"Don Foreman" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 14 Jun 2005 20:25:54 +0000 (UTC), Christopher Tidy
wrote:



The one on ebay looks like it has some possibilities----although I'm
not
familiar in the least with that particular machine. Strangely, Chris,
it
bears a strange resemblance to the Quincy (at least in color). I
noticed
it has unloading valves, a very good sign of a quality compressor.

I've done a little more research on the Broomwade compressor on eBay.
It's rated at 41 CFM (one site says 32 CFM) at 150 psi. It needs a 10 hp
motor so I think it's a bit big for me, especially as I only have a
single-phase supply. I had a thought about driving it from one of those
12 hp two-cylinder Petter diesel engines, but really I don't have the
space, and I don't want to noise either. Pity though because it looks
nice.

I think Broomwade were one of the top makes in the UK until they were
taken over by CompAir. Not sure what they're like now though.

I've also spotted a 2 hp / 100 psi B.E.N. compressor on eBay. I believe
B.E.N. later became Broomwade. It probably has a 100 litre tank. Do you
think I would get reasonable performance from a die grinder and shark
saw with this? I know it's a project in itself, but like I said, I enjoy
restoring equipment.

You can always run a large pump more slowly with a smaller motor
pulley or maybe a jackshaft. Larger pumps running more slowly tend
to be more efficient, providing that friction and leaks aren't
excessive.

The 41 CFM is probably displacement, the 32 CFM delivered SCFM at
rated pressure. This could be a nice unit with a 3 to 5 HP motor.
5 hp 220-volt single-phase motors are readily available. Even with 3
HP I think you'd have puhlenty of air with the Broom & Wade.

Lower speed operation is also usually quieter.

Absolutely! One of the things I really hated about my first compressor was
the fact that it ran fast and was terribly noisy.. It was more noisy at
3/4 hp than the 5 horse Quincy. Slow is definitely better.

Harold