home garage compressor: how many CFMs?

[Steve Marinello]

How many $$$ worth of your time will go into that solution?  Might stimulate
me to do a search for a used scroll compressor (if I was starting out
without already having a compressor).

Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eric" <ees at mindspring.com>
To: "Brett Dikeman" <brett at cloud9.net>
Cc: "Dave K." <desmo888 at comcast.net>; "Konstantin Bogach"
<kbogach at comcast.net>; <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2003 9:00 AM
Subject: Re: home garage compressor: how many CFMs?


> >
> >
> >   Scroll compressors are supposed to be the best thing since sliced
> > bread, but it seems they're simply not made in small sizes.  I can't
> > understand why- startup power requirements are lower, they're
> > completely vibration-free, and almost dead silent.  They could market
> > it as "The MarriageSaver"...
>
>
> I bought a scroll compressor for my work.  Our building used to be a
> textile mill and has two 50 hp piston compressors from Ingersol Rand.
>  We did not need that kind of airflow or electric bill.  The unit I got
> is a Kaser (sp?)  and puts out 21 cfm with only 5 hp (80 gallon tank).
>  It is very quiet and has a nice aftercooler, but with a dryer it cost
> $5500.   It is plumbed into the existing 200 gallon tank and 3"
> manifolds and it works great.  It supports 3" lines running all over our
> 50,000 sq-ft building.  The unit is actually about the same size (with
> dryer) as my 60 gallon single stage upright I have at home.
>
> I think the big problem with a consumer version is how much most
> consumers use their compressors.  The major benefit of a scroll
> compressor is reliability.  Since most people only use their compressors
> to air up tires or occational air tool work they are over kill.  I would
> still love to see them more affordable.
>
> My "MarriageSaver" solution is going to be moving the compressor to a
> shed in the back yard and running lines back underground.  The one
> technical hurtle that remains is how to keep the water from collecting
> in the cool underground lines.
>
> -Eric
>