Can I separate the compressor head from the tank?

[rcpaulsen]

I want to hide a single-stage 60-gallon air compressor under my basement stairs. The problem is that there is not enough height for a vertical unit because the landing and first four steps are above a concrete slab on the other side of the basement wall. "No problem," I thought, "I'll just get one with a horizontal tank."

Horizontal compressors of the same size cost hundreds more than vertical units. Why is that?

I'm thinking about buying a vertical compressor, building a plate of 3/16" or 1/4" steel with sides to raise it a few inches off the floor, bolting that to the floor next to the tank, moving the motor and pump onto that plate, and running a long piece of tubing to feed the air from the pump into the top of the tank.

Is there any reason this wouldn't work?

 

[Firstram]

Try to keep the pump discharge above the tank so condensate will end up in the tank, not in the pump. Other than that, your plan should be solid

 

[cvairwerks]

Other than not hard bolting the plate to the floor or house structure, it's not a problem.

 

[FMB4]

Horizontal vs vertical air compressors are very close in price.

 

[Snapped-off]

No issue mounting it off the tank. Our air compressors at work are 100' - 200' from the nearest air receiver.

 

[nadogail]

I suggest you share a cup of coffee with your air.compressor supplier, if you happen to select a Compressor or any other equipment based on the lowest price alone, be prepared to be disappointed with it. I recommend you consider what it is that you need to get done with your air before deciding on the best value for your money.
Too many times I have found that the middle grade tool fit both my hands and pocket book best.
Welcome to the Forum from Southwestern California

 

[larry_g]

I want to hide a single-stage 60-gallon air compressor under my basement stairs.

Why 60 gallon? The tank size is the LEAST important variable in selecting an air compressor. Air delivery (CFM) at what pressure is what you want to use at your most important variable. Once you determine your needs then you find a pump/motor combination that will deliver what you need and then single or 3 phase power, and then what tank size. Just an fyi, they make short vertical tanks.

By saying you need a 60 gallon tank is like saying you need a car with 215-60-18 tires and whatever rig they are on is unimportant.

 

[Jlarson]

We've built a lot of detached reciprocating set-ups. You do want a pretty decent plate for a base for mass and vibration mounts between it and the floor or your mounting frame.

Tank will live longer without the pump and motor on it, assuming you drain it, we do see failures at the welds on the mounting plates and feet of all in one units.

 

[marinusdees]

I want to hide a single-stage 60-gallon air compressor under my basement stairs. The problem is that there is not enough height for a vertical unit because the landing and first four steps are above a concrete slab on the other side of the basement wall. "No problem," I thought, "I'll just get one with a horizontal tank."

Horizontal compressors of the same size cost hundreds more than vertical units. Why is that?

I'm thinking about buying a vertical compressor, building a plate of 3/16" or 1/4" steel with sides to raise it a few inches off the floor, bolting that to the floor next to the tank, moving the motor and pump onto that plate, and running a long piece of tubing to feed the air from the pump into the top of the tank.

Is there any reason this wouldn't work?

Short answer to first question. Yes. Second, no.

 

[PoorUB]

Horizontal vs vertical air compressors are very close in price.

OK, find comparable priced horizontal model to this, https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_211720_211720