Used Curtis compressor

[Marinegrunt]

I had posted last week asking questions about buying an old used Wayne compressor and got some helpful replies. Well, I passed it up after some advice. I'm glad I did and ended up finding a Curtis E-50 for $300. It's a 3 cylinder and I believe a 2 stage. The tank is dated 1981 and is an 80 gallon. It is a 3 phase so will have to get either a converter or new 1 phase motor. It has a 5 hp on it now. This thing ought to be much better than my 2 hp 33 gallon Craftsman. I have ran the **** out of it tho and is probably 12 years old. Put a ring on it once and that's it. It has just never been big enough for what I used it for.

Which route should I go? A new Baldor 5 hp is about $400. Are there any benefits to using the 3 phase motor and a converter?

Can anyone let me know if it is in fact a 2 stage? Anyone know the cfm's or is it the same as the newer similar compressors? I think it's around 20?

Thanks

 

[mattblast]

It's a two stage. You have two low pressure cylinders feeding a single high pressure cylinder. Then the high pressure feeds into the tank.

There is an intercooler connecting the low to high pressure.

You got a good deal on this. I would recommend a single phase motor and a starter. The starter is about another $100.

 

[md21722]

Look on eBay to the compressor shops & motor wholesalers for 5HP motors, or a WEG from Zoro with a coupon. Should be closer to $300 for an ODP. Pay more an get a TEFC if you are using it in a dusty/dirty environment where the motor is sucking in dust all the time. Definite purpose single phase starters are around $130 for Square D from Pacific Air Compressors. Don't get the motor from Pacific Air, they don't like to ship them. Here is a manual you might want to save http://www.k2dt.com/library_files/2404.pdf. 5HP dual stage are generally around 15.8-18 CFM depending on pump. Yours is probably on the higher end.

 

[marinusdees]

A general statement, but compressors in general do not like phase converters. Looks like a two stage to me.

 

[redmondjp]

Definitely get a true 5HP motor and a NEMA motor starter for it.

 

[AJ1978]

You found a very nice unit! As the other said buy a true 5 ho motor! Take your time set it up right! Maybe throw a knife style disconnect on wall by the unit!
Auto tank drain!

Nice score

 

[Marinegrunt]

Thanks for the info and advice. I'll definitely get a true 5 hp along with a starter. Now, what brand motor? It came with the 3 phase Baldor. I need one with 1725 rpm's so they all seem to be comparable in price at around $350- $400. I'm leaning towards Baldor because they seem to be one of the better and made here. I guess everyone has their opinion on that tho. Besides the 5 hp and 184t frame are there any other numbers or certain models I should be looking at or will they all be the same? I'm anxious to get it up and running for the extra air and the noise reduction compared to my Craftsman. My gosh is that thing loud.

A knife style disconnect is a good idea. An auto drain would be handy too.

 

[md21722]

Nothing wrong with Baldor. L1410T/L1430T are 184T 1725RPM ODP here is one for $295 shipped.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-HP-1725-R...RESSOR-ELECTRIC-MOTOR-FR-L1430T-/172495076544

 

[AJ1978]

I am not sure on the noise level of the Curtis, but about 10 years ago I was looking at one when I was outfitting the garage at the house. If I recall it was a pretty good deal, and seemed like it would last. I did not buy it, nothing against the Curtis, but I found a Champion for about 800.00 and It was barely used.
You will like it, spend the time, plumb it right, wire it right, set up your auto drain, and then use it. Its easier to do it all at once and have it right.

 

[Marinegrunt]

Thanks for all the help. I just ordered a Baldor and the Square D nema 1 magnetic starter. I believe I'm correct with the nema 1. Both should be here Thursday.

I'm sure I'll need some help wiring the starter up. Might be able to find something online tho.

The guy was also selling a Idealarc 3xr plasma cutter for $125. He sold that the phone call before me.

Think I can get anything out of the 3 phase motor?

 

[AJ1978]

I am sure with pics we can help you mount up that starter.

I have mounted the starters to the flat plate on top of the tank, like where yours is bolted. I drill and bolt a piece of uni-strut onto it then using spring nuts I mount the starter box to the uni strut. You can use SJO or I had some seal tite conduit around and did them with thhn (stranded) wire. Makes a nice clean set up.

The 3 phase motor and getting anything from it, well depends. I had 2 sitting around that I finally scrapped as I never got a taker on them.

 

[md21722]

If you go to the Electrical sub forum there are pictures of Square D starters and installs. Or we can help here. I have 2 in my shop. As AJ1978 says, depends on takers in your area. I had 1970's GE 5 HP TEFC explosion proof that a guy wanted for his drill press or lathe. It sold within 3 hours of listing and the sale was completed the next day at noon. So you can try craigslist and see what happens, and scrap it if needed.

As far as mounting the mag start, I was initially concerned about reinforcement, but I found that the way Champion did it works fine. Two screws in the bottom. Since the tanks are on vibration pads, they really don't vibrate and everything is nice and secure. I used Alumaflex and ran THHN wire from the starter to the motor. Seal tite/liqu-tite/SJO/SO would work too.