Is this compressor worth buying?

[judgment_arms]

Do NOT under estimate them older compressors, most of them are silent compared to today's oilless crap.

for $50, I'd buy it, it's going to be lot nicer to run than a newer one.

while it may take long to charge, it won't kill you ears while doing it.

[jrrdw]

For some reason i doubt that. If im charging a 3 gallon tank to 100 psi and then transfer the air into a smaller tank it should fill up before the compressor tank empties.

For a chamber that small, it will fill it quickly. My guess is you will get the chamber pressuse to 100psi in like 10 to 15 seconds. If your running the aircompressor the entire time.

You will get 2 or 3 fills off one tank full from the aircompressor (guessing), your fill pressures to the launcher will decrease every time.

[john bunsenburner]

if you ask e its worthless and a money waste to buy a compressor that does anything under 150psi, thats the max you can get out of a stirrup pump, how about an old fride compressor or an electrical stirrup pump(ill post a how to on making those in a while)

[Gippeto]

Simple math.

If you used the 20 gal tank charged to 100 psi initial pressure, and filled your 2" x 12" chamber, the pressure in the tank would drop by about 1 psi. (Your chamber would also only fill to 99 psi.)

If you used the 3 gal tank charged to 100 psi initial pressure, and filled the same chamber, the pressure would be, just less than 95 psi.

This assumes that the compressor does not kick in when filling. (They usually have a differential on the pressure switch.) The volumes of lines and fittings were not compensated for either. (I must be getting lazy. )

If that old compressor is still reasonably sound, it would be the better buy IMO. Just tell the guy you can buy a new one for "only a little more", and see if he'll negotiate some on the price.

[jrrdw]

Lets see/weigh the options. Old compressor needs parts all ready, has worn parts all ready and no warranty and looks old and beat up.

New compressor has all new parts, 1 year warranty and looks good as well.

Old compressor is only 10/15 dollars cheeper then the new one.

I would spend my money smartly and get the most I can for my dollar.....

[judgment_arms]

I would spend my money smartly and get the most I can for my dollar.....

and since new compressors are ridiculously loud, are made out of poor materials fallowing a failed design that's only advantages are its lack of required maintenance for its short life and ease of construction...

you get the most for you dollar by buying the old compressor and fixing it.


I'm currently restoring one of similar design, my uncle has one that's well over 20 years old and still chugging along, and my grandpa had one that is 40+ years old and just now took out (probably just needs rewired).

on the other hand, my dad had one of them oilless jobies the died after ~3 years.

[grumpy]

you should check some local pawn shops, can sometimes find some realy good deals. i got a compressor identical to this one for 45 bucks.
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto ... 401+524403

[john bunsenburner]

if your capable of fixing it do so if not buy a new one(or build one for heavens sake!)

[jrrdw]

So iisthemuffin, are you confused enough to make a decision yet? If not, I'm sure we can confuse you some more........

[iisthemuffin]

Haha jrrdw, i believe i can take it from here.

And yes, i was confused a wee bit.

[nivekatoz]

If it were me, I would offer $40.00 for it that seems reasonable..

[judgment_arms]

If it were me, I would offer $40.00 for it that seems reasonable..

I got mine for a dollar ($1.00u.s.).


I wouldn't buy it with out looking at it

Run the pump by hand, holding you hand over the outlet, if it doesn't start generating pressure within the first 10 revolutions the pumps most likely bad or it has a leak.

if it's a leaky tank you can replace it with a tank from China-mart for what... 20 bucks.

if you can at all plug it in and see if it runs.

if it runs and pressurizes, check the pump and manifold for leaks.


do not be discouraged by surface rust, so long as it's not pitted it's most likely fine.

check the cut-off switch, if you can't run it do a visual inspection, make sure it's actually wired in, check the other wires.

if the thing does not run, chances are it just needs rewired.


rewiring will cost ~20 bucks give or take
cut-off switches ~$20
regulators are ~$20
pop-safteys are ~$15
belts are ~$15

take replacing things like that into consideration when making an offer.

one more thing, look for a double acting pump, twin-pump, etc., type compressor they are as fast or faster than modern compressors.


after saying all that, you will not regret going this rout, even if you end up paying more:
"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."
-- Glenn Palmer
EDIT: found the actual quote!