Vintage air compressor

[Ausfahrt]

I recently sold my ridiculously loud Craftsman oiless compressor to a coworker. I planned on saving up for a belt driven USA compressor like an Ingersol-Rand. However, while perusing the local CL ads I saw a 1940's vintage fully functional compressor for sale literally right around the corner from my house.

I just had to have it. The asking price was $75, I offered $60 and the deal was done.

But what's the first thing that a BITOG'r has to do? That's right...change the oil.

 

[Astro14]

I love it!

 

[TxHeat]

It's beautiful! What a great buy!

Still, can't help wondering what Rick Dale at American Restoration could do with it!

Enjoy!

 

[UNC017]

Absolutely awesome! But I really wonder about the integrity of the pressure tank after all that time. The tank is certainly part of the character of it and I'd hate to swap the compressor onto a modern tank... but I think I might do it if I intended to use it.

Or at least borescope the old tank.

 

[cat843]

My Dad's first compressor was a belt driven old compressor from a refrig. He had 3 of them together. Latter he did get a real air compressor.

 

[The_Jeff]

Nifty. I bet it's quiet?

 

[default]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Absolutely awesome! But I really wonder about the integrity of the pressure tank after all that time. The tank is certainly part of the character of it and I'd hate to swap the compressor onto a modern tank... but I think I might do it if I intended to use it.

Or at least borescope the old tank.



If the tank is compromised it will be in a line along the bottom where water pools, any kaboom will be directed down. Being an old oil compressor that's lasted this long, I would assume its bee cared for and drained regularly.

 

[cat843]

Check wether the valve is a gate or globe. If its a globe I would replace it with a ball valve.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Nifty. I bet it's quiet?

 

[expat]

I have an old Weber compressor that looks much the same. I bought it at a garage sale about 20 years ago. It makes a great compressor for the garage, the sound is to my ear far more agreeable than my modern oil less compressor.

 

[wag123]

Yet another fine example of "they don't build them like they used to"

 

[dave123]

Looks like it might fill a tire or two I hope you dont expect to much out of it.

 

[expat]

Originally Posted By: dave123
Looks like it might fill a tire or two I hope you dont expect to much out of it.


I put a pressure regulator on mine and find the unit very capable. I have roofed two houses with a roofing nail gun, sprayed paint, run a nail gun, filled tires and many other jobs.
Honestly, I could use a bigger compressor, but not too often.