Sears painting compressor

[BS87]

Ok, so I recently made a thread here on DeWalt air compressors for home use. I wound up picking up the 15 gallon model with a 20% coupon and some gift cards, got a good deal.

Today I walk into my tool thrift shop and they have a 220v 2hp 20gal sears compressor that is oiled and puts out a lot more air. Only thing wrong is the output pressure guage is broken, easy fix. It runs and compresses. My problem is that it's 220v which I don't have. The shop owner is willing to convert to 110v, or I could do it. He doesn't have 220v in the shop but its 2 phase so he used a cheater cord.

A) should I grab it and return the dewalt? Its 80$!
B) should I convert it to 110 or leave it 220 for future use and use a cheater?

I took 2 pictures, didn't realize they came out so blurry. Sorry.
Thanks in advance!

 

[sselander]

That tank looks a little rusty, might want to investigate that.

I have a similar one - 220v 20gallon that I believe is from the early 80's
Mine just needed a little TLC and it is running good.

Believe it or not, I found it a couple of streets over a couple of years ago when I was walking the dog, with a free sign on it. All of the fittings were leaking air. My dad helped run a 220 line to the garage once we verified it ran.

 

[BS87]

I figure for 80$ it might be worth it

 

[theoldwizard1]

$80 is a steal ! I have one that is a bit older and had to replace the gauges. I thibk they were $10-$15 on eBay.

I don't know what you mean by a cheater, but on 120V that thing will draw over 20A !

 

[BS87]

It's actually 75$,the compressor spins free but the tank is rusty a bit, looks like surface rust but im not 100%. Can't find a manual for ot online that would have the wiring conversion, and the only diagram is on the electrical box inside showing how it should be set up from the factory (220v). Not sure if I want to take the chance on a 30+ year old compressors that I may not be able to convert to 110v or just keep the more expensive new dewalt

 

[BS87]

Wow, have to say I'm sorry, didn't realize the pictures showed that large. I was posting from my phone, my mistake guys.

I emailed Craftsman in a long shot that they have a manual for it, but I doubt it. My problem is that I live in an apartment (town-home style, so I have my own garage etc) The only 220/240V outlet is for the sleeve type A/C unit in my apartment, and I can't run one to the garage. Even the washer/dryer are 110/120V (I think on a 30amp breaker? not sure on that one).

So I could either
A) stick with the DeWalt and run it off the dryer circuit to be safe
B) Buy this and try to re-wire it to 110/120 depending on the amperage it would pull
C) Park it in my living room and run a 100' air hose
D) Find/rig up a 240V extension cord and run it about 50'

*please note options C/D are comedy options

 

[CNGsaves]

Option E:

. . . . run the Sears as 120volt with a heavy duty extension cord to your dryer 120v plug that has 30 amp breaker.

Persuade the thrift shop that compressor is awful dirty and needs a gauge or two that will cost you $20 . . . . . so you can only pay $60 . .

At that price, you'll be way ahead with that old oil-splash compressor.

Open the drain valve on tank BEFORE you buy it and see if there is water sitting in there. Also inspect bottom for any signs of rust since that compressor is an oldie. Good luck.

 

[BS87]

Option E is the same as option B My main concern with this is the old tank having weak spots, and being able to convert it to 110v