What did I buy? (air compressor)

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I know nothing of air compressors but always like a deal. That's not necessarily a good combination when the 'deal' is on an air compressor, but I didn't let that stop me from writing the check over the weekend. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Let me try to tell you what I think I have.

The label on the upright 60 gallon tank is 'Sanborn' and the 220V motor looks to be at least a 5 HP model. Physically the appearance is very solid and has no damage I could see. I do know it was running and sounding fine right before it was unhooked and we drained the oil and loaded it. I got what I'll estimate to be 50' of heavy air hose on a reel with it and an "evaporater" and something that looked similar to that but has something to do with oil (?). Each of these were on a pipe extending from the side of the tank. The only other thing I know I got with it is something I'm sure I won't need. It has an electrical 'reducer' which allowed it to be hooked to four phase (which I don't have in the barn) and reduced that to two phase power (or something like that). Obviously, I'll bypass that when I wire it.

Since I'll never use it, does anyone know if it has any value? Is a compressor like this likely to be adequate for running air tools or maybe spraying some paint in a one or, at most, two man shop or should I try to use it that way? I'm probably going to set this up near my electrical panel then run some pipe down a center bearing joist and T off it a few places I might need air. I figure this way I'll have the noisy compressor away from the work area. Am I thinking the right way on this deal? Any suggestions or input will be appreciated.

 

[ronjhall]

Gary
I’m not familiar with 2 phase or 4 phase power. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I’m sure someone will make both of us educated on this power arrangement. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Could this box be a converter for single phase 220 to a 3 phase 220 motor?

 

[Bird]

You might want to go to google.com and search for "Sanborn compressors" and find lots of information about them. The first site I come up with is this one. Sam's Club used to sell the Sanborns.

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( an "evaporater" and something that looked similar to that but has something to do with oil (?). )</font>

Sounds like an automatic oiler. They inject small amounts of air tool oil into the air hose; great for using air tools like impact wrenchs, ratchets, air hammers, and all the other tools that require oiling so you don't have to remember to do it. However, you definitely do NOT want that for painting, sandblasting, and things such as that.

 

[MDNick]

Gary,

I just want to elaborate slightly on what Bird said. Of course, he is absolutely correct on not wanting that oiler for painting, etc. You also do not want to use the same hose for these operations. That oiler will coat everything downstream from it. For the aforementioned requirements, tap in ahead of the oiler, and use different hose. For home shop use, I'd recommend point of use lubrication (lube the tool), rather than an auto oiler. But since you have the oiler and this hose is likely already 'contaminated' with oil use it, just buy a new clean hose for your other operations.

I am jealous. I need a compressor for the new garage, but am garage poor. Built a beautiful big garage, but no money left to fill it with goodies.

Nick

 

[looch]

Based on the specs you provided: 60 gallon tank, 220 V motor, and it's not an oiless; without seeing the condition, I'd say you have a pretty decent compressor.

I'd tap the oiler in "downwind" of where you think you'll be hooking up your sprayer. Also, you don't want the compressor breathing in paint fumes - that will gum it up in a hurry.

Paul

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Gary, I know you have a camera, so put a picture up.
There never was any 4 phase power on this continent, and the last 2 phase was in Philadelphia, in a small section of town, in the 1950s, long before Sanborn was in the compressor business.
Sanborn was a bargain builder that sold a lot of compressors thru outfits like Sams Club, and other mass merchandisers. Their direct drive units ran too fast, and were famous for twisting the shaft right off the motor.
Without seeing pictures, there is no point to me speculating on what you have.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Bird,

As always, you hit the nail squarely. It is an automatic oiler. I now remember being told that very thing but didn't recall the term until you refreshed my memory. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You make an excellent point about not wanting to 'oil' a paint sprayer. I'll have to take a good look at how I run lines so as to keep some dry lines (oil free lines) for such uses. Thanks.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Nick,

Good point about the hose. I know I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks. This may be a very uninformed question, but here goes. Any problem with using that (contaminated) hose for airing tires? Thanks!

Paul,

I'll have the compressor well over 100' from anywhere I'd be doing any spraying. I did that for other reasons however. I wanted to be close to my electrical panel and far from where I'd be working just because of the noise. It's good to know I'll be keeping the works cleaner, too.

As to keeping clean lines, I'll have to look into locating the oiler nearer the point of use rather than at the compressor, itself. I'm glad to know that before I run my lines. Thanks!

Franz,

I'll have to get my camera out there and post a pic here. I want to try to get a clear pic of the convertor box and the label on it if I can. Maybe it'll make more sense then. It couldn't make much less now. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif