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Adjusting max pressure on air compressor

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Chris Smith

12-18-2002 17:44:35




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I have a campbell hausfeld air compressor. It is the vt series pump. Seems i read these pumps can go to 135 psi. The mawp on the tank is 150. And the saftey valve is set at 140. It now kicks off at 125 psi. Now, can i safeley bump it up 5-10 more psi? And are there any real benefits? Since it is a 30 gallon tank, how much longer would it take the tank to fill? I would like the extra psi for cleaning and poping loose the ocasionalreally tight bolt.. Thanks for any help...

Later Chris Smith

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Brian

12-22-2002 12:17:22




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
Chris, I know that a lot of people have said to increase the hose size and piping used, and they are right, but you need to go a step farther. Most small compressors come with a 1 ½" to ¼" or maybe 3/8" bushing on the tank outlet then to the presser gage, the air hose and on to the air tool of choice. This 1/4 inch nipple restricts the air flow, just as a ¼" hose will. I replaced the small bushing with a 1 ½" to ½" bushing and then ½" piping to the rest of the shop. I then use a 3/8 air hose, and get close to twice the amount of power from my air tools. The amount of air available to your air tool is controlled by the smallest orifice between the tank and the air tool

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Ron

12-20-2002 06:37:51




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
I kept using a single-stage 125# compressor for years....THEN, I finally broke down and bought a 2-stage 175# compressor... YOU won't believe how much better an impact wrench works on 175#..... !!! Most shops use 175, and I would sure be LOST if I had to go back to 125#....!!! Do it....you WON't be sorry..!!



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Ben in KY

12-20-2002 18:36:47




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 Re: Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Ron, 12-20-2002 06:37:51  
Yeah I have worked with 175 lp compressors too, some giant beasts as well, but we always used regulators/dryers/oilers where we plugged our hoses in and ran our air tools at about 110-120 lbs max. I am speaking of up to 1/2 inch drive tools here.

Also air flow is a big issue and all of the big compressors I have seen have had big regulators and outlet plumbing. I think that is the biggest advantage. Don't use small hoses with your air tools.

Remember this thread was about bumping the pressure up on a 125 lb compressor. I think Ron is saying to GET a 175 lb compressor. Which I can't argue with, in air compressors bigger is always better.

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PD

12-20-2002 08:04:00




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 Re: Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Ron, 12-20-2002 06:37:51  
Not to start an argument, but most air tool manufacturers recommend between 90-125 psi and 10-20 cfm for the operating specs on air tools. Even bead blasting cabinets and the like recommend lower pressure and higher cfm ratings. The reason your tools operate so much better at 175 is likely due to the fact that you are using a compressor with an output lower than the recommended 10-20 cfm. By using an underpowered compressor (and "saving money" in so doing), you are shortening the life of your air tools immeasurably! If you are using a large compressor, and are operating your air tools at 175 psi, all you are accomplishing is destroying air tools with no gain in actual work! My two cents. Regards..... .P

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ErnieD

12-19-2002 14:58:57




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
How sure are you of your gauge calibration?



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John

12-19-2002 08:46:58




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
Keep the pressure where it is. What I did in my shop is to pipe air all over the shop with 1/2 plastic pipe. I also looped it where it was possible. That actually makes it seem like I have a bigger tank. Keep the length of rubber hoses to a minimum!

When you buy an Impact Wrench, make sure you have one that will put out the most torque possible. Make sure that the flow control on the tool is wide open.

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Slowpoke

12-18-2002 23:04:54




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
I read somewhere that impact wrenches and most other tools operate at 90psi, so your 135 would be enough pressure. The larger hose will increase the volume. Be sure to use larger fittings at the compressor to match the hose size.



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Scott V

12-18-2002 22:24:59




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
Chris,I don't think it will do your electic motor a whole lot of good.I would leave it as is.



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T_Bone

12-18-2002 23:32:46




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 Re: Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Scott V, 12-18-2002 22:24:59  
Hi Chris,

As Scott said with an increase in pressure also comes an increase in motor run load amperage. You could if you would slow down the compressor rpm to bring the RLA back to spec's, then it would be slow to build pressure and cause excessive compressor ware.

T_Bone



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Mac

12-18-2002 20:07:35




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
I dont think bumping up the PSI would gain you that much if any. If you have not already, try increasing your air hose dia. size. I have 3/8 ID hose and a little over 100 PSI and it seems to work OK for me.



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Ralph

12-18-2002 19:44:50




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
The larger the hose and fittings the better the air flow. also a very long hose will create some resistence. A clean properly lubricated wrench that is warm will perform the best. One that is used outside in below zero weather works like I do. (not very good or long)



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JDK

12-18-2002 18:47:31




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
I don't believe you would gain what your looking for with that few lbs difference.As said below the wrench can make a real difference.Also what size hose are you using.I run a triple manifold off my compressorline,and have a "curly coil"1/4 for air dusting,tires etc.It also does OK on a 3/8 impact but will not flow enough volume for 1/2" impact,air chisel,die grinder.For those I found I had to run 3/8"hose minimum.Again the wrench can make a real difference.Friend has an ancient old Rodac 1/2" that will outpower my non commercial wrenches on same air supply any day. Also keep in mind that the gauges on your system may not be dead on in accuracy,actual pressure can vary several lbs on inexpensive gauges,so allowances should be made for safety reasons.

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Ben in KY

12-18-2002 18:21:43




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 Re: Adjusting max pressure on air compressor in reply to Chris Smith, 12-18-2002 17:44:35  
Sounds like my problem/quandry. After borrowing a friends 1/2 inch impact gun I decided I just needed a better gun. I have an el-cheapo and it is too.

I don't think you would gain much by bumping the pressure up and would just work the motor a bit harder.

Just my opinion though except on the gun.



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