Cast iron speedaire compressor

[SHolt]

Hey guys just picked this bad boy up. 20 gal speedaire dual side by side piston cast iron made in USA compressor. Got it for $325 Canadian has maybe 4 hours on it. It looks brand new. I've read they have good reviews. What do you guys think?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=516669&stc=1&d=1452979809
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=516669&stc=1&d=1452979948

 

[SHolt]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=516670&stc=1&d=1452980128

 

[bczygan]

Awful pretty!

 

[Bobcat753]

I love mine! I paid $75 for it a few months ago. It has a factory leak where they welded the wheel assembly on. Other than that it is an awesome compressor. Keeps up with my plasma cutter and air arc gouging torch.

 

[SHolt]

Nice that's dirt cheap for just a small factory leak!!! That's awesome that it can keep up with all that! They are beautiful little machines. I think better than most of these new compressors

 

[Bobcat753]

I agree. The paint color is really nice and it is very powerful. I have mine wired for 120v but can easy wire it to 240v. Can you take some pics of the air cleaner on yours? I've seen a lot without it and I'm wondering if it's factory or an add on.

 

[lilredex]

Looks the same as mine. I added that Speedaire head to my cobbled together compressor more than thirty years ago........still running just fine and still keeps ahead of all my air powered equipment.

Think you will be happy with your purchase.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201304

 

[md21722]

I had one of these in the Dayton gray flavor. They're all your basic 1.5HP Campbell Hausfeld pump. Pretty quiet because of the air filter and 900 RPM pump speed.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Friend of mine has had that exact one for as long as I remember. Just keeps going.

 

[tarmy]

I bought one new 25 years ago. Built 3 houses with it. It was the first "good" tool I bought...paid like 300 back then. Still working great.

Service it with straight grade 40 w oil...and clean the air intake on the head. You can'T find parts anymore...at least I have not...the only part I was ever looking for was the factory...upgrade air intake filter...never did find one.

Switch it to 220... And it should outlast you!

 

[SHolt]

Here are some pictures of the air filter. I'll look at taking it apart tomorrow for better pics. Thanks everyone I already enjoy it lol.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=516769&stc=1&d=1453004293

 

[SHolt]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=516770&stc=1&d=1453004380

 

[md21722]

It looks like the intake of the compressor may have NPT threads rather than a flat flange with screw holes? If so, you may want to look into a Solberg or equivalent air filter. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H43L4M4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SHolt]

Thanks buddy I'll look into that tomorrow. What oil should I use in this do you guys think Campbell hausfeld compressor oil will be ok?

 

[md21722]

If you can get a good deal on it. Compressor oil should not be expensive. Some of these maintenance kits and compressor branded compressor oil cost $15-20 or more a quart. NAPA gets their compressors from Atlas Copco and charges $7.99 a quart for their 40W before any discounts. Mobil Rarus is another one I'd look at. You could get that at Grainger or your local Mobil distributor. If you purchase other Amsoil synthetics their PCK is fine too and about $11/quart shipped to your home. Your pump probably takes 1/2 quart or less. I would consider changing it a couple of times right off before going to a regular maintenance schedule.

 

[SHolt]

Thanks I'll do that for sure I want this compressor to last me a long time!

 

[md21722]

By the way, on these small compressors I find the easiest way to change the oil is to use a battery water / turkey baster sucker type tool to **** out the old oil and then pour the new oil in. Much easier than dealing with the 1/8" NPT pipe plug they often use...

 

[SHolt]

Good to know.

 

[lilredex]

Put an elbow on it, see my above picture. That way it is easily drained (completely) and you can flush it out with Varsol to get the remaining crud out. Sucking it out, is the method of last resort.

Princess Auto has compressor oil.

 

[allenb12]

I have had the same compressor for 25 years. 3 hp, 20 gallon tank. Still works like new. Mine shows its age. Not near as nice looking as yours.

 

[SHolt]

Thanks lilredex I look at doing that. Thanks Allenb12 it is in amazing shape.

 

[bonneyman]

Looks the same as mine. I added that Speedaire head to my cobbled together compressor more than thirty years ago........still running just fine and still keeps ahead of all my air powered equipment.

Think you will be happy with your purchase.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=201304

Oh, love that mounting rig you've got there!

 

[exmaxima1]

I think mine is the same model compressor. I bought it nearly 15 years ago at the local Grainger warehouse for $40. It was a return with a cracked motor mount, so I had to sandwich another plate to it. Been up on the wall of my garage for about 10 years now, and the only issue was a broken motor pulley that I replaced.

 

[SHolt]

So I take it these are some of the best compressors for small ones and should last a long time