Ron
Regular Diver
Posts: 41
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Post by Ron on Mar 15, 2006 18:01:21 GMT -8
He definetly made a mistake on the stamp take it back and have him re stamp the tank this is not a problem just a honest mistake.
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Post by pescador775 on Mar 27, 2006 8:22:53 GMT -8
A note on military compressors: there are two very high quality MIL SPEC units that have performance above and beyond any comparable civilian items. Performance being measured by output versus weight and longevity. These are the late model Kidde four stage, 4 cfm and the late model Stewart Warner three stage, 4 cfm. There is an engineer in CA who had a business in the 60's and 70's offering rebuilt military pumps installed in custom designed steel frames with Briggs engines or electric motors. Today, retired, he still builds units now and then on request. Currently, he is assembling two gas driven (5.5 Honda) four stage, 4 cfm Kiddes. These include NEW Kidde pumps, custom powder coated, steel frame, professionally designed filtration, oil pressure gauge, clutch for the belt drive, (his design) whip, etc. As far as I know, he is assembling them to his generic design which in my opinion, is the best every offered by anyone. However, electric or special mods are available. These are beautiful, compact machines that pump 4.2 cfm up to 4000 psi and weigh only 85 pounds-- light enough for one man to carry (the definition of "portable). I use one of these myself and have had no problems. This would be something for the adventurous since parts are hard to obtain. However, the builder offers a one year warrantee and offers service if needed. Unfortunately, he is not computer smart, so--- Phone no is 909-874-9250. Ask for "Gunnar". He does not install back pressure valves so you will have to ask for it, and he will comply at no extra charge.
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Ron
Regular Diver
Posts: 41
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Post by Ron on Mar 27, 2006 18:13:56 GMT -8
Thanks for the information I'm sure many will appreciate it. Bauer has been the standard in quality Hp air producing compressors for 50 years. I for one believe if you can't process good breathing air what business have you got mixing it.
Ron H
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Post by pescador775 on Mar 27, 2006 19:51:16 GMT -8
Until the 1980's, the only portable offering from Bauer was the Purus and a scaled down Capitano called "Utilus". It is not a coincidence that, at the same time, Gunnar's business selling military technology compressors was booming because he could offer a compressor of only slightly more weight and 1.5 X the output of the Purus, and at the same price. Gradually, and this took 20 years, the Bauers and Coltris, etc became more competitive with respect to the existing, expensively construed military technology , at least one could say that the commercial units were more available with Bauers new HQ in the US and their extensive advertising. So, his machine shop changed focus and resurrected vintage compressors became a sideline. That's where it stands but it is hard for him to turn away from a lifetime of work and he still likes to talk "compressor" and loves to see a new machine take shape in his shop.
Currently, the only Bauer with comparable performance is the Oceanus. It is heavier than the Kidde but has the advantage of available parts and support. However, surplus Kidde pumps are available from time to time and a good one could be purchased for the price of a ring job on a Bauer. The military contract required that the Kidde pump (aircraft and assault vehicles, not the flame throwers) should operate 2000 hours before overhaul, minimum. Gunnar thinks they will go longer. I'm not sure. The Kidde is made of expensive stuff like magnesium, aluminum bronze and inconel. It is capable of running at high rpm on a continuous basis, again a govt specification. The exotic materials and blueprinted hand assembly with matched parts make this possible, but only if the correct oil is used. The Kidde pump is sensitive to oil type and quality.
The Bauer should go about 3000 hours before overhaul but there is no specification to require this that I am aware of. However, Bauer's design is simple and rugged and so is required to run at a slow speed to prevent self destruction and this should ensure a long life. However, although Bauer valves sometimes give trouble they are easy to change out. They must be since Bauers are used in third world countries. Not so with the Kiddes and in order to change out the valves the pump must be removed from the frame. Then, the fun starts, LOL. Well, it's not THAT hard. Fortunately, the valves and springs last a long time, at least 800 hours till carbon cleanup and 2000 hours to overhaul. I mention all this since the subject has already been raised on this thread and since vintage compressors can still be put to good use, albeit in a dramatically different incarnation.
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Ron
Regular Diver
Posts: 41
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Post by Ron on Mar 27, 2006 21:18:13 GMT -8
Hi
Proven world wide Bauer.
Ron
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