Here's what the HF compressor head looks like mounted on my OLD Craftsman 20gal. compressor. Put on a new REAL 5HP motor from TSC 2 years ago and tightened the knocking rod. Limped by till it just wouldn't build pressure anymore and waited for this thing to go on sale again. Calculated the correct pulley size and picked two single grooves at TSC (one actually an idler) and welded 'em together. A little creative mounting and bending allowed me to re-use all the original pressure switches and tubing. Keeps up now and much quieter, but now I need a bigger tank. Couldn't afford what I wanted, so rolling mt own one piece at a time Pretty cool though, because it is much quieter, and instead of pumping for 5 minutes to go from 80-100 PSI, it filled the tank from 0-125 PSI in 45 sec! No kidding.

 

I've developed a plan whereas I can buy a kick-**** air compressor and not have to pay for it.
Yes, free.
See, I've come to realize through my extensive research on air compressors that people tend to buy these things like hotcakes and don't realize the quality (or lack thereof). So my plan is to buy and sell as many as I can get my hands on (presuming I believe I can make money on the deal).
I figure if I buy and sell 10 of them at a $60 profit each, I should be able to buy a used, high-quality IR. People around here seem to sell them very cheaply on CL and I am also planning to attend a few auctions.

 

"Wiseguy" I've got an 80 gallon 8 horsepower V-Twin cast iron made by Campbell Hausfield. I've had it about 4 years now, and it just keeps chugging along.

I have the same compressor (I think it's the same) I bought it from Home Depot a couple of years ago...220 on a 30 amp breaker (my electrician put in the power for me) They say it will go for something like 10,000 hours and it's rated continuous. Comes with air regulator, etc... 80 gallon. However, it's a bear to transport. I think it weighs about 450lbs. I had the home depot guys bring it out to the front of the store with their fork lift. Then I backed my truck up. I had a sheet of 3\4 inch plywood which I put on the ground and the other end on my tailgate. Then we angled it carefully and pushed it up into the truck on its side and I drove it home. I had some neighbors help me unload it and I put it on a hand truck and brought it into my garage. Before I had a dedicated power source for it I had it plugged in to the dryer outlet (I used 3 strand 3 gauge wire and bought a dryer plug...worked great) I think the breaker for the dryer was 50 amp though) If you buy a new compressor make sure you add oil or guess what......right, no more working compressor. Anyway, it was a hassle getting it home but it works great for anything I need. paid $800

Phil.

 

So I think I've perhaps found another deal. I am thinking about purchasing this compressor, fitting it with a new belt, painting it and reselling for profit.
Here's the link: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tls/614834373.html

Owner says it was well maintained and can power most air tools save a buffer (tank size issue). Reading online it seemed fairly easy to replace the belt:
Disconnect motor
Loosen motor belts enough to put new belt on.
Put new belt on.
Tighten bolts down.
Use a straight edge ruler to insure that the new belt and pulleys are correctly aligned.
Tighten pully so that the belt isn't too loose or too tight. So there's a little slack.

Does this sound about right? A good purchase?

 

Not bad, but I'd be cautious of that tank. If the compressor head is good, it's worth it for that anyways. If the tank is garbage, you could always use a NEW 25gallon/100lb propane cylinder.

 

One other question. Where the heck do I find new compressor belts? I searched online and found a few places but they are by manufacturer and not size. Can I just use any old belt to replace the one on this compressor?

 

If it's Vee belts, put the whole thing in the back of your truck and take it to Napa. They have a good selection of industrial and fractional horsepower belts, and are usually willing to help.
If it has a decent adjustment range, take a rough measurement by wrapping a tape measure around both pulleys like a belt would be, and get a belt that length. Be sure to measure the width of the groove, it should be 1/2", but some are different.

 

Were the instructions I found reasonable accurate?

 

Pretty much, it's pretty straightforward. You'll see once you have it.

 

Or, an industrial supply shop, or industrial rubber shop (hydraulic hoses, etc)

Also, you can go online with Graingers, and they break down their huge selection of v-belts by dimension.

 

Well I've finished my compressor search. I purchased the compressor I posted above. It's a "vintage" Johnson Controls compressor with a 1/2 HP 115/230 electric motor. Fit it with a new belt and two new PSI gauges and, after fooling with it for a while, got it running well. Takes some time to fill being 30 gallons and somewhat old, but the pressure switch is in working order and it fills to 115 PSI before turning off until it drops to 90. The tank was no worries. It's a beast and simply had some surface rust on it. All in all, paid $110 including the new belt, paint and gauges.

Now comes the best part. I was at an estate auction today and found a Quincy 20-gallon compressor. Has a 1.5 HP 115/230 motor and cast iron (of course) pump.
After going to an auction last week and seeing a Speedair 30-gallon that was probably a few years newer sell for $290, I wasn't hopeful on getting a good deal on the Quincy.
I left more than skid marks in my pants when I bought her for $65. The new models sell for over $700 (with only a 115 motor on them). 230s go for much more.

Got her home and put her to the test. She runs beautifully and appears to have only been used to fill tires.

My lucky day! And by the way, anyone who lives in Baltimore or in Pa. (I'm in York County, near the Md. border) I'm putting the other one up for sale.

Thanks all for your responses in my quest for a decent compressor. I bought the Quincy thinking I would sell her, but I can't let her go. The compressor is extremely quiet, especially compared to my other beast. Will probably rewire the Quincy to 230 since I can get more CFMs out of it. Even leaving it at 115 I should be able to get 9 cfms, if this compressor is comparable to the newer ones.

 

Congratulations!
Sounds like a great deal!
Now you know why we were insisting on a quality cast iron compressor head.
You won't get any more CFM's unless you get a faster motor, but you will be drawing less amps @ 220V.

 

That's what my impression was...that rewiring simply drew less and therefore was easier to start, particularly in the cold. But I read on the Qunicy Web site that you actually get more CFMs somehow. Doesn't make sense to me.


BTW, anyone know which type of oil I am supposed to use for this Quincy? Thinking about calling the company on Monday with my serial number to get the specs on my machine, includiing which oil to use... Don't want to mess this baby up.

Carl

 

I like to run a Synthetic oil like the IR Select for 30HP and below reciprocating compressors.
It can't hurt and I find I get easier starts and less sludging.

As for the CFM, I have no idea how you can get more out of a positive displacement pump running at the same rpm.

 

what model of pump is your quincy? does it say on the serial tag?