Trailblazer+2050+Which Compressor?

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Anvilhead here again...asking for any advice on the choice of an aircompressor sufficient to run a Miller 2050 Plasma Cutter that will bepowered by the 302 Miller Trailblazer on my welding trailer??? My user name should have been "Greenhorn" or "Pilgrim". A pre-thank you to you.
Reply:Well AnvilHead, Hmm- You'll run about 70psi to the head, and a minimum of 6 CFM.When you look at compressors look for 6 cfm or better.I have a 2050 and run it with a two stage Gardner-Denver pump at about 10 cfm (over kill)Miller TB Pro 350DMiller 12VS ExtremeMillerSpoolMatic 30AMiller Spectrum 2050MillerMatic 251Look Out for 79 Year Old Ladies Runnin' Late for A Funeral
Reply:FastGun...thanks for advicemy budget right now has me looking toward the other end of overkilli'm looking at a Ing-Rand gas powered 5.5 hp/ 8 gal/ 11.8 cfm @ 90 PSI(within the 2050's specs) but...this compressor is in the $850.00 range...the next size jumps to 9hpowerat $1850.do you think i need to spend the extra $1000.00 now?Anvilhead
Reply:The 5.5 hp is WAY more then you need.Owner of Welding Wiki,The free wiki based resource for weldor's around the world.http://www.weldingwiki.comWe have cookies!
Reply:You guys go for such expensive stuff right off the bat. I am not picking on anyone, but I got a Champion compressor 6 yrs ago and it kicks butt. It's rated at like 16.5 cfm, 80 gal tank 5hp motor. There are lots of these on ebay that go for like 250 to 500$. I am not advocating H.F. type pumps, just like to save money where I can to spend more on important stuff. I hope this helps someone.
Reply:Lowes has 7hp 60 gal for $450.
Reply:I have a Campbell-Hausfeld 5 hp 25 gal compressor ($300 on sale) that's ok for plasma cutting with a starcut, but it cycles a lot when I am doing heavy metal (the cutting, not the music).  I found an extra 35 gal tank that I am using as a buffer tank and that has really reduced the cycling, but the performance was fine before, and it remains fine, just now fewer cycles and hopefully longer pump life.  If you have the money to spend, I'd go with a heavier duty unit, though.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Originally Posted by KEENAVVLowes has 7hp 60 gal for $450.
Reply:Right you are, PA.  Mine says 5hp, but if I remember correctly, the motor is only able to generate 3.5 continuous hp.  Thanks for the correction.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:thanks grobb &  others for ringing my bell & saving me some money
Reply:i'm getting advice from a pro around herethat i would be best served not taking an electric compressorout on a job to work with my 2050 pl. cutterthat the gas powered compressor would hold up longerand be safer in wet weatherany thoughts on this?
Reply:It does make sence.(sp?) How do you power your other stuff? If you run a generator for anything, might as well have one more cord. Is there a vehicle you always have? Put an on board air system in it with a belt driven York or an old Chrysler pump. There are lots of ways, don't know how your set up.
Reply:We tried electric compressor's with the 302G and 2050, it did not work. We are now using 5.5hp Dewalt (Imglo) and they work great. We are currently using 3 of these setups on this job. They run average running about 6-7hrs a day.
Reply:For my jobs that finish at the customer's local i show up in a F350 Van towing a welding trailer. The 302TB is the main piece of equipment. Sofar i've just been using it as a stick welder and a generator for all the powertools. With a recently purchased 12RC Suitcase(Wire Feeder) i plan onlearning how to bring MIG out of the shop & to the job.Which brings me tothe birth of this thread. I 'd like to start doing some of the cutting in the field with a currently shop-bound 2050 plasma cutter. The trailer isairless so i've got to chase up a compressor. After speaking with a pro hereand listening to you guys-- i'm going gas powered. All that remains is new or used, which brand and the specs of the compressor???????
Reply:This is probally a day late and $1800 to much. I have the 302 and 2050. I use an Ingersol Rand 30 gallon w/ 12.5hp Kohler.  No problems so far.
Reply:I use a hundred dollar pos walmart compressor to run my old spectrum 500plasma cutter. It runs outta air half the time which kinda sucks but the cutter has a fifty percent duty cycle anyway. At least it's light.