I'm getting tired of my aircompressor not keeping up, so I think I'm going to try to upgrade my existing tank with a better pump and motor. I just picked up a 5hp 220v motor on ebay for $100, and I'm thinking I'll run it with one of these two pumps:
I'm leaning towards that second one because they seem to be a pretty solid company. So, what else will I need? I know I'll need a pressure switch rated for that motor, but what else will I need? (besides building the mount and all that). Also, what's the best and safest way to set up an on/off switch? Can I just box it all in an enclosure with a switch on the cover?
Okay, I pulled the trigger on the eaton. Into the whole deal for about $300 which seems like a bargain for more air.
Now for the really stupid question - the motor I got is 220 single phase . . . so, I can just both legs and a ground from a double breaker to a three prong 220 outlet, right? (ie, I don't need to worry about a neutral wire?)
Most of their pumps are huge and under-driven for cooler, drier air. They are on sale for significant discounts right now as well. MUCH better parts than what you get at Home Depot, etc.
Thanks Mike - that's exactly where I got the pump through their eBay store. I was pretty impressed with everything I read about them and got the feeling they'd definitely stand behind what they sell. The system I want to build is basically that first one there on the page http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm
At this point I have the tank and valves, motor, pump, and pressure switch, just need to figure out how to wire the whole deal and plumb the unloader. Seems like it's pretty straightforward, but I'm never too comfortable with my understanding of the whole 220 single phase vs 3 phase thing.
Damn, when I was looking at them last night that one didn't have a buy it now and I expected it to sell for a lot more. I actually bid it up to about $230 and it said "reserve not met" so I just went with the other one. Good call - I bet you're right, they'll switch it.
Talked to them this morning - they're a helpful bunch. Turns out the shipping is $120 more, and the thing weighs nearly 100lbs more which isn't that big of a deal but definitely moves it out of the 'semi-portable' category. He was also concerned that a 20A motor might not be enough to drive it reliably . . . so, I think I'll stick with the smaller unit in the end. The compressor I have now is just a 115v oil free that's supposed to move about 6cfm @ 90, but I don't think even delivers that now, so this new pump should about triple my flow which should be a huge improvement - hope I don't get it set up and think "shoulda" like I do with everything else!
