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View Full Version : What did I just buy (an air compressor, but...)



derekf
05-08-2013, 06:23 PM
So my little CH air compressor failed earlier this year but a family friend mentioned the next day he had a large compressor he was looking to get rid of.. so I figured I'd go for the upgrade rather than fix what i had.

Yeah. Damn.

What I had was a 30g 1hp compressor. What he delivered is a 220v 80 gallon 5hp monstrosity (shown next to the old one for scale):

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So what I'm seeing is this:

1) It's too big! I built a cabinet expecting to get one of those $1k compressors (cabinet is 32" wide)... but this is closer to 40". I'm pretty sure I won't overtax it, but is there a minimum usage these things need to get?

2) There's not a power switch; I guess the expectation is that the breaker gets turned off when I'm not using it? How involved is adding a switch? It's got.. something.. in an electrical box attached:

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3) Looks like the drain plug is broken off. Are there any "gotcha"s on replacing these (other than having to tip this thing over)?
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Thephranc
05-09-2013, 04:07 AM
Drain should be easy to take care of. Making it so the drain **** comes out from under the tank so you don't have to reach under is a nice touch. A heavy duty switch should be easy to add on. No real min use just start it up every once in a while and blow out and moisture and it should last a long time.

jlcustomz
05-31-2013, 09:47 PM
You just need 220 hookup. If you don't use often & have a clothes dryer nearby, you could make a heavy gauge extension cord to plug into the dryer receptacle. Most commercial grade compressors have a wall mounted disconnect switch (pull lever).