Compression - Show Off Your Compressor

[wilbilt]

What do you have for ventilation? Seems like it would get quite hot in there with a metal roof and no insulation.

No kidding. Aside from cooling, how does any air get in there to be compressed?

 

[ToyMeKaNeK]

Small but mighty!

 

[lucasd2002]

Recent acquisition

 

[bgarrett]

Heres my air compressor.
Its a 1949 Smith Motor Compressor.
It uses a 1931 Ford engine. Two cylinders run, two compress air.
Its good for about 50 CFM.
I am *almost* finished restoring it.

 

[V-10 Killer]

Heres my air compressor.
Its a 1949 Smith Motor Compressor.
It uses a 1931 Ford engine. Two cylinders run, two compress air.
Its good for about 50 CFM.
I am *almost* finished restoring it.

Now THAT is cool

 

[larry4406]

I remember kits for VW bug pancake motors were cylinders were converted air pumps. Can't remember if it was one per side or both.

 

[bgarrett]

heres a 'before' picture
With 50 cfm, I will be able to sandblast a car wheel quickly and it is now possible for me to sandblast a 1931 or 1940 Ford frame

 

[Captain]

Captain, are those ratings straight off your compressor? The reason I ask is I notice that there is a combination of metric and english units. (Litres per Minute and Pounds per sq inch). I find that kind of amusing. Do you guys run into that a lot down there with tools, machinery and such?

Yep we sure do. (And yes, the specs are from the manufacturers website!)
We Aussies haven't quite got the hang of the new fandangle Metric system yet.
It's ironic that although everything is 'Metric-fied' you will still get the old school asking for stuff in imperial (english). All hardware stores sell nuts and bolts etc in both imperial & metric side by side.
Actually, I don't know anyone who could tell me how many kPa to put in their tyres; even all the service station airlines are still in PSI.

But I do get confused when my nephews talk about hot cars having so many KW, what ever happened to good ol' HP?

What do you have for ventilation? Seems like it would get quite hot in there with a metal roof and no insulation.

The doors don't seal up tightly, leaving an adequate gap all around, and the roof sits away from the shed walls the distance of the flute thus having 'chimneys' for hot air to escape.
So that lets plenty of air in, and out.
The doors are lined with insulation against the hot afternoon sun.
I'm mindful that if the day is too warm, I will just open the doors if I have a large job to do.

 

[VDubJoe]

re: I remember kits for VW bug pancake motors were cylinders were converted air pumps



Its called a Volksair. Uses the camshaft design to make 2 cyl's into a pump. Im getting ready tobuild one now. Pumps 58 cfm. But ive upped the cyl size on mine. Il post when done.

Joe H

 

[irisservice]

tagging along

 

[Greg9504]

Here it is, 2 stage Snap-On 7.5 hp compressor (actually made by Eagle) which puts out 24.6 CFM @ 100 PSI, with a Numatics Ultra Air 25 dryer. Both used, managed to get the dryer for only $100. Went with Watts filters and regulator. Pre filter followed by coalescing before the dryer, then another coalescing before the regulator. Mounted on 99 cent hockey pucks, bolted to the floor.

 

[Nightshift]

Nice one Greg. If I could make a suggestion ... I'd invest another $50-75 and add an auto-drain to the bottom tank drain to keep the tank free of water. That's too nice of a tank to risk it rusting from the inside out (IMHO).

 

[e-tek]

I use constant purge when I paint and after 35 years of spraying (not my day job) I had a drop of water reach the gun only one time because I forgot to set the purge. I have not had enough time to check out the new compressor to see if things will be different but I do have a chiller should it be necessary to incorporate it.

What is "constant purge"?
Thx!

 

[e-tek]

I guess I will finally post mine (even though it is dusty as heck)

LOVE the piping system here - that 3/4"? Good work on the riser - that's the correct way. I need to fix one of my take-offs to look like that.

To Bmwpower: great catch on the water trap in the hose! You must be looking close at these pics!

 

[Steve in Mi]

What is "constant purge"?
Thx!

constant purge

When I use my little compressor in a semicontinious mode (seldom reaching the cutout limit pressure), I crack the valve open on the bottom of the tank to let the water spit and sputter out as it condences out of the air in the tank.

 

[e-tek]

OK, Here's mine:
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk245/e-tekracing/Compressor.jpg

It's a new 60 gal 3 Cylinder 18.5 cfm, 175 psi unit. Flex hose to 3/4" lines around shop.

Two things I learned from Memebers: Got to change the base to hockey pucks a la other smart members on this board and have to shorten the Flex line so it runs upward to main line so as not to collect water there!!

I also want to build some sort of enclosure - although it's WAY quiter than my old SingleStage unit, I still like a quite shop. I just don't want to overheat it...ANY IDEAS??

 

[Hades12]

re: I remember kits for VW bug pancake motors were cylinders were converted air pumps



Its called a Volksair. Uses the camshaft design to make 2 cyl's into a pump. Im getting ready tobuild one now. Pumps 58 cfm. But ive upped the cyl size on mine. Il post when done.

Joe H

Found this on Craigslist for anyone haveing interest.

http://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/660714668.html

 

[shocksystems]

Haven't seen anybody with anything like mine - so here's my contribution.

The compressor is a Hydrovane 10 PUTS. It's a rotary vane compressor - should last about 100,000 hours before failure. I spent a month or two searching for one of these - almost bought a new one but delivery was too far out. Hydrovanes come from the factory with a 10 year, 48,000 hour warranty, that should give some idea of the quality involved.

When I looked for a compressor, I needed three things - it had to last forever, it had to be QUIET, and it had to put out enough air to run my milling machine (100 psi 7 CFM).

This one runs at 65 db - about as noisy as a dishwasher. $1100 used - not cheap, but I expect I will be dead before it will.

I put it on a cart I got from Lowes for $70 - I can haul it anywhere I want.

It doesn't have an air tank because rotary vane compressors run continuously at 100 percent of capacity.

Kochevnik: How is the compressor working out? It still seems very cool to me. If I saw a deal like you saw for one of these used I would consider it. Cheers! Jim

 

[jayoldschool]

Guys, what do you think of this:

"Heavy duty Campbell Hausfeld, 60 Gallon, 6.5HP 135 PSI-max- Brand new
Paid $950 will sacrifice."

He's asking $500. I emailed to ask for a model number and pics.

 

[jayoldschool]

Update: they got back to me with a picture. No model #, though. It's a "CH Extreme Duty" from what I can see. If anyone has any info or advice on making an offer on this, please let me know...

 

[jayoldschool]

I'll update this myself to perhaps help others who are searching. It is the same as the "Husky Pro", sold at Home Depot for $450:

 

[Nightshift]

Update: they got back to me with a picture. No model #, though. It's a "CH Extreme Duty" from what I can see. If anyone has any info or advice on making an offer on this, please let me know...

Hey Jay, I had one exactly like this that I bought used in nearly new condition a couple years ago for $200. I already have a big 2-stage 60 gal and didn't need the CH, but for that price I dragged it home. Changed the pump gearbox oil, gave it a good wipedown and sold it the next week for $400. Personally I wouldn't pay more than $300-400 for these units, and for the same price or a tad more you can buy an excellent used industrial 2-stage 60 or 80 gal unit, which is far superior. If you just need a compressor for blowing dust or tires or running the odd air tool in a home workshop, the CH would be fine. The KEY to keeping ANY compressor working perfectly for a very long time is to change the oil in the pump EVERY YEAR. I do mine around the same time as my cars and garden equipment get their fall oil change before winter

 

[jayoldschool]

Thank, Night. Yes, I was thinking that $300 might interest me, but not 500. Especially since I could get it new at Home Depot in the US for 450.

 

[Nightshift]

Thank, Night. Yes, I was thinking that $300 might interest me, but not 500. Especially since I could get it new at Home Depot in the US for 450.

You might try watching Kijiji in your area. There's good used compressors for sale every day in my area.

 

[nytehawk]

Okay, I'm gonna cheat and use the same photo I posted in the "show off your toolbox" thread. After quite a bit of research, I wanted a belt-driven compressor capable of at least 5 SCFM that was also portable. This is a 30 gal, 5.7 SCFM @ 90psi unit that I purchased for $388 + tax from Lowes a couple years ago. Chose it over the very similar Husky unit from Home Depot due to slightly higher tank capacity and I preferred the black color. So far, I have been very pleased with it.

Minor note: orange FRL unit shown in this photo has since been replaced by a smaller integrated filter/regulator unit made by Ingersoll and purchased on sale from MSC a couple months ago.

 

[goodfellow]

I have the same compressor in my machine shop. Mostly use it for light duty air tools such as drills, impact guns and air hammer. It's a good machine and the 115v makes it portable, so that I can bring it to a job around the house.

Problem is that Lowes doesn't seem to carry that unit anymore.

 

[Nightshift]

Okay, I'm gonna cheat and use the same photo I posted in the "show off your toolbox" thread. After quite a bit of research, I wanted a belt-driven compressor capable of at least 5 SCFM that was also portable. This is a 30 gal, 5.7 SCFM @ 90psi unit that I purchased for $388 + tax from Lowes a couple years ago. Chose it over the very similar Husky unit from Home Depot due to slightly higher tank capacity and I preferred the black color. So far, I have been very pleased with it.

Minor note: orange FRL unit shown in this photo has since been replaced by a smaller integrated filter/regulator unit made by Ingersoll and purchased on sale from MSC a couple months ago.

Nice. I like the color match with the tool box. Just a suggestion ... I would shorten that hose from the regulator to the hose reel to eliminate the water-trap you've got there.

 

[HacksawsGarage]

if he can prove its "brand new" , and the price verified, i would follow up on it. maybe 500.00 delivered!

 

[HacksawsGarage]

whats strange is the Loes site doesnt list anything but one smaller dewalt.
my local store has the kobalt on the floor. i dont know if its the older CH made version or the new sanborn/coleman one.

 

[fireguy]

To be honest, I can't tell the difference between made in USA and made in China iron pipe or fittings. I have asked at the plumbing supply house if they have had any comments from the plumbers and they said no one seems to care. I would rather have a USA product, but can't find it anywhere around here. I think that it is sold more on price and the perceived quality is the same. I really wonder if there is actually a quality difference? Only time will tell. If I were burying it in a wall, then I think that I might care more, but for air lines, I don't think it will matter.

I buy only USA fittings when I can get them. Ward is available from Barnett and Grainger. I find in my fire suppression work there is a difference, mainly in the thread take-up.

 

[Gonzalo Bravo]

Here is mine, found it on craigs list, i still haven't hooked it up yet, organizing the garage still. It will be in the corner behind it in this pic. It came with 100' of hose on that craftsman reel and the 25' power cord. I'm going to ditch the power cord and drop a 220v line behind it on the wall.

Thats COOL dude! Rick Pewe on the yellow full side on the wall!!!

 

[AndrewHR]

Heres mine, just finished installing it but haven't run the piping round my workshop yet.

Its 2*3hp pumps which enables a reduced start up load. One pump starts then the other starts 20 seconds later so you can run it off a 240V 30 amp supply

 

[Stephenw]

I'll add mine to this thread...

http://shopngarage.com/2010/11/compressor-project/

 

[rubadub]

Heres mine http://www.1969supersport.com/paintroom21.html

Rob

http://www.1969supersport.com

 

[e-tek]

An FYI story: I used all black pipe for mine and at first I was buying it from the plumbers wholesaler, thinking I was on the "inside", getting a good deal. Then on a Sunday I needed a few fittings and went to Homey Despot....where I found they where about half price for the materials and a quarter for the threads/cuts. I went back to ther wholesaler on Monday to give them a chance to meet HD's price..."No thanks", they said. They admitted they loose a lot to HD and can't compete, but stay in business by selling all the other stuff and having "industrial" contracts. Then, diging deeper, one guy told me they do match HD's prices...if you have an account....and I was a lowly "cash payer". STUPID!

 

[RAYJAY]

An FYI story: I used all black pipe for mine and at first I was buying it from the plumbers wholesaler, thinking I was on the "inside", getting a good deal. Then on a Sunday I needed a few fittings and went to Homey Despot....where I found they where about half price for the materials and a quarter for the threads/cuts. I went back to ther wholesaler on Monday to give them a chance to meet HD's price..."No thanks", they said. They admitted they loose a lot to HD and can't compete, but stay in business by selling all the other stuff and having "industrial" contracts. Then, diging deeper, one guy told me they do match HD's prices...if you have an account....and I was a lowly "cash payer". STUPID!

I alway price out my supplies for any job with a least 3 supply sources, if the local guy is some what close on price i will go and ask if they can do any better(with the full order in hand) if not they lost a sale and the big box one's win again.........


Jeff

 

[DRRummel]

Let see how much grief I get for this…
My wife wanted to know WHY I wanted an air compressor. ‘Why not just use hand tools’. I told her it is like electricity. It is just a basic necessity in a garage. I got my compressor from Home Depot about ten years ago and was one of my first shop tools. When I saw the unit it had been returned as defective, but the manager suspected that was just an excuse to return the unit. The cheap plastic air filter was broken, the pressure switch housing was bent and oil drain tube also bent. When I asked for the clearance price, the tool guy said they were going to send it back for a replacement unit. I asked if he would take 200.00 cash for it and he went off for about 10 minutes and came back. He said the store manager would let it go for 235.00. I told him it was more then I had planned to spend and I only had 200.00 cash available. After all it was ‘Christmas and I need to save some money to buy the kids gifts’. The tool salesman said don’t bother trying to get the price down any more. The store was making 20.00 on the unit and if I pushed the manager, he would just send it back. I don’t know if that was true, but that started my obsession.

It's current home in the corner of the shed.

It is hard to believe I spend last winter rebuilding my first motor on this bench.

Currently I have been working on a new garage.

So i buried a 3/4 soft K copper line between the two and left the compressor in the shed. That way the space needed, power needed and noise are not in the the garage. I am very glad I did that. Right now the plumbing is pretty ugly, but it works.
the current two regulations were supposed to be for a dry line and a lubricated line. I never got to finishing the wet line.

As you see from the separator, I need to seriously look at setting up a good line system. This is how I currently get air to the new garage.

 

[jayoldschool]

Any ideas or thoughts on this? They don't have any info on it. Someone is giving it away, and I'm wondering if it is worth picking up...

 

[4lug39]

Any ideas or thoughts on this? They don't have any info on it. Someone is giving it away, and I'm wondering if it is worth picking up...

Yes! If it is any kind of shape.

 

[HacksawsGarage]

cool old unit, you dont show much of the pump.
i really like the way the pully spokes are made into a fan.