Air compressor question

[cqaigy2]

I saw an episode of myth busters about air compressor tanks. They did everything they could think of to make it go boom, myth busted. They did not fill the tank with explosive gas, however. So no oxy acetylene mix test.

 

[fried1765]

I saw an episode of myth busters about air compressor tanks. They did everything they could think of to make it go boom, myth busted. They did not fill the tank with explosive gas, however. So no oxy acetylene mix test.

I "fixed" a leaky "Champion" wheelbarrow compressor that is now about 35 years old.
It developed a pin hole leak on the bottom of one of the tanks.
I removed a tank inlet pipe, and poured in about a pint of loose mixed (used a little thinner) two part marine epoxy.
Changed the tank sitting position a few times (rolled), and waited for everything to harden.
Compressor has been used like that for the past ten years, and is still going strong.

 

[Jstpssng]

It wasn't a tank; but I did see the bowl on a water separator fail and spew glass all over the shop. Thankfully nobody was nearby. It also gave me some insight into how rich people get their money; the mechanic's lease was running out in a few months and the owner tried to convince him that he didn't need a compressor to run the lift, tire machine et al.

 

[sd455dan]

When they blow, are they catastrophic or do the simply "violently decompress"??

I would think a hole MIGHT blow out to a finger or fist sized hole but otherwise, the air just blows out (verses the tank blowing up like a grenade)

I've never seen/heard one.....ever.

well there is this gets ugly after 1:27
Air compressor explosion safety video footage of actual explosion - YouTube

was the young mans grandfather that was injured.

 

[thepumpguysc]

If u do decide to go the bigger compressor route, have a look at the pawn shops.. I know, I know.. say what u will about them but they DO have things that we need at reasonable prices..sometimes..
My local ps has several stand-up compressors in the 60-80 gallon range for 350.-400.00..vs 1000.-2000.00 for new.
No way of knowing what the hours are tho..
Just a thought..

 

[ericm979]

When they blow, are they catastrophic or do the simply "violently decompress"??

I would think a hole MIGHT blow out to a finger or fist sized hole but otherwise, the air just blows out (verses the tank blowing up like a grenade)

I had a small HF compressor rust through the tank. I drained it every time but I'd replaced the rubber foot at one end with one slightly taller. Since the tank was slightly tilted and the drain was in the center, water accumulated at one end of the tank and rusted it out. It took about 15 years. When it rusted through the tank started leaking through a pin hole. No explosion. Of course the next one could be different.

On the replacement compressor I did not change the feet. I added an elbow and extension on the drain along with a valve. That makes it easier to drain and the water accumulates in the pipe not in the tank.

 

[Diggin It]

I have a Campbell Hausfield 20 gallon 'hot dog' style. Motor on top, wheels...handle..

I may have the same one ... bought at Monkey Wards in the 80s. Snap type switch gave up a few years ago and isn't replaceable, but there is/was a $70 conversion kit. I put a mechanical timer switch on the wall plug to deal with On/Off since the regulator portion still works. I've been considering replacing the whole machine and probably need to do it, but I really don't use air a lot any more.

 

[Meghan]

Useful topic, I also interested in it for some times, and it gives me some new knowledge

 

[Richard]

Some nice responses, thank you.

For "the rest of my story"....

I decided to dig into it and find out what I could.... to make a long story short.... I'm guessing the belt had stretched over time and/or, maybe the motor slide a bit where it's bolted in... (probably the belt).

I loosened bolts tightened belt by adjusting motor....and viola, working like a champ.

I'm glad because I don't have to buy anything AND I can get some more useful life out of this.... I'm not 'quite as glad' because I was secretly liking the idea of getting a 2-stage (not that I really need it)

I will admit, I had never thought of looking into a pawn shop! I rarely go through them however, that's interesting enough that I might browse one/five of them to see what they have.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I know whatcha mean.. I would have NEVER thought about a P.S. either, until one day I was driving by & saw their big roll-up door open in the back..
6-8 BIG compressors.. 60-80 gallon & bigger.!! I asked how much & when she said, we sellm for 400.00 but seeing its u.. how about 300.00??
& she said> pick out any one u want..
The only problem is.. the ends/plug-ins aren't there.. so unless u bring one & wire it up.. your at their mercy..