Re: all about Air Compressors

Slow posting days. Anyway since it's still compressor related I'll post the feet support I'm making. As per Timber's suggested idea I'll use wood.

and sandwhich these in rubber

I also finally solved the leak problem and got the fittings to seal. 24 hours tested and still airtight at 135 psi.

Gluing some board to use as wall backer to mount the above setup.

Re: all about Air Compressors

Re: all about Air Compressors

Wall mount backer board is done. It really pays to have at least a basic wood shop setup with a miter saw, some clamps, cordless drill drivers and a nailer. Makes stuff like this easier to make.

I'll mount this one and tomorrow I'm back to welding to fab a wall swivel bracket for the air hose reel.

Re: all about Air Compressors

A 3 HP compressor is really not that powerful so a magnetic switch is not a requirement. That being said I just opted for a DIY switch to save some money.

The setup calls for AWG 14 sized wire on at least a 20A breaker. The compressor draws 16A at start up so 15A hardware might be pushing it a bit.

Moji .... the Knipex gets some workout here. The cable cutter is a Klein.

Wire stripping is really easy when you have the correct sized stripper. Not a strand of wire was lost.
Craftsman Pro wire strippers are manufactured by Klein Tools.

Most electrical screws are +/-

This screwdriver is the correct tool to use...

Re: all about Air Compressors

For higher current draw setups I prefer to tin the stripped wires prior to installation. It makes sure all the strands work together.

The obligatory open / short circuit testing prior to installation

The switch is really for AC use so I just made a made wooden casing. Rated at 45A and with an extra 15A outlet for the work table near it. Brackets are easy to fabricate using Ossie's Bender.

Compressor is manually charged as the new pressure switch is still in transit.

Re: all about Air Compressors

I did prepare some metal plates too to fabricate a swivel for the air hose reel.

Re: all about Air Compressors

Nangiingiit ka ah! Finally the PB screwdriver makes an appearance!

What is that soldering iron your using?

Re: all about Air Compressors

Nangiingiit ka ah! Finally the PB screwdriver makes an appearance!

What is that soldering iron your using?

Butane gas powered Portasol. Easier to use for small soldering jobs.

Re: all about Air Compressors

Is that available here?

Re: all about Air Compressors

Is that available here?

There was one selling a Dremel kit in TPC before. It uses butane gas too. Maybe that's better. Mine is Italian made. I believe it is of an older design. But it works well so I have not upgraded since I got it some 15 years ago.

Re: all about Air Compressors

No wonder US Made hoses are so soft specially in our warm climate. These don't fight out trying to maintain their coiled position during use.

It's good to use rubber hoses. Heavier but easily maneuverable.

Here's a good one.

http://www.amazon.com/GoodYear-8-Inch---50-Feet-Safety-50-Feet/dp/B0000225E0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303721030&sr=8-1

Moji has one and he might be able to give better feedback on this hose.

Re: all about Air Compressors

Finally got the manual air hose reel installed.

Use of Quick Disconnect Couplers makes an air setup more versatile. Acme or Milton brand is highly recommended.

The air hose reel can be used at full 135psi pressure

or connected after the pressure regulator / water filter to provide 90psi compressed air for air tools' use ( when oiled manually with a few drops in the intake )

Re: all about Air Compressors

I found out that cheap air tool oilers and industrial quality ones have night and day difference in performance. The cheap ones will consume all the oil out in no time at all making these not so practical to use. Air tool oil is expensive.

I was surprised when I tried the Speedaire oiler. It changed my view of oilers which was mostly gained from the use of cheaper ones. This industrial quality oiler provides constant very lighti misting on the air depending on the adjustment. At first I thought it was not working and was not dispersing oil. However when I blew air on a piece of paper I noticed a really slight misting so I knew that the oiler was doing it's job.

I decided to install it but not piped in directly to the air system. Since I will also be using this setup for spray painting I wanted the oiler to be as far from the air source as much as possible in order to avoid oil contamination.

Here I hook it up to the air hose reel. Another dedicated hose can then be used on it to power the air tools. This dedicated hose will soon be oily inside thus is not good to use for other purposes aside from air tools.

The compressor got some new shoes too.

Now I just need the new pressure switch and gauges to complete this WIP. Ooooops I almost forgot I need to finish the electrical line - 20A minimum.:)

Re: all about Air Compressors

i never knew that blue, yellow and black are wonderful colors for the workshop!

Re: all about Air Compressors

i never knew that blue, yellow and black are wonderful colors for the workshop!

LOL ... I think I have most of the common colors now.