Burgess Powerline Sprayit (electric compressor)

[Des53]

I have a very old, vintage!, Burgess Powerline electric compressor, possible model number SR122 manufactured by Thomas Industries in the USA.

I am looking for an operator manual for the compressor, mainly for overhaul and spare parts also safe operation. Any information relating to operation spares would be appreciated.
Thanks for any help
Des

 

[rtbcomp]

Is the compressor a cylindrical device, painted red?

 

[Des53]

Is the compressor a cylindrical device, painted red?

I've taken some images of the compressor so hopefully this will help. I'm not sure on the model number as it's probably changed several times.

 

[rtbcomp]

That's not the same as mine.

I think the first thing I would be looking for is an oil filler, if it needs oil then it would be wise to check that before starting it, although I have a feeling it may be oil-less.

 

[Des53]

That's not the same as mine.

I think the first thing I would be looking for is an oil filler, if it needs oil then it would be wise to check that before starting it, although I have a feeling it may be oil-less.

The electric motor has oil cap on the end bearing other than that I can't see any filter or oil plugs. The photo shows a round breather cover on the compressor body when this is removed it gives access to the inside of the casing, no oil or filters so runs dry. There is a pressure valve on the top of the compressor head but I'm not sure if this is perished or needs replacing. Any idea of contact address for Burgess Powerline or subsequent company that may have taken them over?

 

[rtbcomp]

I think they were based in Nottingham or Leicester. Try Google, or these people http://companycheck.co.uk/index.php

 

[Wallace]

Might be an oil-less Wob-L type. I visited the Thomas facility in Alton, Hampshire some years back. Thomas Alton.

 

[rtbcomp]

Remove the inlet filter, turn it over by hand and watch the piston. Can you get a mirror in to look at the bottom of the piston?

 

[Des53]

Removed inlet filter and base of piston clearly visible and moving freely by hand. I assume a pressure relief valve is not needed for this type? Everything seems to be ok after a clean although not tried the electric motor yet but it moves freely as well so should be ok. I'll try the links suggested above for a manufacturer but I don't think spares are needed as yet as seems very simple, possibly only the relief valve.

 

[rtbcomp]

Mine ran continuously, there was no receiver. I don't recall a pressure relief valve, I suspect the bore/stroke meant it could pump against a closed outlet without causing damage.

 

[Des53]

Thanks for the replies and the information, I'll contact Thomas Alton for possible parts.

 

[rtbcomp]

They were sold by a firm called Middleton Mail Order - long since gone.

 

[Wedg1e]

That looks a lot like the one languishing in my dad's garage; he used it for spraying cars back in the 70s/ 80s. When you started it up it would run for a few seconds then the relief valve in the head would blow-off until you started spraying when it'd close to maintain presssure.
I'm sure I read or was told years later that it was supposed to be used with a particular design of spraygun that constantly bleeds air until you pull the trigger. He never had one like that, just the usual type and it worked fine; always seemed to get a good 'orange peel' finish at any rate
My mother would have bought it for him as a xmas present I'm sure; she was a Kays catalogue agent and a lot of his tools were xmas and birthday pressies.
It still worked last time I tried it; he'd changed the motor as the original wouldn't start without spinning the pulley with your foot - I suspect the start cap. had gone but he found a spare motor from somewhere.
My mother has mentioned selling it but I reckon it's one of those just-too-useful things worth hanging on to

 

[rtbcomp]

I sold my compressor to an airbrush user, I can't remember what happened to the spraygun.

 

[D4B]

Hi all, new here after searching Burgess Powerline Compressor, found this post!!

I have recently bought one of these thinking I could inflate bicycle tyres with it.

However despite totally dismantling it and rebuilding it, it appears that it produces such a weak air supply that the pressure of the
bicycle tyres once beyond about 10psi is just too much for it! The air from the bicycle tyres then overpowers the compressor, and yes you can hear
the relief valve popping and hissing.

Any ideas?

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum.

Buy a bicycle pump?

 

[D4B]

Welcome to the forum.

Buy a bicycle pump?

What I didn't tell you was I bought it for my father who is 77 and repairs lots of bicycles.......
was just trying to save him some of the effort u c

 

[rtbcomp]

Get a cheap oil-less compressor from such as Machine Mart, it will come in handy for blowing dust out of stuff &c. Go for oil-less so as to avoid getting oil in the tyres. They're not really up to hard work, but should be OK for your dad.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/...price-asc/type/any/module/shopcategory/page/1

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/...price-asc/type/any/module/shopcategory/page/1

 

[Wallace]

Is the relief valve adjustable?

 

[D4B]

Hi Wallice,

No I don't think the relief valve is adjustable, seems to be a couple of reed valves like you used to get on yer 2 stroke
mopeds back in the day.....

Hi Rtbcomp,

I will probably give him my old compressor and buy myself a new one from machinemart, especially as they're having a VAT free week atm!
Will get a twin cylinder direct drive jobbie at least 9cfm.

Cheers.