Compressor build

[sam_i02]

One of the tools I am dreaming of having is my garage - one of the many obsessions I have developed thanks to this site, is an old-school low rpm compressor sitting in the corner of my shop going chug-chug-chug while I go about my business in the shop.

I am thinking something around 20-30 gallons that will allow the use of an impact wrench, air-gun and occasionally sand blast small parts that I am restoring.

I have seeing quite a few for sale in my area, but they all have something wrong with them. Cant build pressure, too loud, too big...etc.. What I have lately been thinking about it building my own using parts from different units.

You may have seen my other post, but this is what I have to work with: a new 21 gallon tank, pressure relief valve, unloader valve and a control system (pressure switch). I am thinking I will not use the integrated motor and head of this Central Pneumatic unit - sounds real ****** and loud + doesn't compress past 80 psi
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157246

I have the option to get this head for my use (picture attached) for about $30. See head sitting to left of the Brunner compressor - BTW, the Brunner compressor is not mine - just something I looked at today. What I will need to do is go to my local Tractor Supply Store and pick up a motor and a belt+ pulley to mate them together. The 3 piston head will probably need to be rebuilt I am sure.

What do you all think. Is this a good idea? Another thing I like is that since space if very limited (one car garage), I can customize the form factor of the compressor I cobble together to fit in the space I have.

Your thoughts welcome

 

[fordbroncodave]

what I would do is leave the current setup alone (get rings and reeds for it if it needs them) and build a platform next to the compressor and house a horizontal shaft briggs engine and that 3 piston pump together. if you have a power outage you can kick the briggs on and still continue working

 

[kbs2244]

I think you are going in the right direction.

Remember, there is no law that says the pump and tank have to be together.
I have put the tank in the rafters (with a pull string for the drain valve going into a hose aimed outside) while I had the pump sitting under the bench.
It kept both of them out of the way in a small shop.

 

[cyamaha2007]

Ive also uncoupled my compressor, tank in the rafters and compressor/motor on a bracket on the wall.

 

[sam_i02]

Thanks for the feedback. I am going thru with the idea.
In the meantime, I have found a friend of a friend, who has put together an old school compressor and may be up for selling it since he is moving to the opposite coast (British Columbia). Meeting with him this week and may be able to work out a deal if I like what he has done. Will update you all later in the week.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Building your own compressor isn't rocket science, just make sure you get the pump rotation correct. Also make sure you have your safety valves!

Even if you buy a regular setup you can always modify things like the pulley / flywheel to get lower RPMs.

One thing people don't realize is it's the air intake that makes most of the noise. You can get silencers to reduce the noise considerably.

 

[larry_g]

If buying that head be sure that you know the ratings of the pump. Min and Max speed and the power required to run it at your selected speed. rebuild the head before buying the motor so that you can confirm you have a good head and all parts to rebuild it. Be a shame to buy a motor only to find the compressor head is trashed and not rebuildable.

good luck

lg
no neat sig line

 

[sam_i02]

Building your own compressor isn't rocket science, just make sure you get the pump rotation correct. Also make sure you have your safety valves!

Even if you buy a regular setup you can always modify things like the pulley / flywheel to get lower RPMs.

One thing people don't realize is it's the air intake that makes most of the noise. You can get silencers to reduce the noise considerably.

Absolutely agree on safety valves. Good info on the the intake silencer and pulley mods. Thanks

If buying that head be sure that you know the ratings of the pump. Min and Max speed and the power required to run it at your selected speed. rebuild the head before buying the motor so that you can confirm you have a good head and all parts to rebuild it. Be a shame to buy a motor only to find the compressor head is trashed and not rebuildable.

good luck

This is what I will do, if taking this route. Cheers!