Smallest pad for compressor?

[Jason280]

I need to mount a compressor in my barn, which will in turn feed the shop attached to it. I want to pour a small pad to bolt the compressor to, but not sure how big it really needs to be. I'll be using 80lb bags of Quickrete and forming it myself, and certainly don't want to have to mix any more than necessary.

A 4x3' pad at 4" will require 7x bags, so the poured base will weigh (at a minimum) 560lbs (not sure how much water weight is added when mixed). A 3x3' will be at least 480lbs + water weight, think it would be plenty for a 60gal vertical compressor?

 

[Moosefire66]

I didn't read anything you wrote, just wanted to check out your pic

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[AndyCBR]

Don't bolt your compressor to concrete. Use hockey pucks, a pallet, a wood base, or cushion pads.

Bolting it tight to the concrete will cause fatigue failures from vibration in the legs or tank eventually.

I think the pad is a good idea (you can't just set it on the dirt) but just don't bolt it down tight.

 

[bczygan]

I can't concentrate on my answer either.....

 

[Jason280]

Don't bolt your compressor to concrete. Use hockey pucks, a pallet, a wood base, or cushion pads

I'll be using cushion pads under the feet, I did the same thing with my IR 80 gal compressor.

 

[AndyCBR]

I'll be using cushion pads under the feet, I did the same thing with my IR 80 gal compressor.

Sounds good, seems like the 3x3 pad would be plenty. Save your back.

 

[Bigbandguy]

Why not a precast HVAC outside unit pad? Seems like that would do the trick and would be easier and possibly cheaper than casting one. My Generac Generator is happy sitting on a pad made of the thinner solid concrete blocks. Even that should be fine with maybe a plywood top and or/ pucks.

 

[Jason280]

Why not a precast HVAC outside unit pad? Seems like that would do the trick and would be easier and possibly cheaper than casting one. My Generac Generator is happy sitting on a pad made of the thinner solid concrete blocks. Even that should be fine with maybe a plywood top and or/ pucks.

Hmmmm, never thought of that...how much do they generally cost?

 

[Jason280]

I just looked at the compressor again, and it will absolutely need some sort of riser blocks under the feet. There is literally no room to run a small piece of pipe and 90* fitting to make an easily accessible drain, so I"ll have to fab up some sort of risers to use.

 

[Stever60]

You likely can use the precast pad as mentioned. Excavtate by hand a few inches and any loose material. Back fill the spot with small gravel - compact it a couple of times as you bring it back to level. I have my compressor on a mat and 3/4" treated plywood. That separates the feet from the slab and does a good job of vibration isolation from the slab. Regardless of how you finish your compressor foundation you may be able to support it up from finish grade with wood blocking. (Oak timbers cut to the height you need or stacked 3/4" plywood. )

 

[exranger06]

Don't bolt your compressor to concrete. Use hockey pucks, a pallet, a wood base, or cushion pads.

Bolting it tight to the concrete will cause fatigue failures from vibration in the legs or tank eventually.

I think the pad is a good idea (you can't just set it on the dirt) but just don't bolt it down tight.

I call BS on that. Why is it that every compressor manufacturer specifically recommends bolting it down and specifically recommends NOT leaving it on the pallet or just free standing? It's true you don't want to bolt it TIGHTLY, but bolting it down while leaving the bolts slightly loose is good. And using isolation pads (and still bolting it down) is a good idea.

 

[ddawg16]

Why does it have to be a solid bra, I mean pad.

How about two 8" wide *****...I mean footings about 6" high? This would give you the cleavage, I mean space underneath it to run your hands, I mean drain.....

 

[readhead]

I'm not sure why weight is an issue. For all my shop compressors we drilled holes in the concrete, tapped in a wedge anchor and didn't put the nut on.

 

[PoorOwner]

Is the barn just dirt floor?

Maybe just stake a couple of 4x4 (treated fence post ) side ways onto the ground then lag bolt the compressor on top.

It's not really going to go anywhere and you can reach underneath

 

[DIC]

Yes just bolt it to a couple pieces of 4x4s

need more pics of wife

 

[Jason280]

Is the barn just dirt floor?

Maybe just stake a couple of 4x4 (treated fence post ) side ways onto the ground then lag bolt the compressor on top.

It's not really going to go anywhere and you can reach underneath

It has gravel throughout...

 

[rburke65]

ddawg16......I'm sitting thinking the same thing .... I think maybe a...?....38 X 38 should do it....maybe Double Depth......

 

[welder4956]

I didn't read anything you wrote, just wanted to check out your pic

Uhhh....what was the question again?

 

[Jason280]

Uhhh....what was the question again?

Concrete pad size...I need something a lot like this one, but doubt they used Quickrete...

 

[ddawg16]

Concrete pad size...I need something a lot like this one, but doubt they used Quickrete...

Do you care?

 

[slow]

I like to use a swaybar endlink bushing on the top to isolate the anchor. (this are using 3/8 red head anchors, but idea could work with any.

bushings are the swaybar end links for a 1992 bonneville (about $12 for 4 at the autoparts store 3/8" hole)

 

[onewheat]

Why does it have to be a solid bra, I mean pad.

How about two 8" wide *****...I mean footings about 6" high? This would give you the cleavage, I mean space underneath it to run your hands, I mean drain.....

 

[Jason280]

Finally poured my compressor pad today. I picked up 9 bags of 80lb quickrete, but ended up only using 6 bags....pad is just shy of 12 square feet. I didn't quite make it 4" thick, but it should be more than enough for a 60gal vertical compressor. I already have my disconnect wired in, now I just have to wait for the concrete to cure enough to bolt the tank down.

I'll post a few pics once its finished.