Where to put this compressor...

[giantsean]

Hi All,

Long time lurker but first time poster (long enough that I didn't realize I already had an account lol). So to business... I am the recipient of a spanking new MAT-produced Dewalt branded 80g compressor. I have a relatively new garage which is also on the large side (27x35). It has a few sets of stairs going various places, either up or out. What I'm trying to figure out now is where the ideal spot for this thing would be.

I have already wired in a disconnect in the spot I thought I might want it. It was a short run to the subpanel and the space wasn't exactly doing anything special. I was going to put it in the corner next to the stairs coming out of the house (where you can see the disconnect). That would leave a big open space on my back wall for all my benches and toolboxes etc (you can see this in the pic w/ the large staircase to the left)

Then I got to thinking... wow this space might make a good shelving area (except for the subpanel being there) or table area, or I could store long wood scraps under the stairs... or... or... Maybe this ISN'T the greatest spot for a compressor? Would it be better on the back wall?

I know it's both a) a first world problem and b) impossible to answer, but I figured it would be worth asking some professional users of garages for opinions... maybe someone will have an idea I haven't thought of yet. Also, this garage is still a relatively blank slate and the endless possibilities are a little overwhelming, so it's real easy to go nuts trying to plan out a perfect setup!

Appreciate any suggestions!

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Outside in a closet where you don't have to listen to it.

 

[matt_i]

Upstairs would be a choice if the structure can handle it.

But absent that I would try to place it between the small stair landings. That seems like a good space for cabinets or drawers and then the compressor can be next to it.

 

[coljar]

Outside in a closet where you don't have to listen to it.

Amen to that. It is in the backroom in both my garages. I hate listening to one run. My new garage is better insulated against noise.

 

[txvwnut]

Outside in a closet where you don't have to listen to it.

That’s where mine is.

 

[giantsean]

Thanks guys. Upstairs has some storage space but it's a truss roof and getting it up there would be a challenge. As for outside, unfortunately what you don't see is that this garage is built into a slope and the flat sides are occupied with either door or house. The trip to the back with a 500lb compressor would be epic to say the least, with a good chance of it rolling down an even steeper slope and ending up 50 feet away at the bottom lol. Still I'll keep that in mind and keep it on the pallet while I break it in, while seeing how loud it can be. In the worst case maybe I can make a little closet for it in that same space, and box it in with sound deadening material.

 

[solows10]

I would put it under the stairs and build a small room for it right there

 

[giantsean]

Any advice on how to get it off a pallet that is doubled up? It's a good-ish foot off the ground!

The original pic attached is actually an older compressor - I had returned the old one due to a leaking pump. Whoever built this pallet setup should be shot lol.

 

[FTG-05]

Any advice on how to get it off a pallet that is doubled up? It's a good-ish foot off the ground!

The original pic attached is actually an older compressor - I had returned the old one due to a leaking pump. Whoever built this pallet setup should be shot lol.

- Pallet forks on your tractor
- Use FEL to lift compressor, take bottom pallet off
- Same thing, except an engine lift (it's how I move/lift my 80 gallon franken-pressor)

No tractor, then an engine lift should be easy to find/buy/borrow. I got mine off of CL for $150-$200 or so. They're on their all the time.

I would take off the bottom pallet, but leave the top one (the one that the pressor is actually attached to). Makes the pressor far more stable. Mine is super top heavy and as stable as a drunk linebacker. I made a 4x4 base for mine, trying to make it more stable and less tipsey.

Good luck!

 

[Lelandwelds]

Your front-end loader doesn't work? I would try hard for a closet outside on the slope. You need interior space for a pallet rack.

 

[giantsean]

The loader does ok but it's not a farm tractor and I doubt it will lift 500lb of anything, and I actually have fork sockets for the bucket.. they are just not welded on at the moment

So I actually was able to get the bottom portion off tonight (a one-man production at that!) by performing a complex dance using the pallet jack on one side, a bike jack on the other, and a bunch of 2x4's. was able to slip in the pallet jack while the pallet was in the air (with MUCH effort) and eventually got it on the ground, broken bottom and all. Had a great moment where a board slipped and the whole thing started over but thankfully it stabilized.

I may indeed just beef up the pallet and be done with it. Alternatively I have an unused 2x6 platform that I can cut down and try to slide the unit from this pallet onto. Now that it's no longer standing on Mount Pallet I have a few more options.

Thx again!

 

[Lelandwelds]

was able to slip in the pallet jack while the pallet was in the air (with MUCH effort)

You can stab a pallet jack easy. Put handle all the way down level with floor. Push down like a teter totter. The ends of the forks will come up about a foot but want to swing left and right. (Pallet jacks are effectively a three wheeler.) Stab in the top pallet.

Bring handles all the way up. Lift. Push.

I have wired long 2 X 4 onto a trailer tongue for a handle on a jet ski trailer to move heavy stuff. An engine puller will pick up lots of heavy stuff.

I try not to but have laid a compressor down to move it. I gave it plenty of time for the oil to drain back into the sump.

 

[kbs2244]

Fire code will require "easy access" to any electric box.
So you cannot mount it in front of one.

Nobody ever thinks of seperating the pump and tank.

Take the pump off the tank.
Put the tank upstairs, out of the way and the much smaller pump under the stairs.
Plumb them together with 2 inch copper and you have a built it cooler.
Put a muffler on the pump inlet and you will have a quiet install.

 

[lakeroadster]

Stick with your original plan.. it really doesn't take up all that much space.

 

[Firstram]

You guys are slipping, the real answer is my house!

 

[adbanshee]

Outside in a closet where you don't have to listen to it.

 

[giantsean]

You guys are slipping, the real answer is my house!

Once it eventually falls off the pallet and smashes on the floor, I'm going to need someone's lawn on which to dump the smoky mess. Thanks for volunteering!

 

[chinboys]

I had a similar problem with my BendPak 80 gallon compressor.
I had two 1/4 inch 2x4 steel rectangular tubes that I sewed into the top pallet's cavity(between the top and bottom plates) and used blocking on one end and a hydraulic jack to lift the top pallet off the bottom one.
Then I purchased 4 300# polyurethane heavy duty locking stem (1/2 inch) casters with washers, locking washers and double nuts for each caster.
I unbolted the compressor off its pallet and twisted the compressor towards the edge of the pallet.
I installed one caster at a time and twisted the remaining feet towards the edge for their caster installs.
The last caster was lifted slightly above the pallet by the car jack and installed.
The whole thing weighs over 800 pounds and deliberate small movements made the install possible. I also used the tire like rubber isolation between two large washers to add to the casters vibration damping.
I was able to roll the compressor 30 feet into the garage and lock down it down for electrical and plumbing.
So far no problems with noise or vibrations.
The casters were purchased from Amazon. And I don't work for Amazon ;=).
You might get away with using some 4x4 or 2x wood instead of the steel.
And yes, I also have an engine hoist but the compressor was too tall and top heavy for me to even try that solution.