Old Compressors

[shaw520]

Some of my favorite things in the world are very old tools, even more intriguing are the ones still in viable operating condition. Among many of my old tools are these two compressors that were left behind from my late grandfather, who bought an old gas station in Peekskill NY in the early 1930's.
The first one is a PAR Model 51,... I still use this compressor today in it runs flawlessly,... very quiet motor, the only thing you hear is the soothing beat of the twin cylinder air pump, a comforting sound from my childhood, reminiscent of my afternoons spent in the garage with my grandpa in the early 60's. Although I fear the tank is getting weak, she still holds 150psi.

 

[shaw520]

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Second one up is a small compressor, according to some brief research I did on it,.. it was made by Ritter Dental Corp. Inc. It appears that this little compressor may have been the driving force for a 'at the time' cutting edge Dental Chair. Intersting stuff indeed, and I should not that this little guy operates flawlessly as well,.... My son was amazed at the workmanship involved in the old compressors,... as opposed to the 'throw away' compressors of today.


http://www.ritterdental.com/Story/TheGoldenYears/TheGoldenYears.htm

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

No Title

Bought a building that used to be a gas station for my used car dealership and auto repair shop 31 yrs ago, it was built in the late 1940's and I believe this is the original Champion compressor. We have used it ever since, still going strong with only a few minor repairs.The compressor has what I would call blow-by, the condensation from the tank mixes with the oil, looks like a chocolate milkshake but the compression is excellent fills the tank to 130 psi in no time. Of course the electric motor is not original but it is over 30 yrs old, only thing ever done to it was a capacitor replacement twice. The pic of the id plate is not good but the numbers are still readable did some research but have not nailed down the exact year yet.

 

[shaw520]

The pump heads on these old ones are just amazingly built,... its too bad the tanks eventually rust out and begin to leak,..mine has 2 pin holes on the bottom that **** ever so slightly. My tank is rated for 175psi but after reading all the horror stories about old tanks blowing I turned it down to 125,... sure made for some long run times at 160psi though!

 

[1996rage]

Bought a building that used to be a gas station for my used car dealership and auto repair shop 31 yrs ago, it was built in the late 1940's and I believe this is the original Champion compressor. We have used it ever since, still going strong with only a few minor repairs.The compressor has what I would call blow-by, the condensation from the tank mixes with the oil, looks like a chocolate milkshake but the compression is excellent fills the tank to 130 psi in no time. Of course the electric motor is not original but it is over 30 yrs old, only thing ever done to it was a capacitor replacement twice. The pic of the id plate is not good but the numbers are still readable did some research but have not nailed down the exact year yet.

If you use non detergent oil in the compressor the condensation will not mix with the oil and turn milky.
Andy

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

The pump heads on these old ones are just amazingly built,... its too bad the tanks eventually rust out and begin to leak,..mine has 2 pin holes on the bottom that **** ever so slightly. My tank is rated for 175psi but after reading all the horror stories about old tanks blowing I turned it down to 125,... sure made for some long run times at 160psi though!

Looked at the gauge today the compressor shuts off at 140 but the ancient tank has enough compressor crankcase oil in it I don't think it will ever leak!! My ancient old gas station building had men's and ladies bathrooms, the compressor is in one of them separated from us by a cinder block wall, hopefully if it blows it won't kill us!

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

If you use non detergent oil in the compressor the condensation will not mix with the oil and turn milky.
Andy

I use non detergent but it still looks milky, the old girl has been running this way for 30+ years.
If it's not broke don't touch it.

 

[shaw520]

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All this talk about "old " compressors, coupled w/a mild case of OCD,....and look what followed me home today,...
.....last years floor model, they gave me an offer i just couldnt refuse. Merry xmas to myself!

Its 175psi with a 30gal receiver and 2 hp motor, can also be run on 220v for 3.5hp

 

[shaw520]

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I wont get rid of this old girl though,.... I turned the psi down to 125 as to not blow up the garage,... so the recovery time is a bit longer, but it works great for a casual day in the garage... just love listening to her huff and puff,... and it draws ALOT less juice than the new one !

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

All this talk about "old " compressors, coupled w/a mild case of OCD,....and look what followed me home today,...
.....last years floor model, they gave me an offer i just couldnt refuse. Merry xmas to myself!

Its 175psi with a 30gal receiver and 2 hp motor, can also be run on 220v for 3.5hp

Good for you, a backup is never a bad idea. But...I'll venture a guess on which one will still be running 10 yrs. from now.

I bought one similar though only one cylinder, hardly ever used it, of course the motor crapped out after it was out of warranty.
Had the motor repaired and it's still going but what a piece of junk.

 

[shaw520]

Yup,.. I have to agree with that,... thats why the old girl isnt going anywhere,... my son will get it when Im long gone,... and he will be the 4th generation to use it.

 

[ehenry]

I had a woman give me this compressor. I believe its a 60s model. still pumps and runs fine. Takes it 9 minutes to pump to 145 lbs from totally empty.

 

[shaw520]

ehenry,.. is that 110v or 220v,... 9mins is super fast for an oldie,.. means great recovery time too !

 

[shaw520]

No Title

Here's one of my fleet that just gave up the ghost, Its a 15gal craftsman (oil less),...cant really complain because I got 18yrs out of it without any fuss. Although the connecting rod would be an easy fix,.... I think I might just turn this into a buddy tank for my PAR. With a dbl regulator, newer pressure release valve, and the added capacity, I believe it will be an upgrade for the old girl.