Old Bristol Compressor

[RonnieM]

Hi, I have just acquired an old Bristol compressor, free! and was wondering if anyone could tell me anything about this type of compressor, I have tried a web search but nor a lot off results except one on e-bay. my one needs a motor as due to an accident the motor is scrap and I was wondering what hp I would need, the plate is missing from the broken one, it dose not look like a powerful compressor so I don't know if its even worth putting a motor on, my main uses are air impact wrench and painting.

 

[octo0072000]

looks like the motor is not original anyway
if using single phase try 3 hp but that motor looks as old as the hills there is a plate on the tank what does that say

 

[BarrieJ]

The pump looks original but when new would have been the same colour as the tank, so maybe somebody has refurbished it? The one on eBay, appears to have physically the same size pump as yours and is being run by a S.E.M. Single phase, 1hp 6.0 amp motor (which seems a bit under-powered by today's standards) but depending on the pump output might have been thought adequate when new.
Bristol Compressors are still in operation but I think are mostly concerned with the refrigeration business today. I think they have a technical helpline, might be able to give you a date and a spec on the pump - I imagine it'll be in the 1960s, if not a shade earlier.

 

[MattH]

"old Bristol Compressor"

Is that a compressor of old Bristol's or an old compressor of Bristol's?

 

[Mee]

Is that Bristol buses Matt.

 

[MattH]

Is that Bristol buses Matt.

No, the Bristol's I'm thinking about come in pairs.

 

[RonnieM]

looks like the motor is not original anyway
if using single phase try 3 hp but that motor looks as old as the hills there is a plate on the tank what does that say

Hi the plate on the tank dose not give much info just the model number which is
307JL5

 

[brightspark]

a 3hp 1250rpm would run it

 

[RonnieM]

Anyone know what the box on top of the motor is? (It's just sitting there, I think it's supposed to be bolted to the compressor beside the pressure switch.)

 

[brightspark]

will be the capacitors for the motor

 

[armalites]

Must admit I'm there is nothing like looking at Bristols

 

[octo0072000]

OK ill do it look a picture of a pair of Bristols

 

[Robotstar5]

If it's over 50 years old it might be worth getting the tank tested before you spend too much on motor's etc.?.

 

[Rig Pig]

I had a massive old Bristol compressor, the tank was 1/2" thick! They don't make them like they used too!

 

[brightspark]

the tanks are bomb,proof. just turn it over and tap it along the bottom with a ball pein hammer if your concerned about it. if it dents its thin if it don't its ok

 

[liammcl]

dunno if it's any help, but mine has a massive motor too
but it is only 0.75bhp, rpm 860?

23 stone !

feel free to click thru
http://s103.photobucket.com/user/liammcl_2006/media/Air Compressor - Clitheroe - 40 - 3 June 2017/04062016025.jpg.html?sort=3&o=12




Another one is even less, 0.5hp
this was made in bristol, yate

http://s103.photobucket.com/user/liammcl_2006/media/Belt Compressor AERASPRAY 1937 40 quid 14-10-15/IMG_0448.jpg.html?sort=3&o=12

Keeps the neighbours happy

Today, I see aldi's magazine is starting to advertise a 3hp, 50l one for £130
(and air tools too £20)
https://www.aldi.co.uk/mobile-air-compressor-50l/p/094243120321100

cheers
Liam

 

[Farside]

No, the Bristol's I'm thinking about come in pairs.

Just like the buses, then.
Or maybe threes.