Proof of the BIG Bang Theory

[Franco in Pa]

I have a 42 year old craftsman 1 hp compressor. It shuts off at 80 psi and has a small pinhole in the bottom of the tank. I want to replace the tank with a portable compressed air tank from harbor freight. The harbor frt tank only has 1 pipe fitting on it. I want to add other fittings to the tank for inlet/outlet and drain but I only have the capability to braze them on this tank. My question is would the brazing be strong enough? Like I said the compressor shuts off at 80 psi. I realize that this may be a jury rigged way of fixing it...comments welcome. Franco in PA

[RichPA]

Originally Posted by Franco in Pa

I have a 42 year old craftsman 1 hp compressor. It shuts off at 80 psi and has a small pinhole in the bottom of the tank. I want to replace the tank with a portable compressed air tank from harbor freight. The harbor frt tank only has 1 pipe fitting on it. I want to add other fittings to the tank for inlet/outlet and drain but I only have the capability to braze them on this tank. My question is would the brazing be strong enough? Like I said the compressor shuts off at 80 psi. I realize that this may be a jury rigged way of fixing it...comments welcome. Franco in PA

I wouldnt do it, I dont think braze would be strong enough. Whatever you do make sure you incorporate a pressure relief(one of those spring loaded valves with the little pull ring) in case the 80 psi shut off doesnt shut off!

[eeyore]

put a "T" in the hole do not try to change the tank.

[Chris H]

I work part time in a hardware store, where we purchased a used compressor for small engine service. The age of the compressor is unknown, but looked to be in good shape. I drained the tank after every use, but who knows what the previous owner did with it.

One day, I had it running and under pressure, when I heard leaking air. Yup, you guessed it, the tank was leaking. To say the least, it was shut down, and the pressure was bled off. The tank was disconnected from the compressor.

Not having a spare tank lying around, and being on a tight budget, I improvised. Used an 8' length of 2" schedule 40 pipe and a few fittings for a receiver. Just moved the pressure switch, and relief valve over to the pipe and went from there. It does not have a lot of air capacity, but between the pipe and 50' of 3/8" air hose there is enough capacity there for our needs. There is enough air available to run an air ratchet and a small 40:1 chassis pump.

Chris

[Russell in Tulsa]

Here is a water heater explosion film from years ago. Watts brought the original film to one of our plumbing contractor meetings years ago. Quite impressive! Also guys why don't you go see if you have a temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater and scrap those old air compressors that are questionable. Hope the link works for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVQryuKMj8