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Air Compressor Build

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Sierra Bum, Oct 5, 2021.

  1. Oct 5, 2021
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    I have a 20 gallon Craftsman oil-less air compressor. I didn't pay much for it, but it's weak, loud and needs some repairs right now. I'm thinking of building something more powerful and hopefully quieter on the tank. I'd like it to run on a standard 120v outlet. Any suggestions? Is a 3hp pump and motor doable on 120v and even worth it on this relatively small tank? I figured with all the shop masters we have here, I'd get some good advice on this. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Oct 5, 2021
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2008
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    4,716
    I'm a belt drive oil bath quiet sort.
    3hp would likely want a 20amp circuit.
    Mine has a 5hp 220v motor but is able to run on 120v for less hp
     
  3. Oct 5, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    It's not going to fly @ 3hp on a 15A 120v circuit, 1 HP = ~ 6.2 Amps, 3 is over 18. I have a 2 HP saw that kept popping a 15A breaker under load, the solution was to keep buying sharp blades or put in a 20 circuit, the circuit was cheaper :D

    Before you invest too much into this what sort of shape is the tank in? If it's getting wasted on the inside I'd say save up your pennies & when you can afford it buy something decent in the 40 gallon/ 10-12 CFM range.

    If you really want quiet save up a *lot* of pennies & go for a scroll compressor.
     
  4. Oct 6, 2021
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    Thanks for the replies. My tank is in excellent shape. Upright 20 gallon. If I can come by a 2-3hp motor and pump, I may put something together at some point...that would be more useful than what it is now. I have a 20 amp circuit. And I could run it on 220v too, but that outlet in my garage is not as convenient, and sometimes I'm running a welder or plasma cutter at the same time and need the 220 outlet for that.
     
  5. Oct 24, 2021
    jeep peep69

    jeep peep69 Member

    redding ca.
    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2007
    Messages:
    619
    I have a 5 horse 230 volt compressor it runs good my tank rusted out and it was cheaper to buy a complete unit than just a tank you can have it for free if you want it and can come to Redding and pick it up
     
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  6. Oct 25, 2021
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    Hey thanks. I may be headed up your way in the coming months (headed to the coast for fishing)...if so I will let you know. I certainly appreciate the offer.
     
  7. Oct 25, 2021
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Yeah be very careful with the thin tank materials they use these days.. I had a internal rusted craftsman tank from the 80’s blow on me at just over 100 psi.
    1 Hp motor is about all you can get on a 110 circuit.
    For your needs I vote an old Campbell Hausfeld belt driven piston pump.
    I have been using this exact same set up since the early 1970’s with zero issues.
     
  8. Oct 25, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
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    8,102
    I've always assumed any compressor tank needs to be ASME certified but a little googling shows that mot to be the case. :shock:

    Mine certainly is.
     
  9. Oct 25, 2021
    Sierra Bum

    Sierra Bum Member

    The High Sierra
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2017
    Messages:
    329
    I was just looking at our circuit panel. 120v/240v. And I have 20 amp, 120v circuits in the garage. Not sure I really need an other project right now. So I'm looking at this:

    Air Compressor

    Its no powerhouse, but infinitely better than what I have. Thoughts?
     
  10. Oct 25, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,102
    5.5 cfm is a bit on the low side, I'd be looking for at least 10.
     
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