compressor question

[duke]

can anyone tell me if i can get a 60 gallon tank compressor that will operate on 115-120 volts? i cannot find one, and do not want to run new 240 volt line. as it will be in temporary space until i build a work shed.
if not available, what is next size i can use for sandblasting small items? like 14'' wheel will probably be the largest thing i can fit in my oven any way.
also what p/c system do i use to get that suspended mettalic look like painted fuel tank on harley bike?
thanks in advance

[tomg552001]

duke trust me, you want something that runs 220volt. 110 motors on compressors are horrible. They may be advertised at 5.5 peak hp, but they will still only make 6cfm at 90 psi. If you do go with one thats 110, blast at around 50-60 psi. You can probally get some compressors at home depot with 30 gallon tanks etc. The reason they usually arent bigger is because the 110 motors and pumps have a very slow recovery, not to mention run at a high rpm causing excessive noise and faster pump wear. And whatever you do, DO NOT get a oil less compressor, they are worthless.

[drfjr1976]

That is the exact problem I have. 5hp 60gl runs on 110 and is oil less. It wont hardly keep up with my blasting at all. I have already replaced the piston seal and sleeve and it is only about year and half old. This spring I will be stepping up to at least a 7hp 80gl 220.
Don't get me wrong the one I have gets the job done but it is struggling the whole time.

[tomg552001]

Yep. I once had a husky oil less. I had to replace the piston, ring and cylinder after about 4 months of use. If you plan on doing this, and if you plan on eventually putting up a tool shed pick up the better one now. It will last longer, do the job better, and you wont need to buy one now, than want to buy another one later.

[duke]

thanks guys, looks like i have to bite the bullet & go for 240v
will i be able to plug into clothes dryer point with 240 extension cord until i get shed built?

[tomg552001]

You're better off running a whole other line. 220V + long extension cord = bad. You'd need a like 8 gauge extension cord and its just a bit of a hasstle. I say just pick up some wire, a breaker and outlet and be done with it. If your main panel is easy to get to, and you know how to do wiring without electricuting your self you'll be fine. Good luck!

[duke]

thanks tom, you have convinced me to do it the right way
you, nonstick & others are a great help to this forum & i hope you never get tired of all the questions i & others keep asking

[tomg552001]

No problem. Learn from drfjr1976 and I's mistake....110v compressor works but if you plan on taking this seriosuly and want to do it right get the 220v. Good luck!

[Hemi-T]

I had the same learning experience. I started with an oil-less 110v compressor, and the noise drove me nuts in a week. Then I got a 110v twin cylinder single stage 5.5 HP, but that wouldn't keep up, and would only make 125 PSI. I even tried connecting 2 compressors and tanks together for a longer work time before running low on pressure, but it still took forever to recover. I bit the bullet and had a separate breaker box run out to my garage with 220v. I think it cost around $400 or so. I can do most electrical work myself, but I had an electrician do this job. Then I got a 220v 2 stage 5 HP compressor with 80 gallon tank. This thing ROCKS! I run at 175 PSI, but my tank is rated at 200 PSI *working pressure*. I can blast, grind, cut, or polish non-stop now. Save yourself time, money, and aggrivation. Get the big one in the first place. You'll never be sorry.

Hemi-T

[tomg552001]

See, Hemi-T had the problem too, im glad i'm not the only one

[Hemi-T]

As a side benefit, now that I have 220v in the garage, I can also use my welder and my powder coat oven out there. I garbage picked an old electric kitchen oven for free. Hard to beat for the hobbyist powder coater.

Hemi-T

[duke]

well i guess "experience is the best teacher" even when it is someone else
thanks a lot guys
P.S. do bolt feet to floor, or does the unit stand o.k. on its own?
i have not seen one over 60 gallon on wheels.

[tomg552001]

Uusally you can just let it stand on the floor. However some people choose to bolt it to a wooden skid for easiar moving with a forklift or making it easiar to slide.

[non-stick]

Traditionally compressors are botled either to a skid for maneuverability or for sake of absorbing vibration. You can also pound some 3/8 X 3" concrete lags through the available holes into the floor, but put a block of rubber down sandwiched inbetween the two. Standing on concrete for hours is bad enough without all the vibration going to your feet

[duke]

how noisy is 220v compressor (not oil-less) when it is running in confines of 20x20 garage?