OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

"Mike" wrote in message
...
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I drain mine periodically - if by "drain", you mean draining out the water
from the tank. Always at the beginning of a paint job, periodically when
using my air tools. I keep saying I'm going to install a sniffer system to
blow it off every time it cycles, to prevent water build up, but so far I
haven't done so. As for simply draining the pressure off (if that's what
you mean...), don't bother. No point at all in doing that. My compressor
stays charged 100% of the time.


--

-Mike-

"Mike Marlow" wrote in
:


"Mike" wrote in message
.
..
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to
part with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I drain mine periodically - if by "drain", you mean draining out the
water from the tank. Always at the beginning of a paint job,
periodically when using my air tools. I keep saying I'm going to
install a sniffer system to blow it off every time it cycles, to
prevent water build up, but so far I haven't done so. As for simply
draining the pressure off (if that's what you mean...), don't bother.
No point at all in doing that. My compressor stays charged 100% of
the time.

Wouldn't that depend on usage? If I use my little pancake once a month
it is a lot. I usually drain both water and air when finished.

Rank amateur

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

"Mike" wrote in message
...
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?



I installed a ball valve to replace the t-screw valve, 1/4 turn to full
open. I let the valve leak just enough than I can hear it leak if all is
quiet in the shop, this will keep the water drained. Because it takes less
than 5 minutes for mine to go from empty to full when not in use I switch
the compress of from auto to off. It takes about 3 days to fully drain all
pressure.

I drain mine periodically - if by "drain", you mean draining out the water
from the tank. *Always at the beginning of a paint job, periodically when
using my air tools. *I keep saying I'm going to install a sniffer system to
blow it off every time it cycles, to prevent water build up, but so far I
haven't done so. *As for simply draining the pressure off (if that's what
you mean...), don't bother. *No point at all in doing that. *My compressor
stays charged 100% of the time.

I was referring to the pressure. The tank has a small drain valve at
the bottom - I'm guessing that I can just crack that open every day or
two to let out whatever condensation builds up. I just didn't know if
it was OK to leave the tank under pressure for a few days to a week
between uses.

On May 8, 6:35*am, Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I see no justification to subject the tank unnecessarily through
inflation/deflation cycles.
I'm reasonably certain that by 'draining' they mean the water from the
bottom of the tank. Always a good habit.
Buy a fitting which will allow you to attach a swaged line (think
brake line from the auto parts store) and run it up along the side to
the top of the tank where it is easily accessible. Install a ball
valve (as per Leon) up there. If you want to get fancy, attach a small
swan neck to the ball-valve so you can conveniently catch the water as
it comes out.

"Mike" wrote in message
...
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

Air pressure on my compressor is never fully released unless we are doing
repairs or upgrades, etc.

We do, however have a ball valve and tube at the bottom of the compressor
and at a few low points on the lines to remove moisture as well as a large
FRL at any point where a tool is being run. We drain the water daily via a
10 second opening of the valve, etc.

When we used to have super high volume needs (previous business) we set up
an automatic timer that vented the valve at the bottom of the tank every
hour for 2 seconds. We used to drain out a few gallons of water a day on
the big compressors.

Folks in humid areas have highly efficient air dryers and possibly these
purge systems to keep water out of air lines, etc. ...Especially medical
and food grade systems.

But if you are talking air only? They must have a reason to do it, but I
can't figure out what it is... I'd think pressurizing and depressurizing
the system daily would cause unnecessary fluctuations and possibly damage
long term - like bending a piece of metal back and forth slightly over and
over again... Eventually, it fails / breaks.

Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
01.908.542.0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com
Flagship Site: http://www.Drill-N-Tap.com

V8013-R

Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

Pressure's not going to bother it, condensation however will rust it.

"Mike" wrote in message
...
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I used to work in a machine shop and I finally cracked the pet cock at the
bottom of the tank so little that I had to use a plastic cup with water in
it to get one or two bubbles every few seconds and just let it run like that
M-F turned the compresser off Friday at 5 and resarted it on Monday at 7.

YMMV, Rich

My tank remains under pressure all the time. I use it nearly every
day. I not only do woodwork and refinishing, but upholstery, also.
No need to drain the tank completely of air, just the condensation. I
would think the same would be in order for you, especially for a 60
gal tank. As Mike says, always drain before spraying finishes.
Otherwise, drain it often, at least weekly if you maintain the
pressure.

When I drain water, almost daily, I have a flag dangling near my tank
valve as a reminder to oil my air tools, also. This tool maintenance
has become as routine as the tank draining has.

Token: What I hate are the air leaks from the hose connections. Some
connections are worse than others, depending on the tool.

Sonny

On May 8, 8:44*am, Sonny wrote:
My tank remains under pressure all the time. *I use it nearly every
day. *I not only do woodwork and refinishing, but upholstery, also.
No need to drain the tank completely of air, just the condensation. *I
would think the same would be in order for you, especially for a 60
gal tank. *As Mike says, always drain before spraying finishes.
Otherwise, drain it often, at least weekly if you maintain the
pressure.

When I drain water, almost daily, I have a flag dangling near my tank
valve as a reminder to oil my air tools, also. *This tool maintenance
has become as routine as the tank draining has.

Token: *What I hate are the air leaks from the hose connections. *Some
connections are worse than others, depending on the tool.

Sonny

I put a bottle of tool-lube on top of my stash of nail-clips. I reload
the nailer, I lube.

Mike wrote:
....
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

They mean for moisture as others noted...

I know what they say but...

The 80(?) gal compressor here is 40+ yr old and has been left
pressurized/on 24/7 and hasn't been drained but a time or two in its
lifetime (and would add a "maybe" to that estimate).

It's reasonably dry here but not desert; I never see evidence of a great
deal of moisture in the air. Don't use much volume which probably makes
a difference; if it were in continuous use would probably be more
need...daily surely seems excessively a-r to me unless a large volume is
going through the compressor daily and/or it is very high RH area...

just to toss in $0.02, etc., ...

--

Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

Let gravity do your work:

Take out the existing drain valve, add about three feet of large
diameter air hose with appropriate fitting where drain valve was; put
the drain valve on the end of the hose and run hose to convenient location.

Easier to drain, and the air hose, which doesn't rust, will now be
holding a good deal of water that will not be standing in the tank.


--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

"Mike" wrote in message
...
I drain mine periodically - if by "drain", you mean draining out the water
from the tank. Always at the beginning of a paint job, periodically when
using my air tools. I keep saying I'm going to install a sniffer system to
blow it off every time it cycles, to prevent water build up, but so far I
haven't done so. As for simply draining the pressure off (if that's what
you mean...), don't bother. No point at all in doing that. My compressor
stays charged 100% of the time.

I was referring to the pressure. The tank has a small drain valve at
the bottom - I'm guessing that I can just crack that open every day or
two to let out whatever condensation builds up. I just didn't know if
it was OK to leave the tank under pressure for a few days to a week
between uses.


It is absolutely OK to leave the tanks pressured up, unless you have a leak.
You would not want the compressor running if you are not using it. In the
automotive shops I have worked in over the years the compressors stayed
pressured up year round.

"Sonny" wrote in message
...
My tank remains under pressure all the time. I use it nearly every
day. I not only do woodwork and refinishing, but upholstery, also.
No need to drain the tank completely of air, just the condensation. I
would think the same would be in order for you, especially for a 60
gal tank. As Mike says, always drain before spraying finishes.
Otherwise, drain it often, at least weekly if you maintain the
pressure.

When I drain water, almost daily, I have a flag dangling near my tank
valve as a reminder to oil my air tools, also. This tool maintenance
has become as routine as the tank draining has.

Token: What I hate are the air leaks from the hose connections. Some
connections are worse than others, depending on the tool.

Sonny

If you change over to a brand such as Milton, you are less likely to have
fitting leaks. And if you can use BRASS fittings they tend to seal better
with the tool.

"Robatoy" wrote in message
...
On May 8, 6:35 am, Mike wrote:


I see no justification to subject the tank unnecessarily through
inflation/deflation cycles.
I'm reasonably certain that by 'draining' they mean the water from the
bottom of the tank. Always a good habit.
Buy a fitting which will allow you to attach a swaged line (think
brake line from the auto parts store) and run it up along the side to
the top of the tank where it is easily accessible. Install a ball
valve (as per Leon) up there. If you want to get fancy, attach a small
swan neck to the ball-valve so you can conveniently catch the water as
it comes out.


I have kicked around the idea of making the valve a bit more accessible but
I think you are going to have to have a high volume release to persuade
water to go up a line and out. If you simply let the air trickle the water
is probably not going to be completely drained once the bottom of the tank
is empty, I suspect that the vertical line would retain water.

On Fri, 8 May 2009 03:35:32 -0700 (PDT), Mike wrote:

OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?


What do you mean by "drain"? If it's drain the condensate, yes, drain
it daily. If you mean depressurize, then no, leave it pressurized for
two reasons. First, it's simply a waste of energy to store it in the
tank, then, for no good reason throw it away. Second, there is more
fatigue damage to the metal tank from cyclic stresses than there is
from static stress, and the deeper the stress cycles, the greater the
damage.

IOW, it introduces more fatigue damage to the tank to go from 0 stress
to maximum operating stress back to 0 stress than to leave the tank
pressurized. Granted, the stress levels under normal pressures are
small enough that you aren't likely to see a significant difference in
tank life in either case. But, leaving the tank pressurized is less
damaging than cyclic pressurization/depressurization.

Tom Veatch
Wichita, KS
USA

On May 8, 9:50*am, "Leon" wrote:
"Robatoy" wrote in message

...
On May 8, 6:35 am, Mike wrote:

I see no justification to subject the tank unnecessarily through
inflation/deflation cycles.
I'm reasonably certain that by 'draining' they mean the water from the
bottom of the tank. Always a good habit.
Buy a fitting which will allow you to attach a swaged line (think
brake line from the auto parts store) and run it up along the side to
the top of the tank where it is easily accessible. Install a ball
valve (as per Leon) up there. If you want to get fancy, attach a small
swan neck to the ball-valve so you can conveniently catch the water as
it comes out.

I have kicked around the idea of making the valve a bit more accessible but
I think you are going to have to have a high volume release to persuade
water to go up a line and out. *If you simply let the air trickle the water
is probably not going to be completely drained once the bottom of the tank
is empty, I suspect that the vertical line would retain water.

The air pressure will push any water up the line at tank-pressure
until all the water is blown out. .
I kept a 10 HP Webster drained like that for 20 years.
The drain *is* at the bottom of the tank, the valve isn't.
If you use an automotive brake line, it will clear all the water out.
The vertical line will blow itself clear when you open the valve.

On 2009-05-08, J. Clarke wrote:

Pressure's not going to bother it, condensation however will rust it.

Rust is considerately reduced by the fact compressors are oil lubricated, so
there is typically a water/oil mix in the tank. I used to worry about it,
but my Craftsman compressor, which I inherited from my late FIL, never gave
me an bit of trouble. When I sold it cuz of moving, it still worked great
despite being almost 30 yrs old.

nb

Mike wrote:

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I suspect the manual means "drain" in the sense that any accumulated
water in the tank should be removed as opposed to dumping out all
the compressed air. Just open the valve on the bottom of tank long
enough to let out any water, and then close it up again. I try to
do this on my compressor about once a day, but it winds up being
more like once or twice a week when I remember.

In article ,
Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

Just drain any water out.
--
Make it as simple as possible, but no simpler.

Larry Wasserman - Baltimore Maryland - lwasserm(a)sdf. lonestar. org

Mike wrote:

OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to
part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

SFWIW:

Replace drain petcock with a 1/2" ball valve and some pipe so that the
ball valve can be kicked open or closed with your foot without bending
over.

The final pipe is pointed towards the ground.

Drain tank on a weekly basis.

For me that was Sunday night.

Would kick the drain valve open and forget it.

When the compressor was started the next time, the drain valve would
start "singing", reminding me to kick it shut.

Lew

"notbob" wrote in message
...
On 2009-05-08, J. Clarke wrote:

Pressure's not going to bother it, condensation however will rust it.

Rust is considerately reduced by the fact compressors are oil lubricated,
so
there is typically a water/oil mix in the tank. I used to worry about it,
but my Craftsman compressor, which I inherited from my late FIL, never
gave
me an bit of trouble. When I sold it cuz of moving, it still worked great
despite being almost 30 yrs old.

nb

Yes, that is true on a oil lubricated compressor that has oil leaking past
the piston rings but a new compressor that is not leaking oil past the rings
will rust prematurely if you do not drain the tank often in a humid
environment.

With that in mind also not all compressor oil lubricated. I have has an old
inherited 80 gal oiled compressor developed pin holes in the tank because of
interior rust.

Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I installed one of the Harbor Freight "Automatic Compressor Drain Kit"
on mine. It opens momentarily each time the compressor starts or stops.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46960

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA

Turn the bottom outlet on just a tiny bit. Do this at pressure.

You don't want to drain the tank, but have a nominal leak that
blows water out the bottom.

My pump turns on every 6-7 hours when not using it. If a long time off,
I unplug the pump.

Since doing that, my air has been much dryer and the dryers and active dryer
does the rest.

Just what I am doing.

Martin

Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

On 2009-05-08, Leon wrote:

Yes, that is true on a oil lubricated compressor that has oil leaking past
the piston rings but a new compressor that is not leaking oil past the rings
will rust prematurely if you do not drain the tank often in a humid
environment.

Any oil lubed compressor will have some oil migration past the rings. It's
almost impossible, or at least economically prohibitive, to attempt to reduce
it in typical air tool grade equipment.

With that in mind also not all compressor oil lubricated.

An example is SCUBA tank compressors, which are lubricated with a non-toxic soap
solution and insanely expensive.

I have has an old
inherited 80 gal oiled compressor developed pin holes in the tank because of
interior rust.

Nowhere did I state rust was entirely eliminated. I said it was reduced.
Pay attention, please.

nb

I probably don't drain the moisture often enough. My tank remains
pressurized most of the time. My theory is I always have air
available, and I'm not running the machine needlessly.

It is a good idea to drain the moisture out fairly often because
moisture can cause problems. Small problems include getting moisture
into paint and tools. Big problems include rusting out the bottom of
the tank around the drain valve. The tanks are pretty much un-
repairable so then you buy a compressor (or part out a similar one).

RonB

"notbob" wrote in message
...
On 2009-05-08, Leon wrote:

Yes, that is true on a oil lubricated compressor that has oil leaking
past
the piston rings but a new compressor that is not leaking oil past the
rings
will rust prematurely if you do not drain the tank often in a humid
environment.

Any oil lubed compressor will have some oil migration past the rings.
It's
almost impossible, or at least economically prohibitive, to attempt to
reduce
it in typical air tool grade equipment.

Yeah and each compression stroke will have at least "1" atom of Ceasar's
last breath. Compressors unlike automotive engines depend on the crank
shaft and rod splashing in the oil to lubricate the bearings and cylinder
walls. Automotive engines which are more likely to leak oil past the oil
rings have an oil pump forcing the oil to all of those areas. through
journals, crank shaft bearings, rod bearings and the connecting rods.
Additionally, unless the rings in a compressor pump are leaking badly the
higher compression in the cylinder area will help to prevent migration of
oil past the rings into the cylinder, head, and eventuallly the tank. There
has to be considerable loss of compression and blow-by past the rings above
the piston before migration will happen. The amount that does migrate in a
properly maintained and well running compressor is immeasurable. If you see
oil coming out of your condensation drain you have ring problems. IF the
amount of oil that you think that gets into the tank of a compressor is
enough to prevent rust I suggest you get your compressor repaired. My
"new" compressor is 14 years old and has never been low on oil although I am
beginning to see a bit of rust come out with the draining water if it sets
too long with out being drained. Occasionally I inadvertently bump the
drain ball valve and close it. While a compressor will operate with leaking
rings, like a gasilone engine that burns oil, it does not run as effeciently
as it could be. You should not be depending ona a compressor pump that is
in need of repair to protect your tank from rust, especially considering the
many "gallons" of water that goes through the tank.



With that in mind also not all compressor oil lubricated.

An example is SCUBA tank compressors, which are lubricated with a
non-toxic soap
solution and insanely expensive.


A more simple example and one that more closely meets the description of the
type compressor in this discussion is the "cheap" oilless direct drive
compressor.



I have has an old
inherited 80 gal oiled compressor developed pin holes in the tank because
of
interior rust.

Nowhere did I state rust was entirely eliminated. I said it was reduced.
Pay attention, please.

No where did I state that you said that the rust would be eliminated. I was
merely trying to pointing out that if you are depending on leaking piston
rings to keep your tank from rusting you have more to worry about than a
little rust in the tank.

So uh, practice what you preach.





nb

On 2009-05-08, Leon wrote:

.........running compressor is immeasurable.

I can see this is another pointless discussion. Have a nice day.

nb

On Fri, 8 May 2009 03:35:32 -0700 (PDT), Mike wrote:

OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

Both. Leave the tank pressurized and just blow off the moisture from
the drain daily (if it is used).

On Fri, 08 May 2009 22:57:17 GMT, notbob wrote:

On 2009-05-08, Leon wrote:

.........running compressor is immeasurable.

I can see this is another pointless discussion. Have a nice day.

Amazing how many of those you seem to get into.



--
LRod

Looking back through the Bush years for his Positive Accomplishments is, for me, like picking through my toddler's diaper for the undigested corn.

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net
http://www.normstools.com

Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997

email addy de-spam-ified due to 1,000 spams per month.
If you can't figure out how to use it, I probably wouldn't
care to correspond with you anyway.

"notbob" wrote in message
...
On 2009-05-08, Leon wrote:

.........running compressor is immeasurable.

I can see this is another pointless discussion. Have a nice day.

nb

I am certainly glad I did not have to paint you a picture. It has bee a
darn good day.

On 2009-05-09, Leon wrote:

"notbob" wrote in message
...
On 2009-05-08, Leon wrote:

.........running compressor is immeasurable.

I can see this is another pointless discussion. Have a nice day.

nb

I am certainly glad I did not have to paint you a picture.

Yes. You've made it quite clear. You don't know how to measure.

nb

I have a 7.5 HP Ingersal-Rand system with an automatic drain. It
vents for 2 seconds every hour. Besides keeping the tank bone dry it
has the advantage of scaring the hell out of the cats if they are any
where near by.

On Fri, 08 May 2009 18:35:02 GMT, Nova wrote:

Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I installed one of the Harbor Freight "Automatic Compressor Drain Kit"
on mine. It opens momentarily each time the compressor starts or stops.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46960

wrote in message
...
I have a 7.5 HP Ingersal-Rand system with an automatic drain. It
vents for 2 seconds every hour. Besides keeping the tank bone dry it
has the advantage of scaring the hell out of the cats if they are any
where near by.

Looking over their shoulders as they run, or just low to the ground hauling?
)

wrote in message
...
I have a 7.5 HP Ingersal-Rand system with an automatic drain. It
vents for 2 seconds every hour. Besides keeping the tank bone dry it
has the advantage of scaring the hell out of the cats if they are any
where near by.


Ahh an unexpected bonus that a comes with purchasing quality equipment.

"Han" wrote in message
...
"Mike Marlow" wrote in
:


"Mike" wrote in message
.
..
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to
part with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I drain mine periodically - if by "drain", you mean draining out the
water from the tank. Always at the beginning of a paint job,
periodically when using my air tools. I keep saying I'm going to
install a sniffer system to blow it off every time it cycles, to
prevent water build up, but so far I haven't done so. As for simply
draining the pressure off (if that's what you mean...), don't bother.
No point at all in doing that. My compressor stays charged 100% of
the time.

Wouldn't that depend on usage? If I use my little pancake once a month
it is a lot. I usually drain both water and air when finished.


If I did not use a compressor at all for months on end, I'd probably drain
the water out after each use. I wouldn't drain the air pressure off after
each use though.

--

-Mike-

Mike wrote:
OK, I finally figured out my compressor purchase and went with the
Campbell Hausfield 60 gal upright - Lowes was even nice enough to part
with it for $399 (gloat?)

The manual says that the tank should be drained daily. I'm wondering
what people usually do with their large compressors... do you drain
the tank every day, or just leave it pumped up so it's ready when you
need it?

I've had an upright Sanborn (similar to your C-H) for the past 20 years
and I *never* release the pressure from the tank, at least not unless
I'm draining the water, which isn't all that often. I don't run it
balls-out too often, but when I do moisture in the lines is rarely a
problem because I use one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Air-Filter-Kit...68978&sr= 1-7

I've had it for the same 20 years and it works like a champ. WAY better
than those glass bowl filters.

--
See Nad. See Nad go. Go Nad!
To reply, eat the taco.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbqboyee/

On Fri, 08 May 2009 08:15:04 -0500, dpb wrote:

I know what they say but...

The 80(?) gal compressor here is 40+ yr old and has been left
pressurized/on 24/7 and hasn't been drained but a time or two in its
lifetime (and would add a "maybe" to that estimate).

Have you ever consider the need to internally inspect the pressure
vessel?


--

Mike wrote:
On Fri, 08 May 2009 08:15:04 -0500, dpb wrote:

I know what they say but...

The 80(?) gal compressor here is 40+ yr old and has been left
pressurized/on 24/7 and hasn't been drained but a time or two in its
lifetime (and would add a "maybe" to that estimate).

Have you ever consider the need to internally inspect the pressure
vessel?

Nope...

--