Compressors...revisited

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:09 pm

I am starting the process of researching tools to buy. I am not going to go with one of pre-assembled kits, but I am going to buy a starter rivet kit with a 3X gun, and then piece together the rest when I see what I am going to need.

One thing I will need right up front is an air compressor. There was a thread that started on the subject, and sort of went a different direction. There was some discussion about a 60 gallon 9 CFM (what is this??) 90 psi single chamber. 60 gallons seems HUGE. What about the little 5, 10, or 20 gallon compressors? I'll by what I need to buy, but will the smaller one's work?

hngrflyr · Post by **hngrflyr** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 12:26 am

The duty time for your compressor for riveting and drilling is likely not going to exceed the capacity of the garden variety 2 hp units. If you're talking painting, sand blasting or spraying solvents, thats another story. I have a 2 hp two cylinder piston compressor that I bought in the 1970s. I used it to paint two airplanes and a couple of cars, but wouldn't recommend it. I spent alot of time waiting on it to recover after line pressure got too low during painting.
I have a smaller Sears, throw away when it dies, unit in my hangar. I use it for tires and cleaning things like the engine during oil changes, etc. It really is not up to the job of cleaning the engine. I did some riveting with it and it was OK for that. I was making some repairs to a cowling and probably set about 50 rivets that day.
Many 2 hp motors and most motors over about 3 hp will require 220 volts to operate them.

Bobby S

Post by **Spike** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:50 am

I have been using a 120 volt single stage 26 gallon compressor for my 9A. So far the only time that I have really run out of air was when using a die grinder with a scotchbrite wheel. In reality I just worked around it and it was no big deal. Personally, if you have the space and cash to do it, I would go with a 2 stage 240V compressor. Though if you don't have the place/resources for it (as I didn't) you can easily work around one of the smaller units. The one thing that I don't think you could use it for would be finish painting.

-- John

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Snap · Post by **Snap** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:44 pm

This might be a stupid question (I do have some) but, whan did you guys go from 110v to 240v?

I mean, I lived in Alabama for 2 years when I was a kid and you had 110V. What has changed?

Thats all we have here. 240V.

I want my shirt!!

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:54 pm

We have had 120/240 volt services here in the U.S. since about 1930 or so. In some VERY rural areas, 120v 30a lines were found. This is very rare nowadays.

Quite easily 95% of homes nw have 120/240 volt 3 wire systems.

200 amp is becoming the norm around here. It is unusual to see a 100 amp service.

We use 120 for lighting and 240 for motor, cooking, heating and cooling loads.

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:48 am

Same here. I know it's been around for a long time, but don't know when it became standard in our area. Our house was built in '77, and we use the same load config/120/240 system as CJ.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:46 am

I have been looking at compressors on Harbor Frieght's website, and some of the compressors are rated using SCFM vs. CFM.

What's the difference???

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 5:49 pm

Snap-
We didn't really change, "standard" in the USA is 110 but some appliances (dryers, stoves, some compressors) use 220 and service to the house provides for this with different wiring.

cjensen-

I have the standard oilless (loud) craftsman compressor (see Dan Checkoway's site, rvproject.com) - I got the upright model. I built a box for it and put some insulation (foam) inside, so it is not too loud.

Snap · Post by **Snap** » Sun May 01, 2005 1:21 am

Well I'll be,

I didn't know that. Here in Australia we just have 240V for everything. It is amazing the things that you learn whan talking to you guys.

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Sun May 08, 2005 2:15 am

Just found two of the next entry. liked the other one so I'm getting rid of this one.

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Sun May 08, 2005 2:20 am

I just finished a major modification of my compressor and thought Iâ€™d share a picture of it with you.

What it is, is an old but very nicely running five horse power two stage Quincy continuous run compressor that was removed from an outside location behind my shop to an indoor location in my shop. Since the noise level is a concern the decision to configure it as an on demand compressor was made. Added was an 80 gallon tank. I had the folks from Northwest Compressors do the install that included a new MagSwitch. The system was checked for amperage draw. At 23 amps, the service max for this motor, the pressure is 175 psi. I then added a copper line from the top of the tank to the compressors unloader that can be turned on or off by way of a valve. By switching the air to that line it converts it back to a continuous run compressor able to run all day and maintain its pressure at 135 psi.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sun May 08, 2005 7:10 am

NICE!

I like the tank drain hose idea in the picture, Jim!

That sure makes things easier!

Neat install!

CJ

N941WR · Post by **N941WR** » Tue May 10, 2005 9:08 pm

Whatever size you buy, get a belt drive. Direct drives only directly drive you from your shop with the noise! Man, those things are loud!

BTW, Iâ€™m using a belt drive 5hp (110V, 20A)35 gal vertical Campbell Hausfeld I picked up at Northern Tool some time back. I haven't tried painting with it but is works great for everything I've done so far.

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