Compressor Decisions

[70chevellegsp]

I bought a used 80 Gallon Speedaire Horizontal Compressor a few years back. It has a Champion R15B head and a 5HP GE motor that I just had refurbed for $100 (new start caps, switches and bearing). The head is rated at 16.7cfm @ 175. The pressure switch is set to cut-off at 125. (Came that way, and I haven't had the need for more). Anyway, I am at a crossroad. I got the compressor for $200, and was very pleased that it ran and pumped when I got it wired in. It makes plenty of air and has been excellent for my air-hog tools (HVLP gun, grinders, etc) However, it had a leak in the tank near one of the legs. It looked like a previous owner tried to repair the leg by brazing. I wasn't as knowledgeable then as am now and cut out the entire section (about 4" x 6") that was brazed (and then some), welded some 1/4" x 1 1/2" steel around the perimeter of the hole mounted on the inside of the tank, and then welded the cut piece to that and the tank. (I also cleaned out the tank very well when I had access) (I KNOW NOW IT WASN'T CORRECT TO DO THIS, SO IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE REHASHED) But it has worked without issue for the past few years that I've had it.

That's the history. I've been looking for a new air receiver to make sure my shop is safe. The problem I'm running into is that the prices are pretty high. The best I can find is $600 for a primed, 80 gallon verticle, but shipping could make it cost prohibitive. I figured if the other components are going to be as-new, I'll rebuild the pump also. (kit is $110). This unit new is selling for $2,500 today.

Questions: Has anyone purchased an air tank from an internet vendor? Does it come with the fittings for the inspection holes, etc? Could I purchase an inexpensive single stage 60 gallon compressor and mount my motor and pump? If I were to go this route, what are the thoughts on welding the top plate from my old compressor to the 'new' top plate? Also, from what I've read, I would be necking down the 'input' from the head to the tank. Would this materially effect the performance? I'm a little gun-shy of buying another used unit, since I could be in the same position and have two behemoth tanks that are unuseable. Any input???

 

[nehog]

I called a 'local' shop that specializes in air-compressors, and they gladly sold me a slightly used tank (had shipping damage, that they almost fixed the place where the motor would mount was bent, I sandwiched a piece of ply to flatten out the bend).

When they get tanks in (trades etc.) they do a hydrostatic test, and then resell 'em if someone needs a less expensive tank.

Cost effective? Absolutely! As to getting via the Internet, remember that would have shipping issues, I'd call around first and see if something is available locally.

 

[Douglas527]

I replaced the tank on my 20 gallon Campbell Hausfeld compressor a few months ago because the weld around the drain plug was leaking. I upgraded my tank to a 26 gallon tank and ordered it through http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/. It came directly from Campbell Hausfeld and shipping was only $8.99. All I had to do was unbolt everything from the old tank and bolt it to the new tank. Worked out great for me. I am not sure if toolpartsdirect.com carries Speedair parts though.

 

[larry_g]

A couple of things to consider. You do not need to mount your motor and compressor head to the tank. You can have your receiver tank plumbed into the piping system anywhere though you may loose the ability of the tank to collect condensate depending on how the piping system is arranged. You can also use a couple of smaller tanks instead of one bigger one. You can cut the mount off of the old tank and mount it under a bench or some other out of the way place.

You have options other than just replacing the existing tank with a duplicate.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[930dreamer]

I bought a new in the crate atlas copco 120 gallon receiver for $99 on ebay. If you can find one local even better.

 

[drmoonshine]

I bought a used 80 Gallon Speedaire Horizontal Compressor a few years back. It has a Champion R15B head and a 5HP GE motor that I just had refurbed for $100 (new start caps, switches and bearing). The head is rated at 16.7cfm @ 175. The pressure switch is set to cut-off at 125. (Came that way, and I haven't had the need for more). Anyway, I am at a crossroad. I got the compressor for $200, and was very pleased that it ran and pumped when I got it wired in. It makes plenty of air and has been excellent for my air-hog tools (HVLP gun, grinders, etc) However, it had a leak in the tank near one of the legs. It looked like a previous owner tried to repair the leg by brazing. I wasn't as knowledgeable then as am now and cut out the entire section (about 4" x 6") that was brazed (and then some), welded some 1/4" x 1 1/2" steel around the perimeter of the hole mounted on the inside of the tank, and then welded the cut piece to that and the tank. (I also cleaned out the tank very well when I had access) (I KNOW NOW IT WASN'T CORRECT TO DO THIS, SO IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE REHASHED) But it has worked without issue for the past few years that I've had it.

That's the history. I've been looking for a new air receiver to make sure my shop is safe. The problem I'm running into is that the prices are pretty high. The best I can find is $600 for a primed, 80 gallon verticle, but shipping could make it cost prohibitive. I figured if the other components are going to be as-new, I'll rebuild the pump also. (kit is $110). This unit new is selling for $2,500 today.

Questions: Has anyone purchased an air tank from an internet vendor? Does it come with the fittings for the inspection holes, etc? Could I purchase an inexpensive single stage 60 gallon compressor and mount my motor and pump? If I were to go this route, what are the thoughts on welding the top plate from my old compressor to the 'new' top plate? Also, from what I've read, I would be necking down the 'input' from the head to the tank. Would this materially effect the performance? I'm a little gun-shy of buying another used unit, since I could be in the same position and have two behemoth tanks that are unuseable. Any input???

I would not go the welding path unless you know what you are doing.

 

[70chevellegsp]

I would not go the welding path unless you know what you are doing.

Re-read, the path was taken a few years agoq

I called my local compressor vendor. He said he'd need a few days but feels he can source me an 80 gallon verticle. I'm hoping it's reasonable.