First Compressor Broomwade

[tommy_lad]

I have bought my first compressor, I saw it advertised locally and thought at £95 it was ok.
After @Seadog thread on this type I've wanted one.
I have no air tools at the moment it's mainly for cleaning, inflating tyres etc, I would in the future like to run a small plasma cutter like the r tech 30 which needs 100ltr/min 75psi, however I bought this because I like it not to run anything in particular.
It's been in regular use up until the last 12 months and it came with the original instructions.
Electrics will be sorted but they are safe enough for a test, all runs ok.

What do you guys think, a good buy? And general advice on these welcome, thanks.

 

[RWD3M]

Is that 1978 on that receiver? I'd be tempted to have it tested or at least inspected inside.

That's decent quality kit nonetheless!

 

[tommy_lad]

Is that 1978 on that receiver? I'd be tempted to have it tested or at least inspected inside.

That's decent quality kit nonetheless!

Yes its 78, I will look inside by removing one of the large plugs I think not sure how involved a home hydro test would be with everything connected, a proper test sounds pricy

 

[frank horton]

if it we're me as long as it's not full of water....just run it.....forget the cyl.....
I've never seen one blow, they just get pin holes and hiss when they rot.....
ur's is made of proper metal not a tin can like the new stuff....
brill old compressor.....a true asset......

 

[MattF]

Is that 1978 on that receiver? I'd be tempted to have it tested or at least inspected inside.

They're ¼" thick steel, if I recall. It'd have to be well shagged internally to be a problem.

 

[RWD3M]

They're ¼" thick steel, if I recall. It'd have to be well shagged internally to be a problem.

They probably are 1/4" thick when they're new!

A quick visual inspection doesn't cost much!

Sorry @MattF a quick edit while you weren't looking

 

[tommy_lad]

I can scan the instruction manual of anyone's interested, a visual inspection will take place, I'm thinking the rubber seals on the may need replacing are they just plain flat rubber seals?

 

[Seadog]

The seal on the large inspection plug is probably an O ring. I replaced the one on mine, got it from eBay. First thing I'd do is drain the receiver and see what comes out. The inside of mine looked like the surface of the moon, but I tested it hydrostatically to 240psi, which is the rated test pressure. No problems. I used a Ridgid plumber's test pump borrowed from a friend (after I'd rebuilt it ).
Get yourself the necessary blanking plugs or caps (I'd cap the unloader port in case the NRV is letting by). My I-R has a port very near the top of the receiver which is where I filled it, allowing for very little airspace. I then made an adaptor to connected the pump at this point and pressurised it.

 

[Onthespotwelding]

If it were me I would of purchased a new one. That’s one old compressor!

 

[Bornfree]

Has anyone ever seen an air receiver explode? I ask because on HGV trucks and trailers I've replaced loads that have rusted through and leaked but I've never seen one explode.

 

[MattF]

Has anyone ever seen an air receiver explode? I ask because on HGV trucks and trailers I've replaced loads that have rusted through and leaked but I've never seen one explode.

There are photo's/videos of ones which have. If I recall correctly though, a study years ago surmised that it may likely be oil leaking past the piston seals/rings & combusting which may be a cause, not rusted vessels themselves.

 

[brightspark]

If it were me I would of purchased a new one. That’s one old compressor!

nothing wrong with the old ones . brother has a 1935 comp . its massive and runs well

 

[brightspark]

most of them were used in beer cellars or garage forecourts for blowing tires up . they last forever and the price is right just drain it and check the oil and get it used. i wouldnt be taking it to bits if it didnt leak air

 

[tommy_lad]

most of them were used in beer cellars or garage forecourts for blowing tires up . they last forever and the price is right just drain it and check the oil and get it used. i wouldnt be taking it to bits if it didnt leak air

I am thinking this, it was in regular use upto a year ago, how do I set the pressure switch/ know what pressure its set too?, is it the spring loaded pin under the cover of the switch

 

[brightspark]

seadog has one and probably tell you what max pressure there set to i think 150 psi . hasnt it got a gauge fitted it should have

 

[roofman]

bargain for that comp thing will chug along for many many years to come and outlive anything you buy today in that budget range.

 

[DickyDoDah]

most of them were used in beer cellars or garage forecourts for blowing tires up

I'm not sure why you would want to blow up tyres in a beer cellar

 

[tommy_lad]

seadog has one and probably tell you what max pressure there set to i think 150 psi . hasnt it got a gauge fitted it should have

It has a gauge but it's max is more than the tanks test

 

[brightspark]

run it up to pressure and it will tell you when it cuts out. if it didnt the safety valve would blow off . it will be about 150 on the gauge

 

[Seadog]

There will be details stamped into the receiver that will state the test and working pressures, together with the date of manufacture. Mine is 160psi.