Mobile air compressor

[mjsoldcub]

I actually stuck a harbor freight pump on my crapsman oiless (it was given to me) when I blew it up...i just turned the motor sideways and put a pulley on It and mounted the head on the other side...twice as much air, half the noise...I also have a 60gal puma at my dads until I get my building up.so far the one from HF has been good to me....came with all kinds of weird grease in it took 2 oil changes to flush it out...straight goobers....got the 3yr warranty so I figure if I blow it up I'll just get another...but that's only 11-14cfm@90...working hard just to run an air tool..little peppy (die grinder) or a d.a.....but a 30cfm compressor head shouldn't be hard to find at all...I would look for a good name used one...most of those still have parts available and are infinitely rebuildable....like the old Quincy's....

Here's a pic of it...it was a terrible compressor...now just a little less so...actually a good garage one, and that's a China freight pump....

Also, air tools make a difference in consumption as well..I'm spoiled because I have a good repore with the regional dotco and dynabrade rep...just an FYI, but you probably know that....most often get what you pay for....
I find this project interesting though and hope it works for you...its a good idea...a 20hp diesel will EASILY support an air head capable of 30cfm....good luck, looking forward to progress pics...

[jim nicholson]

That is the main thing I need is volume. Even the largest HF pump is not enough for sandblasting. I will see what the Wisconsin engine is like and maybe convert it. The only problem I see is converting the intake valves for two cycle operation so one revolution is not lost, and the other is using the spark plug port for the discharge as it would be pretty small when a check valve is screwed into it, [ probably about 1/4 inch and that is too small].I could drill out the plug ports to a larger size but then the heads would be ruined to use as an engine if I wanted to do so later.
I'm retired and have a fixed income so you try to do things as cheaply as possible.Plus building things that work is fun and relaxing.
Jim

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by jim nicholson

That is the main thing I need is volume. Even the largest HF pump is not enough for sandblasting. I will see what the Wisconsin engine is like and maybe convert it. The only problem I see is converting the intake valves for two cycle operation so one revolution is not lost, and the other is using the spark plug port for the discharge as it would be pretty small when a check valve is screwed into it, [ probably about 1/4 inch and that is too small].I could drill out the plug ports to a larger size but then the heads would be ruined to use as an engine if I wanted to do so later.
I'm retired and have a fixed income so you try to do things as cheaply as possible.Plus building things that work is fun and relaxing.
Jim

Depending on the engine, most have spark plug cooling jackets so you just might strike water while drilling out a plug hole.
If you look long enough you might find a quincy or curtis on evil pray needing a, or without a, motor.
Those larger units are not as easy to sell as most don't have 220/440 3 phase so they don't command as much.
I understand your situation and want to build something different like I do,
but from a practicality standpoint, there is a lot to be said for a good quincy or curtis with tank.
Devilbiss is another good name.
I found 2 several years ago one for my son and one for me for less that $400.
They are out there, and after using home made ones for years I sure wouldn't go back!
But to each his own

[mjsoldcub]

i agree with george 100%..thats what ive been trying to tell you...plus nowadays everybody wants a screw with a frequency drive to save energy...like he and i both said..just find a GOOD old compressor head...most likely it will be a reciprocating 4 cylinder 2 stage,(or whatever) as george said with perhaps a fried elec motor on it that is 3 phase, and the price will be LESS than messing with converting a gasoline engine, and work better...just belt it to the lister....

good luck...
yes quincy
curtiss
leroi
devilbiss, and theres some other really good old ones that i cant remember the name of at the moment...

my buddy has one from 1959!! 100gal tank, its one i cant remember the name, and should...im sure george would know it, and the tank walls are like .375" thick!! he can run his impact at 200psi with that sucker...changed out the 3phase for a silo unloader motor and works well..i dont think he paid 100 bucks for it...
good luck...
mike