[pianotech] Air compressor recommendations

[John Ross]

Good point.
I just found the owners manual. It was a Craftsman, back when they were 
better. Oh, I just noticed yours is a Craftsman, so they must still be good. 
LOL
It has a nice parts list, so I will go in and see, what I can find.
I had just replaced the switch last year, so was thinking that it might 
nickel and dime me.
Another 20 years, I probably won't last that long. LOL
But fixing for a few years is probably the way to go, since a few years will 
be long enough.
I might even find something simple like a belt off.
Your e-mail got me thinking, it can't be seized up, or the breaker would 
have blown. It was just making a weird noise, and had no pressure. I had 
forgotten to turn it off, and it was what I noticed on going in this 
morning.
They were expensive back then, this one listed for $819.53, and it was 1980, 
not late 70's.
Thanks Ron.
John Ross

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ron Nossaman" <rnossaman at cox.net>
To: <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2009 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: [pianotech] Air compressor recommendations



> *My 17 gallon Imperial, 220v, belt drive compressor has seized up.*
> *I bought it in the late 70's, so I don't think fixing it would be worth
> while.*

I seized one up by running it out of oil (dumbly), rebuilt it,
and got another 20 years out of it. It still works, but the
tank has rusted through. Point being, that it might be
worthwhile to overhaul yours.


> *I am semi-retired now (71), so a super duper one doesn't really make
> sense.*
> *What are the recommendations 220V/110/, belt/direct drive, oil/oil less.*
> *It is just general shop use sand blaster, paint application etc.*
> *I guess quieter would be a plus, as I don't want to bother with a
> remote building for it.*
> *My workshop is just an 18'x24' heated garage.*
> *John Ross*

Quiet is imperative in a small shop (as is longevity), so two
stage belt drive - oil is still the way to go, most likely
220V. The replacement I bought a couple of years ago is quiet
enough to carry on a conversation without shouting, standing
right over it. You'll need a high enough CFM to run spray and
sandblasting equipment. Mine's Sears, 25 gal, 8.6cfm at 40psi,
6.8cfm at 90psi, and cost around $425USD, as I recall, and keeps
up just fine.
Ron N