Seeking info on the Keystone brand air compressors. I picked up a 2-cylinder, 1.5 hp, approximately 60-80 gallon today. I'd guess its at least 50 years old, maybe more. No idea as to the functionality yet, I figure I'll check it out slowly before investing heavily. But the actual compressor has a vintage "fillin' station" character, so I'd like to put it back into service. Appreciate any insights.
Keystone Aircompressor
- Thread starter Gunpilot
- Start date
G_P
Well-known member
Can you post up some pics of it? Especially pics of the pump.
Yes,
I'll post some photos in the next day or so. Sorry for the delayed response, I was out of town. It's on the back of my pickup truck now. Too heavy to unload without a forklift or a few good healthy assistants.
According to the previous owner, most recently this thing was used as an air source for semi-truck tires.
The motor runs and the compressor is free, it actually works, but I do need to replace the switch and several fittings to make it 100%. I'm hoping due to the tank volume that I can allow it to provide a steady source of 100 psi working pressure for general air tools and such.
Photos attached. Hopefully these came through. I'm just trying to identify it for now. Later this weekend I'll give it a function check. I think you can see from the photos I'll have to repair a couple of the pipe connections and perhaps swap the switch out. These items were damaged during the loading and off loading in a previous move.
Sorry, I uploaded the photos before I realized a few were upside down.
Sorry, I uploaded the photos before I realized a few were upside down.
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G_P
Well-known member
Thats a cool looking compressor! Its a 2 stage. Doesn't seem to be too much info on the web about them.
It should serve your needs just fine as long as its working correctly. Check the tank for rot though. Hopefully the previous owner drained it regularly.
It should serve your needs just fine as long as its working correctly. Check the tank for rot though. Hopefully the previous owner drained it regularly.
Thanks,
Yea, it is really cool looking, and it's a beast too. I'll have to get a measurement on the pulley's, but from the looks of it with a 1740rpm motor I believe it'll run relatively slow and quiet.
I really haven't found any information about it yet. It seems kinda odd that there isn't much to be found given the size and heft, I would have guessed it was a success and widely available.
Yea, the tank is a concern. It doesn't have any obvious evidence of rot, but given the age it wouldn't surprise me. The drain petcock on the bottom has evidence of much use, but is damaged also, so I really have no idea of the ultimate condition. If it isn't completely shot, I'll patch minor stuff if necessary.
This compressor will essentially sidetrack another one I was collecting pieces to return to service. It is a Dayton from around the late 20's to early 30's. I'll still get it going someday, but it needs work on the main crankshaft babbet or bearings before I could use it.
Keep me in mind if you stumble on to any information on the Keystone. I have other projects diverting my attention, so it'll be a slow process but I'll post updates as they are available.
brassspike
Well-known member
I just found one of these still running. It has a slight knock but it still builds air PDQ. I have only found a small amount of information on these compressors on the mighty internet. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!