Value of Air Compressor in CDL workshop
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor. Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work. Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
There are any number of air-driven tools available. Vortex coolers can be used for spot-chilling. Air motors can be intrinsically safe. Etc. Some of these applications can be achieved through electrically powered devices or other means, but not all . I would suggest not accepting a unit that "needs work" unless you have someone available who knows how to fix them. Like most mechanical devices, there's any number of things that can and do go wrong. At very least, inspect the unit. Neglected, compressors can decline rapidly due to accumulation of water in the air tank, crud in the lines, failure of safety overpressure valve and/or regulator, etc., etc. The repairs needed are often not all that complicated or expensive, but are about on par with repairing a small gasoline engine -- they take some specific expertise. (Been there, still struggling with that.) Also, you may want oil-supplemented or oil-free air for different applications. The two don't mix. One compressor can supply both, but treatment of the air is needed: coalescing filter, oiler, etc., as per application. Also, determine the noisiness of the unit. You cannot have a noisy compressor indoors and expect to be able to converse, much less record audio/video. Many units can be placed out of doors, but the piping is needed into the workspace. Such units typically have large air tanks, made for permanent mounting. (Note: Some compressors are extremely quiet, but they're in the minority.) Bruce NJ On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 8:40 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
On 5/7/2021 9:05 PM, Bruce via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
I would suggest not accepting a unit that "needs work" unless you have someone available who knows how to fix them. Like most mechanical devices, there's any number of things that can and do go wrong. That would be me - Biggest concern is the tank. Considering stripping it down and sending it out for hydrostatic testing. Even if the tank is NG due to corrosion, the motor and compressor head are salable parts. Also, determine the noisiness of the unit. You cannot have a noisy compressor indoors and expect to be able to converse, much less record audio/video.
Good point - the planned location is in the furnace room, on shock mounts
On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 8:40 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
On Fri, May 07, 2021 at 08:39:19PM -0400, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
For vintage computer I use one for cleaning dust out and blowing water off boards I washed. Not critical piece of equipment. 5HP 220V is probably overkill for this usage. Mine is normal outlet type and annoyingly loud. Best to have hose that can get outside for my typical usage.
On 5/7/2021 9:17 PM, David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
On Fri, May 07, 2021 at 08:39:19PM -0400, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
For vintage computer I use one for cleaning dust out and blowing water off boards I washed. Not critical piece of equipment. 5HP 220V is probably overkill for this usage. Mine is normal outlet type and annoyingly loud.
Best to have hose that can get outside for my typical usage.
Planned location is the 9059 furnace room, so a whip hose could be run out the door, or into the classroom by the sink to catch the run-off water This unit is actually 208, 3 Phase. It's belt driven and only turns 1800 RPM at the motor pulley.
Being able to drag things outside and blow the cobwebs / mouse leavins away would be very useful. Does the CDL building have 3 phase power already? On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 10:15 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
On 5/7/2021 9:17 PM, David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
On Fri, May 07, 2021 at 08:39:19PM -0400, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
For vintage computer I use one for cleaning dust out and blowing water off boards I washed. Not critical piece of equipment. 5HP 220V is probably overkill for this usage. Mine is normal outlet type and annoyingly loud.
Best to have hose that can get outside for my typical usage.
Planned location is the 9059 furnace room, so a whip hose could be run out the door, or into the classroom by the sink to catch the run-off water
This unit is actually 208, 3 Phase. It's belt driven and only turns 1800 RPM at the motor pulley.
-- Jason Perkins 313 355 0085
On Sun, 9 May 2021, Jason Perkins via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Being able to drag things outside and blow the cobwebs / mouse leavins away would be very useful.
That's my main usage of compressed air, where my shop intersects the computers. Also, to force-dry things after they've been washed.
Does the CDL building have 3 phase power already?
Because if it doesn't and that's a thing you'd need to pay for, I'd say that this probably isn't worth having. There are very few air tools that don't have adequate or superior electric equivalents that you're liable to use in an electronics workshop. Meanwhile, a $120 portable compressor is perfectly adequate for blowing off dust and poop once in a while and doesn't need special power or much in the way of maintenance. Meanwhile most inexpensive hot-air soldering stations are self-contained, so you don't need regulated dried air. A few years back I helped setup a makerspace nearby - one lesson learned was that kinds of tools that me and my friends could operate and maintain were sometimes beyond the skill, interest, or means of regular users. Just because it's free and a cool machine doesn't mean it's a good fit and sometimes it'll become more of a burden than a boon. -- Jameel Akari
On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 10:15 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
On 5/7/2021 9:17 PM, David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
On Fri, May 07, 2021 at 08:39:19PM -0400, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
For vintage computer I use one for cleaning dust out and blowing water off boards I washed. Not critical piece of equipment. 5HP 220V is probably overkill for this usage. Mine is normal outlet type and annoyingly loud.
Best to have hose that can get outside for my typical usage.
Planned location is the 9059 furnace room, so a whip hose could be run out the door, or into the classroom by the sink to catch the run-off water
This unit is actually 208, 3 Phase. It's belt driven and only turns 1800 RPM at the motor pulley.
-- Jameel Akari
I was able to find a 140 psi craftsman horizontal 30 gallon motor on tank compressor in nice shape, at an estate sale, for $150. I use it all the time for blowing off circuit boards, to powering air tool for working on my car. Definitely a required tool for any shop. One thing for certain, that if you don’t have enough reserve on your tank and pressure on your line it’s going cause a lot of PSI problems when you run lines throughout different buildings or rooms. Sent from: My extremely complicated, hand held electronic device.
On May 10, 2021, at 3:51 PM, Jameel Akari via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
On Sun, 9 May 2021, Jason Perkins via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Being able to drag things outside and blow the cobwebs / mouse leavins away would be very useful.
That's my main usage of compressed air, where my shop intersects the computers. Also, to force-dry things after they've been washed.
Does the CDL building have 3 phase power already?
Because if it doesn't and that's a thing you'd need to pay for, I'd say that this probably isn't worth having. There are very few air tools that don't have adequate or superior electric equivalents that you're liable to use in an electronics workshop. Meanwhile, a $120 portable compressor is perfectly adequate for blowing off dust and poop once in a while and doesn't need special power or much in the way of maintenance.
Meanwhile most inexpensive hot-air soldering stations are self-contained, so you don't need regulated dried air.
A few years back I helped setup a makerspace nearby - one lesson learned was that kinds of tools that me and my friends could operate and maintain were sometimes beyond the skill, interest, or means of regular users. Just because it's free and a cool machine doesn't mean it's a good fit and sometimes it'll become more of a burden than a boon.
-- Jameel Akari
On Fri, May 7, 2021 at 10:15 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
On 5/7/2021 9:17 PM, David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
On Fri, May 07, 2021 at 08:39:19PM -0400, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
For vintage computer I use one for cleaning dust out and blowing water off boards I washed. Not critical piece of equipment. 5HP 220V is probably overkill for this usage. Mine is normal outlet type and annoyingly loud.
Best to have hose that can get outside for my typical usage.
Planned location is the 9059 furnace room, so a whip hose could be run out the door, or into the classroom by the sink to catch the run-off water
This unit is actually 208, 3 Phase. It's belt driven and only turns 1800 RPM at the motor pulley.
-- Jameel Akari
Sounds like there is enough value to move forward with accepting it. For now, the plan is a flexible hose with enough length to reach the middle of the classroom, and out the furnace room exterior doors. Might run a manifold via the attic later on, but that about it as far a distribution goes... Power connection is a Hubbell 560P9W pin & sleeve connector - not planning to hardwire it to prevent ownership confusion. On 5/10/2021 5:21 PM, Sentrytv wrote:
I was able to find a 140 psi craftsman horizontal 30 gallon motor on tank compressor in nice shape, at an estate sale, for $150. I use it all the time for blowing off circuit boards, to powering air tool for working on my car.
Definitely a required tool for any shop.
One thing for certain, that if you don’t have enough reserve on your tank and pressure on your line it’s going cause a lot of PSI problems when you run lines throughout different buildings or rooms.
Was pointed out I have the part number on the power connector wrong: Its actually HBL530P9W... On 5/10/2021 6:01 PM, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Sounds like there is enough value to move forward with accepting it.
For now, the plan is a flexible hose with enough length to reach the middle of the classroom, and out the furnace room exterior doors. Might run a manifold via the attic later on, but that about it as far a distribution goes...
Power connection is a Hubbell 560P9W pin & sleeve connector - not planning to hardwire it to prevent ownership confusion.
On 5/10/2021 5:21 PM, Sentrytv wrote:
I was able to find a 140 psi craftsman horizontal 30 gallon motor on tank compressor in nice shape, at an estate sale, for $150. I use it all the time for blowing off circuit boards, to powering air tool for working on my car.
Definitely a required tool for any shop.
One thing for certain, that if you don’t have enough reserve on your tank and pressure on your line it’s going cause a lot of PSI problems when you run lines throughout different buildings or rooms.
Martin, Typical flexible air hoses are fine, within their pressure ratings. However, if you ever decide to plumb the room with rigid piping, be aware that there are a number of anecdotal accounts that PVC and similar plastics are not suited to the purpose and may explode, sending shrapnel around the room. If you need sources for these anecdotes, I can ask around. Bruce NJ On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 6:01 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Sounds like there is enough value to move forward with accepting it.
For now, the plan is a flexible hose with enough length to reach the middle of the classroom, and out the furnace room exterior doors. Might run a manifold via the attic later on, but that about it as far a distribution goes...
Power connection is a Hubbell 560P9W pin & sleeve connector - not planning to hardwire it to prevent ownership confusion.
On 5/10/2021 5:21 PM, Sentrytv wrote:
I was able to find a 140 psi craftsman horizontal 30 gallon motor on tank compressor in nice shape, at an estate sale, for $150. I use it all the time for blowing off circuit boards, to powering air tool for working on my car.
Definitely a required tool for any shop.
One thing for certain, that if you don’t have enough reserve on your tank and pressure on your line it’s going cause a lot of PSI problems when you run lines throughout different buildings or rooms.
My family’s business sells hose and fittings. If you guys need something specific please let me know and I’ll see if I can help. -Pete
On May 11, 2021, at 8:21 AM, Bruce via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Martin,
Typical flexible air hoses are fine, within their pressure ratings.
However, if you ever decide to plumb the room with rigid piping, be aware that there are a number of anecdotal accounts that PVC and similar plastics are not suited to the purpose and may explode, sending shrapnel around the room. If you need sources for these anecdotes, I can ask around.
Bruce NJ
On Mon, May 10, 2021 at 6:01 PM Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Sounds like there is enough value to move forward with accepting it.
For now, the plan is a flexible hose with enough length to reach the middle of the classroom, and out the furnace room exterior doors. Might run a manifold via the attic later on, but that about it as far a distribution goes...
Power connection is a Hubbell 560P9W pin & sleeve connector - not planning to hardwire it to prevent ownership confusion.
On 5/10/2021 5:21 PM, Sentrytv wrote:
I was able to find a 140 psi craftsman horizontal 30 gallon motor on tank compressor in nice shape, at an estate sale, for $150. I use it all the time for blowing off circuit boards, to powering air tool for working on my car.
Definitely a required tool for any shop.
One thing for certain, that if you don’t have enough reserve on your tank and pressure on your line it’s going cause a lot of PSI problems when you run lines throughout different buildings or rooms.
On 5/11/21 8:21 AM, Bruce via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Martin,
Typical flexible air hoses are fine, within their pressure ratings.
However, if you ever decide to plumb the room with rigid piping, be aware that there are a number of anecdotal accounts that PVC and similar plastics are not suited to the purpose and may explode, sending shrapnel around the room. If you need sources for these anecdotes, I can ask around.
<humor> Hell with that! We can make our own anecdotes, sound like it's time to experiment. I'm thinking the lack of explosives should keep DHS off our backs. ;-) </humor> -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry@linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies
Yes, All the Camp Evans Buildings are wired for 120/208 Y 3 phase power. Actually make it tough on the larger single phase 220 equipment... On 5/9/2021 6:09 PM, Jason Perkins wrote:
Being able to drag things outside and blow the cobwebs / mouse leavins away would be very useful.
Does the CDL building have 3 phase power already? Jason Perkins 313 355 0085
Have any of you tried sand/soda/shell blasting with your compressor? I ask because I have a working, but very ugly, Heath H9 terminal. Corrosion has worked under a lot of the gray and black paint. I'd like to blast the metal clean and repaint the whole thing. I have no experience but it seems like it would be better than many hours spent with wire wheel, sandpaper and whatever else. Bill S. -----Original Message----- From: vcf-midatlantic [mailto:vcf-midatlantic-bounces@lists.vcfed.org] On Behalf Of David Gesswein via vcf-midatlantic Sent: Friday, May 07, 2021 9:17 PM To: vcf-midatlantic Cc: David Gesswein Subject: Re: [vcf-midatlantic] Value of Air Compressor in CDL workshop On Fri, May 07, 2021 at 08:39:19PM -0400, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
CDL has an offer on the table for the donation of a used 5HP air compressor.
Grainger Model is 3Z724, needs work.
Any value during workshops other than air for soldering stations?
For vintage computer I use one for cleaning dust out and blowing water off boards I washed. Not critical piece of equipment. 5HP 220V is probably overkill for this usage. Mine is normal outlet type and annoyingly loud. Best to have hose that can get outside for my typical usage. -- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus
worked under a lot of the gray and black paint. I'd like to blast the metal clean and repaint the whole thing. I have no experience but it seems like it would be better than many hours spent with wire wheel, sandpaper and whatever else. Bill S.
Haven't done it myself cause I didn't have the hardware but have received parts that were done and repainted for pinball machines and they looked MINT! Was pretty impressed by it. - Ethan
On 5/10/21 12:07 PM, William Sudbrink via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Have any of you tried sand/soda/shell blasting with your compressor? I ask because I have a working, but very ugly, Heath H9 terminal. Corrosion has worked under a lot of the gray and black paint. I'd like to blast the metal clean and repaint the whole thing. I have no experience but it seems like it would be better than many hours spent with wire wheel, sandpaper and whatever else.
For commiseration's sake, I have a similarly trashed H9. I'd be interested to hear of any eventual progress that you make on yours. -Dave -- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA
participants (11)
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Bruce -
Dave McGuire -
David Gesswein -
Ethan O'Toole -
Jameel Akari -
Jason Perkins -
Martin Flynn -
Neil Cherry -
Peter Fletcher -
Sentrytv -
William Sudbrink