oil-less to oil lube compressor conversion

Hello, I am new to the site, but I have read quite a few threads and find the site to be a wealth of knowledge. I currently own a Craftsman 30 gallon oil-less compressor from 2002 and was getting tired of the noise level. I wanted to upgrade but was on a tight budget. I recently bought a 1985 Craftsman 2HP 20 gallon (220volt) horizontal portable compressor model 919.176320 off craigslist 7.5CFM @90psi. The tank had some heavy surface rust and after reading some posts on here I got concerned about safety. I then thought why not mount the oil lube motor and pump on my 30 gallon tank since I know I have drained it after most uses and it has been well cared for. My tank is rated for 150 PSI and the 20 gallon is rated for 125PSI. My idea is to cut the mounting plate off of the 20 gallon tank mount it on top of the 30 gallon tank using the components from the 20 gallon setup to match everything correctly. The only thing I would have to fabricate would be the lines to the tank which I was going to do out of copper with compression fittings. I was also going to use rubber washers between the mounting plate to minimize vibration. Has anyone else done something similar?

Why cut the top of the oil compressor off? Unless the mounting plate on the 30 gallon tank is super small you should just be able to drill a couple new holes and bolt the pump down.

Thanks unfortunately the current plate is to small

just buy a piece of plate that is big enough. Bolt that to the existing plate using bolts and lock nuts then drill new holes into that plate and bolt everything to that. You will have to use at least 3/16 plate so it doesn't bounce and flex.

Plate is a great idea since the 20 gallon plate is just sheet metal

I was think of using some scrap super strut when bolting it up just for ridigity and support

Will call around and check local machine shop for some 1/4 plate seems like a better idea

Most steel supply yards sell remnants at a large cost savings. They charge by the pound. The one I go to charges .90/lb. for plate. You are probably looking at 4 pounds.

went to some local north jersey steel places and many just didn't want to be bothered or laughed me out the door. Then I figured I would try the large metal fab factory by me. After getting buzzed in, the manager asked what I needed and for the dimensions, he made a call on the intercom and had a worker cut me a fresh piece of 1/4 inch plate free of charge. He told me it was great to see a younger person actually building something. Then told me to walk out the back door so I wouldn't be on his camera. Great guy

gearheadglen said:

went to some local north jersey steel places and many just didn't want to be bothered or laughed me out the door. Then I figured I would try the large metal fab factory by me. After getting buzzed in, the manager asked what I needed and for the dimensions, he made a call on the intercom and had a worker cut me a fresh piece of 1/4 inch plate free of charge. He told me it was great to see a younger person actually building something. Then told me to walk out the back door so I wouldn't be on his camera. Great guy

Click to expand...

Be sure to send that guy some work if you get the chance.

If you don't mind posting a how to with some photos as you progress through the conversion, I sure would appreicate it. I think I have the same tank and oil-less compressor in my shop based on your description. It's pretty easy to move around so I use it from time to time, but it's damn noisy compared to the oiled compressor I have.

Thanks
Wes

Hi Wes...will do, just have to find the time to make it happen

hopefully soon, I will definitely up date the post when it starts moving along

I had a similar project a couple of years ago. My tank rusted out yes I didn't drain it all that often so it was my fault but the tank lasted 18 years as it was. I searched for a new tank and the cheapest I could find was over $150 for a 20 gal.
I did a Craiglist search and found someone selling a compressor with a 30 gal tank for $125. I bough the unit removed everything from the tank. I then cut the mounting plate from my old tank and then just bolted it to my new/old tank. Other then a couple of lines everything fit!
One thing I did do before this was I removed the plugs at each end of the tank and inspected it. There was only just a bit of rust which confirms the PO claim of minimal use.
I then poured in some "rust remover" chemical and some stones, sealed the tank and then rolled it around, let it sit, rolled it around, well you get the picture. I then drained the tank, flushed the tank, and then let it dry. I then mixed up a batch of epoxy zinc cromate primer that I had and poured it into the tank and rolled it around to coat all the internal surfaces. I then let it dry for a week.

In the future I plan on doing this process with any new tank to slow/stop the rust from starting.

devoncoolman said:

just buy a piece of plate that is big enough. Bolt that to the existing plate using bolts and lock nuts then drill new holes into that plate and bolt everything to that. You will have to use at least 3/16 plate so it doesn't bounce and flex.

Click to expand...

I don't think I have ever seen a home compressor with a plate over 1/8" thick. 3/16 would be nice but for the most part the manufacturers wont use it because it would add to the cost.

Scrapyards should have tons of small pieces of plate steel you can pick up cheap. If its thick enough you can just drill and tap the plate and not even have to use nuts on the bottom. Just add a little blue locktite so nothing vibrates loose.

Here are some more mounting ideas: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98101&highlight=oilless+tank+conversion