Air compressor rebuild

[eyhonda]

Here is one of my side fun projects that was planned from a downed air compressor. Bought a couple of older belt drive units and decided to rebuild this one just because it was a V-twin! It turns out to be a Champion CV-1 pump with a 3 hp Baldor motor. It was mounted on an older Buckeye 20 gallon tank that I was sure it was internally corroded. I bought a 30 gallon Craftsman with a clean tank and crappy pump. I cut the original mounting plate and bolted it instead of welding it to the Craftsman 30 gallon tank. Mostly because I wanted to paint it from underneath. Can't really do that pre-weld unless you have welding primer. Anyway, I just took it all apart, blasted it, Cerakoted then installed new gaskets. Ring and cylinders looked to be in good order. I still need to plumb it all but it's almost done. Most of the pump hardware has been replaced with stainless stuff.

20211209_225104.jpg 20211211_175544.jpg

For the motor, I just took it mostly apart to the bearings. I repacked them and replaced the double pulley. Replaced some of the rusty hardware with stainless parts. Then, a quick rattle can job to clean it up.

20211222_201440.jpg

Also, I played around with the bolts and my lathe to somewhat duplicate Ducati bolts. If you ever had one, you know the bolts have a dished head. I know I compromised the plating but I'll just clearcoat it or something.
20211222_201039.jpg

I'll probably spray the tank at a later date. Too big to do indoors in the winter.

Will post more pics when the Cerakote and paint cures. Then, I can do more final assembly with the stainless bolts.
20211221_222111.jpg

[squirrelman]

nice work, eric

[eyhonda]

nice work, eric

Thanks Jerry!

[eyhonda]

Some more assembly today.

20211224_133948.jpg 20211224_134057.jpg

[rpcraft]

Very cool!

[eyhonda]

Very cool!

Thanks! I hope it runs as cool as it looks!

[bones]

What a neat little project.
Too often when the need arises we just run out and buy a new compressor instead of rebuilding one.
And you're right, the V-Twin is outright awesome and should fill that small tank in no time.

Any idea what the total CFM will be?

[eyhonda]

Thanks Bones! Yeah, some of the oil-less pumps are super loud and annoying.

The system CFM is calculated at about 8 scfm. It's based on fill time (about 4 min), end psi (125) and fill volume (30 g) You can also calculate pump cfm based on the RPM and pump displacement. At 800 rpm and the displacement at 354 cc (.0125 cf), it equals almost 10 cfm! So to get the most out of a big pump, you need a big motor. This pump needs a 3hp motor. My actual cfm is lower because the smaller 2hp motor is spinning the pump slower than 800 rpm. 3450 rpm motor and a 4.4 to 1 pulley ratio.

air compressor.jpg The leader hose to the hard lines is not connected here yet.

[bones]

Very clean looking setup.
Do you run an air dryer or oiler on your lines?
I know an oiler is a no-no for painting or for any hose that you ever plan on using to paint with but air tools sure appreciate one.
I have an oil-less compressor with a standup tank of 25 gals and it is very loud and doesn't take too long to fill but eventually I want to get a very large compressor that can be mounted outside or in an enclosure and just have lines run everywhere so I can plug in and not hear the compressor running.
I'd also like to have enough CFM to run a large-ish sandblaster or DA sander without having the compressor running nonstop trying to keep up.
With my current compressor I can run most of my air tools for a few minutes before the compressor kicks on and makes a ton of noise.

I like your setup and applaud you for making a project out of it.

[eyhonda]

Thanks! I appreciate it. For a blaster and sander, I say you need a 60 gallon tank minimum. If you have the budget, get a two stage pump.

I wouldn't recommend my route unless you get really motivated and pump is worth spending the time and money.

The main regulator to the hard lines has an IR regulator/dryer. I have three access points and each has a valve at the bottom. Got the kit at Grainger. The tubes are semi flex with flare fittings.
20220101_012018.jpg
The power drawbar has a regulator/dryer and an oiler.
20220101_012101.jpg
The mister has a regulator only and my mini paint gun has a regulator/dryer.
20220101_012134.jpg
20220101_012252.jpg

I have to set up my new sprayer the same way.

For air tools, I hand oil them. But not as often as I should. It says daily right on them but that seems too much. I use air tools sparingly anyway and have been slowly replacing them with portables. I started a Milwaukee set. Got tired of air not keeping up and having to drag an air line wherever I go. I only have an air nailer and stapler now, which are not air hungry. I've shelved the two grinders I have and just use my corded one.