Looking for adivice on an air compressor

[hgs_notes]

As a MN State boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector who looks at probably 15 of these things a day, I'd say the tank is more than likely safe. Back when those were built, they used up to .250" steel. You can usually see it on a steel nameplate tack welded to the tank somewhere. It tells you the year it was built, thickness (usually), who built the tank, etc. I think I see it there on the left side of the tank in your picture. My guess is about 1940. Anyway, current models rated at 200 psi are usually no more than .180" for a 24 inch diameter, and they get thinnner the smaller the diameter. Typical 60 gal tanks now are at the minimum allowed by code at .096".

Anyway, A simple test you can do to check your tank integrity is to fill it with water, then pressurize it with air to at least the rating on the tank (MAWP). No leaks, your good to go.

Couple points, that compressor may be good, meaning it will pump air, but may not have much capacity. If it's not good you're not likely to find any parts for it. You definitely wont want to use it for painting, probably oil and water carryover in the air. That 3 HP motor is likely twice or more powerful than anything you'll find on a new single stage compressor.

You might just get more money selling the parts from it to some old farmer type that wants to restore his. There are more people out there than you might think that like this sort of thing.

Good luck,

HG

[JIMs70GMC]

I got a 6.25 HP w/ 28 gallon tank from cambell-hausfeld from Lowes it was under $270, upright, 120V. So far I like it.

[my68beatertruck]

i Have A t-30 ingersol rand, and it works great. i bought it used for 500, and it has a 60 gallon upright tank with a real 5 hp motor. it is replacing the old 1955 ish curtis, and the only reason that is being replaced is due to the fact that it moved down to VA with my father when he retired last year! that had an older industrial 2 hp motor and though it can't compare to my new one, it did the job for many years without a rebuild or anything more than normal maintanance (sp?). also, the curtis compressor had a relatively small tank at 35 gallons.
i think you could run that compressor the way it is, providing there are no leaks or repairs to the tank, and it will do decent for little to no investment. if you do buy a newer one, go at least 60 gallon, 2 stage, belt drive. brand names vary, but devilbiss, ingersol rand, and campell are a few of the commonly available better ones. Direct drives are very noisy, and i haven't owned any, but i do know people who have seen short lifes from them.
Nothing Sears has put out lately has impressed me, but i believe devilbiss is making the larger belt drives for them.