Build a Giant Air Compressor for under $200 and 250 gal Upgrade P2

I build a Large receiver home air compressor for less that $200. I use a 250 gal propane tank, 16 cfm Swan Air Compressor and a 3 hp electric motor.
This air compressor is for the Langmire System 4 x 8 Crossfire XR Plasma Table, Large Bead Blasting Cabinet we are setting up.
Plasma Table Link: www.langmuirsy...
Blast Cabinet Link: • Harbor Freight Industr...
Other Videos is the Series.
Part 1: • Build a Giant Air Comp...
Part 3: • Build a Giant Air Comp...
Part 4: • Build a Giant Air Comp...
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[@Maikshifter]

That's not a tank...that's a submarine! 😉

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Filming makes it look bigger. Thanks.

[@cactuscamo9685]

This aged well!

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Make sure to warn people about the dangers of welding on a propane tank without proper preparation as consequences can be deadly . Thank you for the great video .

[@charlesgraham9954]

when u live 20 miles from the nearest store of any kind, u horde certain things. lol. i didn't go 250, but i did build my own 120 gallon. because back before u could get good battery powered tools there was air, plus i like to paint. thank for the video bro, u showed me things i could have done better, i appreciate it. even though I'm an old man now, i still love to learn new things.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Charles, yep I am 17 miles.

[@JourneymanRandy]

You're doing a really nice job Randy. I have a Porter Cable 60 gallon compressor and it looks like its the same as that one. One of the reed valves broke when it was only a few years old. The cheapest repair ever. That part was around five bucks. You're doing great.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks Randy.

[@TheAyrCaveShop]

Now that's a compressor tank.. Fill on Monday run air tools till Sunday... Nice work Randy !

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yeah baby, Thanks Dean.

[@SmooveBee1]

That was a nice metal gasket you pulled off!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you.

[@bcbloc02]

Tank looks good! Compressor should only need to run once a week on that size! 🙂

[@RRINTHESHOP]

It is a lot of air. My son is going to run a Plasma Table with it, so it should work. Thanks Brian.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

Way to go Randy. That will be a nice addition to your son's shop. Jere

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Jere. For sure.

[@HolzMichel]

one recommendation for a tank of that size Randy: put an automatic sneezer that kicks off at 150 PSI on it so the condensate drains regularly... save yourself the hassle of having to do it manually all the time

[@RRINTHESHOP]

In time that will probably happen. Thanks Mike.

[@josephpadula2283]

Poor man’s version for home shops? Crack open the drain valve so it is always leaking. Unless you are running Dailey a weekend diy shop can use this method.

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

Something I've seen done in another video is add an airline in between the air filters and the piston cylinders and pipe that hose through a 5 gallon bucket of cold water to cool the incoming air down before it hits the pistons...that causes any moisture in the outside air to condense BEFORE it hit the tank or shop tools... They built a water trap and bleed valve into the condensing coil at the bottom of the bucket so they can bleed the condensed water out into the bucket... Add this mod to the system and it should significant;y increase the lifespan of the compressor and tank as well as any air dryers in between the tank and the shop tools...

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

@@HolzMichel By running the air through a cooling loop, it forces the water to condense out of the air BEFORE it hits the compressor...so by the time it hits the compressor and then the tank, it's already dry so there is nothing to condense out as it cools in the tank...

[@howder1951]

Looks nice and fresh with the paint Randy, you are well on the way to completion, cheers!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yep Howder. Thanks for stopping in.

[@tonyotago8309]

Now that's an air compressor WOW For a home workshop or small business workshop I think it's safe to say i don't think you'll be running out of air.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Meeing all of our needs, Thanks.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Awesome job Randy- Interesting valve setup, looking forward to seeing how long it takes to fill up that huge tank! Great stuff!!!!!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks John. From 0 to 125 about 30 min.

[@trollforge]

@@RRINTHESHOP LOL, Not to bad at all... I used to have a 5 Gal. Craftsman Compressor that from 0 to 125 lb. took about 30 min...

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@trollforge Not to bad. LOL

[@billmoran3812]

Pressure testing a used tank with air is not something I’d ever do. The amount of stored energy in that tank at 100 psi is enormous. I’ve seen what happens on tanks and pipelines with even moderate air pressure. Hydro testing is much safer. Fill the tank with water and pump up the pressure to the test limit. Eve n a slight leak will just dump a small amount of water. No explosion.

[@frankpitochelli6786]

I'm thinking the gaskets weren't sealing or just deteriorated over the years, everything else looked pretty good. Those dual piston compressors are much quieter than the single piston type. Nice job.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Frank. Yes this is a very quite compressor, nice.

[@metalshopwithtroy5755]

Wow and that is a tank huge amount of capacity better than adding a reciever. Very impressive Randy.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

For sure Troy, Thanks for stopping in..

[@tonyshipman257]

Randy, Nice project and good job. I was wondering if you put a drain valve to be able to drain any water out of the tank?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks Tony, Fun project.

[@lesbender236]

All the crud in the valve area appears to be caused by using detergent motor oil, compressors need non detergent oil. The temperatures in a compressor are much lower than an engine so the detergents don't get hot enough to properly do their job, so the crud forms

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yep for sure. The bottle was not what the label said. Non detergent went in. Thanks Les.

[@stephenonwood1986]

Do you need to take any precautions when welding on a propane tank to prevent a big boom?

[@HolzMichel]

yes, you fill the tank completely with water to purge the propane.. then you drain the tank and can weld to your hearts content. edit: and you need to leave the fittings off so you don't create any adverse over pressure during the welding

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Well hell yes. Fortunately I am a very trained individual in this area of atmospheres. Thanks Stephen.

[@stephenonwood1986]

Just felt that that needed clarification. Thanks Randy for all your hard work. I really enjoy your content.

[@frankward709]

I like it my 150 gallon is It's painted forest green Good looking build Thanks for the video

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Right on Frank. Thanks for stopping in.

[@HOGRANCHgeorgegabriel9538]

THIS LOOKS LIKE A REAL QUALITY COMPRESSOR EVEN THOUGH ITS OFFSHORE STUFF. TWIN CYL SINGLE STAGE WILL REALLY PROVIDE VOLUME.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Taiwan, but from the 90's. Nice unit.👍

[@rossilake218]

She's a beauty! Is that John Deere Green? Use the largest pipe/port out for Volume. Goes double is your Run is long. She's a nice Tank!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks Very short run, works great.

[@AmateurRedneckWorkshop]

Great job leak stopping and converting to air. But what the heck kind of John Deere man paints a tank green and no yellow on it? Maybe just a yellow racing stripe down each side? 😉😉

[@RRINTHESHOP]

LOL, I will have to think about that. Thanks Harold.

[@neiltheplayer]

are you setting up inside or outdoors. Outdoors will give you nothing but trouble with moisture in the air. Inside will give less trouble. And don't forget the autodrain to remove condensation. (heck I would put 2 in just in case one fails)

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Outside, it is very dry here, drains installed. Thanks

[@neiltheplayer]

@@RRINTHESHOP Didn't realize that Randy. Great project.

[@jameslezak8179]

Was there any preparation done to the tank before welding? I was wondering if this would be risky... I could you some enlightenment on this! Project is looking great! Thanks for your time and sharing! 👍😎✌️

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yes a bit, I might talk about that. Thanks James.

[@jesseschumacher4080]

In another comment someone mentioned water filling for pressure testing. That would help clean it out more thoroughly than a vacuum, but it would also be a good time to weld while it’s full of water putting a bit of helium inside to purge air contact with any propane remnants would also work well.

[@azenginerd9498]

Without having studied pressure vessel welding I hope you might add comments and considerations on one of the future videos of this build. Looking forward to the next.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks for the tips!

[@patrickmkomar]

I worked for the company that built that tank, I’ve personally seen one take 1500 psi of water pressure without failure, and every tank is pressure tested to 500 psi and checked for leaks. A 150 psi of air pressure shouldn’t bother it in the slightest.

[@mrmotofy]

Sure maybe when it was new

[@greghomestead8366]

That looks great, 2👍👍up. I do have a question... I'm not a Machinist but bought a mini mill and lathe as a retirement gift to myself ( with wife's okie dokie ) to learn on in my shop. I need to get a granite surface plate. Is there a difference between a granite surface plate you would buy from a tool manufacturing company and just a piece of granite countertop? My concern is,.. is the countertop actually flat enough? Or are they something to stay away from? Thanks in advance and.. Have a Jesus filled day Greg in Michigan

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Counter top looks flat but they are not. For under 100$ you can buy a new 12 x 9 x 2 B grade plate. This is probably large enough for to work you will do. For under $200 you can buy a 24 x 18 x 3 B grade plate. This is at MSC. Thank you Greg.

[@greghomestead8366]

@@RRINTHESHOP Thanks Randy, You verified what I thought. Greg in Michigan

[@19672701]

Yes! This is so cool! Will the tank smell of propane? A friend's dad used a natural gas tank and evrytime he ran it,it reeked of the chemical additive for the gas. Love this build!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you. Yes there is the smell. I purged the tank with a shop vac in pressure mode 4 times for 2 hr each time. This removed almost all of the smell.

[@DudleyToolwright]

Nicly done, Randy. Great job and entertaining as always.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Dudley.

[@lil-link]

Hey man, not sure how I got here but I found your channel! I really like your energy, especially at the end when you showed the end result admiring your work 😁👌 Damn, I really need to learn how to weld! It opens so many more opportunities and ideas which usually is the thing that hinders me 😴

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Welcome aboard! Welding expands your skill. Learn correctly all the welding disciplines, Stick, Mig and Tig, well worth it a skill for your lifetime.

[@lil-link]

​@@RRINTHESHOP ❤ Thank you and thank you for the fantastic reply!

[@CraigLYoung]

Morning Randy! Great day to be above ground. Did you clear your "Great Western Green" paint with Keith Appleton?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

I didn’t know I had to. Quite frankly I only clear things with the wife. Thanks Craig.

[@CraigLYoung]

@@RRINTHESHOP : I think Keith owns the patent because every thing he paints is green and I was just watching him before your video.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@CraigLYoung Oh great now Patent Infringement. I will have to repaint.

[@GregsGarage]

That looks fantastic Randy!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Greg.

[@dmitriciccarelli4082]

I wonder if its possible to stack another 250 gal tank ontop and connect them.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Sure why not. Thanks for stopping in.

[@tttco]

Very cool build. Thanks for posting

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks T & F.

[@outlaw7195]

Good video and your knowledgeable no doubt but just a little advice in case you haven't messed with a many small atv,motorcycle engines which the compressor motors are made like the jug is tapered on the bottom so a ring compressor is not needed just offset the rings and tap the jug down onto the piston.

[@classicrestoration]

Smart painting it John Deere green….Don’t have to cover the tractor😉👍🏼

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yeah I thought about it, but no. Thanks CR.

[@Cire3PC]

Just missing pre tank cooler, that motor will be running quite a bit. Well worth it. Way cool

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks

[@tomeyssen9674]

That really looks good. That's all you need. I picked up an extra Ingersoll tank to use in addition. Topping about 140psi. 3/4" black pipe all over the shop. Really nice to have. Cheers! -Tom

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Hi Tom. What a good deal. Thanks for stopping in.

[@gwharton68]

Nice looking unit. Sure do like you spray booth.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks 👍

[@methere27]

Has any engineering been done on propane conversion to compressor tank as I think propane only has maybe 10 psi static as compared to 150 psi dynamic loading on a compressor tank.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

www.elgas.com.au/blog/1969-how-much-pressure-is-in-lpg-propane-cylinders-in-what-state/ This might help you.

[@methere27]

@@RRINTHESHOP Thanks I did not realize the pressure would be that high in a propane bottle

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@methere27 The compressor is only set to 125 psi and the relief 160psi. For the propane the relief was set at 250 psi.

[@sheph7]

Dang, very nice work! Pine straw floor for paint booth, haven’t seen that before. Any help on where I can get the Moyco lapping abrasive sheets. Tried a quick Internet search with no luck. Thanks

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Chips work great no dust. Contact Dudley Toolwright kzbin.info, he gave them to me.

[@ronniejohnson317]

A plain white sheet of paper, with a little vinegar is the best way to polish the reeds.

[@Richard-lionhearted]

Very Nice Randy !

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Richard, Working out great. Merry Christmas.

[@jgrenwod]

Did you fill the tank with water prior to the pressure test?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

No

[@GenXPessimist]

Randy, where are you getting your braided flex lines that you are connecting your compressor outlets to the tank? I have a need for something smilar and cant find a reasonably priced option.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

These are actually used lines off of a Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane. My son works on them. They have to change them out on a time basis. Still plenty of life in them, they are rated at 1500PSI and 450F. Good for what we are using them for. Thanks Christian.

[@GenXPessimist]

@@RRINTHESHOP I am envious, not only cool source for parts but based on my research to date thats multiple hundreds of dollars of awesome lines.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@GenXPessimist Yeah we use them for all sorts of things. My son has them in is off road truck for fuel lines. I have them for air lines on my milling machine.

[@machinist7230]

This is why I like Quincy "QR" compressor pumps - they've been around since WW2, and are basically unchanged, and are still in production. Rebuild kits are easy to find and the base castings are cast iron, not aluminum, so they last forever. Downside is cost - a new QR pump can cost as much as a whole compressor from IR.. 😵

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Quincy makes a good compressor and they are proud of them. Thanks.

[@josephpadula2283]

We are replacing replacing a 45 year old crane that had a Quincey air compressor . They wanted the new crane to have a rotary screw air compressor . The control board Alone is probably 2k. I speced out the Exact same Quincy ! The pressure switch about 50 bucks.

[@ordinarymiracles5959]

If the tank is going to be outside the dark color is going to make it hot( condensation ) concern.

[@robertengl9152]

Could you do a video (or recommend) on painting like you did here. Thanks for all you do!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks for the suggestion. Thanks Robert.

[@kenjackson5938]

Really nice job

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Ken, works great.

[@dizzolve]

does it take long to get the tank up to pressure

[@RRINTHESHOP]

From zero to 125# about 40 min.

[@fj9460-lr]

Try penetrating oil first on those stubborn everythings

[@barrygerbracht5077]

How long do you think it will take to fill the tank? I'm thinking over 1 hour.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

from 0 psi to 125 psi. 30 to 40 min. We will see. Thanks Barry.

[@rpsmith]

Nice job! Thanks!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottlundy257]

dam Randy you need a bigger tank. its only going to take two days to pump that one up with taht little pump.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

No way. We will see. Thanks Scott.

[@MrHowieZ1973]

Did you put a water drain in it ?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yes

[@xushenxin]

what paint do you use?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

I used Rust-oleum Hunter Green and Primer.

[@adamstripp39]

Nice build

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Adam.

[@rl2109]

It DOES look awesome!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you works awesome also.

[@John-pn7bh]

No water relief valve?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

There is a drain.

[@sampletaster5093]

Where did you get the tank.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

It had a very minor leak and was given to my son.

[@jvmiller1995]

Standing under unsupported hydraulics is highly recommended. 🤣🤣 But it does sure look good. I don't know if I would of not made a smoker out of that tank instead tho. That's a lot of Air volume for a small compressor.

[@bobgunther2927]

Where is the water drain ?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

You will see. Have patience. Thanks Bob.

[@gergemall]

How cool . Thx

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Works great, thank you for watching.

[@anthonyhumbert8787]

That little compressor will have to work its guts out to keep that big of a tank full. There is a reason oems have two pumps on a tank that big.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

I do not mean to be unkind, but please educate yourself on a subject before making a comment.

[@anthonyhumbert8787]

@@RRINTHESHOP I've been selling and installing air systems for over 20 years. What is it that I "should educate myself on"?

[@RRINTHESHOP]

@@anthonyhumbert8787 The number of compressors has very little to do with the size of the receiver. The number of compressors or the volumetric output of the compressors is all dependant on the volumetric load on the system, the receiver is sized more for the surge capacity that may be required on the system. In this case the compressor is large enough to meet the needs. Running only a few times a day for 15-20 min. This is very efficient for the load. Smaller receiver the compressor would run 10 or more times a day. The large receiver also allows the air to cool and drop out extra condensate, producing drier air to the load.

[@anthonyhumbert8787]

@@RRINTHESHOP yes for low volume use it's ok. The problem would be if you ran a high volume tool for an extended period. Something like a big impact, paint gun, media blaster or multiple low volume tools at once. Home shop use you would probably be ok.

[@scott98390]

Looks like you've got a slow leak in your tractor hydraulics!

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Yeah after 20 yrs or so a little valve wear. Not to bad yet. Thanks.

[@junkmannoparts9696]

Hi Randy I believe you live within driving distance of me couple hours I have a 2 cylinder two-stage compressor pump in real good condition off a mobile air compressor was powered by 16 horse gas motor or you could use a seven and a half electric motor to drive it if you're interested let me know cheap with pulleys complete. JM Also it's a 32 CFM compressor make a hell of a shop compressor

[@junkmannoparts9696]

Well that's a nice little air compressor you got there looks a little bit of cleaning and it should be good what size tank are you putting it on thanks.JM

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Sounds like a nice compressor. Thanks for the offer. Not right now.

[@junkmannoparts9696]

@@RRINTHESHOP well Randy it's been here a long time for some reason nobody wants it it's probably too big you come across somebody would like to have it let me know thanks

[@joesphbrantley686]

​@@junkmannoparts9696i would love it if you want to still get rid of it or even still have it not sure how reply work but hey never hurts to ask thanks to all the knowledge droppers i pick up all or what i can appreciate it

[@junkmannoparts9696]

It's been sold sorry

[@Ulr149tw21]

how many cfm

[@RRINTHESHOP]

16

[@Ulr149tw21]

Thank you

[@thepubliceye]

Nice BOMB

[@outsidescrewball]

you called it….”AWESOME”

[@RRINTHESHOP]

For sure Chuck. Thanks.

[@HappilyHomicidalHooligan]

Outdoors or not, you REALLY should be wearing a filter mask when spray painting...

[@wnebergall]

You know what they say Randy all else fails use a bigger hammer

[@RRINTHESHOP]

For sure, bigger is better except for when it isn't. Thanks Bill.

[@AJR2208]

Randy, you sound like crap. Are you OK? I hope you're not suffering with covid - if you are then go get some of that medicine they're giving out when you get tested. (Pfizer’s Paxlovid ) So, besides being concerned for your health, I like what you're doing with the compressor - Those old Fan/Flywheel/pulleys are my favorite with older compressors. Stay safe and well :)

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Oh yeah, then not now. I have had Covid twice. No Vacs and none of there drugs. All fine and in great health. Thanks for your concern. Yep I love those type also. they really smooth out the pulsations of the compressor.

[@JacobLambeCarGuy]

One very important question is do you know JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL LORD AND SAVIOR?

[@alfredocuomo1546]

Just look at the cylinder bottom and you can see a 30 degree camphor and that's to assist in the compression of reinserting the ring when yo slid it over the piston. You shouldn't need any ring compressor. Also the normal pressure in the tank is between 150 - 200 psi and wouldn't be considered high until you got 300 psi or over. Nice job.

[@RRINTHESHOP]

Thank you Alfredo, Yes on the chamfer, but I did not like the High force it was taking to just use the chamfer so I compressed them.