"Shop" Compressor Build

[JimJam300]

I got a buncha free stuff at work today. Compressor tank, mini blasting cabinet, and a high lift jack. I'm going to start researching what compressor will pair well for paint and blasting and see what I can find for cheap or free. There's always plumbing in the trash at work!

[grumpin]

That's a score!

[Gary Lewis]

Yes, that IS a score!  

On the compressor, that is a nice, big tank and I'd be looking for a 5 HP motor, which is about what you can run with 220V single phase, and a compressor to match.  You want the biggest you can get to minimize the time it runs so the air can cool and the water will condense out.

[JimJam300]

I'd love to go with a motor that large eventually. For now I will have to settle with the biggest 120V motor I can find until I buy a house... Tank is 40 or 50 gallons I think, haven't even checked yet. It just looks huge because the blasting cabinet is tiny.

[FuzzFace2]

As Gary said for what you want to do a 220v and 2 stage compressor is what you need even more so for the blasting.

As for cooling I made a drier from base board fin tubing and copper fittings.
When it was tucked in a corner withno air flow around it Ihad to use a box fan to blow air on it.
It works pretty good as I get no water at the hose end when using sanders or painting.
I also used a piping system to run air drops, 5, around my garage with drip legs at each and no water there either.
Dave ----

[JimJam300]

I would have to unplug the laundry dryer every time I wanted to use it. Not the end of the world but tedious. It would be simple if the breaker box was mounted outdoors, then I could just rig up a temporary outlet.

I found the original motor for the compressor in the scrap pile at work. 2HP 240/480V 3 phase. It will work on residential power if I use a VFD. I will have to see about the compressor pump itself, I hope I can mash something together.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Ah, back when Grainger/Speedaire was quality!

If for now you only intend to use it for a bit of spraying or intermittent air tools (not sandblasting or long term grinding) I don't see a problem running a cheap offshore 120V motor and pump.
You can always trade up when you get a place and have a dedicated 240V circuit run.

Hell, I put a Horrid Fate electric motor into a table saw at work 5 years ago when it melted down on the weekend in the middle of a job rush.
I think the guy still hasn't made it right!  

A 1.5kw VFD would probably set you back more than a 120V 2hp motor of the proper rpm and shaft size.

[JimJam300]

Horrid Fate, that goes up there with their Snap-Off tools.

We got some old VFDs at work I can borrow. They need their capacitors exercised anyway.

[CRittaler]

I have a scabbed together compressor as well!

Mine is a 60 gallon tank with a 1HP 120V motor running a compressor off of a 30 Gallon Craftsman paint sprayer.  I can fill from empty to 125psi in ~10 minutes.  While I haven't tried a DA sander or a paint sprayer, I do use a die grinder frequently.  I'll try and snap a picture in a bit.