Shop Air Compressor set up questions?

BLSXJ · Feb 5, 2018

The compressor still isn't functional yet, since I don't have anything down stream of the regulator yet. I did do the 1hr long break in procedure. and I'm happy to report the noise level in the shop with the compressor running is great. I can carry on a normal conversation 10 feet away. I expect that to get even better when I plumb the intake to out side.

and wow did the oil ever change color after 1 hour of break in! the manual says to change after the 1st 50 hrs, but I think I'll change it a bit sooner.
I'm a bit confused to what oil to use.. the manual says non detergent 30W or 10w30 mobil one.... I suspect this has something to do with operating temp's. I plan on calling campbell hausfeld to get some clarification.

pmsmechanic · Feb 5, 2018

You can buy compressor oil at Princess Auto.

lostcreekranch · Feb 5, 2018

BLSXJ said:
"it alive!"....well sorta.
After a expensive trip to a plumbing supply store. I had all I needed to plumb the compressor to the regulator.

There is not a lot of room in my closet, so when I installed the compressor I decided to make it easy for me to change the V-belt and compressor oil. By doing that I made it near impossible to see the pressure gauge.

I use 3/4" brass pipe fitting rated to 1000 psi for everything. The flex hose is rated to 300 psi, and the pressure gauge goes up to 160 psi (i should have got a 250 psi gauge).

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my biggest hurdle was the limited space under the compressor for the drain line plumbing.
Dear all compressor manufactures,
Spend an extra 25 cents and make the legs on your compressors taller.... if you expect the end user to drain the tank every day... make it easy!

I didn't have room to install the 1/4" ball valve to the drain port, a buddy saved the day with some fancy fittings. when the weather warms up I'll run the drain line outside.

Maybe 2 hockey pucks under each leg?

Turbys_1700 · Feb 5, 2018

You guys may laugh but I purchased 4 of those Harbor Freight 3 wheeled dolly's and placed them under the skid holding my air compressor. Makes it easier to clean the shop up since I can move it around just a bit to get in the corner of the shop.

pmsmechanic · Feb 5, 2018

rlgustafson said:
Maybe 2 hockey pucks under each leg?

I was thinking the same but add a large washer or a piece of steel to keep the legs from vibrating/wearing into the hockey pucks.

pmsmechanic · Feb 5, 2018

Turbys_1700 said:
You guys may laugh but I purchased 4 of those Harbor Freight 3 wheeled dolly's and placed them under the skid holding my air compressor. Makes it easier to clean the shop up since I can move it around just a bit to get in the corner of the shop.

I just use the air compressor to blow the junk out from behind the air compressor.

lostcreekranch · Feb 5, 2018

pmsmechanic said:
I was thinking the same but add a large washer or a piece of steel to keep the legs from vibrating/wearing into the hockey pucks.

Pucks are cheap, doubt you’d see much wear.

Bulk Blank Ice Hockey Pucks - 5 Puck Case - Official Regulation 6 oz - Discount | eBay

BLSXJ · Feb 5, 2018

so if/when the compressor legs wear in to the hockey pucks, I'll replace them. as stated they are cheap and plentiful.

its not as simple as just adding another hockey puck to raise the compressor another inch... I would need to use a different concrete anchor. I'm already using the longest 3/8" anchor I could find.

its simply something the manufacture could do cheaply that would make a difference.

I fully understand that in the 60gallon and under $1000 compressor market, the two main selling points are CFM and price. I understand small things like drain valves, tie down points and the ability to extend the air intake piping... are just that small things most people don't care about.

bigtiller · Feb 5, 2018

BLSXJ said:
my biggest hurdle was the limited space under the compressor for the drain line plumbing.
Dear all compressor manufactures,
Spend an extra 25 cents and make the legs on your compressors taller.... if you expect the end user to drain the tank every day... make it easy!

I solved that problem on mine with a timed electric auto drain valve.
SPEEDAIRE Auto Drain Valve,Drain Size 1'/'4",4. gpm - 53DN44'|'53DN44 - Grainger

A pic of mine. I plugged the cord into a $5 power strip and secured it up high for an easy reach. I can let it run at the setting of my choice, or shut it off and on without having to crawl under it.