Compression - Show Off Your Compressor

[kochevnik]

Which is exactly why you don't seen anyone using one. In an industrial setting with continuous air consumption, they are great, but in a home garage setting, having to crank up one to blow up the kids basketball, or service the tire pressure on the family car, is kind crazy.

To walk out to the shop and fire up the compressor and let it run the whole time you are in the shop, just in case you need air, must be real expensive electricity wise.

Charles

Sorry, I don't get it.

Yes, this is an industrial compressor so it's not typical garage use. That's kind of the point of my post - to get a few people to think a bit outsidethe box. It costs me 12 cents to run this for a full hour. If a person were to use this in a garage I don't see why it would be much different than any other power tool - you turn the switch on, you use the tool. When you're done you turn it off. Same here.

As for pumping basketballs and such, turn the switch and you're ready to go. No waiting for pressure to rise in an empty tank - no worries about corrosion or water in the tank. No ungodly loud noise either. Instant on, instant off. And in any case, many people put tanks on these - mostly because they've just never seen a compressor without an air tank. I didn't see the point - a few seconds of stored air is not going to help much - either the compressor has the capacity or it doesnt.

Finally, you can buy a throwaway compressor and replace it every few years or you buy something that lasts a lifetime.

About the only disadvantage - other than having to turn it on when you wanted to use it (oh, the horror ) is the price, and the fact that you would have to size the machine correctly when you bought it.

But otherwise, IMO - this is a no-brainer.

Obviously, YMMV.

 

[PurdueSD]

What type of CFM does that rotary put out? Interesting to see someone with a different take. What do you do about moisture without having any type of condensate bowl?

 

[kochevnik]

The one I have puts out 7 or 8 cfm - that's where sizing is important. My milling machine has particular specs for air and I just went over that a bit and that's the machine I bought. The rotary vane compressors come in all sizes - there is a great one on EBay right now - 43 cfm - 2000 hours on it - basically new considering 100,000 hour lifetime. If I needed more air, I'd pop for something like this but for me it's overkill.

As for moisture, I have an air dryer and the milling machine has traps on it. No reason you couldn't plumb this compressor like any other.

 

[Steve in Mi]

I see the Hydrovane 10 PUTS is on the low end, for output.
2 HP, 6.7 CFM @ 100 psi. and looks like 150 psi max.
http://www.comp-air.com/4-compair-hydrovane-eng.htm

I didn't see any pricing on it yet but judging from the price you paid for a used unit they are pricey for what you get IMHO. 100,000 hours isn't FOREVER, more like 10 years continuous use and $1,050.00 for running it using your $0.12 per hour. I see they are available with a Air-cooled Aftercooler and Receiver. I would think the tank is a good idea if your useage cycles (on/off) much. There is the heat of high amperage motor starts to consider too. I have seen in the literature that some motors are rated by the maximum number of motor restarts in an hour. The floating inlet valve to match output sounds like an interesting feature.

Might be just the ticket for some but I don't see any advantage for it based on my air usage, however, thanks for sharing. Let us know how you like it after you have had it awhile.

 

[hsheartaches]

Well, mine's nothing to brag about, except for the fact that I only have about $50 into it. I call it Frankompressor. I was given two junk compressors, one was a 20 gallon '74 Craftsman(supposedly) with a burned up motor, the other was a 22 gallon Sanborn with a blown compression head. I hard plumbed to two together, swapped out the motors on the '74 w/ a 2-1/2hp, and now I have 42 gallons of volume. I had thought about swapping out the pulleys to up the recovery, but it keeps up pretty well. This was a temporary fix because I rent and my big 60 gallon C/H is at my parent's place. I'm not running a 220 drop for a compressor in a rent house.

 

[ron in sc]

I was interested in a rotary screw compressor. I looked at a Kaeser that could put out about 20 cfms at around 175 psi. It cost about $5000. and that was with out any storage tank. I passed on that and got a reciprocating compressor, a Saylor-Beall, with an 80 gallon tank that puts out about 18 or 19 cfm at 175 psi. I found the rotary screw compressors that could be used for a little sandblasting and die grinder to be just more money than I could justify spending. I recall a lot of them were 3 phase which I do not have.

 

[Palf]

Mine is an Excel Compressor, I am not sure of the year.

60 gallon tank, 5 hp Single stage

I can't find out much on it, but it still works. I got it from a friend several years ago and so far it keeps on chuggin.

 

[edl]

well...bucking the trend for a change...i have an hft compressor - it is their largest one - 80 gal, 7.5h, 2 stage - as i did the research, i found out that as a great exception to their rule, this private labeled item is made on shore in South Carolina by ABAC - the electric motor is by baldor, the compressor is abac's and i assume the tank (certified) is abac's as well - abac's own brand is "Belaire" - i confirmed this by calling abac's tech help for the abac part number to supposedly replace something on the US General compressor - he gave it to me and confirmed that this was their compressor - hft has them for 1,400 - with a sale and a coupon i was out the door at 900 - which is pretty good when the identical belaire sells for double that - sorry i don't have pictures...by the way, hft still sells the same compressor (and the manager gripes that they have practically no margin on it - so even if you pay near the marked price it is a bargain)...thanks, ed

 

[kmishler]

It's a Delta 2 stage 80 gal. 175 psi kicks in at 145 psi, 16.0scfm @ 90 psig. I think it's 5HP with 6.5HP peak. It's the one Sam's carries. I've been drooling over it for about 3 years. It's a single phase 240V 30A. I don't have it bolted down or wired yet. I wasn't quite ready for it yet. I can't decide how I want to plumb it. Been thinking 3/4" K copper for the main line and 1/2" K copper drops. I was thinking about making a bypass and sitting a galvanized tub outside with a coil of 3/4" M in it that I could put water and ice in for media blasting, not sure it's necessary though.

I also have the 80 gallon Delta unit. My first batch of compressor oil ended up milky looking, viewed threw the site glass. I called the company ( Devilbiss makes this unit ) and they of course said I had moisture in the oil. I didn't understand how this happened. They recommended changing the oil which I did. I also used the Castrol oil that they recommended. I think it's starting to look milky again. I don't use this unit much at all as the shop is still not complete. I'm not in love with this unit so far.
I also called Devilbiss right after I got the unit to discuss CFM and hard plumbing. I didn't think I could get the CFM that this unit was rated at out the 1/2" pipe opening that this unit came with. The tech that I spoke with was insulting and got pissed when I asked for his name.
With this unit getting moisture in the oil, I don't feel warm and fuzzy about putting this unit out doors. I like the idea of it being out though, getting the noise out of the garage would be awesome.
Great forum,
k

 

[wjhpc]

Now thats what I'm talkin' about!!!

 

[wjhpc]

holy cow!!

 

[turbojimmy]

I have an old Campbell-Hausfeld 220V compressor. It has a single cast iron cylinder. In the pic it looks like it's leaking oil yet the oil level hasn't gone down in the 12 years I've owned it. It's in my basement and plumbed into the garage:

I bought one of these last year and mounted it on the ceiling. One of the best investment's I've made:

Jim

 

[Nightshift]

I have an old Campbell-Hausfeld 220V compressor. It has a single cast iron cylinder. In the pic it looks like it's leaking oil yet the oil level hasn't gone down in the 12 years I've owned it. It's in my basement and plumbed into the garage:

I bought one of these last year and mounted it on the ceiling. One of the best investment's I've made:

Jim

I agree Jim, a retractable hose reel is the way to go. I've had one for years. It's hard to tell from your comment if you're just watching the oil level or actually changing it. I'd highly recommend you change it for fresh oil once a year. The pump is no different than your car engine ... just smaller, and needs changing annually to ensure a long troublefree life. It only costs about $5 for a quart of compressor oil and about 30 minutes of your time ... cheap insurance!

Just my $0.02 worth. Bill.

 

[goodfellow]

I put the retractable hose in the ceiling as well -- boy that sure makes life easier. Should have done it years ago.

BTW -- I think that compressor actually has two pistons in it. Looks like a standard 2 piston single stage pump

 

[Uncle Buck]

I put the retractable hose in the ceiling as well -- boy that sure makes life easier. Should have done it years ago.

BTW -- I think that compressor actually has two pistons in it. Looks like a standard 2 piston single stage pump

agreed, used to have one of those myself!

 

[HybridG]

Hey just sharing what the wify bought me for Xmas. I have been eying these for a while as well as doing my reseach here on the board.

One thing resonated with me " buy the biggest and best compressor you can afford now"

So thats the husky 60gal, I do not do much heavy duty stuff but work on go karts and cars in my spare time.

Its new home is the cold room of my basement, it gets cold but does not freeze lowest it goes is 2degres when outside is -15 (tested it ) Perfect spot and does not make the wife feel like a train is coming throught the house.

well here are the pics, got my point of disconect switch just need to source some hockey pucks and bolt it to the floor and do the plumbing when i invest in some 1/2 inch copper pipe..yes INVEST at least at these prices i like like it is.

Does anyone have any suggestions on any other way to secure the compressor ?

 

[turbojimmy]

I put the retractable hose in the ceiling as well -- boy that sure makes life easier. Should have done it years ago.

BTW -- I think that compressor actually has two pistons in it. Looks like a standard 2 piston single stage pump

You're right, it does. You can see it in the picture. I've had it so long, and it's been tucked under that shelf for so long, I forgot about it. It's been a good machine - it's totally out of sight, out of mind. I turn the regulator knob and there's air.

I do wish it was an upright sometimes. I had visions of loaning it to my dad or brother so I got the horizontal tank model w/ wheels. It hasn't moved since the day I installed it.

Jim

 

[doslocos]

Hi,
This is my first post here. I am in the market for a new compressor and am looking at the Eaton, 7.5 hp 80 gallon. They say made in the USA. Is this true? I see some of you guys have Eaton's. Any input would be great. Love this site, I am currently building a new shop 30x60. There are lots of awesome ideas on here.
Thanks Steve

 

[bucknell]

If you research what's available online for Eaton compressors, you'll find their motors and pumps are made in China.
You can call them up and they will be very up front with you about this.
To be honest, it's hard to find any product in this day in age that isn't made overseas and is totally built in the states.

I am considering an Eaton as well and I'm waiting on some questions I emailed them.

I like their lower running pumps/motors and how beefy the compressors are built.

I'd like to see the specs on their low end 3 HP unit.

It weighs 400 pounds...2x what the box store units weigh in at.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I think you will find the Eaton units use a Chinese made pump. I'm told they are a very good pump, but Chinese none-the-less. They are certainly assembled here, and probably the tank is US made, and the motor possibly.

Charles

 

[nissan_crawler]

Here's the one I'm currently building:

5hp Baldor 220v 1ph motor
3 cylinder two stage eaton 18 cfm @ 100 p.s.i.
weg starter
pressure switch (with unloading valve for no pressure startups) and pilot valve set up (can run continuously with unloader valves)
franzinator
3/4" intercooler built from baseboard heat elements
Motorguard M60 filter
30 gallon dewalt emglo tank ($60 new, had to go small due to space)

It's the best compromise I can do with the space I have. I need the cfm, can only fit 30 gallon, and need dry air.

 

[Designated Dave]

I just picked up a 220v Sandborn single stage 60 gal. 5 hp for $100. Nothing to brag about or waste time w/ pics but I'm pretty excited about it. I think it only makes half the noise my little craftsmen one did and I shoudn't have to wait for it to pump up between changing tires! I haven't searched yet but what water seperators do you guys recomend? Thanks

 

[NSXSOON]

I just picked up a 220v Sandborn single stage 60 gal. 5 hp for $100. Nothing to brag about or waste time w/ pics but I'm pretty excited about it. I think it only makes half the noise my little craftsmen one did and I shoudn't have to wait for it to pump up between changing tires! I haven't searched yet but what water seperators do you guys recomend? Thanks

Here is a link to the TP Tools regulator and water separators that I bought for my system. They aren't inexpensive but will likely be the last ones you'll ever have to buy. These are very high quality and made in the US. They make the Harbor Freight ones look like the Tinker Toys they are.

http://www.tptools.com/p/88,110_1and2-Deluxe-Regulator-Separator-Combo.html

 

[CHARLIEK]

Here's My Craftsman. CHARLIE, K

 

[Nader]

I'm a new guy, and a formal introduction is pending the completion of my garage cleanup for the requisite pics. For now, here is my new to me compressor. A 1976 Ingersoll-Rand Type 30, two stage, 50 gallons, with a Baldor "Farm Duty" 3 hp 220v motor. I'm told it puts out around 13 cfm, but I suspect that's with a 5 hp motor. I call it The Green Machine, and because this beast is so ugly, I now have it hidden behind the washer and dryer in the garage.

My question is, can I and should I reset the pressure switch so the tank fills to a higher pressure than its current 125psi? Thanks.

 

[bmwpower]

I'm a new guy, and a formal introduction is pending the completion of my garage cleanup for the requisite pics. For now, here is my new to me compressor. A 1976 Ingersoll-Rand Type 30, two stage, 50 gallons, with a Baldor "Farm Duty" 3 hp 220v motor. I'm told it puts out around 13 cfm, but I suspect that's with a 5 hp motor. I call it The Green Machine, and because this beast is so ugly, I now have it hidden behind the washer and dryer in the garage.

My question is, can I and should I reset the pressure switch so the tank fills to a higher pressure than its current 125psi? Thanks.

2 Stages should take you beyond the 125psi. Just make sure the tank is rated for that, which I imagine it is.

 

[Nader]

And here's a picture of Green Machine next to it's little brother. An oil-less DeWalt/Emglo 120v 1.8 hp compressor that's okay for the smaller jobs. 5.4 cfm at 90 psi. Still kind of loud, though. I must admit I was seduced into buying this underpowered tool because of its **** paint scheme, and an irrational obsession with DeWalt tools and other yellow things. Anyway, I souped it up with larger pneumatic wheels, since the original semi-pneumatics had the compressor tank sitting so low to the ground that the drain valve on the bottom of the tank was inoperable.

 

[Steve in Mi]

It appears you have at least one new galvanized 150 psi fitting in the system so I wouldn't recommend going above 150. Is it actually a two stage pump? (it does appear to be) Single stage pumps are generally limited to 135 - 150 psi max. If you do decide to tweek up the pressure it is a good idea to monitor motor amps at the same time to be sure that you don't exceed the full load amps for the motor at the new higher pump up pressure. A hydrostatic check of the receiver might be in order too if the history of it is unknown/questionable. It looks like a keeper, check it out for your own peace of mind before tucking it away in the corner. BTW, Welcome to garagejournal.

 

[Lu47Dan]

nissan crawler , You should be happy with the Eaton pump , it is the same model I have on my compressor and I am very happy with it .The pump runs my 20 gallon HF sandblaster and will build up to pressure and shut off . Would you explain how to set up the pilot valve to run the unloaders on the head , I have been looking for that information since I first put this compressor together .
My Compressor is build from parts , a Eaton pump , an antique tank , a 6-1/2 hp GE motor , and various old controls . Not much to look at but it is schedule for new tanks soon . I have two 100 gallon tanks rated at 200 psi each that need to be mount on a base and a stand built for the motor and pump , new controls , tank check valve and a Franzinator with a auto drain setup off a Red Hat electric valve , so when the motor shuts down the Franzinator drains , killing two birds with one stone , Zero back pressure starts and no manually draining the water . Dan

 

[Uncle Buck]

I'm a new guy, and a formal introduction is pending the completion of my garage cleanup for the requisite pics. For now, here is my new to me compressor. A 1976 Ingersoll-Rand Type 30, two stage, 50 gallons, with a Baldor "Farm Duty" 3 hp 220v motor. I'm told it puts out around 13 cfm, but I suspect that's with a 5 hp motor. I call it The Green Machine, and because this beast is so ugly, I now have it hidden behind the washer and dryer in the garage.

My question is, can I and should I reset the pressure switch so the tank fills to a higher pressure than its current 125psi? Thanks.

Welcome to the board. I think you should leave er be at 125 psi but that is just my opinion!

 

[Lyaec350]

What type of connections have you guys been using? It seems to me that going from

3/4" copper hard line -> 1/4" coupler -> 3/8" 50' air hose -> 1/4" coupler -> tool

you would be restricting the flow quite a bit (at least for high flow tools like impacts, die grinders, sanders, etc).

Maybe do 3/4" copper -> 3/8" coupler -> 3/8" hose -> 1/4" coupler -> tool

Does this make sense? Or is the first 1/4" fitting before the 3/8" hose such a small resitive force that it would be negligable?

 

[Nightshift]

I have 1" iron pipe from the compressor (which is on the far side of the garage) up the wall and over to my workbench ...probably 50 or 60' worth ... which essentially adds more "gallons" of storage to my 60 gal tank. Then it couples down to 1/2" iron, then to my 3/8" hose reel and finally 1/4" Lincoln long quick couplers.

It really depends on what you use air for. Tools requiring higher cfm will be slightly affected by restricting the flow to early ... especially when there is no need to if you build it right. Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[punkabilly136]

yea i finally get to add something to this thread!!!!

 

[Ripp]

Here are some photo's of compressors I have .A couple are works in progress and some just need minimal repairs to make them servicable.
Most compressors just need some TLC and/or some inexpensive parts to make them completely sevicable(well...maybe not those el cheapo oil less models).
Anyhow I tinker when time allows and enjoy getting back them to servicable condition.

 

[Phatsub]

Here's mine.

 

[goodfellow]

Here are some photo's of compressors I have .A couple are works in progress and some just need minimal repairs to make them servicable.
Most compressors just need some TLC and/or some inexpensive parts to make them completely sevicable(well...maybe not those el cheapo oil less models).
Anyhow I tinker when time allows and enjoy getting back them to servicable condition.

Ok you win!! I give up; I thought I had a problem accumulating three compressors over the years.

I like that old Sears unit, I had two of that vintage -- is that the 1HP, 12 gallon version?

Never mind -- I see it's the 2HP, 20gallon unit. Good compressor!!!

 

[goodfellow]

Here's mine.

It's too clean!!!! It needs dirt and body filler dust all over it - like the one I have in my shop.

I clean the shop every two weeks, but it gets dirty within a day or two.

 

[Ripp]

I like that old Sears unit, I had two of that vintage -- is that the 1HP, 12 gallon version?

Never mind -- I see it's the 2HP, 20gallon unit. Good compressor!!!

Correct..20gal ,220v,2hp unit..The original owner said there was something wrong with the brass valve(pop off valve).Otherwise it ran fine..Upon getting it home I hooked it up..The thing ran up past the 150psi(on a seperate gauge)that it is suppose to cut out at!!!!Nothing wrong with the pop off valve.It open at around 175 psi!!
Somebody has tinkered with the pressure switch or the pressure switch is bad.
Notice in the pic that the factory gauge reads 40psi..Well it has zero pressure in it as the drain valve is open..Wonder just how much pressure that thing got up to as to break the pressure gauge!!

 

[tigmusky]

heres 80 gal c-aire with an hour meter that i installed . you know how many miles you have on your truck. why not know how many hours you can get on your compresser.

 

[rburke65]

Bought this Thanksgiving of '06 with the money I saved when I quit smoking. Bought it at TIP Tool, or TP Tool as there calling themselves now, which is just down the road from me here in Canfield, Ohio. Two stage 5 HP, 19.1 cfm @ 125 psi., @ 805 rpm. Nice and quite. I haven't used it much, just trying to get a few things before I retire in 2011. Just bought a Blast cabinet from TP this Thanksgiving, and I'm getting that set up right now. The sales guy helping me choose the compressor at the time, wanted to know just what I was going to be using it for? Told him I didn't know exactly, but if you don't have air, and plenty of it, you aren't going to be doing anything at all. It's amazing the amount of air some of the air tools require. Even the smaller ones!!