Making an air compressor

[1930artdeco]

Quick how to question. I have a 12 gal Speed Air compressor-2cyl single stage. The motor is currently 110 but can go 220.

How hard is it to move the pump and motor to say 30-60 gal tank? Obviously I would have to replumb it and rewire for 220. But will the pump handle something that large? Or will it burn up trying to fill it? Anything else I should be aware of?

I am just looking for for more volume so I can paint small things and the occasional fender/hood etc. maybe run some air tools longer than a few seconds before the pump kicks back on.

 

[GeoBruin]

Quick how to question. I have a 12 gal Speed Air compressor-2cyl single stage. The motor is currently 110 but can go 220.

How hard is it to move the pump and motor to say 30-60 gal tank? Obviously I would have to replumb it and rewire for 220. But will the pump handle something that large? Or will it burn up trying to fill it? Anything else I should be aware of?

I am just looking for for more volume so I can paint small things and the occasional fender/hood etc. maybe run some air tools longer than a few seconds before the pump kicks back on.

There are plenty of factory 2 - 3 horsepower 60 gallon compressors out there making 7 - 10 CFM. That doesn't answer your question directly, but it tells you that manufacturers aren't affraid to do it. I don't see a problem. Its no different than running the small tank compressor continuously when trying tk keep up with a big job.

 

[cvairwerks]

Even simpler, wye off the output and add a second tank. Install a shutoff valve for the second tank so that you only fill it when needed.

 

[impactims]

Rotary screw compressor. No more noise.

Build the compressor shed like a small garage. Foundation, 2x4 framing, sheathing, Hardie siding, trusses, more sheathing, shingles, gutters, door…

 

[1930artdeco]

Thanks, there is a 50 gal Wayne compressor (no motor) for sale near me for $50. I thought I would just plumb my little tank into the big one and **** volume. I would build a little shed outside and wire and plumb them into the garage and I will be off and running.

The nice thing about my Speed Aire is that it is actually really quiet as is. It will sit there and chuf along all day. Now I have to figure out how to get the thing into my truck so I can get it home.

 

[cannuck]

You must first understand that other than for very short run time jobs the tank volume is irrelevant. You need enough compressor volume to feed things that run more than a short time. Painting a hood or fender is NOT a small job. You need to compare not only CFM rating of compressor vs. tools but also the duty cycle - as running constantly may be outside of your compressor and motor's ability to cool.

Also, the standard GJ answer is to just buy a screw - usually mentioned in jest. I have a pair of commercial 2 HP screws that I bought at auction for a couple hundred dollars that can run 24 x 7. Watch auctions and commercial sale sites and you just might get lucky. At the other extreme I have set up a dry air supply meant for continuous flow that uses a 5HP screw, refrigerated primary dryer and automatic regen dessicant on a skid and that was a $15k bill.

 

[1930artdeco]

Cannuck, thank you for the info. I obviously don't know a whole lot about compressors-a little but not a lot. There is a rotary compressor near by for 1400 (hydrovane 7 series). But I don't believe it has a tank-which I assume it needs-unless it can turn on and off in a heart beat. I will keep looking. If the Wayne compressor is still good I may move my motor to it and use it.

 

[rsanter]

The issue is that as you go to a larger compressor tank, the manufacturer also go to a ****** compressor pump (and generally needs a bigger motor).

There is storage capacity (tank size) and there is cfm capacity of the pump.
Odds are if you are putting that on a bigger tank, the compressor will run almost constantly and the pump may not be capable of that higher duty cycle.

If you occasionally need more air capacity for say painting a hood or spraying a piece of furniture, then you can add a secondary tank for the added capacity. You will need to let the compressor charge the tank and then you can do your spraying.
If however as you are doing to job the compressor comes back on then odds are you will experience a loss of pressure and that will effect your spray pattern.

Your compressor will need to be able to not only keep up with but slightly exceed your air demand in order for this to work

 

[isb cornbinder]

Even simpler, wye off the output and add a second tank. Install a shutoff valve for the second tank so that you only fill it when needed.

You were doing well until you complicated the answer with "add a second tank. Install a shutoff valve for the second tank."

 

[1930artdeco]

Looking at the comp. On my tank and I am thinking I may need a bigger pump as you all have mentioned. Fortunately I am not in a hurry. There are some larger compressors for sale in the area. Although, some prices for them…….

 

[GeoBruin]

Here are link to Air Compressors Direct showing 21 models representing a number of different manufacturers all of which are single stage, have 3ish horsepower motors, and make 10ish CFM with 60 gallon tanks.

I'm not recommending this route (in fact, I believe adding an auxiliary tank is the best approach), but it's just a data point.

Single-Stage Air Compressors | Fergusonhome.com

Shop Single-Stage Air Compressors on Ferguson Home

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

 

[micromind]

If the Speedaire pump is 2 cylinder V type, it is most likely made by Champion. These are some of the best small pumps ever made and will easily pump up an 80 gallon tank to 150 PSI.

 

[Shoreline_]

You mean Campbell hausfield

 

[micromind]

You mean Campbell hausfield

The Campbell/Hausfield pumps have both cylinders in the same casting, right next to each other. The Champions have the two cylinders separate from each other in a V configuration.

The Champions run much cooler than the C/H ones mainly because each cylinder is cooled separately.

 

[Shoreline_]

The Campbell/Hausfield pumps have both cylinders in the same casting, right next to each other. The Champions have the two cylinders separate from each other in a V configuration.

The Champions run much cooler than the C/H ones mainly because each cylinder is cooled separately.

Edit

Oh that's actually a Gardner Denver design. When GD bought Champion, they put their commandair pump under the Champion brand.

 

[1930artdeco]

Ok, here is what I got (only paid $50 so not out that much). A 50 gal tank with a Wayne compressor-2 stage. The PO let it sit outside I am guessing by the amount of water I dump out of the compressor. Not sure if it is rebuild able or not. If it is I know the quality will be better than a lot of the newer stuff. If everything is bad I will see what I can get at the local scrap yard. On the bright side she still seems to compress.

Drained the tank and yep water came out. Not as much as the pump though. I will be looking for a place to hydro it before I use it that is for sure!

 

[The Cobbler]

depends on how deep the water is if it will hurt anything (probably)
If it hasn't reached the crank journals or bearings it should be fine

 

[1930artdeco]

It seems, (but this is an eye ball guess) like a lot of water was in the crankcase. But I would have to open it up to find out. I need to get it on a bench first and it weights about 100+ lbs. so will need an another pair of hands.

 

[1930artdeco]

Where would I locate the serial/Model # on the pump?