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Can I build an air compressor?

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Old May 7, 2009 | 12:57 PM
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Default Can I build an air compressor?

I have a Campbell Hausfeld 60gal 3hp compressor. I'm about to start expanding my tools collection and building a shop, so I want a good compressor. I plan on sand blasting, using a DA sander, impact wrench, air drill, and using all the usual air hogs. I figured since I have the 60gal tank already, I could just upgrade the parts I got. Can I throw on a 10HP 3phase motor and a 3cyl/2stage/32cfm motor? Here's the motor I'm looking at:
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...43/1017632.htm

Would that work together to make a good 60gal compressor?
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Old May 7, 2009 | 02:06 PM
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Sure, you just might have to figure out how to mount it.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 09:26 AM
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if you are sandblasting and using body shop tools you will need all the air you can get. are you gonna have thee phase power at teh shop? i would see if you can find a bigger tank. but plumb the 60 gallon tank in your air supply and the compressor will barely run on a normal day.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 09:41 AM
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Sandblasting takes some crazy air. I've got an 80 gallon 5hp Rolair compressor and its all that thing can do to keep up with my sand blaster. Infact, I have to wait for the compressor to catch up. If you could make more than 15cfm I think you'd be fine.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 02:52 PM
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What kind of power does it take to run 3phase at the shop? Would a single phase motor be better? I have a huge tank that was used for natural gas, I was gonna clean it, inspect it and use it for extra air storage...it looks to be 120gal or more. What would make a badass compressor that would work in your average home shop/garage? Do I need a monster pump or a high HP motor?
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Old May 8, 2009 | 04:02 PM
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You can build one out of parts, I've done it before, but it
may well cost you more than a package deal if you shop
right. Like with shops going out of business everywhere
you look, auction or want ads are ripe.

I got a tank that was 3' diameter and 8' long for the haul-
off, place I worked was decommisioning the old bank of
plant air compressors. Got a pair of cast iron Roots style
pumps too. They ran 'em with 20HP, 460V 3-phase motors
and I couldn't spin them fast enough with my antique 5HP
repulsion-start motor to get any pressure. So I hooked a
little 1-lung flea market pump to it and just let it thrash.

With a good sandblaster plumbing setup you can work with
a lot less compressor. Garden hose for the air feed and no
quick-connects, I was able to work down to about 50PSI
just fine. Use cheap 1/4" hose, and several inline quick-
connects,and you can't hardly get a compressor that's good
enough.
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Old May 8, 2009 | 09:20 PM
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Originally Posted by jimmyblue
With a good sandblaster plumbing setup you can work with
a lot less compressor. Garden hose for the air feed and no
quick-connects, I was able to work down to about 50PSI
just fine. Use cheap 1/4" hose, and several inline quick-
connects,and you can't hardly get a compressor that's good
enough.
Excellent point. My next investment is going to be a good 1/2" hose. How well would it work to use 1/2" for everything... even say die grinders/cutoff tools?... even though they take a 1/4" fitting?
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Old May 9, 2009 | 12:00 AM
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Originally Posted by team39763
What kind of power does it take to run 3phase at the shop?...
You either have 3 phase or single phase in your building.
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Old May 19, 2009 | 05:31 PM
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Ok, I decided not to try to build a compressor. Can I get a good compressor in the $1000 range? What specs should I be looking for to handle sandblasting and air sanding? I'll be adding my 60gal tank from my current compressor for extra air capacity. I'm only going to have single phase power in the shop.

Last edited by team39763; May 19, 2009 at 05:59 PM.
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Old May 19, 2009 | 08:34 PM
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Look for something at about 14cfm at 115 PSI or more.
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