[TheForge] Compressor (Was: OT Threads ?)

[Steve Smith]

Now I get it. You're might be right about not being able to make 400psi 
without more HP. On the other hand, it might make it but just take a 
very long time. Make sure your motor gets enough cooling air. I did 
something similar with my compressor--the head is intended to be run 
5HP, I'm running 3HP at about 3/5 of the rpm (since that was the motor 
available). This makes it a *lot* quiter, and I bet it lasts forever. :)

I really suspect that dingus sticking out of the one side is a third 
stage. As I said, I don't know much about compressors though. I saw a 
compressor used for scuba tanks at a garage sale once. I don't remember 
the details, might have been 3000 psi. It was a six stage compressor, 
had stuff sticking out all over. The final cylinder was about as big as 
your thumb.

Steve

Mike Spencer wrote:

> me> Old compressor, Atlas Copco 427 PSI 10 HP.
> 
> Steve> Changing the compressor head rotation speed will just change
> Steve> how long it takes to reach setpoint pressure.
> 
> Changing power, not speed.  The 2 HP 220V motor I have is about the
> same RPM as the 10HP 3PH I can't easily use.  The idea was that with
> less HP, I'd never get up to the 400+ PSI but I might get up to some
> reasonable fraction of that.  If the 2HP runs well enough to support
> that idea, then I might go with a 5 or 7 HP.  I'd like to see proof of
> concept before I spend $$ on a tank, plumbing, pressure switch etc.
> 
> Steve> Is your unit two stage, or does it take more than two stages to
> Steve? reach 427psi?
> 
> I don't know.  But:
> 
> Ralph> Send me a picture of the compressor if you have a chance -
> Ralph> maybe that'll help the imagery.
> 
> maybe Ralph will know.  Pics at:
> 
>    http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/shop/news/
> 
> Ralph, I put them there instead of mailing them so anybody else who
> might bail me out of my near-complete ignorance could look, too.
> 
> I assume that the two cylinders in series means it's at least 2-stage.
> How do you tell if it's 3-stage?  By a third cylinder?  What's that
> finned extension on top of the 2nd stage cylinder head?  (I'm trying
> real hard not to just take this thing apart.  I have too many things
> apart as it is.)
> 
> 
> - Mike
>