Welding a Patch on Compressor?

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My portable air compressor developed a small quarter inch rust hole in the tank. Any advice or precautions  on a successful patch? Thanks
Reply:I dont know what others will tell you.  But if you do this make sure you do all the prep work and take no short cuts.  How big of a tank is it?  What does the tank hold for pressure?
Reply:if its a rust hole, bin it and get a new tank.  The inside will have a lot mor rust than you can see. I would not take the chance with something like that. Im sure other will agree.
Reply:The tank is a 3 gallon and needs to hold 120psi. Probably correct, there is more rust and this is a waste of time. Replacing the tank is $250 or more, new it was $350. Probably retire it and go to the local pawnshop for a replacement. Saw one at costco for $150, not the same quality but what the heck.
Reply:Originally Posted by jupiterThe tank is a 3 gallon and needs to hold 120psi. Probably correct, there is more rust and this is a waste of time. Replacing the tank is $250 or more, new it was $350. Probably retire it and go to the local pawnshop for a replacement. Saw one at costco for $150, not the same quality but what the heck.
Reply:Missed the rust part.  Yeah get rid of it.  I just thought it got hit and cracked or something.
Reply:junk it and find a new tankI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:I just remembered something we did.  We had a tank that was no good but we were able to take the compressor off and put it on a different tank.  Hell of a lot cheaper than buying a new compressor and tank.
Reply:Originally Posted by jupiterThe tank is a 3 gallon and needs to hold 120psi. Probably correct, there is more rust and this is a waste of time. Replacing the tank is $250 or more, new it was $350. Probably retire it and go to the local pawnshop for a replacement. Saw one at costco for $150, not the same quality but what the heck.
Reply:The same question was posed a few weeks ago for a large shop compressor. The bottom line is replacing the tank. Repairing a rusted thank is asking for trouble, air under pressure is like a small bomb.
Reply:Buy the cheap $150 compressor and use the tank with the good compressor if it is close to compatible.
Reply:if your willing to put your welding skills to the test, you could always build your own tank. all you need is a piece of pipe, id go with a thick wall, maybe 1/4" just in case, and 2 caps for each end. then tap it for the air holes, blowout valve, and tank drain.i havnt priced steel lately, but it couldnt be that much, maybe $40 in steel and the satisfaction of building it yourself. plus you know everything that went into making the tank instead of some chinese mass assembly p.o.s. where you have no clue the quality of materials, welds, tapped holes, etc..I break things for a living...
Reply:That would be great as long as your a damn good welder.
Reply:recycle ... the old tank is better off as a BBQMiller Dynasty 200 DXeverything else Harbor Freight
Reply:I would do it for myself. Anyone else, nopeDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Junk it, the life you save could be yours. Just drifting slightly off the subject, this reminded me of when I borrowed a scuba tank from a friend as I was going diving for a weekend where there were no refill stations. I took it in and the guy cracked on the air from the storage tank and reappeared in the shop white as a ghost and a bit shaky. I went and had a look and the tank was sitting in a water bath and there was a tiny stream of bubbles coming out of a pinhole. I just turned the air off and opened the bleed and didn't go back in the building till it stopped. I took it into work and put it in the hacksaw with the cut about 1/4" away from the hole. The insides were lightly rusted except for a heavier line of rust running along the length in the area where the hole was. Turned out it had been stored on it's side for a couple of years before I borrowed it and the last fill(s) must have had a lot of moisture. I imagine that your tank is similar, lays in the same position and any moisture will collect the same area.Last edited by clive; 07-11-2009 at 07:22 AM.Reason: spelling
Reply:Interesting Clive.I've seen several Alum tanks that cracked and leaked due to metal fatiuge. One about 3 days after having just passed a new hydro. Tank was filled, good, holding air, no leaks, and ping, the tank formed a tiny split and started to leak the next day.Never seen it with a steel, but I have failed many steels for excessive rust pitting on visual inspections.
Reply:I'd sooner weld a bullet hole in a tank than a rusted spot.  But either way,  I don't want to be around when it repressurizes.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWInteresting Clive.I've seen several Alum tanks that cracked and leaked due to metal fatiuge. One about 3 days after having just passed a new hydro. Tank was filled, good, holding air, no leaks, and ping, the tank formed a tiny split and started to leak the next day.Never seen it with a steel, but I have failed many steels for excessive rust pitting on visual inspections.
Reply:A little off topic, but is there a standard way to inspect a 60 gallon compressor tank? I have one I bought used in my garage that has served me well, but not been used all that often and sat through freezing weather (canada) in the last 6 winters. I would guess my compressor is getting near 20 years old. (Sanborn)Bob.Miller Dynasty 200 DXMillermatic 211Hypertherm PM 600In Tool acquisition Mode