Safe procedure for welding an air comp.tank

[manofsteel]

A buddy of mine just gave me his old craftsman air compressor and is leaking air because it has rusted out in some spots underneath. I would like to mig weld a sheet of thin gauge plate over the existing complete lower half. My concern is the residual oil/air vapor inside going to be combustionable and is their a way around this situation? Has anyone welded a unit before?

Any help is appreciated!
Walt

[Sberry]

My worry wouldnt be the oil inside as that you are welding on a pressure vessel. There are several design and quality concerns.

[Franz]

Let me save yo a little time, and a LOT of heartbrake. when a compressor tank has one little leake on the bottom, it has a hundred more waiting to happen. Before you start patching, cut an inspection hole and check the tank bottom. It's probably totally rottin.

[Scott V]

Don't weld it.

If that tank lets go,it will seem like you just visited Bagdad!Throw it away,and find another tank.

[Guest]

Walt, these guys are right. Don't attempt to fix it, too many safety issues. Cut it in half with a sawzall and inspect it, you'll see what we are talking about. Be safe.

[cope]

Man of steel, I worked with a guy who decided to weld up his leaky compressor. It was the last decision he made. his girl friend heard a loud sound from the garage and met him at the door holding his intestines in his hand. He said "help me" and fell dead at her feet. Life is too short to take chances.

[Scott V]

Wow Cope,you kind of like to drive the point home real good!It's no joke messing with those things.I would also purge the tank before even trying to cut into it with anything.

[cope]

Scott, that was in 1979 and to this day I try not to stand in front of an air compressor when its running.

[manofsteel]

Thanks Guys,
All good reasons not to mess with it!!!!! I do not want to have an early meeting with the "Great skill giver in the sky" as Rocky D would say...mucho appreciation!!!

Walt

[Bob]

Trying for a lighter turn ...
I also have a older craftsman compressor, with some exterior rust. Sears no longer has the right replacement tank. Compressor, motor, valves, all are just fine. Where do you find a new tank with suitable mounting points?? Frustrated in my attempts so far ... We may have to build new beefy "tank cart" things that will carry the compressor, motor, valve assembly along with a new, generic tank.
Bob

[bill grooms]

I work in a repair welding repair shop. I cant remember how many compressor tanks I have welded, including my own. Usually running a piece of steel the length of the tank, and about 6 to8 inches wide. Slightly rolling the piece to fit the bottom. This will cover the rusted out area caused by water sitting in the tank. I usually use 1/8" thick steel. If your welding experience is limited, you could find someone who is experienced.
good luck.

[Scott V]

Bill,do you sent your tanks out to get tested after welding them up?

[cope]

Originally posted by Bob
Trying for a lighter turn ...
I also have a older craftsman compressor, with some exterior rust. Sears no longer has the right replacement tank. Compressor, motor, valves, all are just fine. Where do you find a new tank with suitable mounting points?? Frustrated in my attempts so far ... We may have to build new beefy "tank cart" things that will carry the compressor, motor, valve assembly along with a new, generic tank.
Bob

Bob, you might try Grainger. Their Speedaire compressors are similar to Craftsman and you might be able to get one close enough for the girls you run with. I was given a Craftsman a couple of years ago and many parts are no longer available; I bought similar items and re-plumbed the thing.

[Roger]

Do you at least do hydro test on your repaired air tanks?

[morpheus]

Originally posted by Bob
Trying for a lighter turn ...
I also have a older craftsman compressor, with some exterior rust. Sears no longer has the right replacement tank. Compressor, motor, valves, all are just fine. Where do you find a new tank with suitable mounting points?? Frustrated in my attempts so far ... We may have to build new beefy "tank cart" things that will carry the compressor, motor, valve assembly along with a new, generic tank.
Bob

If you go to the harbor freight website, find a compressor that looks lke yours. then download the pdf manual for that compressor. either in the very front or very back there is a list of parts that make up the unit. find the part number for the tank then call the HF parts line and they'll get you a new tank. just don't tell them that you don't actually own THAT particular unit. for some reason they're kinda odd about that.

- jack