compressors for stationary engines

[bob middletonParticipant @bobmiddleton30757]

Having made 9 stationary steam engines over the years, I now require a small air compressor to help me make routine adjustments to the engine without having to raise steam. The trouble is that I have no knowledge of what type or size of compressor I would need to run, for example an engine of 1″bore by 2″ stroke at a pressure of about 75lbs . Can anybody out there suggest what compressor has worked for them, or suggest a make and model of compressor that would be suitable. 

        Bob Middleton

[bob middletonParticipant @bobmiddleton30757]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I use a basic machine mart one with a 25lts tank, think its about 1.5hp. Runs my stuart beam fine on 20psi, don’t need it higher but it will go to 75psi, just a bit noisy when the compressor kicks in.

 

Jason

[John Wood1Participant @johnwood1]

Hi Bob.  Have a look at the electric compressors used for airbrushing, these are quite small and usually quiet, some more so than others.  I bought mine at the Bristol show last year for around £90 and it came with a long hose, several connectors and fittings and is fitted with a pressure guage up to around 100psi although, as Jason suggests up to around 20psi is usually sufficient for stationary steamers. I can’t actually point you to a specific make or model (mine is unmarked!) but a quick surf on the net should bring you several to go at. Havn’t I seen a recent ad in either ME or MEW magazine? can’t check at the moment as I am at work.

 

Regards

John

[bob middletonParticipant @bobmiddleton30757]

Many thanks to John Wood1 and JasonB for their kind and most useful comments.  I am now looking very closely  at the type of compressor suggested . I seem now to be on the right  track and looking at the Machinemart and Screwfix catalogues. 

  Very many thanks.  Bob

[CirclipParticipant @circlip]

Awwww shucks guy’s you go to the trouble of making engines and then palm off the easy bit to Mochine mute and screwyflix, what happened to the good old ex – fridge compressor, a few bits of tube etc.???

 

   Regards  Ian.

[NilochParticipant @niloch]

Try also Aldi the supermarket chain.  http://www.aldi.co.uk  They have a series of different ‘special buys’ throughout the year.  My Powercraft 2.5h.p./25 litre compressor inclusive of an air tool kit comprising a tyre gauge/inflator, a long nozzle sprayer, a blow gun, a gravity feed spray gun and 10metres of air hose as well as an air-brush kit cost me £59.99 in March 2007.  It is exactly the same model as the one branded Wolf regularly advertised for at least £99.99 in the quality Sunday broad-sheets. 

Machine Mart currently charge £22.98 for the air tool kit and £25.29 for the air brush outfit.

I was also able to buy at seriously cheap prices a pneumatic nailer/stapler £14.99, a 9mm reversible air drill £12.99 and an air chisel and kit for £7.99.  I had never seen such competitive prices – no contest!!

A word of caution though, the parking for my local Aldi is equipped with number plate recognition cameras and if you overstay the standard two hours you will find an unwelcome surprise landing on your door-mat in a few weeks that will wipe out most of the savings you’ve made!!

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