Compressor is Dying.... Need suggestion...

admin

Hey All,Dang Compressor is Dying a 'Slow Death' and I need to Replace it.  It's a 5HP 20 Gallon DeVillbiss.  Specs: 125 volt 11.9CFM Total  (7.5 cfm @ 40psi and 5.0 cfm @ 90psi)Problem is, I need a BIGGER unit...  I purchased an Air Sander, Die Grinder and some other Air Tools and my Small one wouldn't run them very well and in most cases, they would barely spin !  The new one I am looking at is a "PowerMate 60 Gallon 5hp"   The Specs and information can be found here; http://www.princessauto.com/air/comp...air-compressorI can get this for EXACTLY $600.00 CAN and wanted some feedback as to it serving my purposes...  Any advice is very welcome !Cheers,/J...Miller Diversion 165120 amp Buzz BoxVictor Oxy/Ace Oxy/LPGSmith "Little" Oxy/LPGHypertherm Powermax 30Lot's of Misc. tools n' crap....
Reply:Find which of your tools needs the most air and multiply that by 1 1/2 times and that should be the smallest compressor that you would need.  Some air tools are decieving in the air they require and you have check these spects because it may make better since to get some tools in electric.
Reply:If you upgrade the compressor, think about a 220 volt unit.
Reply:First off, you do not combine the two figures.  What you currently have is a 5 CFM @90 psi compressor.  I compare compressors @ 90psi because that is what most tools are suggested to be run at.  The higher pressure ones will have more storage capacity, but once that is gone you are back to the output @ 90 psi.That compressor you provided the link to wouldn't be a bad buy, it's basicly what I have.  It works fine, but I still out run it from time to time.  I got a real sweet deal on mine used and in need of repair so it doesn't really bother me.  If I was buying new though, I would look for a bigger one CFM wise.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Good information....The unit I'm looking at is indeed 220v and it's rated to 11cfm @90psi so I figured that it should be good for what I do....  I was thinking of going to the 80 Gallon for around a Grand or so and that would allow me to jump up to the 14 - 16 CFM @ 90psi.  It just seems to me that I'm not getting a 'Whole' lot for my money when it comes to that 80 Gallon.  I'm just not sure if the extra $500.00 bucks warrants the jump or not....  I could use that extra and pick up my Bandsaw !  Hmmmmmm.....Miller Diversion 165120 amp Buzz BoxVictor Oxy/Ace Oxy/LPGSmith "Little" Oxy/LPGHypertherm Powermax 30Lot's of Misc. tools n' crap....
Reply:Jman, I picked my Ingersoll at auction for $495.00 80 gal. 24.5cfm @ 90 lbs.I know I got a smokin' deal, but Ingersolll compressors are very good. Look around.
Reply:check out eatoncompressor.com
Reply:One thing that can be done is to plumb the 2 compressors into the same system. Usually the "backup" compressor is set to kick in at a lower pressure, so it turns on last. the primary compressor is set high so it kicks in right away to try and keep the pressure up. #1 is set at almost max and wants to kick on as soon as the pressure drops 10 psi or so. As soon as the pressure in the system drops to say 100 psi, #2 kicks in to try and fill as well. This assumes the 2 are roughly matched in max pressure, and that you have a regulator down stream to set the working pressure with. If you only want to run one unit, just unplug or turn off the 2nd one. If the tanks are still linked, you still get the advantage of the extra volume with the primary compressor..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by daddyJman, I picked my Ingersoll at auction for $495.00 80 gal. 24.5cfm @ 90 lbs.I know I got a smokin' deal, but Ingersolll compressors are very good. Look around.
Reply:Originally Posted by RonGcheck out eatoncompressor.com
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWOne thing that can be done is to plumb the 2 compressors into the same system. Usually the "backup" compressor is set to kick in at a lower pressure, so it turns on last. the primary compressor is set high so it kicks in right away to try and keep the pressure up. #1 is set at almost max and wants to kick on as soon as the pressure drops 10 psi or so. As soon as the pressure in the system drops to say 100 psi, #2 kicks in to try and fill as well. This assumes the 2 are roughly matched in max pressure, and that you have a regulator down stream to set the working pressure with. If you only want to run one unit, just unplug or turn off the 2nd one. If the tanks are still linked, you still get the advantage of the extra volume with the primary compressor.
Reply:JMAN,That's a very good deal.  Napa used to sell an identical air compressor under the trade name 'Nitro' - same specs, same suggested retail price $749 (*US).  I found one at a salvage outlet for $200 but I had to replace the pump ($180) so I managed to get it for $380 (US).  The one I purchased can be wired for either 110 or 220 volt.  I wired mine for 220 in my home shop and it does make some difference.I think this particular compressor is sold under at least a couple other brand names.  When I ordered the pump for mine the outfit I dealt with said the pump fit several compressor brands.  That leads me to believe that parts would be available for some time.Mine's been very reliable and will operate any pneumatic tool I have.  I even use it with a siphon sandblast gun and and it easily keeps up with the pcase I usually work at.   I use die grinders, air ratchets, impact wrench, and various other tools.  I've plumbed it with two outlets so when my sons working in my shop we can both use it.  For most stuff we do it keeps up quite well.Unless you can find one cheaper on craigslist I'd say get it.
Reply:Originally Posted by reefera4mJMAN,That's a very good deal.  Napa used to sell an identical air compressor under the trade name 'Nitro' - same specs, same suggested retail price $749 (*US).  I found one at a salvage outlet for $200 but I had to replace the pump ($180) so I managed to get it for $380 (US).  The one I purchased can be wired for either 110 or 220 volt.  I wired mine for 220 in my home shop and it does make some difference.I think this particular compressor is sold under at least a couple other brand names.  When I ordered the pump for mine the outfit I dealt with said the pump fit several compressor brands.  That leads me to believe that parts would be available for some time.Mine's been very reliable and will operate any pneumatic tool I have.  I even use it with a siphon sandblast gun and and it easily keeps up with the pcase I usually work at.   I use die grinders, air ratchets, impact wrench, and various other tools.  I've plumbed it with two outlets so when my sons working in my shop we can both use it.  For most stuff we do it keeps up quite well.Unless you can find one cheaper on craigslist I'd say get it.
Reply:If you plan to do ANY sandblasting, make sure the compressor is 100% duty rated.
Reply:Originally Posted by jmanSounds good, but probably 'far beyond' my capabilities....  I'm a relative NEWB to most of this stuff.  I seriously think my original is dying though....  I found some RUST in the tank too, which I found rather odd..../J...
Reply:I would take a second look at your Devilbiss. DV's are a much better brand than ANYTHING you will ever find at Princess Auto (Canada's HF). Most compressor tanks do have rust in them, it is a function of compressing air. Princess Auto sells a 60 gallon receiver that you could set your DV up on for about $500.If you look into it you may be able to run your DV at a higher RPM (change pulleys) and get more flow out of it.Or you could try what I did: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=37067 There should be lots of old compressors between Calgary and Edmonton you should be able to find a nice unit.Last edited by salem747; 02-22-2010 at 08:22 AM.
Reply:I would suggest getting the highest capacity compressor you can afford.  It will be worth it someday.  If you get a 175 PSI compressor, you'll probably find that it's harder to find filter-regulators with an adequate pressure rating.  I had to buy mine at Grainger's.  If you build an air system for your new compressor, do NOT use PVC pipe!  Also, rig it up with an automatic electric tank drain.  My compressor has a drain that opens for 2 seconds (adjustable) every 45 minutes (also adjustable).  Sure beats manually draining it every day!  Mine is made by Asco, but there are others on the market.  I bought it on Ebay for under $100.Mine is made by Asco, but there are others on the market.  I bought it on Ebay for under $100.http://www.ascovalve.com/Common/Flas...SSeriesweb.swfPrior to that, I had a pneumatically operated valve, but it sucked.  One more thing.  If you get a larger compressor, do NOT bolt it securely to the floor.  It needs to move a little bit or vibration can crack the tank or motor frame (don't ask me how I know).  You can buy isolation pads to put under it, but many people just leave it on the shipping pallet.Last edited by steve45; 02-22-2010 at 10:50 PM.America Needs AMERICA'S Oil!!!"Global warming is the greatest scam in history ...There is no run away climate change. The impact of humans on climate is not catastrophic. Our planet is not in peril."--John Coleman, Founder of The Weather Channel
Reply:Originally Posted by gimpyrobbIf you plan to do ANY sandblasting, make sure the compressor is 100% duty rated.
Reply:When it comes to air compressors, always buy bigger than you need. You will grow into it's capacity very quickly, and it's a lot cheaper than buying just big enough and then having to buy bigger a short time later when you outgrow it. We're on our third one for the shop. It's an 18 cfm 125 psi and it looks like it's finally big enough. CharleyMiller MM252Miller Bobcat 225NTMiller DialArc HF / DIY Cooler2 Victor O/A TorchsetsMilwaukee 8" Metal SawMilwaukee Dry Cut "Chop" Saw 5 Ton Wallace Gantry Various Grinders, Benders, etc.
Reply:Jman,The problems you noted with your tools "won't run very well" and "barely spin" could also be an issue of inadequete flow at the tool.  Make sure you are using adequetly sized hose (3/8" at least) and the proper size fittings, 1/4" NPT at a bare minimum.  Tools require pressure at the proper flow rate, and high flow requires bigger hose/fittings .  Palm sanders and D/A's are some of those tools that typically have really high flow requirements that aren't immediatly obvious.Also make sure you aren't using more hose between the compressor and the tool than you absoloutly need.  More hose = more pressure drop.  I would get a pressure gauge and put a fitting on it to check your air pressure at the point-of-use.  You may have to set the regulator on the compressor a few psi higher than you would have thought to make sure you have proper pressure at the tool.+1 to the suggestions of installing a ball valve on the reciever drain, it makes it a lot easier to drain, and will prolong the life of your reciever.If it doesn't fit, you aren't hitting it hard enough!Miller AerowaveMiller Radiator 1A4.5" DeWalt (with the paddle switch!)Jackson NexGen Helmet
Reply:I started with just this pump....  Got me a used tank, put it all together as the money came to hand.now have a nice system installed.THINK.....  FREE AIR ! ! !Read this.....http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...643/191079.htmDon