[vcf-midatlantic] Value of Air Compressor in CDL workshop

[Bruce]

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 at 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?
>
>
>
>