Compression - Show Off Your Compressor

[Rickenbackerman]

Don't think I put any pics of my frankenpressor in here - craftsman airless (heh) 33gal tank with a speedaire (actually a champion) 3-lunger and a dayton 2 horse motor. Does 10cfm@100psi. The Craftsman was a gift from the old man and I got the pump and motor off of CL for $100.

I've since replaced the gauge covered with Cub yellow overspray.

 

[Morpheus256]

I'm looking at buying a used compressor for $350 and was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Make or Model?
From what he's told me it's a 60 Gallon twin Cylinder, it takes ~6 minutes from empty to full tank (110PSI) which translates to roughly 10CFM.

I'd love to know a little more about it before I spend the coin on something that could be garbage.

 

[Kev442]

Don't think I put any pics of my frankenpressor in here - craftsman airless (heh) 33gal tank with a speedaire (actually a champion) 3-lunger and a dayton 2 horse motor. Does 10cfm@100psi. The Craftsman was a gift from the old man and I got the pump and motor off of CL for $100.
I've since replaced the gauge covered with Cub yellow overspray.

Love me a Frankenpressor, I think it's the joy of repurposing "junk" that performs better than new stuff!

 

[930dreamer]

Not sure on the compressor, I wouldn't care for the all in one motor/pump design.

 

[1Garageman]

Don't think I put any pics of my frankenpressor in here - craftsman airless (heh) 33gal tank with a speedaire (actually a champion) 3-lunger and a dayton 2 horse motor. Does 10cfm@100psi. The Craftsman was a gift from the old man and I got the pump and motor off of CL for $100.

I've since replaced the gauge covered with Cub yellow overspray.

That looks pretty nice! I have the exact same compressor that you do, and I hate the LOUD noise, well my wife and neighbors do anyway. How much quieter is this new moter and setup?? Like on a scale of 1 to 10 or something??

 

[Rickenbackerman]

That looks pretty nice! I have the exact same compressor that you do, and I hate the LOUD noise, well my wife and neighbors do anyway. How much quieter is this new moter and setup?? Like on a scale of 1 to 10 or something??

If the original was a 10, this one's a 2. The motor spins at 3450rpm but I think the pump turns at around 750 or so. You can have a conversation while it's on. You have to speak up, but it's a million times better than the WAAAAAAAAAAAAH of the oil-less pump.

 

[ket-tek]

I'm looking at buying a used compressor for $350 and was wondering if anyone knew anything about the Make or Model?
From what he's told me it's a 60 Gallon twin Cylinder, it takes ~6 minutes from empty to full tank (110PSI) which translates to roughly 10CFM.

I'd love to know a little more about it before I spend the coin on something that could be garbage.

Not sure on the compressor, I wouldn't care for the all in one motor/pump design.

Direct drive pumps like that are usually super loud and very annoying. I would take a listen to it before you buy it...

At least it's not an oil-less direct drive, that can be a plus concerning excessive noise...

 

[wadd1]

 

[1Garageman]

If the original was a 10, this one's a 2. The motor spins at 3450rpm but I think the pump turns at around 750 or so. You can have a conversation while it's on. You have to speak up, but it's a million times better than the WAAAAAAAAAAAAH of the oil-less pump.

Thanks for the info!

 

[rwreuter]

Here is my Air Compressor. I have mounted it 2 feet off the ground and will eventually put a drawer down there or put a door on one side.

 

[humpty]

If the original was a 10, this one's a 2. The motor spins at 3450rpm but I think the pump turns at around 750 or so. You can have a conversation while it's on. You have to speak up, but it's a million times better than the WAAAAAAAAAAAAH of the oil-less pump.

If you dont mind me asking, what model SpeedAire is that?

I have been looking to do the same thing.


Humpty

 

[glockman]

Here's mine. Picked it up about 1 year ago for $150. Had the motor cleaned up for another $100. Not a bad deal. It's a twin cylinder single stage. Not sure on CFM. It does everything I need. I love the big tank. I can take all 4 tires off my Jeep without the compressor kicking on. Much better than my dads 25 gallon.

 

[dmw56]

Campbell Hausfeld
2 stage, 7.5hp

 

[Toolfool]

Picked up this compressor and air dryer last week from a guy on craigslist. A deal I couldn't pass up.

 

[Mmfh]

A lot of you guys have great pictures of your compressors, I have a few compressors but pictures, not so much.

My big one is an IR, 2545. 10 hp sitting on a 120 gal horizontal, large two stage pump that does about 35 cfm at 175 psi.

Middle one, IR, 2475. 7.5 hp sitting on a 80 gal vertical, two stage that I'm not sure about it output, but its pretty good. Just not good enough for my blaster without the big one.

Smaller one, Coleman 60 gallon, single stage, with what they say is a 6.5 hp. Its when they were rating motors much bigger than what they really were. It does about 12 cfm @ 150 psi.

Smallest, portable black harbor freight, good for taking to the rental house and fixing things with air power. Paid new about $75.

I've got to figure out this picture posting thing. My phone, I don't know about that, my wife's camera, getting it from the camera into my computer is going to be a trick as it uses a 3 1/2" floppy for its storage.

Mm

 

[Rickenbackerman]

if you dont mind me asking, what model speedaire is that?

I have been looking to do the same thing.


Humpty

3z170b

 

[J Persons]

Here's my 60 gal CH, I got it at Harbor Freight about 20 years ago. The only thing I've done to it is change the oil, replace a broken drive belt and add an extended drain ball valve. I also replaced the cheap plastic foam air filter with a Solberg filter silencer I got at Amazon. The filter is 3/4" NPT and the compressor had a 1/2" inlet, so I adapted it with a pipe reducer. It's much quieter than with the foam filter, and I'm sure it filters better. The compressor is set up in a temporary location until I get my shop built.

 

[rwreuter]

nice....how long is that power whip?

 

[J Persons]

It's allot longer than it needs to be. It was required in my old shop and when I moved here, it came along. When my new shop gets built, it will be cut down to a more realistic length.

 

[planecrazy29]

Here's mine:

It was a CH VT pump on an IR tank with a Ward Powercraft motor. I got it from a Craigslist deal, and got hosed. The exact words of the seller "it makes a little noise, but it never gave me any problems". BS. It was f'd from the get go. Shame on me for not checking. The crankshaft is worn at the front bearing end (probably .030 worth) and it finally blew the front oil seal.

It failed while I was painting this:

Which was another CL deal. Better deal on this one. $225 for a 5 HP 2 stage. Now I have an extra storage tank.....

 

[w1im]

A few of you may recognize this one.

Not mine, but one I use all the time.

4 compressor stages and up to 6000psi.

 

[930dreamer]

One more for my collection. Champion duplex 5 hp

 

[In My Garage]

I'm looking for some help from those far more clued into compressors than I am.

I have a Speed Air 2HP Direct Drive 20 gallon compressor that I bought new back in about 1988.

The motor and pump are in like-new condition.

The problem is, the tank has rusted at the bottom at both ends and I've repaired it often enough.

I'm looking for a replacement tank but their prices are through the roof (I haven't searched all that much). Its hardly worth it when you can buy a new compressor for a few buck more.

Since I have a new compressor, that isn't the answer. I'd hate to throw out a perfectly good motor and pump.

Any ideas of where to get an "affordable" replacement tank would be much appreciated.

 

[930dreamer]

I'd look on ebay under compressor parts for a new tank. If used is ok look on CL.

 

[In My Garage]

I'd look on ebay under compressor parts for a new tank. If used is ok look on CL.

I just did...nothing.

I've come across tanks...but $400+ for a 20 gallon tank does not make sense.

 

[930dreamer]

I just did...nothing.

I've come across tanks...but $400+ for a 20 gallon tank does not make sense.

Where are you located?

 

[In My Garage]

Where are you located?

Ontario...land of overpriced beer.

 

[930dreamer]

Ontario...land of overpriced beer.

Ontario, Oregon or Ontario, Canada or California?

 

[In My Garage]

Ontario, Oregon or Ontario, Canada or California?

Canada...there is no such thing as overpriced beer in the US.

 

[lukey]

Dont know what brand or size, but it works great. Gonna restore it after my cheapo toolbox is restored

 

[AutoXRacer]

I have a question for all you compressor pros out there...
I just browsed over 58 pages of pictures, discussions, etc and I would like to know why are you all using regulators, water separators, etc; some really fancy and elaborate setups...? I understand in a paint shop you want to remove any kind of moisture that will ruin a paint job... But I saw just regular garages/shops with these setups. Is there a reason for this?

As you can see, I am a total newbie. I had a 30 gal compress with just 25' of hose that did the job for me. I will be upgrading to a 60 or 80 gallon unit to put in my future shop/garage that is being built and I wanted to see if I needed an elaborate setup like you guys. All I was planning was the compressor with a 50' or 100' reel...

Thanks for the info!!!

 

[930dreamer]

Water will damage the air tools also.

 

[PT Doc]

I have a question for all you compressor pros out there...
I just browsed over 58 pages of pictures, discussions, etc and I would like to know why are you all using regulators, water separators, etc; some really fancy and elaborate setups...? I understand in a paint shop you want to remove any kind of moisture that will ruin a paint job... But I saw just regular garages/shops with these setups. Is there a reason for this?

As you can see, I am a total newbie. I had a 30 gal compress with just 25' of hose that did the job for me. I will be upgrading to a 60 or 80 gallon unit to put in my future shop/garage that is being built and I wanted to see if I needed an elaborate setup like you guys. All I was planning was the compressor with a 50' or 100' reel...

Thanks for the info!!!

I wouldn't say that these setups are all that elaborate. If you are ok with yours then stick with it. I think many have decided that removing water from the airlines is just smart and overall fairly cheap. A little planning, time, and the right materials and you have a very good setup that will take care of the moisture better than just going from tank to air lines directly.

 

[Bob Heine]

I understand in a paint shop you want to remove any kind of moisture that will ruin a paint job... But I saw just regular garages/shops with these setups. Is there a reason for this?

AutoXRacer,

Welcome and congratulations on your first post. You've asked a very reasonable question -- many of us started with your 30-gallon-and-a-hose setup.

A lot of us use our garage and compressors to paint our cars, boats, etc. Automotive primer is $50-100 a gallon and the finish paint starts at $100 a gallon. Decent sandpaper runs another $100 (or more). High end paint can run a couple of thousand just for the materials. After we spend a couple of hundred hours getting the body prepped and sanded, even a tiny amount of water, oil or dirt on or under the primer can ruin the whole job. Oil droplets too small to see can cause fisheyes and your shiny paint job looks like it has acne. A couple of hundred spent on filters, dryers and coolers is cheap insurance.

If, like me, you live in a place where high humidity is common, weird stuff also happens. If the moisture hasn't been removed:

• My sandblaster nozzle clogs with wet sand in about three minutes.
• Ice forms in my die grinder and it locks up after about five minutes of use.

If you are going to spend a thousand or more for your new compressor and only use it to inflate tires or pool toys, a hose is all you'll need. If you think you might want to clean up some rusty parts in a blast cabinet, you're going to need a little more 'fancy and elaborate' setup.

 

[AutoXRacer]

Thanks for the info guys... What would be a decent setup for typical mechanical work, ratchet, impact gun, grinder, etc... I don't plan on painting or sandblasting... At least not sandblasting in the near future...

 

[fromjusttheking]

Hi guys. I have a rather simple air system, much of what I inherited when I moved into my present home's garage. The original compressor was not in good shape so I replaced it with a new IR 5hp 80gal compressor.

The original owner had added a filter that I had never seen before, a Motor Guard M-30 filter which he had been using toilet paper rolls as a filter, which seemed to work. I can remember back in the "old days" the Franz Oil Filter that was used in cars in place of the OEM pleated oil filters that originally came with the vehicle. They still sell the Motor Guard filter systems today, but uses what looks like more of a heavier cardboard based filter roll. Will have to order a couple and see how they work. About $7.50 or so.

I drain the tank at least a couple of times a week, but it think it needs to be drained more often based on the amount of water that comes out of the petcock. I'm also looking at 3 different automatic drain controls to do the job for me unattended. Not in any particular order:

1. Wilkerson X51 (McMaster Carr #4919K13) about $51. Drains when a pressure differential of 20 psi is reached.
2. Expello #995111, price unknown, drains for 1 second every 5 minutes, 24/7.
3. Combo D-Lux, #1213248 or 249 (230VAC or 115VAC) about $122 or $109, uses a digital timer to drain for however long you want, once a day at whatever time you want it to.

Any recommendations on any of these?

I've attached some photos, hope that they come thru and aren't too small. I tried to downsize them per the site's upload requirements. Hope they're right. If they are too small I can resize them larger. This is my first time doing this. I did see some uploaded at 640x480 but thought that exceeded the limits. Mine are 373x280.

 

[RAYJAY]

Hi guys. I have a rather simple air system, much of what I inherited when I moved into my present home's garage. The original compressor was not in good shape so I replaced it with a new IR 5hp 80gal compressor.

The original owner had added a filter that I had never seen before, a Motor Guard M-30 filter which he had been using toilet paper rolls as a filter, which seemed to work. I can remember back in the "old days" the Franz Oil Filter that was used in cars in place of the OEM pleated oil filters that originally came with the vehicle. They still sell the Motor Guard filter systems today, but uses what looks like more of a heavier cardboard based filter roll. Will have to order a couple and see how they work. About $7.50 or so.

I drain the tank at least a couple of times a week, but it think it needs to be drained more often based on the amount of water that comes out of the petcock. I'm also looking at 3 different automatic drain controls to do the job for me unattended. Not in any particular order:

1. Wilkerson X51 (McMaster Carr #4919K13) about $51. Drains when a pressure differential of 20 psi is reached.
2. Expello #995111, price unknown, drains for 1 second every 5 minutes, 24/7.
3. Combo D-Lux, #1213248 or 249 (230VAC or 115VAC) about $122 or $109, uses a digital timer to drain for however long you want, once a day at whatever time you want it to.

Any recommendations on any of these?

I've attached some photos, hope that they come thru and aren't too small. I tried to downsize them per the site's upload requirements. Hope they're right. If they are too small I can resize them larger. This is my first time doing this. I did see some uploaded at 640x480 but thought that exceeded the limits. Mine are 373x280.

as for the filter you can get the refills for that at tp tools

http://www.tptools.com/p/74,110_1and2-Coalescing-Air-Filter.html


I use the IR valve for draining my tank, any of the elctronic ones will work just as good, i would stay away from the pressure style ones,

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200338677_200338677

 

[Bob Heine]

Any recommendations on any of these?

The only thing you might consider is upgrading the filter. The inlet and outlet fittings on yours are 1/4" and probably restrict flow a little. Looks like your system is all plumbed with 1/2" pipe.

RayJay pointed you to the right page. I had the smaller MotorGuard like yours on my system and replaced it with the bigger size when I upgraded my compressor. Unfortunately the larger one does not come with a bracket. I guess they expect you to mount the filter from the pipe itself. I used a step-drill to enlarge the holes on the M-30 bracket for 1/2" NPT pipe and it works just fine. It would be a simple matter to make a similar bracket from strap steel or aluminum.

 

[fromjusttheking]

RayJay thanks for the info. I've been looking around for the filter rolls, and a few years ago, before I upgraded the compressor, I couldn't find much of anything on Motor Guard. Now, there seems to be lots of places to get both the units and filters (M30, 60 & 100).

As far as the automatic drain valves go, the IR one is nice but for my use, just a bit to pricey. I think the Combo D-Lux will do everything the IR one will do, but gives you much greater range in settings and doesn't rely on a air pilot port to activate.

The Expello apparently has been around for years, but I don't know just how efficient it would be venting for 1 second every 5 minutes 24/7. It was really made for use in trucks or busses with air compressors on board.

The Wilkerson X51 has a large following, but it does work strictly on a 10-20 psi pressure differential. It uses a piston-powered valve that automatically drains moisture each time your compressor cycles. It is activated by compressed air via a 1/8" NPT female pilot port (no electricity required). And connection to the pilot air port is strongly recommended.

So for my use which is not in a shop environment, and relatively light usage, I'm thinking that the Combo D-Lux for $122 is likely my best bet.

Bob, I think it is 1/2" pipe most of the way. I added the rubber 1/2" hose on the ceiling because it was relatively easy to do compared to plumbing 1/2" hard line, and again, for my use, even if the air flow is slightly restricted, it's not really a big deal. For using air tools, I have a separate setup that I attach to one of the 2 hard line taps or the end of the hose on the reel. It's composed of a regulator, a moisture trap and an oiler, all inline that connects between the air line and air tool. That way I don't have to worry about moisture getting past the M30. In practice, I've not found any moisture coming out, but do get the oil going to the air tool. I don't do any air gun painting, so that's a non-problem.

Out of curiosity, the brown filter element paper for the M30/60, I assume it's heavier than toilet paper, more like those brown paper towels you see in restrooms. Is that correct? Also, in the site RayJay posted for filters, this statement was made: Coalescing filter works best if elements are changed promptly, so keep extra on hand. Can be dried in the sun and reused. Is that true?

Just trying to learn all that I can so I don't make any really stupid misteaks. (Yeah, I did mispell that on purpose).

Thanks guys!

 

[outsider347]

I'd like to build a better air intake/cleaner for my 5hp 60gal IR
suggestions?
tks