Air compressor froze up, opinions on my options

[jcummins]

A craftsman 20 gallon 220 volt air compressor I had for more years than I remember, froze up. At my age, I no longer use an air compressor like I use to, and don't believe I need to replace it. I have a 6 gal pancake compressor that I use with a nailers, and on occasions where I need air remote from everything I can just haul that air compressor to where ever it's needed.

I do use air in my barn in two places though....for the air nailers middle of the barn...then at the front of my barn for tires, impact wrenches, blow gun etc. That's where the bad compressor is. I'm thinking of splitting the air line from the pancake compressor and simply run a line some 40 feet or so to the front of the barn. Then it occurred to me....could/should I tie in the 20 gallon tank to the air line to give a bigger air volume to work with? Opinion on in effect putting the two tanks together.

 

[George2615]

Tying in the 20 gallon tank will give more volume as you say. Your 6 gallon pancake may run a little longer to fill the now 26 gallon reserve.
I'd be lost without the 80 gallon compressor in my garage. I use it everytime I'm out there. I need it for impact wrenches and other air tools.
On a side note, HF sells replacement compressors that will probably fit on your Craftsman for $145-165 or a complete compressor for not much more.

 

[Roadworthy]

Your little pancake compressor will take "forever" to fill that larger tank. The duty cycle of the little compressor would then come into play. Other than that everything should work just fine. On your larger compressor, it could be frozen as you say or you could have just lost a motor capacitor. They do fail from time to time.

 

[RalphVa]

I agree. Just tie in to use the 20 gallon tank. I have an old tank tied into my pancake system that I use. Of course, it'll take a while to pressurize that 20 gallon tank. You may want to have a way to isolate it and hold it at the higher pressure.

Ralph

 

[Diggin It]

For HF's prices now, I'd just go with another 20 or similar. The pancakes and hot dogs are OK for short term impulse use like nailers, but not much else.

 

[Oldoak]

For HF's prices now, I'd just go with another 20 or similar. The pancakes and hot dogs are OK for short term impulse use like nailers, but not much else.

:thumbsup:

 

[Rebeldad1]

I'd be lost without the 80 gallon compressor in my garage. I use it everytime I'm out there. I need it for impact wrenches and other air tools.

I used to think that when I had my automotive shop. Had a DeVilbus 80 gallon. Switched to battery tools and found that the only reason for the compressor was to adjust air pressure in tires and blowing something off.
The compressor went from running a dozen times a day to maybe once.
The huge plus with the battery tools was we didnt have to deal with the hose. Also it was a lot quieter in the shop.
Biggy also was tire rotations and brake work. The Battery impact was sooo much quieter.

 

[ruffdog]

Old rusty compressor tanks are like a ticking time bomb. It is time to throw the whole thing away and move on. If the OP wants to add air storage to a small unit, get a new portable tank and use that.

 

[thepumpguysc]

Just outta curiosity, was it an Oiled or OIL-Less compressor.??
I've been seeing Oil-Less compressors at HF in the 21 gal range.!! WHO would buy one.?? Not this kid..
BTW> u can buy compressor pumps for cheap..
A $1000.00 Dewalt 60-80 gal. compr. pump can be replaced for a couple a hundred $.. {just say'n}
Check your local Craigs List or simply google> compressor pumps.. U have to know the size & capacity..

 

[Gem99ultra]

I would NOT want to be without my air compressor. ...handy as a shirt pocket. It's only a 30 gallon upright and sometimes doesn't have the oomph that I'd like, such as a 60 or 80 gallon compressor would have. But it'll just have make-do until my boat load of gold arrives.

I also keep a little 6 gallon Porter Cable compressor in the garage for the occasional need to blow my clothes off before going into the house. That piece of junk is so loud it hurts your ears, and doesn't have the volume to blow off much of anything. I'd hate to know that it was my only source of air.

For my 2-cents, I'd definitely replace the entire 20 gallon air compressor with a new good quality compressor. And that brand would not include the letters HF!

But yes, I'm in the process of converting to battery powered tools. They're nice and much handier than air powered. They're great to use but they don't completely replace my need for air.