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My Compressor Project
- Thread starter Stephenw
- Start date
TNToy
Well-known member
That's the nice thing about this board...
On most other forums, people would reply with 'why didn't you just buy a new, working one?' in a confused post.
We're smarter (dumber?) than that over here.
On most other forums, people would reply with 'why didn't you just buy a new, working one?' in a confused post.
We're smarter (dumber?) than that over here.
Where did you get the valve from? Any one have a good setup to muffle the air sound when draining the tank?
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The valve came with the tank. Most places that sell compressors also have some replacement parts on the shelf. Try Home Depot or Lowes.
Online sources...
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRHM
http://www.mcmaster.com/
That's the nice thing about this board...
On most other forums, people would reply with 'why didn't you just buy a new, working one?' in a confused post.
We're smarter (dumber?) than that over here.
This project was done in stages. First it was the pump on an a smaller tank. Then it was a larger drive pulley for the motor to get the full rated pump speed. Then there was the discovery that a 14.5 amp, 3 horsepower motor cannot turn the pump at full speed. Then I picked up a real 5 hp motor. Then the search was on for a larger tank to replace the 30 gallon vertical.
I think I'm into it for around $550. The compressors everyone is selling for around $450 are not comparable. Despite whatever lies they put on the spec. sheet, they cannot produce the volume of air that this one does.
Looks good! Now all you have to do is make a nice and safe belt guard for it.
I made a new one for my compressor out of sheet metal and expanded metal. The construction pictures are in my shop build. Didn't take too long to make and they really are safer with one....
William...
I made a new one for my compressor out of sheet metal and expanded metal. The construction pictures are in my shop build. Didn't take too long to make and they really are safer with one....
William...
eschoendorff
Well-known member
My initial thoughts exactly... but still, it's quite nice.
Stephen,
Great thread! I'm thinking about "upgrading" my compressor, so I have a few questions:
- How well did it work with the 30 gallon tank? Reason I ask is that I'll be starting my project with a crapped out Craftsman 30-gal.... reed valve in the pump is shot, and I'm not sure it's worth spending the time and money to fix it just so I can flip it on Craigslist. It might be worth more to me to harvest the tank, pressure switch, fittings, etc. (I have a 4-wire 240v circuit, so I think the switch would work?)
- How do you tension the belts?
- Where did you find the motor pulley?
Thanks,
Ed
Great thread! I'm thinking about "upgrading" my compressor, so I have a few questions:
- How well did it work with the 30 gallon tank? Reason I ask is that I'll be starting my project with a crapped out Craftsman 30-gal.... reed valve in the pump is shot, and I'm not sure it's worth spending the time and money to fix it just so I can flip it on Craigslist. It might be worth more to me to harvest the tank, pressure switch, fittings, etc. (I have a 4-wire 240v circuit, so I think the switch would work?)
- How do you tension the belts?
- Where did you find the motor pulley?
Thanks,
Ed
burger said:
The pump has a high enough output that it would keep up even with high demand air tools if it had no tank at all. A larger tank increases the time between compressor starts.
burger said:
The motor plate is slotted.
burger said:
http://www.mcmaster.com/
JimmyM
Well-known member
very nicely done and in a neat and organized fashion, it looks as though you'll get many years out it.
This is my first time reading this thread. Don't know how I missed it before. Nice work and picts.
Are tanks something you can safely buy used without having to worry about major damage? How do you inspect the inside when you buy it?
Are tanks something you can safely buy used without having to worry about major damage? How do you inspect the inside when you buy it?
You have to use your best judgement. Drain the tank and see how much rust comes out. Check the outside. If the outside is beat up and rusted, the inside is probably in poor condition as well. A new tank alone costs what you would pay for a complete new compressor.
Stephen,
Thanks a lot for the reply. I feel a little silly asking about how you adjust the tension -- looking at the picture of the motor, those slots are there clear as day! I was hoping you had a different source for the pulley than McMaster though! As convenient as those guys are, they certainly aren't the cheapest.
Thanks again,
Ed
Thanks a lot for the reply. I feel a little silly asking about how you adjust the tension -- looking at the picture of the motor, those slots are there clear as day! I was hoping you had a different source for the pulley than McMaster though! As convenient as those guys are, they certainly aren't the cheapest.
Thanks again,
Ed