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Full of Hot Air

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Categories: Projects and equipment; Commerce and business;

Word count/read time: 460 words; 2 minutes

Capital investments keep a business up-to-date and functioning properly. The problem is that such investments are usually costly. Hence the name. I have had the same air compressor, my first one, since 1988. The pressure relief cut-off valve recently broke so it pisses air out all the time. Though it is an Ingersoll Rand, the part is no longer available. I'm certain I can jimmyrig something but haven't as of yet.

Even when it gets fixed, it is borderline too small for me at this time. It is a kick-ass compressor: 5hp, single phase, 220V, 60 gallon, 15cfm @ 90psi, 100% duty cycle, and it looks new. I should be able to get nearly what I paid for it in absolute dollars despite its 30+ year age.

So that means a costly upgrade. I don't have three phase power and it would cost $1000-ish to get a phase converter. But it would open up so many possibilities as I foresee adding more equipment that uses three phase power. Decisions now will affect much in the future.

Another option is to keep the existing one, get another equivalent one, and hook them in tandem. It would take up more floor space, which is at a premium, but it's a possibility for the right price (and I'd still have air if one should fail). Used is fine; if new is the best course then I'll go all out for sure.

A third option is acquiring a large air storage tank. It wouldn't boost my outright air capacity but it would increase the amount of time I have air available at the flow and pressure required. They take up a lot of space, as much as a compressor, and it's questionable whether they are economical enough. At the right price, it might be a good investment regardless.

I've been looking for the past year to get an idea of what's out there. Living in the boonies of northern Vermont makes it harder than living in a populated area as the options are not only fewer but certainly much farther away.

A look at fakebook highlights the uselessness of some sellers (no description, few relevant pictures). Worse, they're too ignorant to realize it. It's equivalent to selling a car with the title "Car for Sale" devoid of a description and a lone, fuzzy picture of a covered car. Here's a hint: Take a picture of everything, especially tags, stickers, or anything with writing on it, dumbass shit-for-brains!

In any case, it will be roughly $1k for a similar sized used one and well over $2k for a more powerful new one. The former would seem to be the least disruptive and perhaps the most economical choice. Whatever happens, it must double my air capacity.

Posted by M: August 4, 2024

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