Input on future Champion compressor

admin

Hey guys...I know it's been a while here but I still not have forgot about this place. I have since got a Hypertherm Powermax 30 (incredible machine I might add) and my HF 21 gallon compressor will do it, but is at its limit with any light continuous task.Anyway, I am looking at hopefully getting a 60-80 gallon stationary unit for the garage... have needed the die grinder a few times and have had to go to my girlfriend's parent's house for his big compressor. I am pretty well into what the requirements are on all the tools I have/use/need but hoping to find some input on this deal...My girlfriend's father is looking for a good portable compressor, and I am looking for a large stationary unit. After everything I have found for him seems the best 120v can get you is about 5.5 CFM give or take (Home Depot's 30 gal Husky, Lowes' Kobalt, Ingersoll Garagemate, etc...).If I buy him something along those lines, about ~$400 value, he is willing to trade me it and my HF clunker for his Champion. I would like some input from anyone who might know some details on his as it is a little older...It is a 60 or 80 (couldn't tell with it tucked away) gallon Champion Pneumatic, pump model REN-7, and is apparently 20 or more years old. Had a 3 phase motor but is now running on single phase 240v. Runs good, I have used it a few times with the die grinder and it keeps up great.Anyone have any input on the deal? Well more to me, it is a good deal regardless of monetary value. Hoping more than anything if anyone knows specs or anything on this pump? I have not found a single thing after hours of searching online. Waiting on a reply from Champion themselves, but they may not have much from the sound of it.Thanks guys!!!! Attached Images- RyanLincoln Weld-Pak 140HDHypertherm Powermax 30HF 4x6 bandsawHF 21gal compressorCraftsman Commercial drill press4.5" Craftsman Professional angle grinder4.5" HF angle grinderOld benchtop table saw with a cutoff wheel and sawzall
Reply:About all that ever goes wrong with those pumps is leak back, you can hear that when it shuts down.If it runs quiet I'd make the trade before he changes his mind.Matt
Reply:You are dealing with your possible future father-in-law, do not treat him badly.Do the deal, It sounds like he has accepted you into his family.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Thanks for the input so far guys. I hope I did not give off the wrong impression, it is not my intent to make a bad deal for him. I know he realizes it is not in benefit to him, but it would also work out for both of us. I know I am already in the family, so that is a good thing.  Originally Posted by Matt_MaguireAbout all that ever goes wrong with those pumps is leak back, you can hear that when it shuts down.If it runs quiet I'd make the trade before he changes his mind.Matt
Reply:Just wanted to follow up, in case anyone was interested or ever needs info on their old compressors too. I got a message back from Champion with a scanned PDF of an old owner's guide, with all specs/parts/details on several old models. It has an original revision date of 9/22/75  with a bit of pen markup with more recent dates.I was a little surprised at the specs... the REN 7 pump is only listed to come with a 1.5HP motor and 6.5/5.5 CFM at 125/200 psi.The other larger REN 10 and 14 pump models are listed with 2, 3, and 5HP motors varying form 9-19 CFM.Anyway, there are tons of other specs on other models in the document too. I cannot tell the HP rating of the motor currently on the compressor, I am assuming it has been replaced since he said it used to be 3 phase, and he now runs it on single phase 240. The motor tag is pretty scuffed up and not really legible, so maybe it is potentially a slightly larger than 1.5HP motor turning the pump a little faster. Or maybe 5-6 CFM is enough for me. Anyway just wanted to follow up. If anyone else coming across this needs info off one of these old compressors feel free to PM me and I would be glad to forward over the document.Have a good weekend guys - RyanLincoln Weld-Pak 140HDHypertherm Powermax 30HF 4x6 bandsawHF 21gal compressorCraftsman Commercial drill press4.5" Craftsman Professional angle grinder4.5" HF angle grinderOld benchtop table saw with a cutoff wheel and sawzall
Reply:Originally Posted by ryanPSDJust wanted to follow up, in case anyone was interested or ever needs info on their old compressors too. I got a message back from Champion with a scanned PDF of an old owner's guide, with all specs/parts/details on several old models. It has an original revision date of 9/22/75  with a bit of pen markup with more recent dates.I was a little surprised at the specs... the REN 7 pump is only listed to come with a 1.5HP motor and 6.5/5.5 CFM at 125/200 psi.The other larger REN 10 and 14 pump models are listed with 2, 3, and 5HP motors varying form 9-19 CFM.Anyway, there are tons of other specs on other models in the document too. I cannot tell the HP rating of the motor currently on the compressor, I am assuming it has been replaced since he said it used to be 3 phase, and he now runs it on single phase 240. The motor tag is pretty scuffed up and not really legible, so maybe it is potentially a slightly larger than 1.5HP motor turning the pump a little faster. Or maybe 5-6 CFM is enough for me. Anyway just wanted to follow up. If anyone else coming across this needs info off one of these old compressors feel free to PM me and I would be glad to forward over the document.Have a good weekend guys
Reply:Cody I got your message. Just emailed you the file... hope that helps you out! Anyone else who does need is always welcome.Well just to follow up on this, the trade hasn't happened just yet. I ended up finding a great shape, hardly used newer Husky model I mentioned above for only about two bills. Runs great after servicing, I am actually pretty impressed with it. Runs relatively quiet and pumps a bit of air. I held my die grinder and air drill wide open (not simultaneously) at 100psi to test with the pump running, and the gauge on the tank just ever so slowly crept down.What really threw me off though was I calculated the CFM with a timer at 7-8 CFM at 80-90 PSI. The 40psi CFM was even higher at 11. A bit off from the 5.5/6.5 printed on it. Anyway I am sure my numbers are not exact either.Was going to trade this weekend but weather and other things (won me two shotguns in an NRA raffle  ) got in the way. Soon probably. I will follow up again when things happen. Last edited by ryanPSD; 06-08-2011 at 01:06 AM.- RyanLincoln Weld-Pak 140HDHypertherm Powermax 30HF 4x6 bandsawHF 21gal compressorCraftsman Commercial drill press4.5" Craftsman Professional angle grinder4.5" HF angle grinderOld benchtop table saw with a cutoff wheel and sawzall
Reply:I sent you a PM.  I just found a champion compressor from the the 60's and want to know what I'd be getting myself into if I bought it(mainly cost and availability of parts).  Thanks
Reply:Got your PM  Sent it off to ya... hope that helps you out!Anyway I ended up getting this REN 7 Champion a while ago... still needs some cleaning up, and is noticeably not the fastest but ten times better than the HF deal I have. It will do me great I think for a while. It is currently cutting off at 120psi. I may turn it up a bit maybe to 150-175 (it is rated for 200) but not before doing a hydrostatic test on the receiver first. It chugs along nice and very quiet! Has a little rattle which I am trying to track down, I think it is in the motor, but otherwise runs great. I have since wired it up and got it running from this pic. Runs my Powermax great  Originally Posted by nadogailYou are dealing with your possible future father-in-law, do not treat him badly.Do the deal, It sounds like he has accepted you into his family.
Reply:I think you made the right choice, as that old compressor will still be running when the china POS Husky will have long crapped out. First the HP on the newer electric motors is inflated where as the HP and amp draw on the older motors are down played. also you find a higher service factor on the older electric motor. That compressor pump is Cast and has oild lubed bearings where the Husky probably has many aluminum components and bushing. They run at probably 3450Rpm where I'll bet that champion motor is running 1750 Rpm. That's why it has that huge flywheel, so a smaller HP can run it at a slower rate. Will make plenty of air for you, The Husky is fast and pumps good air but at the price of double the RPM, that means longevity is decreased. If that champion has unloaders in the heads and I'll bet it does, you could install a pilot valve and make it a constant run, That means it will run constant but the heads will allow air to bypass when cut out pressure is reached, and it won't have to start under a load when pressure drops to start up again. My son works on these and is going to set mine up with a switch so I can use constant run or High low cut out. I have and Emglo pump that makes 21 CFM running from a 3 HP westinghouse motor top of and 80 gallon tank. 1725 RPM and very quiet, but is old.   Remember to service that pump, oil change with compressor oil not just motor oil,and new intake air filter, make sure the check valve where air goes into the tank is sealing as well.Last edited by kolot; 09-13-2011 at 11:47 PM."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:I just hauled home a Champion REN 10 that looks like yours.  After cleaning with TSP substitute and hot water most of the beige overspray came off and there is a really cool old Champion Pnuematic Machinery decal in the front.  Sent a PM request for your manual!  Thanks.
Reply:Ryan........i am reassembling a  Chamption like yours  however mine is a horizontal 80 gallon with a 2 stage compressor and i disassembled it in 1999 to be able to move it out of my late Dads garage and i need to see the air fitting connections on one like mine and i'm sure that the info from "Chamption" sure would help me get it hooked up right and going.....Its a 1941 model and my late Dad bought it as military surplus.......This is my 1st post here and i dont know how to PM yet!         Thanks             Mike
Reply:Champoin, Saylor Beal, Quincy and Speedaire are the 'Cadillac's' of compressors (reciprocating) and are completely rebuildable and one should last more than one person's lifetime if cared fror properly.  Annual oil changes, clean air filters (yours has a Solberg dry element which can be retrofitted with a K&N washable) and draining the condensate and you will be good to go.Newer compressors have motors rated at inflated horsepower, sort of like lawnmower engines were, before the government got involved and thats why lawnmower engines aren't ratred in horsepower anymore.  The typical '5 horsepower' compressor today is really 3 at the maximum.Pretty easy to tell the actual power by looking at CFM delivered and maximum obtainable pressure and keep in mind, running a compressor at a higher cut off prressure, reduces CFM and causes more heat and heat builds carbon on the reed valves and shortens the time between rebuilds.  Always keep in mind that you need CFM, not pressure to operatre air tools and plasma.  Set your cut off pressure 10 pounds above the maximum the plasma requires or about 115 pounds.  Your compressor will thank you.I can run a 3/4" IR impact or die grinder at full rated power, all day on 120 psi.I own a Quincy QP with a true 5 horsepower motor that pulls 21 running amps on each leg.  Newer compressors might pull 21 on both legs starting.  Mine pulls 70 starting.My Quincy is 13 CFM at 175 PSI but it's cut back to 120 psi and always has been.
Reply:All air tools are rated at 90 psi you do not need higher pressure. Tires only go up to 120 psi too. People have been killed running tools at 175 psi.
Reply:I have an R15 head that's been tough as nails.
Reply:Originally Posted by crash43Ryan........i am reassembling a  Chamption like yours  however mine is a horizontal 80 gallon with a 2 stage compressor and i disassembled it in 1999 to be able to move it out of my late Dads garage and i need to see the air fitting connections on one like mine and i'm sure that the info from "Chamption" sure would help me get it hooked up right and going.....Its a 1941 model and my late Dad bought it as military surplus.......This is my 1st post here and i dont know how to PM yet!         Thanks             Mike