Compression - Show Off Your Compressor

[Jim Johnstone]

Meh, 10hp 1 phase motors are common as dirt, I wire up quite a few 15 hp 1 phase motors.

The real bad ones are the 15hp airover duty motors in many grain dryers. Some are rated as high as 78 amps.

In the world of farm grain handling equipment there is a TON of big single phase motors out there. It's not uncommon for some equipment to have two 10 or 15 hp single phase motors belted together to run stuff.

yikes. fortunately around me all the farms have access to 3 phase.

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[Bert_]

yikes. fortunately around me all the farms have access to 3 phase.

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Yup 3 phase is definitely better to run motors but when the closest 3 phase primary is 2-3 miles away and the utility wants $100,000+ to rebuilt the line and bring 3 phase to the place you make do with what you have. Eventually if the site get's big enough there just isn't a choice but alot of guy's can make do with 1 phase.

Worked at a site a while back that had 4x15hp drying fans a couple of 10hp and a 30hp motor running off a 60hp phase converter. He added a 40hp and a 15hp motors that I powered with VFD's. Plus a few other <10hp 1phase motors

That guy has to be careful of what is running at the same time or he could overload the 167KVA transformer. That about the biggest 1 phase transformer you can get, they will do about 700 amps continuous.

I guess that's why I don't get it when some want/need a big compressor but they think it has to be 3 phase to get a 10hp. I have never had a utility even flinch with the mention of multiple single phase motors that are 10hp or more.

 

[coop87]

Got this Quincy about a year ago, just added the aftercooler and dryer after I was having some issues with moisture while sandblasting.

 

[peter2772000]

I no see no pics

 

[coop87]

Should be fixed now?

 

[oilslick]

Should be fixed now?

Nice pump,is it quiet?

 

[Xicaque]

Coop87,

Welcome to the forum! Is that a Qt 7.5? Looks similar to mine. I love mine! Very quiet. Even quieter after I extended the section between the air filter and the pump.

Please tell me about that after cooler. What brand and model? I need to do the same for mine.


Thanks!

 

[coop87]

It's a QP 7.5 and it is pretty quiet, you can easily talk over it when it's running, I will have to try extending the pipe that goes to the air filter and see how that works?

The aftercooler is an AKG model that I got from Grainger: https://www.zoro.com/akg-air-cooled-aftercooler-max-hp-25-100-cfm-c-70100bg/i/G2111706/

If I was going to buy it again I would probably get the smaller model aftercooler since this one was definitely overkill for the size of compressor.

 

[Xicaque]

It's a QP 7.5 and it is pretty quiet, you can easily talk over it when it's running, I will have to try extending the pipe that goes to the air filter and see how that works?

The aftercooler is an AKG model that I got from Grainger: https://www.zoro.com/akg-air-cooled-aftercooler-max-hp-25-100-cfm-c-70100bg/i/G2111706/

If I was going to buy it again I would probably get the smaller model aftercooler since this one was definitely overkill for the size of compressor.

Thanks for the info. I have the same compressor.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Nice, I love those Quincy pressure lube models with the spin-on filter...

 

[osumet]

Nice, I work for a gauge mfg and our high precision gauges (0.066% accuracy) are about 3x as much. For $15 though thats awesome and way more accurate than you would ever need. But if you want to use 89.5psi vs 90psi for your impact then you sure can do it.

Very cool. Are they dial or digital gauges?

 

[csmitty]

Very cool. Are they dial or digital gauges?

Dial

 

[peter2772000]

Should be fixed now?

Yup, thx!

 

[larry4406]

Got this Quincy about a year ago, just added the aftercooler and dryer after I was having some issues with moisture while sandblasting.

I like your aftercooler setup with drain tied common to tank drain with auto drain serving both. What brand dryer?

 

[Xicaque]

I am going to replicate the same setup as coop87. I have the same compressor!

 

[coop87]

I like your aftercooler setup with drain tied common to tank drain with auto drain serving both. What brand dryer?

Thanks! I actually got that idea from a thread on here. The dryer and auto drain are both Atlas Copco

 

[RagTopTA]

I just bought a 60 gal compressor for my garage. I use it mainly for air tools. But I also have a plasma cutter I run off of it. What in you guys opinions, is a good way to keep the moisture out but not go super costly? Desiccant dryers seem to be the best choice in my reading so far. anyone have any input? Also looking at the auto drains. Seems like that would help a lot to keep the moisture in the tank at bay.

 

[peter2772000]

I built my low-budget condenser out of half of an A/C A-coil. Then built a separator from scratch. Had to do something, my then-new sandblaster was otherwise useless...

PS: I installed a water separator filter at the sandblaster but never found a drop of water in it in over 12 years.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/bwM0PHoYeFP62Ty32

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oZMw2I9TxFk0Rbhy2

 

[jrhaas60]

I built my low-budget condenser out of half of an A/C A-coil. QUOTE]



Nice

 

[RagTopTA]

Great ideas.. thanks !! I'm looking into all the options. I don't use my plasma a ton but when I do it need dry air.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Don't think I posted this yet in this thread...

Put together this compressor for my neighbor that really isn't a garage guy but needed one for filling tires / blowing stuff off occasionally...

Originally found the little Sanborn single-piston on a ~11 gallon tank for $20. Didn't get to try it there but the people said they used it the day before to fill one of the employee's tires, so I took their word for it since I've bought a lot from them before. Bought it for one of my other neighbors that wanted it.

Got it home and plug it in and there is a pinhole leak in the corner of the tank. My neighbor tried welding on it some (I know, I know, but he's 79 and you don't tell him what he can and can't do) but it just kept blowing out from all the rust. Stuck it in the shed for another day...

Fast forward and I was at a garage sale and guy takes me to his basement full of woodworking stuff and I eye that green Grizzy 11 gallon tank in the corner collecting dust. Tank looks practically brand new and very solid. I buy that for $20 with the intention of hooking up a 2HP craftsman pump / motor I got for free on it.

So I was kind of starting planning to mount the 2HP CMan setup on the tank when I was talking to my next door neighbor and he was telling me how he wanted a compressor for his garage and for me to keep an eye out for him at sales. Well I start thinking and the 2HP is 220V only (I didn't feel like running a 220v circuit for my neighbor, lol), but I remembered the single cylinder 3/4HP compressor my other neighbor had with the bad tank that is 110v. I go over there, buy it from him for $20 and proceed to transplant the pump & motor.

Had to drill & tap the holes for the pump & motor as nothing lined up, but it went together pretty smooth. Still need to mount the fan guard but it works for now. Found a spare hose I don't use, a nozzle and air chuck, and I gave it to my neighbor "just because"... He was ecstatic to say the least.

Like I said, it's just a 11-gallon, single-cylinder pump, 1725RPM 3/4HP motor, 110v, 100PSI setup... but it's quiet and it does what he needs and better than some noisy oil-less junky Chinese compressor.

I still have the old CMan pump & 2HP motor for another project one day when I find another good tank...

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

"Just Because" You're one cool neighbor! Kudos sir.

 

[Tech89]

I just got this yesterday. Gotta get it hooked up yet.

-Pat

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[peter2772000]

Nice!!!!

 

[Xicaque]

I built my low-budget condenser out of half of an A/C A-coil. Then built a separator from scratch. Had to do something, my then-new sandblaster was otherwise useless...

PS: I installed a water separator filter at the sandblaster but never found a drop of water in it in over 12 years.


https://photos.app.goo.gl/bwM0PHoYeFP62Ty32

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oZMw2I9TxFk0Rbhy2

Very nice! Where or how can I get an AC coil?

 

[Demoes4x]

I picked up this 325 for $400 and fully restored it I absolutely love this pump.
As purchased.

After Restoration and a single phase motor swap.

 

[redmondjp]

I picked up this 325 for $400 and fully restored it I absolutely love this pump.
As purchased.

After Restoration and a single phase motor swap.

For whatever reason, the links aren't showing up in the post (at least, not for me), although I know that they are there, and they do show and work in the notification email.

I've got a 325 myself with a really nice TEFC 3-phase motor - I'm going to do a Steelman single-phase conversion on it (basically you turn it into a two-phase motor, and simulate the second phase by shifting it from the first using a bunch of motor run capacitors) even though I have a 7.5HP single-phase motor that I could use (different size, shaft diameter) which would require a new pulley.

 

[dkmc]

Nope no see linky
But they did own in the notify email

Holy fluck that's gloss black!
What kind of paint?
I think you may be in violation of the OSHA
max gloss limit on compressor tanks there.
Nice job!!

 

[peter2772000]

Very nice! Where or how can I get an AC coil?

Try your local HVAC outfit. When replacing outdoor residential units, the indoor A-coil usually needs to be replaced as it can't handle the higher pressures of the newer refrigerants. The old ones are usually brought in for the weight in copper/aluminum. I'm sure the contractor would let you have it for a coupla bucks

 

[smalltown]

Demoes4x hope this helps. Too much work on your part to not show it here.

smalltown

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I picked up this 325 for $400 and fully restored it I absolutely love this pump.

Beautiful job and the 'King' shocks sticker colors goes nicely...but personally, I vote for a 'Quincy' sticker instead...but that just me.

I too am a big fan of the QR-25 model 325 pump. I installed an hour meter on my 325 shop pump, which now has 1056 hours on it and has never given me an issue...and it's quiet.

 

[Demoes4x]

For whatever reason, the links aren't showing up in the post (at least, not for me), although I know that they are there, and they do show and work in the notification email.

I've got a 325 myself with a really nice TEFC 3-phase motor - I'm going to do a Steelman single-phase conversion on it (basically you turn it into a two-phase motor, and simulate the second phase by shifting it from the first using a bunch of motor run capacitors) even though I have a 7.5HP single-phase motor that I could use (different size, shaft diameter) which would require a new pulley.

Sounds like you know your way around these motors, well at least on the electrical aspect make sure to post some pics of the Steelman and a write up perhaps on the conversion I still have my 3-phase 5HP I'd like to use. Thanks

Nope no see linky
But they did own in the notify email

Holy fluck that's gloss black!
What kind of paint?
I think you may be in violation of the OSHA
max gloss limit on compressor tanks there.
Nice job!!

Thanks, That's a Gloss Black Powder Coat on the Tank from a local shop and Gloss Black Rustolium Spray paint on the pump I picked up at Lowes.

Demoes4x hope this helps. Too much work on your part to not show it here.


smalltown

Smalltown, Thanks a million bud, I tried everything and had to step away from my laptop a couple of times so I wouldn't smash it against the wall.

Beautiful job and the 'King' shocks sticker colors goes nicely...but personally, I vote for a 'Quincy' sticker instead...but that just me.

I too am a big fan of the QR-25 model 325 pump. I installed an hour meter on my 325 shop pump, which now has 1056 hours on it and has never given me an issue...and it's quiet.

Thanks, I actually looking for the Quincy decal for my compressor but not having any luck with the correct size if anyone knows where to find one please let me know.

 

[peter2772000]

You guys got me thinking with this 3-phase conversion.

Would anybody need/want to not only convert a 3-phase motor to run on single-phase, but also allow rpm control? I ask because in my business, we deal with a lot of VFD (variable frequency drives) used to control the speed of commercial restaurant exhaust systems. It converts single phase to three phase with the added bonus of controlling the Hertz for speed.

Not trying to sell anything, just wondering if that would be a viable option for an air-compressor. I imagine it couldn't hurt, I'd be playing with the damn thing all the time...

 

[EOC_Jason]

There's been a few compressor threads where people mounted VFDs. One guy the VFD auto adjust based on how much the pressure level was, the lower it went the faster the pump ran to try and make up the difference.

 

[redmondjp]

Sounds like you know your way around these motors, well at least on the electrical aspect make sure to post some pics of the Steelman and a write up perhaps on the conversion I still have my 3-phase 5HP I'd like to use. Thanks

When (and it's been a few years already, LOL) I get around to this project, I'll definitely create a new thread here on the project. If you want to know more about it, this thread will get you started:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/v...-3-phase-single-phase-steelman-method-274956/

It takes a bit of work, and you have to be able to get into the motor windings and separate one leg out from the wye point of the stator windings (unless your motor has a connection box where this connection is made). The rest is easier - just buying basic electrical parts and connecting them together.

 

[peter2772000]

There's been a few compressor threads where people mounted VFDs. One guy the VFD auto adjust based on how much the pressure level was, the lower it went the faster the pump ran to try and make up the difference.

Smart idea. I think I'll see if I have a used VFD lying around and have some fun. Especially with my Costco ""5HP" 3450rpm special, it'd be quieter...

 

[engnerdan]

You guys got me thinking with this 3-phase conversion.

Would anybody need/want to not only convert a 3-phase motor to run on single-phase, but also allow rpm control? I ask because in my business, we deal with a lot of VFD (variable frequency drives) used to control the speed of commercial restaurant exhaust systems. It converts single phase to three phase with the added bonus of controlling the Hertz for speed.

Not trying to sell anything, just wondering if that would be a viable option for an air-compressor. I imagine it couldn't hurt, I'd be playing with the damn thing all the time...

I am actually planning on doing this with my rotary screw compressor when the factory warranty runs out. Then I can sell off the rotary phase converter I have. I am looking at an Invertek 4kW Inverter 1 phase 240V in, 3 phase 240V out, ODE-3-320153-1042, unit for $506.67. For my compressor I will have to do some work to rewire it and fool the controller into thinking the Wye-Delta starter is still working.

One advantage is I will be able to drop the motor speed when the compressor is in the unloaded state, and save some power consumption.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Invertek-4...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

[ksJoe]

After resurrecting an old Sears compressor too many times I decided to buy something that should outlive me. I spent a lot of time in this thread and others when I was deciding what I wanted. I thought I'd sign up and post pictures, in case anyone wants to copy anything.

I got a QT-5, which does not come with power cord, switch, regulator. So I set it up how I wanted. I use it to blow out my sprinklers and my gutters, so I got a high flow (140 CFM) Speedaire regulator. Everything is 3/4" to the crow-foot (jackhammer hose) connection. The regulator and gauges are at eye level, so its easy to see and adjust. I made the base so it sits low to the ground, and the wheels are far apart (the front wheels reach out further than the back, so it goes up against the wall). I added the switch, LEDs to indicate if its off/on, the hour meter, and switched outlet for the tank drain. The hose reel swings a full 180 degrees to go wherever its getting pulled, or tuck out of the way.

https://imgur.com/9GCw8Oa
https://imgur.com/ppj8kiD
https://imgur.com/JiNcJUy
https://imgur.com/En1gNNf
https://imgur.com/ZASGeoI

 

[phoenix5x]

This is my old kellogg American from the cincinnati brake shoe company. I purchased this new Quincy 7.5HP 80 gal compressor to replace it. I have outgrown the kellogg in my shop and it just cant keep up

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

 

[Lu-Max]

Finally, a gauge that I will be able to read from the other side of the shop!