Setting up hobby shop

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Finally moved into the house with the shop.  Before I have an electrician come out and wire it I need some info so I have all my ducks in a row.My plan is to get a Millermatic 211 Autoset and either a Spectrum 375 Extreme or Hypertherm PM45.  I don't foresee using anything thicker than 3/8" steel.Will I need a 60 Gal compressor for either of those plasma cutters or will something smaller that is 110V work?  I don't have a problem with getting the bigger compressor if needed but will need a separate 220V circuit for each.I've been looking at compressor hoses and noted there are at least 3 different sizes, at Lowes anyway, 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2".  Which size do I need for the mentioned PCs?  The air may be used for some air tools as well, i.e. impact wrenches, etc.Thanks in advance for any assistance.Mike
Reply:I've run plasmas off small compressors. Problem is plasmas are air hogs and you don't get much cut time before the plasma shuts down due to low air pressure. Go as big as you can afford, and then some.As far as air hose, same idea applies. I wouldn't go smaller than 3/8" or you will start to restrict air flow, unless your hose is super short. Bigger can be better, but big hose starts to become a PITA to deal with.  I have a number of hoses I use in the shop. My long hoses are all at least 3/8". Hard lines are 1/2" or bigger steel pipe. I have a few short 1/4" hoses as whips to attach directly to tools. These are more flexible and easier to maneuver. My big hoses aren't used much at all. I use them for things like the big sand blaster that wants massive amounts of air..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:I would definatly get the biggest compressor I could afford.  You can never have to much air!  Also the HyperTherm plasma is a really nice unit.
Reply:Thanks DSW.  My shop is only 25X30 so I was planning on a 50' hose to be able to reach anywhere in the shop.
Reply:If that's the way you want to go, no problem. I prefer not to have cords hoses all over the shop if I can avoid it. Running some black pipe on the walls with T's and outlets allows you to plug hoses into different spots and keep hoses shorter. It also allows you to swap quickly between tools in different places if need be, or use 2 tools at once..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:I'd think the plasma cutter would have a minimum or maximum cfm rating. Match appropriately to your compressor. Bigger is not always better as far as line size. Too big a line an too small a compressor means lose of oressure when it comes time for it to cycle on. Like everyone said get the biggest you can afford just be sure you get the cfm correct or it'll all be a waste. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:hey, retiredfe.I built my 40x30 shop 4 years ago. I had them put in 4 220v 50 amp outlets for my welders and plasma cutter. I've added another one since then - hate unplugging and plugging! I have another 220v 30 amp for my compressor located as far away as I could to reduce the noise. I use a 60 gal and it works well. BTW, I used a 6-50 receptacle for my compressor LABELED 30 AMPS, so I could use that outlet for my plasma or something if really needed another outlet.Spend some time, if you haven't already, planning the layout - I have my machines against two walls and a welding table and cutting table in the open area. All on wheels! That will quickly show you where and how many outlets. I have a 220v 50 amp on the outside too, in case I need to work on a tractor, car, etc. You can find a thread with my shop build if interested.Post some pictures of your new shop!Last edited by wb4rt; 02-06-2015 at 04:04 PM.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:I'm green with envy. Good luck on shop. I work out of a 2 car garage with the 70 Buick near my butt. Buick is in a few pieces so I don't move it out of garage often plus snow, tough to push back in.Dave ReberWadsworth Ohio
Reply:Go big on the compressor, run good airlines too, no PVC. I'm pretty happy with my Miller Xtreme 375 plasma cutter.1963 SA 200 Redface, rebuilt by me, bodywork by CEP Everlast 255EXT w/W300 coolerMiller 212 AutosetMiller Xtreme 375Bridgeport MillSouth Bend 9" Lathe
Reply:Thanks everyone.wb4rt - unfortunately half of the shop is also the garage for my F-350 since my garage door isn't tall enough to get the truck thru.  I also have a couple quads and a riding mower that I have to get another shed/garage for to free up the space for the welding area.  I was planning on having one 50A and one 30A circuit added and was thinking I'd put the welder and cutter on one cart and make an extension cord with two female plugs to plug in both machines.  I don't see ever using both machines at once.  I will check out you build thread, thanks.I'm going to stick with my original plan of a 60 gal compressor.
Reply:The electrician came out yesterday and I'm expecting the estimate today.I'm looking at two 60 gal compressors; an IR from TSC with 5HP and a Quincy from Lowes with 3.7HP.  Are either of these better than the other.  The IR is $100 less than the Quincy but I'd get 10% off the Quincy so really not much price difference.Do these compressors really need to be wired by an electrician?
Reply:TO has sales on their compressors if you can wait for it and you can look for a twenty percent off coupon. But the biggest compressor you can afford.  We paid under a grand for the big I at tractor supply.Sent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkCRIME SCENES, COURT DATES, FUNERALS, RIDING THROUGH THE CITY WITH A BITCH THAT IS JUST BEAUTIFUL IT'S JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL.
Reply:Who is TO?
Reply:I just had some power added to my shop. Air outlets and power outlets in each corner keep me from running cords and hoses all over the shop. I wish I had thought of it a few years back.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:have the electrician put a sub panel in the garage, 100 amp and then you can wire up anything you need as you need it..Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Originally Posted by retiredfeThe electrician came out yesterday and I'm expecting the estimate today.I'm looking at two 60 gal compressors; an IR from TSC with 5HP and a Quincy from Lowes with 3.7HP.  Are either of these better than the other.  The IR is $100 less than the Quincy but I'd get 10% off the Quincy so really not much price difference.Do these compressors really need to be wired by an electrician?
Reply:Originally Posted by retiredfeThe electrician came out yesterday and I'm expecting the estimate today.I'm looking at two 60 gal compressors; an IR from TSC with 5HP and a Quincy from Lowes with 3.7HP.  Are either of these better than the other.  The IR is $100 less than the Quincy but I'd get 10% off the Quincy so really not much price difference.Do these compressors really need to be wired by an electrician?
Reply:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0475_200350475the quincys have a 50,000 hour expected life on the compressor, blows way past IR...and have a higher cfm at 175psiOf all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:He's going to put a new sub panel in the shop.  The current one only has 6 slots and two of them are used by 110 breakers for lights and outlets.  The current one also does not have a shut-off so I'd have to go to the panel in the garage.
Reply:Originally Posted by retiredfeWho is TO?
Reply:Originally Posted by roadkillbobbhttp://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0475_200350475the quincys have a 50,000 hour expected life on the compressor, blows way past IR...and have a higher cfm at 175psi
Reply:Some say not to run the compressor at higher psi. Sometimes I would like higher pressures for my tire machine but for the most part 125psi does the job.Sent from my SCH-I545 using TapatalkCRIME SCENES, COURT DATES, FUNERALS, RIDING THROUGH THE CITY WITH A BITCH THAT IS JUST BEAUTIFUL IT'S JUST BUSINESS AS USUAL.
Reply:Don't look at HP ratings on compressors.....it means nothing as the manufacturers are free to use different methods to calculate horsepower. Here are some tips for compressor choices:- To compare relative power of a compressor motor, look on the motor data tag for FLA or full load amps at a specific input voltage. Many motors are dual voltage.....so always compare the amperage at the same voltage rating. If one compressor says 21 amps at 230 volts....it will produce more air flow than one that draws 15 amps at 230 volts, regardless of what the advertised horsepower rating says.-Better quality compressors run at lower RPM. Most lower cost compressors run at 3450 RPM (motor speed), the better grades of compressors have motors that run at about half that RPM (1725 or so). The lower RPM compressors will last longer, will be much quieter, and unfortunately will cost more.-Plasma cutters will have maximum air consumption rated at a certain CFM (cubic feet per minute) at a certain air pressure (usually 90 psi, pounds per square inch). As an example, the Hypertherm Powermax45  uses a maximum of 6.0 CFM @ 90 psi.  If your compressor has a CFM rating (at 90 psi) of exactly the same as the plasma cutter...then expect the compressor to run continuously after the first cycle...if you are plasma cutting continuously. If the compressor has a lower CFM @ 90psi rating...the compressor will run continuously while cutting continuously....until the air pressure drops a bit below 90 psi...then the plasma cutter will shut off (stop cutting) for torch safety reasons. As you can imagine, compressors rated at a higher CFM @ 90 psi will cycle off and on while continuously cutting. Bigger is better for your sanity (noise), and for the life of the compressor (lasts longer because it doesn't work as hard), and will produce less moisture in the tank during humid weather.-There are a lot of nice air powered tools that a compressor can be used with.....a good quality compressor of adequate size is a good investment. Spend a bit more here!- For the air flow of most plasmas you need a minimum inside diameter on your air hose of 3/8", with a maximum length of 50'. If you need a longer hose go up to 1/2" ID.-You should mount a pressure gauge (less than $5 at a hardware store) right at the inlet of the plasma cutter. The gauge 50' away at the compressor will not read the pressure under flow conditions at the inlet to the plasma cutter.-Compressor manufacturers like to advertise 175 psi output pressures as it makes the compressors look more powerful, and allows more air to be stored in the receiver (tank). This does not increase the flow rate @ 90 psi, which is what the plasma (and most other air tools) uses. If you have a compressor that cycles up to 175 psi....you will also need a regulator to keep the pressure to the plasma below 125 psi (same for most air tools) so that internal components will not be damaged by the high pressure. If your compressor cycles between 90 psi and 120 psi...then no regulator is needed, most air tools will operate perfectly in this range.-Compressor tank size. If bigger, and your compressor has a CFM rating higher than the tool being used, then the compressor will get plenty of rest and cool down and quiet time between cycles. Bigger tank is better. For most shops I recommend at least 60 gallons, 80 is what I use in my shop and I am happy with it.Jim Colt   Hypertherm Originally Posted by retiredfeThe electrician came out yesterday and I'm expecting the estimate today.I'm looking at two 60 gal compressors; an IR from TSC with 5HP and a Quincy from Lowes with 3.7HP.  Are either of these better than the other.  The IR is $100 less than the Quincy but I'd get 10% off the Quincy so really not much price difference.Do these compressors really need to be wired by an electrician?
Reply:Thanks Jim.  That's some good info for consideration.Does it really take an electrician to wire the power cord on the compressor?
Reply:Depends on how comfortable you are with doing it yourself!  Jim Colt Originally Posted by retiredfeThanks Jim.  That's some good info for consideration.Does it really take an electrician to wire the power cord on the compressor?Originally Posted by retiredfeThanks Jim.  That's some good info for consideration.Does it really take an electrician to wire the power cord on the compressor?
Reply:It's only three wires, right?  I guess if I can get the compressor before the electrician comes to wire the shop I can ask him to wire it.
Reply:I had the electricians put in a fused disconnect for my compressor, and I hard wired to that.   Then you can also shut off the compressor at the disconnect when you are not using it.  I realize most compressors have a switch of some sort on them, but mine doesn't work so the disconnect is all I have.Last edited by Drooopy; 02-11-2015 at 02:19 PM.Multimatic 200Ellis 1800Haberle S225 9" cold sawMM 300;  Spoolmate 30A w/ WC-24TB 302GDynasty 280 DX Tigrunner
Reply:Draining the compressor is one of the most important things you can do regularly. Many machines just have a cheap twist drain on the bottom. I like to replace that with a 90 deg street elbow and some pipe with a ball valve where it is convenient to access. This does 2 things, 1st it helps allow excess water to sit in the pipes vs the bottom of the compressor, and 2 it makes draining the compressor easy. One of the auto drains would also work..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 DSWDraining the compressor is one of the most important things you can do regularly. Many machines just have a cheap twist drain on the bottom. I like to replace that with a 90 deg street elbow and some pipe with a ball valve where it is convenient to access. This does 2 things, 1st it helps allow excess water to sit in the pipes vs the bottom of the compressor, and 2 it makes draining the compressor easy. One of the auto drains would also work.
Reply:I went with the IR from Tractor Supply.  The specs said 21.5 amps vs 15 on the Quincy at Lowes and a higher SCFM.  I talked to the electrician and he said he would wire it when he does the shop sometime this week.  Thanks for the tip, I will add something to make draining moisture easier.
Reply:After reading what others here have done to drain their tanks, here is what I have.  My unit is an IR2340L5 compressor, 5 HP, removed the petcock located on the bottom, replaced it with a 1/4" street elbow. added an 8" x 1/4" nipple and on the end of this nipple installed an ASCO 8262G202 solenoid (120V) which is activated by a momentary push button switch mounted on the end of a pendent cable (2 conductor).  This pendent cable is draped over the switch box at the compressor head area and is easily reached and activated at the end of the day.  This compressor is located in a shed outside and is subject to the temperatures of the day, sometimes well below freezing.  I installed a band heater (120V) on the 8" section nipple and put it in series with a thermostat and set at 38 degree's.  This pipe and solenoid is insulated with fiberglass and incased in a cardboard shield to contain the fiberglass.This prevents the condensation from freezing and is easily drained by pressing the button.  No bending required!! My knee's are not those of my youth!!!  I have found that during the course of a day, the tank can make condensation as it changes with the ambient air and thus make condensation without cycling the compressor.  With my system this prevents freezing and no more cracked drain pipes.  I think this was a learned experience for me as I had replaced the 8" nipple several times in the past until I installed the heater!  Just my thoughts and experience, best regards Bob.
Reply:I'm not sure how much moisture I'm going to get in the tank here in New Mexico but I like the idea of a solenoid but will probably stick with a manual drain.
Reply:I found one on ePray for about $90, it's been great, but my compressor is in a shed next to neighbors, it startles them on occasion. BwhahahahaRegards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:I picked up my welder and plasma cutter yesterday.  Still waiting on some PPE and other necessities before I can start.  Here's my shop so far...