Well, it looks like I'm in the market for an air compressor so what are your thoughts

[jmadden]

I-R makes a 7. 5hp 1-phase ~24. 3cfm 100% duty-cycle (model #: 2475N7. 5)... available on the floor at Home Depot (if you have one around) the last time I was there.



http://air.irco.com/asg/small_recip/electric_two_stage.asp#



DeVilbiss (Porter-Cable) also makes some nice ones (LM7580V2C)... 7. 5hp, single-phase, 23. 5cfm...



jm

 

[Philip]

Hopefully the 7. 5 HP will work well and not have to run constantly

The models of compressors you are looking at. This units are made to run constantly if need to. These are heavy duty units. The Ingersol I have can be configured to run on a constant use duty cycle but using a unloader valve setup instead of motor contactors.



You don't see the unloader setups in a home app. But in small factory's you do see it. The compressor sets and runs 24/7 and just unloads the the cylinders as needed to maintain the air pressure.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Thanks for all your input!



I finally did it - I ordered a Champion air compressor. 7. 5HP, 230V, 22. 9 CFM 80 gallon tank. It is the Centurion model.



I'm getting it from a local guy whose main business is compressor repair (ALL varieties and sizes) for $1530 delivered and setup in my garage. Since he services all makes, he would also be the one to take care of any warranty issues.



I found an IR 7. 5HP for $1590 (good price), but I'd have to get it, and who knows what would happen if I would need warranty work.



Illflem - thanks for the idea of using an insulated box - I might just try that!



I also ordered an hour meter I'll mount on the thing to know EXACTLY how long it runs between maintenance. - Got it from the surplus center for 10 bucks.



Thanks again!

Dan

 

[illflem]

Another thing I did for my compressor is plumb in a 110 volt solenoid valve, free from a broken washing machine, to the tank drain. A $15 adjustable timer relay from Grainger opens the valve for 5 seconds every 24 hours. You can buy set ups like this but they are somewhat pricey. You can also just wire the solenoid into a push button switch to drain your tank, beats getting on your knees twisting a valve.



Washing machine solenoid valves are excellent for air and most washers have at least two, some as many as five. I rigged up a foot switch to control a washer valve with air fittings on it, handy for giving a shot of air when your hands are busy or to control cutting fluid flow on metal working tools.



The metal side panels from washing machines and refrigerators also make great oil proof bench tops, some panels even have a rounded overhanging edge that works great on the front edge of the bench.

Lord knows there are plenty of broken appliances littering the landscape to salvage.

 

[me4osu]

Whatever you hook to your reciever, make sure it is rated at or above the MAWP of the reciever itself.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

What is MAWP?



my guess: ? ? working pressure - am I close?



Dan

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Yep

Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

 

[Rotty]

Dan_69GTX,

Sounds like you have the best system...

It has been discussed to death here on previous postings, but when you plumb for hose connections, do not use PVC. When it breaks, it throws big plastic pieces of schrapnel that can be quite dangerous and damaging. Use copper or steel pipe and you will be a lot safer...

Congradulations...

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Rotty, your right! I did a lot of research on the subject before I plumbed my garage.



I ended up using copper rather than steel due to the ease of install since I don't have a pipe threader. I used 3/4 and 1/2" copper pipe sweated together and I installed a lot of drains in the system.



Now I can't wait to get the compressor and try it out! Should be in the beginning of the week.



Dan

 

[TowPro]

Originally posted by Dan_69GTX

Rotty, your right! I did a lot of research on the subject before I plumbed my garage.



I ended up using copper rather than steel due to the ease of install since I don't have a pipe threader. I used 3/4 and 1/2" copper pipe sweated together and I installed a lot of drains in the system.



Now I can't wait to get the compressor and try it out! Should be in the beginning of the week.



Dan

Is it ok to use Copper? Every place I ever worked had threaded steel. Is this standard copper water pipe? What's PSI is it rated at? I will have to run something in my garage later this summer.

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Yes, it is ok to use copper.



Steel is much better and much more resistant to damage - which is why it is used where "people who don't care" work.



Copper pipe comes in different wall thicknesses - however, when soldering it together - the soldered joint is the weak spot.



http://www.coppercanada.ca/publications/pub28E/28e-publicationptb11.html



this link shows a chart of the max working pressure for different types of joints.



Hope this answers your questions.



Dan