Compressor Score $50

[timbuk2]

I just picked up this compressor the other night for $50 from a nice guy cleaning out his uncles house. It runs and builds pressure. The motor is a 3/4hp GE, the pump has a serial number and some markings but no brand name, by all appearances it was home built. I'd like to figure out if possible if the tank is safe and usable, rewire it, and clean and maintain it.

Any suggestions on determining what it might need, valve cleaning, new pressure switch, gauges, a larger motor?

Any guess on the make of the pump?

 

[Roberts210]

It's a cool looking compressor, but personally I'd put it on a new tank. If you've ever seen pictures of an old compressor tank exploding, you'd agree.

 

[timbuk2]

Agreed! I have seen the youtube videos. I'm exploring the options, tanks are not cheap.
tim

 

[930dreamer]

I'd make sure the air compressor tank relief valve is new and working properly. A used tank from Craigslist should be easy to locate.

 

[Karl's Garage]

It's a cool looking compressor, but personally I'd put it on a new tank. If you've ever seen pictures of an old compressor tank exploding, you'd agree.

Good Advice!

 

[Jazz1]

Very nice. You could likely find a pooched compressor to salvage a newer tank from. The tank would be my concern as well as relief valve. The casters are very heavy duty. Look like the ones on my freight cart that generally has 600 lbs on and rolls easily.

 

[Derek420]

It looks cool to me hell of a contraption compared to a new one the tank might be okay as long as you put a new relief valve on her, just because the tanks old don't make it a bad one.. Just give her a test but stand back lol...

 

[timbuk2]

Looking around at new tanks, they are pretty pricey and as I have read by the time I get a tank and set it up with new hardware etc I may be equal to or have more into it then just buying a new one. Totally defeats the purpose, I would like to use this as is for what it is but the risk is nothing to fool around with. I don't know enough to say this pump set up correctly on a new tank would out perform a new one. I'll keep looking and maybe someone can help me figure it out. There is always the coffee table base I always wanted.

ideas?

 

[Jazz1]

I see new compressors at scrapyard frequently. That's where I would be picking up a tank for less than $20. Lots of big box store compressors have issues shortly after the 1 year warranty expires.

 

[2oolhound]

The new tanks I'm seeing on the off shore compressors are really thin metal. I bet that one is still stronger than a lot of new ones. I'd put a long string on the release valve and let er rip up to 200 lb or so. Then release the pressure and set the pressure switch to 135 or so (these figures depend on what you need from it).

It's a nice looking unit, love the back wheels and big flywheel!

 

[Alchymist]

The new tanks I'm seeing on the off shore compressors are really thin metal. I bet that one is still stronger than a lot of new ones. I'd put a long string on the release valve and let er rip up to 200 lb or so. Then release the pressure and set the pressure switch to 135 or so (these figures depend on what you need from it).

It's a nice looking unit, love the back wheels and big flywheel!

That better be a heck of a long string - say 1/4 mile perhaps!