[oldred]

Matt, There was quite a lengthy discussion about motor/compressor conversions here some time back and while this can and has been done it is quite inefficient and usually not worth the effort.

[matt167]

Because the compression is too low? or just plain too hard to turn them over with a electric motor? I had heard talk about using car engines too, that is why I mentioned it.

[oldred]

Matt, Generally just the size of a v6 or v8 automotive engine would require massive HP to spin it up(under load) to an efficient RPM and even most 4 cylinder engines would require a lot of power so by the time you rig up a power source and the appropriate valves along with all the necessary plumbing it gets to be a major undertaking. If one were to try this(it will work with a little ingenuity and a heck of a lot of determination) I would suggest something like a Briggs or Kohler air cooled twin of about 18-20 HP.

[DV8]

Here is one I'm looking at any thoughts.. It seems to meet most of the requirements put forth in this thread. what do you all think??

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=92504
mike

[shine]

call a local compressor rebuilder. he can give you the straight poop on compressors. i doubt this compressor will serve your needs if you use body tools or paint. if you look on the motor tag under hp it will say spl. meaning it is not a true 4hp. it's most likely a 3hp motor with 2 starters to get it going. the advertised cfm's seem really high for a small compressor.

[oldred]

DV, Shine is right about that thing, the numbers don't look right. The HP at the running AMPS listed is only about 3 HP and even though those V designed compressor pumps(single stage) are usually a little more efficient than an inline design that CFM rating is highly suspect for 3 HP. It is very hard to figure the true performance on these cheaper compressors because it is so easy to twist the numbers. Start-up AMPS mean nothing to performance except to deceive the buyer and running AMPS will give only a vague idea of performance but you can expect only about 10-11 true CFM from 12.5 AMPS and in most cases even less than that. If you can not afford a name-brand compressor you can look at the specs on them, the honest ones anyway, and compare performance numbers. Sometimes it looks like one is not getting much performance for the money when looking at the pro-brands but you have to remember that this is usually true figures and the true amount of air available is what counts not some ridiculous numbers painted on the side of the compressor. If you are going to buy a compressor soon let us know what you find and maybe we can help you cut through the nonsense and get the most for your money since some of the low cost units can be a decent buy.

[shine]

go to asetusa.com and ask Dr Gun about compressors and cfm requirements for guns. if your never going to paint then any compressor will do but if you use an older style gun ,even an hvlp your not going to get there. just my opinion and based on experience and what i've learned about the new guns. a jga siphon gun with a 3 hp pump will barely get you through a bike job. there is a form you can fill out and get an air audit. hope this helps

i bought my 5 and 10 horse compressors rebuilt in 84. both ar still doing fine. 5 horse went through the flood so it's rebuilt.

[oldred]

Shine, That link has a ton of good, no nonsense info

www.asetusa.com

[DV8]

I found a Sanborn 2 stage 5 hp 50 gal tank at a local shop equipment rebuilder. paid $250 but it needs a little work. hope parts arent hard to find.

[oldred]

Sanborn is a well known brand and parts should be easy to find. Which model did you get?

[DV8]

Well before I went to pick the compresor up this morning I found a online source for the parts I need. It looks like about 200.00 for the parts i need to bring this compressor up to safe operating conditions. DO you all think it's worth it?? I'll have about 400.00 into the project. It's still not bad for a 5hp 2 stage 60gal setup,.

[oldred]

DV, Without knowing what you need for it plus not knowing the operating hours it would be hard to guess the value. Still it is a two stage and Sanborn is a good make so you will need to compare the cost to a new one. What does it need? How old is it, What is the condition of the tank? I know you cannot check the inside of the tank but does it have any cracks? dents? rust? If the tank has any of these flaws, with the exception of LIGHT rust, then it needs to be replaced.

[DV8]

Thanks for the reply oldred... Finally got it home and it needs most of the plumbing up top. The intercooler tube between stages and the tank supply lines are broken/missing, and some other small parts. Tank was made in 98 looks to be in real good shape. The good news is that Coleman Powemate still carries parts for this unit at a reasonable price. looks like I'll have about 320.00 into the projsect and come out with a 800-900$$ compressor.

[oldred]

Sanborn, 5 HP, 2 stage, $320.00 I think that motor is probably a GE or Baldor? If it is either at 5 HP then the motor alone will be worth nearly that.

[DV8]

yea its a single phase 220 baldor .. looks fairly new