Old Curtis Air Compressor........

[Barry Tucker]

I finally got my old Curtis air compressor running. Original post:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1156087#poststop
Being the cheap guy that I am I was waiting for a cheap motor to power it. I recently found a 5HP 1725rpm single phase for $50.00. Cheap enough for me. I could now get it working. Built in 1942,

it has what I would call a centrifugal unloader.

When the motor kicks on, the weights move by centrifugal force outward, moving a lever that closes the unloader , so the compressor can pump up. When it stops, springs move the weights back and opens the unloader .
I need to make a belt shroud and get a third belt for it. It takes less then 40 seconds for every 30 lbs of pressure to be built up. The tank is approximately 33 gallons.

Any idea how many cfms this would be putting out. The speed is about 540 rpm. I should have enough air now to fill up my vehicle tires. Regards Barry

 

[dwp99]

Very cool compressor, Mine is from 1948. I've owned it for close to 25 years. I've really done nothing to it except new belts, oil and regulator. If you look you can see where the original Curtis decal was painted over.

 

[amolaver]

can't tell you how many cfm's, but looks like you did a heck of a job getting it back in service and looking great. nice work

ahm

 

[930dreamer]

That's a cool looking compressor.

 

[dwp99]

I found some data on your compressor looks to be 15.33 cfm at 550 rpm 3hp motor or 21.17 cfm at 760 rpm 5hp motor

 

[Barry Tucker]

Thanks for the info. Regards Barry

 

[pipsters]

Thanks for the info. Regards Barry

Barry,

Time how long it takes to go from 0 PSI to cutoff PSI. What is cutoff PSI anyway?

33 gallon tank?

With that info I can get some CFMs for you.

Also time how long it takes to go from 80 to 100 PSI, I can get an estimated CFM @ 90 psi as well.

We can compare to what the new specs were. Neat compressor.

 

[Mickfire2001]

I just purchased a curtis 95 and I need a tune-up kit. Can anyone help?