just got a new compressor...questions.

[layedout72]

Alright I just got a 26 gallon 2h.p. 150 max psi compressor from sears for christmas and I have a few questions.

It says it has a pressure switch with a factor "cut-in" psi, and a factory "cut-out" psi. So my question is this, do I let it run up to 150 PSI, and use the regulator to set how much the tools see?

I don't feel like it's proper to run a tool at its MAX pressure (meaning the compressor) but I do know that on air ride suspension setups you run the compressor at max psi (say 150) and use a regulator somewhere in the system to adjust the pressure your bags see.

I just want to make sure before I go and use it for a good hour or so running like this. I am going to sears tomorrow just so I can have something to stand on IF it goes out for whatever reason.

Hope someone can help! THANKS GUYS!

[FORDification]

I think you're confused about the function of the regulator.

The compressor will only produce so much PSI (150 in your case), at which time the regulator will kick off. When the pressure drops to a certain level, the regulator will kick it back on and it will then stay running until the upper PSI limit is reached. Most compressors I've messed with had a low setting of 75PSI, which is where it'll kick back on to replenish it back to 150 lbs and then the regulator will shut it down. In other words, the regulator's function is to control tank pressure, not line pressure. With your setup you can't have 150 lbs. of pressure in the tank and cut that back to 50 lbs. at the end of the line. Whatever pressure is in the tank is what your tools will see. If you want to regulate line pressure like that, you'll have to add another regulator at the line output.

I'd say 98% of the time the factory settings are just fine. Your compressor is too small to use for air-intensive jobs like sandblasting, painting, etc., so you'll need to see what the air requirements for your other tools are. Since you'd probably only be using one at a time, just find the one that requires the most air. You'll also need to look at your documentation to see what the compressor's duty cycle is rated at, and be sure not to exceed that. This will determine what kind of tools can you use and for how long at a time.

[68F250]

Yes, the pressure switch is for the compressor operation only, not your tools. You use the separate adjustable regulator on the output to set the line pressure, it will adjust from 0 psi to maximum which is whatever the tank pressure is at the moment.

[72hiboy4x4]

my sears compressor has a built-in line pressure regulator on the output. He might be looking at that.

[layedout72]

that is a photo of the compressor. when i turn it on, it wants to just keep going alllllll the way up to 150 psi it seems ( i wouldnt let it get that high) and then the knob thing (what they call the "regulator") can be turned BELOW what the pressure in the tank is. That is what the tools will see. But....I dont want a full 150 psi in the tank at all times....I dont think.

[layedout72]

also, here are the EXACT steps from the owners manual.

1) Turn the On/Auto/Off lever to "AUTO" and allow tank pressure to build. Motor will stop when tank pressure reaches "cut-out" pressure.

2) Pull the regulator knob out and turn clockwise to increase pressure. When the desired pressure is reached push knob in to lock in place. The compressor is ready to use.


See what I mean? Its just confusing me honestly. I take it, it is saying to let it fully run until it shuts out, and then turn my regulator gauge to the PSI I want my tool to see. And when I use the tool, it will lower tank pressure down from 150, and kick on at a certain point. Right?

Also, this SHOULD be decent for a little body work/moderate painting. A friend has one (33 gallon though) and sprays with it all the time. It has the exact same CFM rating.

[68F250]

You want the tank at the highest pressure the compressor is designed to run at. The adjustable regulator will lower the output pressure to what your tool wants. The tank is always higher than what the tool runs at. The higher the tank pressure, the more reserve time you have to run the tools before the tank needs to be pumped back up.

Maybe this explains it better. If the tank pressure were at the same pressure as what your tool wants, as soon as you start using your tool the pressure will drop below that level and has to be pumped back up, it would be running continuously.

[72hiboy4x4]

since the manufacturer says let it build to 150 psi, why would you question it?
My tank is 125psi, and I wish it went higher! the higher the psi, the more air it can store before it needs to recharge.

Run the comp. until it shuts off.
Find what the manf. says to run your tools at (psi) and set your regulator to that pressure.
Let the machine do the thinking from there. It will do what it needs to do.

BTW, buy some earplugs. My oil-less comp. runs me out of the shop sometimes cause its so loud. I won't buy another one just for that reason, but this one has lasted 9 years with little maintenance

[layedout72]

i just wasnt sure as to what the wording meant. Maybe I read too far into it. Typical of me. The noise isnt THAT bad....but it is loud. Cant hear it inside the house though.

[jor]

72's explanation is right on. I would add that the pressure switch that controls the off/on of your compressor is not adjustable. As he said, let the compressor do the thinking.

I do have a question: Now that you have received your Christmas gift, what happens on Christmas?
jor

[layedout72]

I pack for florida and get clothes. brothers gift/his girls gift, other family gifts. We usually get our big present early as we leave 2 days later on vacation...no fun in playing for a few hours and packing up everything for a vacation.