my first compressor out of a Big Upright Propane bottle, made my own Mounting brackets, put a used pump, motor and new switch and a little plumbing work and it serves me still today as a backup. Was it Easy? Took a little thought but it was cost effective at the time and has more than paid for itself.

 

[Mr_fixit]

Yes, here's one, mostly new parts, I call it Frankenpressor. Almost done.

 

[beartoothweb]

There is some good stuff here. I just about got in on that $160 HF deal on the US general compressor. I am leaning heavily on the $200 model (single stage). At that price, you're effectively getting NEW parts with a relatively low expectation of longevity.

If I expect to need to replace parts, it's just like buying a used one and then parting it out, at least in theory. For $200, it's hard to go wrong, don't you think?

I like the frankenpressor...cool stuff.

 

[Shocker]

I don't see why you would say a low expectation of longevity. It seems to be a very well made compressor with quite a few people loving it.

 

[beartoothweb]

I don't see why you would say a low expectation of longevity. It seems to be a very well made compressor with quite a few people loving it.

I'm just setting my expectations low, considering the price. I'd do the same thing with the lowes or hd unit (which are basically the same motor and pump from what I've been reading.)

I saw one post that said the pulleys were misaligned and the thing leaked like crazy. It just needed some adjustments, but it does speak a little to the quality control process.

I buy quite a few tools from HF, and so far, I've been pretty pleased with them, but I usually don't expect the same performance from, for example, a $30 grinder as I would a $150 one. Same deal here, it's not a $1200 compressor. Once I get it, though, I hope to report being pleasantly surprised!

 

[babzog]

Another item of note: Check auctions. I was at one recently where there were a number of motors for sale (a Baldor 1hp went for $100, others were cheaper), a new compressor head (something from Princess Auto; I had no way to find out what it was so I ignored it [it sold for $50]). Then, a new or good used tank and some plumbing and other sundry parts. Could be into a decent unit for < $400.

 

[rustybill]

Yes, here's one, mostly new parts, I call it Frankenpressor. Almost done.

What are the specs? I recognize the eaton pump and the blador motor... what size? Whats the deal with the 10 gallon tank?

 

[Mr_fixit]

What are the specs? I recognize the eaton pump and the blador motor... what size? Whats the deal with the 10 gallon tank?

7.5hp 2 stage eaton, 5hp baldor, mag starter, pilot valve, it's about a 25 or 30 gallon tank, tank was free, used to be some dental unit with 2 compressors on top. It's going to be connected to 2 other 60 gallon tanks, so It's really only a convenient mounting surface for the pump & motor.

I have a Home Depot 60 gallon unit that can't keep up with my needs , so I decided to put together a second compressor, that should run much quieter and put out about 2x the air. I need more air for sandblasting & snow making. If necessary, I'll run both at the same time.

 

[babzog]

Snow making? Why on earth would you want to make that stuff (ski hills aside)?

 

[beartoothweb]

Harbor Freight hates me. 2nd attempt at a "deal" on the compressor, 2nd cancellation, so oh well...

I'm going to start thinking more about making my own. Heck, I'm building my own car (Cobra), so why not a compressor?

The compressor pump shopping seems to be pretty straight forward, as does the tank.

What about the motor? Will pretty much any 220v motor work and then pulleys, etc. get matched? It seems like there would be lots of inexpensive options for motors.

 

[fordbroncodave]

i bought a craftsman professional 60 gallon compressor with 7hp motor for $100

after getting new pistons, fan, on/off switch, wiring it was only about $200 all together

 

[gorilla]

If you build a compressor from parts make sure that you include a pressure relief valve on the tank. It is also a good idea to get the pressure tank hydro tested before you use it and remember that you should not weld on a pressure vessel.

 

[WheelsNT]

I need more air for sandblasting & snow making.

Snow making?

 

[Mr_fixit]

Nobody here makes snow? There's websites for everything.... Take a hose, some fittings, & an air compressor and you can make your own snow.
.
Take a pressure washer, air compressor, fittings and you can make more snow.
.
Take a car wash pump, electric motor & air compressor & fittings , and even more snow...

And on, and on. More money you spend, more white stuff..

 

[srmofo]

cant say Ive ever had the urge to make snow. Now if you can figure out how to do that in a few select parking lots I would appreciate it, lol

 

[beartoothweb]

Here's a fairly complicated follow up question.

I have a 3.0hp (or so, that's based on averages) commercial treadmill motor.

The motor is DC, and unfortunately, it has no markings on it at all. I know it works, I hooked it up to an 18v drill battery to see if it would turn.

These motors are designed to run continuously for thousands of miles under a lot of torque.

It seems if I could get it to run off of 220v (or even 110v), it would make a pretty good compressor motor, no? I think the AC to DC conversion might be the hardest.

It looks like most of these motors are somewhere in the 120-130vdc range.

Is this even possible?

 

[babzog]

Nobody here makes snow? There's websites for everything.... Take a hose, some fittings, & an air compressor and you can make your own snow.

But... why would you want to make snow, of all things? I could practice haircuts on my cat if I were so inclined... but I don't. Just never quite felt that "want".

 

[Mr_fixit]

Kids. It's all about the kidds. and the tools and the garage and the toys.

Ok, it's mostly about the kids. Kids like snow.

 

[babzog]

Kids. It's all about the kidds. and the tools and the garage and the toys.

Ok, it's mostly about the kids. Kids like snow.

You must not live anywhere near where snow lurks in the winter months, otherwise, you'd never consider making that cursed stuff.

(Yes, the kids do love it though. Counting down the days, now.)