Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

Full of Hot Air

Blog Index

Categories: Projects and equipment; Commerce and business;

Word count/read time: 441 words; 2 minutes

Capital investments keep a business up-to-date and functioning properly. 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 stopped working so it bleeds air except when charging. Though it is an Ingersoll Rand, the part is no longer available. I can jimmyrig something but haven't as of yet.

Even when it gets fixed, I have outgrown it. It is a kick-ass compressor: 5hp, single phase, 220V, 60 gallons, 11cfm @ 90psi, 100% duty cycle, and it looks new. When fixed it should sell for nearly what I paid (in absolute dollars several decades ago).

I'm looking to double my air capacity. That entails a costly upgrade. Without three-phase power, a decent rotary phase converter will set you back $1000 or thereabouts. However, it could be used for equipment/machines of all kinds. Decisions now will affect much in the future.

Another option is to fix and keep the existing one, get another equivalent one, and hook them in tandem. Or buy two new ones and do the same. They would take up more floor space, which is at a premium, but I'd still have air should one fail.

A third possibility is acquiring an air storage tank. It wouldn't boost outright capacity but increase the usable time at the flow and pressure required. They take up as much space as a compressor and it's questionable whether they are economically efficient enough.

I've been looking for the past year to get an idea of what's out there. Living in the boonies makes it harder. The choices are not only fewer but light years away.

A look at online "social media" marketplaces reveals many items with no descriptions and few relevant pictures. It's equivalent to selling a car with the both the title and description saying "Car for Sale" accompanied by a lone, fuzzy picture of a covered car. Is it worth the hassle? Not like this.

In any case, it will be roughly $1k for a similar new one and $2k for a more powerful one. The former would rely on a two-compressor set-up with used and new parts intermingling. Maybe shelve that idea. New equipment is worth it when the price is right, plus there's usually a warranty.

In the end, I purchased two Ingersoll Rand 5hp 80gal 230v single phase 175psi two-stage compressors which increased my air capacity nearly threefold. The math said it was the best choice. The other components, including an industrial air dryer, cost nearly as much (egads) and are suitable for a much bigger system. This should be a lifetime solution.

Posted by M: August 4, 2024

Please email any thoughts or comments regarding this post.

Previous Entry . . . . Next Entry

Comment Section

NOTE: Your comments will be included in this section as long as they aren't illegal. This section is censor-free so show me your intelligence or ignorance and everything in between!

2026