Why Does It Go Out on Friday Afternoon

I'm glad I went and picked up that air compressor. McMaster did ship the run cap I needed om time, and they show I should have received it an hour and a half ago, but UPS said, "Nah! f'k that guy. He can wait until Monday."

It is a special "air compressor motor" and is rated in "air compressor horsepower". Don't know how they figure it or get away with it, but it is common. Just like vaccum cleaners.

On my compressor the pump, motor, and controls were all fine, but the bottom of the 100 lb propane cyl I had been using as a tank for the lat 30 years perforated so the pump ran full time and only managed to pack in about 60 PSI. Down to ising the 6 gallon one now.Thankfully only need it for tires and occaisionally blowing things clean - like carb jets etc.

Thanks, you reminded me to drain and filter the oil in my compressor.

Doncha know, air compressor and vacuum cleaner horses are those little mini ones that some people keep as novelty pets - the have about the same pulling power as a toy poodle.

Doncha know, air compressor and vacuum cleaner horses are those little mini ones that some people keep as novelty pets - the have about the same pulling power as a toy poodle.

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An air compressor motor needs to draw more current and produce more torque when it starts than when it's at speed. The data plate current and horsepower are for running continuously without overheating. Likewise a human may produce 1/3 to 1/2 HP briefly, but more like 1/6 ~ 1/8 HP continuously.

A car starter motor is an extreme example, they pack around 5 HP into the size of 1/4 HP or less, without even a cooling fan or vents, relying on thermal mass and short duty cycle.

Yeah, I figured out the HP: SPL or special is the polite way to say retarded.

Yeah, I figured out the HP: SPL or special is the polite way to say retarded. Bob La Londe CNC Molds N Stuff

------------------------ My air compressors have all been assembled from parts. I change pulley size until the measured run current is slightly below the nameplate value. The air pump may run a little faster or slower than suggested.

I sort of wish I'd bought the HF vee twin pump instead of the vertical twin just because it looks more macho, like a Harley or classic aircraft radial. All my other machinery has the old sculptured cast iron look.

The run cap showed up today about 10:30. Then I had to take my mom to a Doctor's appointment. I just got it installed about 20 minutes ago, and the compressor fired right up. I did order a new run cap as well, but it won't get here until tomorrow. The old run cap seems to work, so I'm back up and running.

Good thing too.. I still haven't got the backup compressor running. It uses an external mag starter... (it was sold that way) which I left hanging on the wall in the old shop. I made the two hour round trip out to my dad's shop to get it after I realized it, and then decided it was to much work as other circuits were routed through the same box. That and there was no physical off switch (which I guess I could add). I decided to just buy a new mag starter and leave that one where it was for now. That will probably take a week to get here shipping from Florida. I went ahead and ordered a mag starter for the compressor I have the real 7.5 motor on. Everything I've learned in the last couple days says the contacts in the pressure switch aren't really rated for a

I do think I'm going to add a quick couple between the shutoff valve and the air dryer, so I can plug a portable compressor into the shop air if I have to in the future and still run it through the air dryer. Probably won't be able to run everything off of it, but I can probably run one machine with air seals and still have enough air for tool changes without over working the compressor. I added a quick couple between the tank and the shutoff valve last time I worked on things so I could use basic air with a hose if I had the shop air distribution system down for repairs, or to add/change/repair the air dryer.

P.S. Part of my start up routine is to reach down with my foot and open a ball valve sticking out from under the tank before I start anything up to bleed off moisture collected in the bottom.

I do think I'm going to add a quick couple between the shutoff valve and the air dryer, so I can plug a portable compressor into the shop air if I have to in the future and still run it through the air dryer.

---------------------------------- I don't run over 100PSI and normally less. At that level I've found 3/4" garden hose fittings and faucets handy for interconnections that may be reconfigured, or extended with garden hose to have air remotely such back in the woods. Valved tees, male to male adapters and female to female hoses for washing machines and hose reels are available during hardware store hours. My outdoor air outlet is an inconspicuous hose bibb, capped to keep bugs out. I've considered glad hands but "normal" people seeing one on the house might think me eccentric.

Do you actually know any normal people? I'm not sure I do.

Every single denizen of The Holler has their eccentricities . Me included .