Compression - Show Off Your Compressor

[-Brent-]

Where exactly are you placing the filter washer? On top of the 3/4 x3/8 black bushing?

Yes. Once the bushing is threaded in I set the filter washer in place and epoxied it.

I'll snap a pic, this week.

 

[jcthorne]

Anyone own one of the new low cost California Air Tools units? They are now offering 1HP 5.5gal units with 60dba noise rating for under $130. Since I no longer use any air tools, the compressor only powers the locks and jacks on my lift and fills tires. I really think 1HP is more than enough and would love the quiet over my 40 year old Craftsman unit.

 

[gpn911]

There is a Snap on BRA5140H compressor on local craigslist, asking $900 seems high. Anyone know anything about it.

 

[redmondjp]

There is a Snap on BRA5140H compressor on local craigslist, asking $900 seems high. Anyone know anything about it.

BRA = Big Red Air (compressor); the company that made it for Snapon
5 = 5HP
1 = 1phase
40 = 40 gallon tank
H = horizontal tank

I'm not sure who makes the pump on that one, but 16scfm @ 175psi should run most of what you would want. The $3K (new) price by Snapon is pure fantasy, paid only by those who think that the pretty red paint and the decal are worth an extra $1500.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah, seems a little high... You could get a new compressor with a 60 gal or even 80 gal for around the same price.

 

[chaosracing]

I got my 80 gal Kobalt used for $500. You can buy them new for $900, sometimes they go on sale. TSC also has 60 gal compressors in that price range as well.
Word of caution on used Snap On compressors. I was at an auction a couple of years ago and saw a "Snap On" compressor there. After looking it over, I was able to determine that it was NOT a Snap On. Someone painted it red and put Snap On stickers on. Sadly, 3 people did not thoroughly look it over and thought they were getting a Snap On compressor. Ran the price to $1400 for a 60 POS. I have also heard of others running in to this as well.

 

[Alchymist]

Not the best pics, but too cold to go take some more.

Old refrigeration 2 cyl compressor, 3 HP motor, 30 gallon tank, automotive air filter. Clocks out a 13 CFM, 140 max. Scrounged compressor and tank. Nice and quiet running. Little welding, little plumbing, and little electrical, and cheap.

 

[tlmartin84]

I got my 80 gal Kobalt used for $500. You can buy them new for $900, sometimes they go on sale. TSC also has 60 gal compressors in that price range as well.
Word of caution on used Snap On compressors. I was at an auction a couple of years ago and saw a "Snap On" compressor there. After looking it over, I was able to determine that it was NOT a Snap On. Someone painted it red and put Snap On stickers on. Sadly, 3 people did not thoroughly look it over and thought they were getting a Snap On compressor. Ran the price to $1400 for a 60 POS. I have also heard of others running in to this as well.

What do you use your Kobalt 80 gallon for? What is the most air consuming task you use it for and how did it keep up?

Any blasting, painting, die grinders etc?

 

[NedNorton]

Here is my contribution. I just finished getting it rehabbed and plumbed (complete with DIY desiccant dryers inspired by Brent). Bought it for $100 needing a lot of work (basically a pump and receiver). All told, with the new motor, controls and plumbing, I'm in about $500 (and a ton of time).

Quincy QE-5 (2 stage pump)
Baldor 5hp single phase
80 gallon receiver
770 rpm & 18.5 cfm @ 150psi

It's not as nice as the QR pumps but with the amount of run time it will see in my home shop, it should out last me.



Cheers,
Chris

 

[Revelations]

My air compressor attached to a 500hp 2015 Peterbuilt ISX Cummings. I have a 50 ft flexilla hose with a glad hand, that connects to the trailer supply. I keep this in the side box, along with an inflator, nano 3/8, and Sunex master set. I mostly do drop and hook, so it comes in handy for those flats in the middle of the night.

Peterbuilt says the cfm at high idle is 48 cfm . It has no problem power die grinders and impact guns. My company is cool with me parking the tractor next to my car, and idling for s couple hours, to work on my cars.


Sent from a Galaxy far far away.

 

[chaosracing]

What do you use your Kobalt 80 gallon for? What is the most air consuming task you use it for and how did it keep up?

Any blasting, painting, die grinders etc?

I havent used it for any sandblasting yet, probably wont until spring. I did use it for painting and it kept up fine. I still have to get a decent water/oil separater to paint vehicles. I used it alot with my die grinder and impact guns and its great for them. No issues on keeping up with any of that.

Continuous sandblasting might be a problem for this to keep up, not really sure yet, but since I only do minimal blasting, it will not be an issue with me.

Plus I found this compressor to be quieter compared to the cheaper 60 gal Kobalt/Ingersol Rand/whoever else uses the same cheap compressor pump. I still would have loved to get my hands on an older compressor, but I am happy with this Kobalt that I purchased.

 

[isb cornbinder]

All of the components for assembling this compressor system came off Craigslist except the pump. I got the pump at an auction for about $25 because it was in pieces and I was the only bidder.
There was enough parts for a complete compressor pump including an IR complete rebuild kit with head bolts, gaskets, bearings and reeds.
The compressor is behind some racking and also chained to the wall.
The compressor is a little loud because of the um-muffled airfilter. I have been thinking about buying a used DONALDSON airfilter at a local truck recycler.

 

[kevs79]

Here is my newly purchased 1947 Quincy 310. It has a 60 gallon tank and I am putting a 3hp motor on it. I only paid 50.00 for the pump and tank but wasn't able to hear it run so hopefully it works. It does spin freely

 

[isb cornbinder]

Information only. I ran a Speed Air single stage twin for 20 plus years. During that time I ran the Speed Air at twice the recommended rpm. Because of overheating I added an external cooling fan to assist the flywheel fan.
While not ideal, the Speed Air twin was adequate until I bought a 4824 MODUBLAST CABINET.
Now you know.

 

[BUGTHUG]

isb cornbinder. you have better pictures of the compressor cart?

 

[isb cornbinder]

isb cornbinder. you have better pictures of the compressor cart?

Maybe. I'm at the library, Home in an hour. I will check and post if I do.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I prefer to use 2 1/2" X 5/16" angle iron for the base. I make the base frame to fit around the base of the machine or compressor. The rear wheels can be on the inside or the outside rear. When I mount the wheels I like to have them positioned between 1/4" - 3/8" lower than the base. At the front and under the base, I weld two buttons that are the same thickness as the rear wheels are below the base. in the middle front of the base, I weld a piece of pipe for the handle with wheels to fit into from the bottom.
When the handle is pressed down, the mobile base is lifted and the machine can be moved easily. This is like an inverted fifth-wheel.
I hope this helps a little. Take my idea and make something better.

 

[LG63]

I prefer to use 2 1/2" X 5/16" angle iron for the base. I make the base frame to fit around the base of the machine or compressor. The rear wheels can be on the inside or the outside rear. When I mount the wheels I like to have them positioned between 1/4" - 3/8" lower than the base. At the front and under the base, I weld two buttons that are the same thickness as the rear wheels are below the base. in the middle front of the base, I weld a piece of pipe for the handle with wheels to fit into from the bottom.
When the handle is pressed down, the mobile base is lifted and the machine can be moved easily. This is like an inverted fifth-wheel.
I hope this helps a little. Take my idea and make something better.

Very clever! This machine base setup deserves its own thread.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Thanks. That setup is similar to the way my Snap-On lift is. They have a pin hole to put a handle in to move it around. The S-O uses the same handle that the fluid bottles sit on , then you slide it up to the hole and pull back and you can move it around. It works pretty well considering the lift weights probably 1200#.

 

[jumpstart]

For the guys that restore compressors, do you check the tanks somehow for strength? Meaning, how do you make sure an old tank is usable?

 

[kevs79]

For the guys that restore compressors, do you check the tanks somehow for strength? Meaning, how do you make sure an old tank is usable?

I actually just got done doing this. I looked online and found the process on here. Hydrostatic testing. Basically I sealed off all holes except the highest one. I used a barb fitting and an old washing machine hose with the end cut off. Put the barb fitting in the ball valve at drain hole and attached the washing machine hose and the other end to the garden hose filled it up with water letting the air escape through the top hole. MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE AIR OUT. Once full with water shut the ball valve. I adapted my grease gun to the upper hole and pressurized it with grease to 225 psi and left it over night.

 

[Alchymist]

Fill it with water, pressurize to at least 150 to 175 percent higher pressure than you will use it at. DO NOT attempt to test without filling it with water.

 

[Steve in Mi]

For the guys that restore compressors, do you check the tanks somehow for strength? Meaning, how do you make sure an old tank is usable?

A hydro-static test is the best method I know of to insure a tank's integrity/ability to withstand working pressure plus a margin of safety.

 

[BUGTHUG]

this sounds like something that should be left to the professionals?

 

[redmondjp]

A hydro-static test is the best method I know of to insure a tank's integrity/ability to withstand working pressure plus a margin of safety.

And a visual of the inside doesn't hurt either or as a better-than-nothing alternative, if one has an inspection camera or can an eyeball view through one of the openings - you can rig up a LED on the end of a wire or use a small LED flashlight attached to a wire to light up the inside of the tank.

 

[chaosracing]

this sounds like something that should be left to the professionals?

Thats why you hydro test. The water prevents it from a explosive rupture. The problem most people will have is getting the tank pressurized to an extreme.

 

[jumpstart]

Thanks for the responses on how to test a tank.

 

[DieselDent]

My Snap-On 80 gallon, puts out 30cfm at 90 psi.
View media item 67788

 

[sberry]

Here is my contribution. I just finished getting it rehabbed and plumbed (complete with DIY desiccant dryers inspired by Brent). Bought it for $100 needing a lot of work (basically a pump and receiver). All told, with the new motor, controls and plumbing, I'm in about $500 (and a ton of time).

Quincy QE-5 (2 stage pump)
Baldor 5hp single phase
80 gallon receiver
770 rpm & 18.5 cfm @ 150psi

It's not as nice as the QR pumps but with the amount of run time it will see in my home shop, it should out last me.



Cheers,
Chris

I like that.

 

[DieselDent]

There is a Snap on BRA5140H compressor on local craigslist, asking $900 seems high. Anyone know anything about it.

BRA = Big Red Air (compressor); the company that made it for Snapon
5 = 5HP
1 = 1phase
40 = 40 gallon tank
H = horizontal tank

I'm not sure who makes the pump on that one, but 16scfm @ 175psi should run most of what you would want. The $3K (new) price by Snapon is pure fantasy, paid only by those who think that the pretty red paint and the decal are worth an extra $1500.

Yeah way too much, I paid $800 for my BRA8180V used but in great shape and have seen others since for around the same price. Truck price was like $5k. Saw a similar spec Milwaukee 80 gallon on CL for $400 recently, wish that was around when I bought mine.

 

[MOTORHEAD383]

i love my old 0iled belt driven craftsman. Quiet, well made, runs my impact, doesnt leak any air at all.

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[MOTORHEAD383]

heres another relic. My buddys mac compressor. Whats the box in the middle though?

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[redmondjp]

heres another relic. My buddys mac compressor. Whats the box in the middle though?

Just a dressy sheet-metal cover over the manifold, regulator, tank check valve, and also over the discharge pipe into the tank, which does get pretty hot to the touch. Personally I like it. That's a nice cast-iron pump with disc valves as well.

 

[isb cornbinder]

My son and I were going out for lunch and about three blocks from home there was a nice looking 25 gallon ?? twin oil-less compressor sitting in a driveway.
a sign on the compressor said FREE. The owner of the property came out to help us toss his free compressor and tank in our truck. He said it suddenly stopped working when he had some visitors to his shop. My son discovered a loose pipe plug screwed into the air intake. The loose plug was restricting about 95% of the intake air. The "joke" plug may have fallen out in a short time. WE modified the plastic cover to accommodate a small DONALDSON filter and the compressor works just fine, but it is very noisy.
My shop has a proper IR two stage on an 80 gallon tank. The freebee in in storage and my daughter may take it to her cabin in the country.

 

[MOTORHEAD383]

i love this thing i want it to last forever. Anyone have any suggestions for any upgrades? Should i run a filter? Should i run an air water separator? Any other upgrades to increase capacity? Its a old crafstman oil compressor 220v

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[Steve in Mi]

Anyone have any suggestions for any upgrades? Should i run a filter? Should i run an air water separator? Any other upgrades to increase capacity? Its a old crafstman oil compressor 220v

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Not an upgrade but an important maintenance item to ensure long life. Get a few spare intake filters for the compressor and change regularly - dirt in the pump will not be good for the long haul.

 

[EOC_Jason]

i love this thing i want it to last forever. Anyone have any suggestions for any upgrades? Should i run a filter? Should i run an air water separator? Any other upgrades to increase capacity? Its a old crafstman oil compressor 220v

Drain the water regularly or it will rust along the seam on the bottom! As someone else said, replace those felt air filters when they get dirty.

 

[MOTORHEAD383]

Gotcha, i just replaced the felt filter, and yes i drain it nearly every time i use it. I noticed harbor freight sells an automatic compressor drain? Hmm. Im also planning on running a rapidair air line into the house and the basement for running tools conveniently.

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[redmondjp]

If you are disciplined about draining the tank, there is no need for the automatic drain valve - it's just another thing to go wrong. A ball valve on the drain will have no issues, so long as moisture is not allowed to build up in the line to it in below-freezing temperatures.

 

[Harsh]

Looooong time lurker, first time poster. After getting by for years with my compressor I finally got fed up enough with it a few weeks ago and decided to buy something worthy. After countless searches here and wanting to buy something that would last and probably be overkill for my current use I took the interwebs and searched auctions houses, Craigslist, etc until I found something. Stumbled upon a nice compressor on CL, worked the deal, and now have all the air I could possibly ever need. I just need to plumb my garage and all should be well.

I had been using an MSD Matrix AMD100-2 for years. Although mine only had one motor and none of the dryer stuff on the end. It was made for dental equipment. 20 gallon, 1hp 220 single phase, 8.4cfm at 100psi.





I now have a Curtis 5E2VT8-A2 80 gallon, dual stage, 220 single phase 5 HP Baldor motor. I was able to snag it for $700. This beast will put out 18.5cfm at 175psi. It wasn't fun or easy loading and unloading it. We slid some 2x4's between the top of the tank and the bottom of the motor mounting base and lifted it that way. It is now home, hooked up, and working. It had low hours and was very clean and came with a disconnect box. I changed the oil just because, but the stuff that came out was very clean. I set it on some GE anti-vibration pads made for washing machines and will bolt it down this weekend.

All strapped down and ready for the drive home.






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