help with a compressor

[sickboi55]

i just found a curtis compressor with the es-30 pump, and baldor 3 phase 3 hp motor. i dont know if it works, and i know i cant use the motor. BUT the pump alone goes for 900.00, and i can get the compressor for 40.00. my thought is if it needs a few parts (plumbing it will need), and i get a new motor, for 40.00 id still be making out. thoughts?
also, what should i look for as far as tank and pump condition with running.

 

[930dreamer]

You can use the motor, if you make a rotary phase converter.Does the pump turn freely and make compression. Tanks are always iffy. Older tanks were made with heavier steel. Some say a tank will leak before it explodes. Can you post some pictures. Don't get rid of the motor. I run a 5hp 3 phase Champion on 240v in my shop.

 

[sickboi55]

 

[sickboi55]

so i bought it, 60 bucks. the tank has some gunk on the bottom (rust or oil im not sure, but how can i clean it?). is that a big deal. pump turns free and with the air filters off and my hand over each of the 3 intakes, it ***** in pretty hard. about the phase converter, i have no way of knowing if the motor is good, although i have no reason to think it is bad.
30 gal tank and some fancy looking stuff inside the box on it which i have no idea what it is.
i think after spending a few bucks on it i will make out, just may even run a blaster. hopefully anyway.

 

[930dreamer]

Looks like a nice compressor. Do you have a 240v plug in the garage/shop?

 

[sickboi55]

no, but i have an extension for my 220v welder. thoughts? new motor or converter?

 

[wineslob]

If you don't mind spending about $200 or so, you can go the freq drive route.

 

[sickboi55]

freq drive route?

 

[930dreamer]

I don't know much about VFD(variable Freq Drives) Look at the link for info

http://www.driveswarehouse.com/Drives/AC+Drives/Variable+Torque+VFD/X200-022NFU.html

The best bet if you want to try a RPC(Rotary Phase Converter) is find a 7.5 hp 3 phase motor with the pulley(I don't know how easy to find 6 hp) so 7.5 hp are very common. Wire up the 7.5 hp motor to your 240v circuit, use the low voltage diagram on the motor plate, some people can use a piece of rope around the motor pulley and spin.

Then flip the 240v breaker on, and see if the idler motor will start. I use a pony motor and a belt to get the idler going to full speed then turn on. This will cut your inrush amps. I have a 50 amp circuit and can start a 10 hp idler motor no problem.

If you can get this far, and want to go farther you have some options.

What state are you in?

 

[sickboi55]

i am in washington, but right now with not having 220v in my garage, and only using an extension cord i dont think a phase converter is my best bet. soooo,what should i look for as far as a good 3hp 220v 1 phase motor.

 

[930dreamer]

You will need to look for a motor that will allow the use of your old motor pulley if possible. Look on ebay or at a surplus store for a 3hp 1 phase motor that is rated for an air compressor. The motor shaft size is important if you need to buy another pulley. 930

 

[jm1fd]

i am in washington, but right now with not having 220v in my garage, and only using an extension cord i dont think a phase converter is my best bet. soooo,what should i look for as far as a good 3hp 220v 1 phase motor.

Well...if you want the single phase motor to bolt right up with no issues, look for something with the same HP ratings in a 182T frame size.

See on the 3 phase motor label where it says frame? That's a standard number that specifies all the dimensions of the motor, from the mounting holes in the base, to the shaft size and length.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Also, check the required rotation direction (3 phase motors can go either way) and R.P.M.