Let's talk air compressors

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Sun Mar 10, 2013 3:17 pm

So I have this 30 or 40yr old IR Type 30 air compressor on an 80gal tank that I've had for 20yrs. It was in a Ford body shop and had a 7.5hp 3-phase motor on it. I installed a 5hp 220V motor and increased the drive pulley diameter a bit to allow the 5hp to start it easier. It was rated at 21cfm @120psi, with the bigger pulley and slower speed it is a bit less now - but plenty for a 1-man shop.

This weekend it developed a leak thru a rust hole in the bottom of the tank. I'm thinking this isn't something I can repair - and I'm sure there is more rust just waiting to leak thru. Where does one find a tank at a reasonable price? I gotta do something, cuz I can't live w/o my compressor.

BretLuter · **Posted:** Sun Mar 10, 2013 9:48 pm

Best advice I can give is to keep an eye out on Craigslist for a compressor with a good tank but bad pump or motor.

Sort of a longshot, but it's all I've got.

:thumbsup:

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

100 gal, $130 new. No way to get water out though.

Edit - here's a guy who did a good writeup
http://www.instructables.com/id/100-lb- ... ompressor/

http://www.lowes.com/pd_28370-743-30395 ... facetInfo=

Richard Casto · **Posted:** Mon Mar 11, 2013 10:06 am

MikeWhitney wrote:

100 gal, $130 new. No way to get water out though.

Edit - here's a guy who did a good writeup
http://www.instructables.com/id/100-lb- ... ompressor/

http://www.lowes.com/pd_28370-743-30395 ... facetInfo=

Interesting idea on the propane tank. I skimmed the "how to". I think it I was to do this myself, I would either..

(1) Build the base with a slight incline to ensure it drains out of the drain bung that has to be welded in. but I am not crazy about his drain design. (Edit: Looking at his photos a second time and I see he has put block of wood under the back side in what is likely an attempt to help it drain toward the drain bung).
(2) Flip the tank upside down and plumb in a decent sized water trap (to avoid having to weld bung on the tank for drain). This would require more fabrication.

If I was doing a completely custom setup, I would also consider mounting the compressor separate from the tank (outside the garage, or in a soundproofed box, but with plenty of ventilation) along with some type of aftercooler setup.

Richard

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Mon Mar 11, 2013 10:15 am

I see no reason to use a horizontal tank orientation. Sure it's a little easier to mount the pump and motor, but otherwise it just takes up more space. Most people have more room vertically in their shop and the drain issue Richard speaks of would be eliminated.

Since Cash already has a kick-ass twin cylinder pump, I see this propane tank as nice upgrade for not too much money.

Cash if you need help with the welding just let me know.

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:39 pm

Hrm, how bout a 120G vertical propane tank? It might be 30 years old, but only limited surface rust in a few spots. Gas company who technically owned it appears to be out of business, so unless I come up with a better use for it, I might be convinced to get rid of it for cheap-ish....

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 6:33 am

Thanks, Guys! Some good ideas. I have a lead on a dead air compressor with a "big" tank. I'm hoping to check it out today to see what "big" means. I'd really like to get a tank from a dead compressor to minimize the fabrication - I have enough projects going.

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Tue Mar 26, 2013 4:39 pm

Found a 60gal compressor tank for free. I'm gonna hold out for a little while for a bigger one - preferably a vertical. Otherwise, I'll probably go with the 60.

Chris Schimmel · **Joined:** Fri Oct 10, 2003 9:34 am **Posts:** 50

Just my $.02,but I'd beware of using a propane tank for the pressure that your compressor makes .Most kick off at 120psi some are higher (175psi) I really don't think the propane tanks were designed for that much pressure.I'm sure your old tank has a tank certification somewhere.I'd check with a propane company about maximum pressures first.
If you can't find a decent tank ,how about patching the rusted out area in your old tank? Some 1/8th inch plate should do the job.
Should be welded by someone that's done it before ,though ..not a good on -the-job-training project.
PS Drain your tank more frequently ...especially in the summer when it's humid
Good luck.
Chris

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Fri Apr 12, 2013 7:31 pm

Brought home my new tank today - same size as my old one. :thumbsup:

And the price was right - FREE! :sing:

Just gotta swap everything over and I'll be back in business. :thumbsup:

Cash Davidson · **Posted:** Sun Oct 26, 2014 4:36 pm

Thought I'd post a final update. I cut the mounting plate off the old tank and welded it on top of the mounting plate of the new tank. That way the compressor, motor, after-cooler, etc just bolt right back on. I re-wired everything and added a 2-pole motor rated switch. Added a brace from the cylinder head to the after-cooler to keep the noise and vibration down. Added a Solberg filter/silencer. :thumbsup:

Changed the oil in the compressor, added 1/4-turn ball valves for the air hose connection and the tank drain. Soldered a pin-hole leak in the 1" copper line between the compressor and the after-cooler.

Working like a champ!

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