Alden Hackmann wrote:
Hey, folks:

We got a new compressor, a 5HP IR upright - way bigger than the one I
inherited from my father-in-law. It will be installed late this month in
a small addition next to our shop. I have some questions:

1) I'd like to have it drain automatically. This description of
installing an automatic drain seems fairly straightforward:
http://www.paragoncode.com/shop/compressor/
Is there a better product? Comments on this product or the procedure he
describes?

2) IR sent it without oil, logically enough, but our nearest IR dealer is
50 miles and a large body of water away. IR's website is not really
helpful for picking which oil to use, and the manual (yes, I read it) is
quite vague. Suggestions? I order from MSC regularly, if they are a good
source.

3) The manual suggests a clear 1' space on each side of the unit. Can I
get away with less? It's a tight space to start with, but I can clear
some more stuff if I have to.

Thank you!

Alden

Alden, if I ever get a brand new real compressor, I'm going to remove the pipe
that goes out of the air pump and into the tank, and in its place plumb in a
refrigerated air dryer and filter. Most of the water will never hit the tank.
It would also largely obviate your need for an automated drain.

Anyway, I have my Quincy right against the wall and I see 'em that way in shops
all the time.

GWE