Buying an air compressor

[Sneakymedic]

so I am looking at an air compressor to run a small 110 gal pressure pot sandblaster. Im just doing light tractor work, a few wheels, etc, nothing heavy duty. CFM requirements on box is 5-20 CFM required. Again, this is a pressure pot, not a gravity fed pot. I am looking at a 5-7.5 hp compressor by IR for about a grand (new) and then I came across this used one. It is two stage, 220v. The guy said he'd throw in a almost new Honda 14 hp engine to convert it to gas if I wanted. I just wanted some feedback on this compressor. or that set up. It is a two stage, therefore it would be a little better for my use. He has it up and running currently. So I know it works.

Id love to have a IR towable 185 diesel compressor, but that aint happening right now. So this is what I have to work with.

 

[Button Pusher]

Go for it.

 

[Scsmith42]

offhand that appears to be a >20cfm compressor. If you use the Honda, be sure to compare the RPM of the electric motor to the Honda (which is probably 3,600 rpm for the Honda but may be 1725 for the electric). Size your motor pulley accordingly

 

[GymB]

I’d ask for a pic of the motor plate, hate to get it home and find out that it’s three phase if you can’t get it.

 

[Sneakymedic]

offhand that appears to be a >20cfm compressor. If you use the Honda, be sure to compare the RPM of the electric motor to the Honda (which is probably 3,600 rpm for the Honda but may be 1725 for the electric). Size your motor pulley accordingly

I hoped someone would consider that, that is more knowledgeable than I am. I wondered if it would be compatable. Didn't figure you could just throw any gas engine on it.

 

[Scsmith42]

Post a pic of the motor plate if you can.

 

[hp468]

I personally wouldn't touch it for $800 without being able to see it run (JMO), especially with it sitting out in the yard. Also, don't gas driven compressors have to be set up with unloaders or some sort of clutch to cycle the pump on and off?

Get some pics of the pump and try to identify exactly what it is, there are some compressor gurus over at garage journal that could tell you what your looking at and if its priced accordingly. They would also be able to tell you if converting to a gas engine with it would be worth your time or not.

 

[Chdamn]

For the difference in price I’d go with the new IR.

 

[Short Fuse]

Buy new, do not buy someones headache.