So I gave myself a Christmas present this year a bought a eastwood versa cut 60amp plasma cutter. Only thing is I dont have a big a** air compressor to run it. To get enough air I would be looking at a 240v air compressor to run, and I am not going to wire in a new one or spend that much money on a new compressor.
So I decided I would build a gas powered one instead. I plan on using a motor that came of my monstermoto mini bike. Its a 79.5cc 3hp. I have read a lot about gas powered air compressors and am a little worried it wont be enough power. But if its not i'll drop a 212 on it. I really dont understand why a 3hp electric motor would be more power than a 3hp gas motor. an electric motor rated at 3hp pushing 3600rpm and a 3hp gas motor pushing 3600rpm should be the same??
Found a good tank on craigslist for $20. And when I went into harbor freight, they had a 3hp 10cfm compressor pump on clearance for $85. I talked the manager down to $40!!!!
The pump has a max rpm of 1050 and has a 12.5" inch pulley. The motor is 3600 rpm so had to figure out the pulley size for the motor for correct rpm on the pump. I decided to use a 3.5" pulley on the motor which is 1008 rpm.
I will be using a Pilot Discharge Unloader Valve Check Valve all built into one that i found on amazon. Its pretty cool, it has the check valve built in and once it hits 125psi it unloads the air from an exhuast port. I also got a bullwhip that plugs right into it that make the engine go to idle speed when it hits 125psi.
Will be running 1/2" line to tank and 3/8" out to plasma with a filter and desiccant dryer.
The tank I purchased has a bent axle and doesnt sit level cause the front legs are uneven. So I am cutting off the bent axle and welding a new one on and will cut the front legs down and weld a plate up to make it a little more sturdy and level.
Right now I am just waiting on a couple parts that should be here any day. So far I have fixed the axle, front legs and have painted black. Once I get the rest of the parts, I will weld a new top for the motor and pump and start plumbing everything in.
So I decided I would build a gas powered one instead. I plan on using a motor that came of my monstermoto mini bike. Its a 79.5cc 3hp. I have read a lot about gas powered air compressors and am a little worried it wont be enough power. But if its not i'll drop a 212 on it. I really dont understand why a 3hp electric motor would be more power than a 3hp gas motor. an electric motor rated at 3hp pushing 3600rpm and a 3hp gas motor pushing 3600rpm should be the same??
Found a good tank on craigslist for $20. And when I went into harbor freight, they had a 3hp 10cfm compressor pump on clearance for $85. I talked the manager down to $40!!!!
The pump has a max rpm of 1050 and has a 12.5" inch pulley. The motor is 3600 rpm so had to figure out the pulley size for the motor for correct rpm on the pump. I decided to use a 3.5" pulley on the motor which is 1008 rpm.
I will be using a Pilot Discharge Unloader Valve Check Valve all built into one that i found on amazon. Its pretty cool, it has the check valve built in and once it hits 125psi it unloads the air from an exhuast port. I also got a bullwhip that plugs right into it that make the engine go to idle speed when it hits 125psi.
Will be running 1/2" line to tank and 3/8" out to plasma with a filter and desiccant dryer.
The tank I purchased has a bent axle and doesnt sit level cause the front legs are uneven. So I am cutting off the bent axle and welding a new one on and will cut the front legs down and weld a plate up to make it a little more sturdy and level.
Right now I am just waiting on a couple parts that should be here any day. So far I have fixed the axle, front legs and have painted black. Once I get the rest of the parts, I will weld a new top for the motor and pump and start plumbing everything in.
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A pipe burst on super bowl sunday that I had to fix before I could get around to this. Little sheet rock work. I will have to sand and apply another coat it looks like before it will come out right and texture is smooth. But compressor is still on!
