That black compressor was 200psi because it supplied 2 different systems with several regulator/reducers. The one 125 psi was service air for the stations by the pumps, and for the shop of course and the other supplied 175 to 200 psi air to the air-over- hydraulic lift system. Each had a separate accumulator tank usually mounted in the shop ceiling with automatic water separators. My dad used to service them. He learned it from my grand-dad that built the 1st "gasoline station" in our hometown, and many more in the 1900's through 1930's. They weren't too silent, but they were driven at a constant speed that had a unique sound and rhythm. That one is, indeed, running way to fast ... if I remember right. Thanks for the fond memories!
Thanks for all that great info. Neat to hear about how they were set up. I agree while not silent, its pretty quiet. The first pump like this i ever saw was in my wife's grandfathers shop. He had the pump/motor assembly under his bench. Was a fairly quiet chugging pump. Alwayd intrigued with it. That was a USACo pump as well similar to this one but smaller. He used it for 50+ years and its still sitting under the bench.
Love how you explained this compressor in detail! What an amazing piece of functioning ART! Gotta love the curves these compressors had, man, just gorgeous! I am into small and miniature compressors but if something like this ever popped up at an estate sale, i would buy it and if I had no space for it, I would at least keep the pump! Also these oldies had clamp on legs, those cast iron legs at the bottom are like the cherry on a cake, You don't find those on any compressors, even ones from the 40s. I hope to find cast legs like that with a smaller diameter, maybe 2 cast iron motor mounts will do the trick!
It's a 2 stage comperssor. The air is delivered to the smaller piston at pressure after it has been through the first stage. I.e. the larger cylinder. Cheers Doug
I will most likely make a resto video on that one. Different company, These are Champion Pnuematic Machinery co. They still make really nice high end compressors today. I believe they are just Champion Pnuematic now.
The research I did listed the RPM as I mentioned in the video. I had a Champion as well, but sold it to a guy that restored it. I do know they didn't run fast.
I think I threw some non detergent 20W oil in the last one i worked on, but there's not really a lot of great info on some of the older ones. I try to avoid additives.
Lets se the champion compressor. I just got 1 and redoing it. Check my hydro test of the riveted tank. thanks. edit, i see the champion now, had to let vid run to it. thanks.
