Specific air compressor help needed

[cyberkid]

Ok, before anyone flames me.. the 2hp compressor I thought I owned is actually a 1.5 hp compressor.
Now, since this was a 'gift', I don't know much about it.
Brand: Lux (I'm not sure about this either, haven't been able to find any info related to it on the web. The only markings say: Lux Air compressors)
Model: LD1525
Power: 1.5 hp
Max working pressure: 8KG/cm2 (roughly 115 psi)
Tank: 25L
Date of manufacture: 2001
MFG no: Kd20333
It's a single piston system that uses motor oil.
From what I can see, without taking it apart, it's not belt driven.
My questions are as follows:
1. How often do these compressors need an oil refill?
2. Is there anything that I should be aware of before setting this thing up for a long period of time?
3. Will the 'exhaust' cause residue where I keep it?
4. Are there any online maintenance manuals that I can download or read online?

Here's a pic of it:


TIA for all replies.
Steve

[rsxse240]

One thing I would do before painting anything would be to get an air/oil/water separator/filter, then another inline moisture trap. I don't like oil air compressors, but they do seem to last MUCH longer than oil-less. I don't know how often you need to change the oil, but you need to check the level every time you use it for sure. the exhaust...well that all goes into the tank really. Most compressors that require oil will be some kind of belt drive, but it doesn't appear to be the case here, doesn't hurt to check and be sure.

again, I can't emphasise how important it is to get an oil/air separator and filter along with a moisture trap. I have ruined a couple paint jobs with an oiled air compressor.

I think the lux brand is sold through outlets such as harbor freight, steve's wholesale, and micro mark. they are less expensive, but pretty good quality. excellent for the hobbyist.

I can't really tell from that picture, but it looks like you have a lamp cord for the power cord. if this is so, you really need to get a much larger 3 prong (grounded) cable to protect from electrical shock, and possibly fire.

[jmwallac]

My oil air compressor says to change the oil after the first 8 hours of operation. I believe yours has seen more than 8 hours of operation...

I'm not 100% sure, but I think the oil changes color (gets darker) as it is used up. Google and see if there are some general guidelines: they should work for your compressor as well.

[cyberkid]

@rsxse240, thanks, I know about the trap setups. I just don't know when I'll be able to get the stuff... too busy. I'll check those stores online to see if I can find any info. As for the ground line... won't do any good. Reason is ground lines don't really exist in average homes here in Taiwan, trust me, I'm a electrician. I'll open her up tonight to see what she's got. Any need be I'll rewire my study. The 2 pronged line that you see is what it came with.

@jmwallac, I checked last night and the oil is clear but its near the bottom of the oil dip, meaning that I need to get some more oil in there before I continue using it.

My study is a 8 by 13 foot room, I wondering if I keep the compressor in here, will the exhaust leave oil residue all over the place?

[cyberkid]

OK, thanks guys for the previous help.
I've got everything set up for use EXCEPT for a oil/air separator. I can't find any in local stores (well I did but they are asking for over 200 US for a oil filter)...
Any ideas on what make/type I could get and where online??

Originally Posted by rsxse240

Most compressors that require oil will be some kind of belt drive, but it doesn't appear to be the case here, doesn't hurt to check and be sure.

I checked and there isn't any belt drive system. It seems to be a pure single piston system... The funny thing is that I asked my uncle-in-law (the person who gave me it in the first place) and his reply was..."uh....erm.... I dunno", he was in interior designing when he acquired it.. the lux brand is now called puma from what the local compressor store owner told me..

TIA for any replies.

[klutz_100]

I have something similar to this.

[cyberkid]

Originally Posted by klutz_100

I have something similar to this.

Thanks for the link Steve, for some reason I only searched stores are evil bay in Chinese.
But just for the record, the link you gave is a setup for an air filter + lubricator, meaning it gives oils. Good for air tools, not good for our AB's.
Thanks again.

[freakray]

Steve,
If the tank has a drain plug at the bottom (it should), when you're certain there is no air in the tank, remove the plug and check what buildup there is in the tank.

On a tank compressor, as long as you're using the air in the tank, and also using a moisture trap, I very much doubt you'll get oil in the air on the airbrush side of the trap.

I would recommend servicing the compressor (including draining and inspecting the tank and cleaning the motor and compressor assembly), and then allowing the tank to go to full pressure (motor shutoff) and then letting the air out through the moisture trap. You could also look for an inline air filter to put in the line - you only need monitor the condition of the element in one of these to know if you've got oil in the air.

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by cyberkid

Thanks for the link Steve, for some reason I only searched stores are evil bay in Chinese.
But just for the record, the link you gave is a setup for an air filter + lubricator, meaning it gives oils. Good for air tools, not good for our AB's.
Thanks again.

- I am not having much success lately with compressor advice
I admit I just did a quick search and looked at the pictures and didn't read the text - sorry for that
I've never even heard of the need to lubricate the air flow before - it's always been the other way round

Anyway, to carry on down my own personal road to Hell paved with good intentions, I took some photos of my one.



I bought the regulator separately and it is just screwed together in line with regulator that was on the compressor teflon tape in the threads. I added a quick release widget as well.

The filter is made in Poland and cost in the region of 25-30$ IIRC. If you still have problems, it's no big deal to get one and send it to you - the shop is close by my home.

What really shook me when taking the photos was what has collected n there already with really quite limited use and I regularly drain the main airtank to avoid corrosion! Can you imagine if that crap had got on the model!?!?

[cyberkid]

thanks for the replies guys.
@Freakray: I've seen these inline filters and my question is do they need to be vertical to function well? I mean could I just set it up right after my current water trap instead of just before my AB? My old compressor has a tank as well and I never had any problems without a water trap, but as my 'new' (which is actually somewhat old) compressor is using motor oil...I'm a tad worried. As for the servicing... do you send it to a pro? or do you clean it yourself? If so, how? I mean the hole is only 3/8" wide...
@Klutz: Lol, the funny thing is that when I go into a local air compressor selling store and ask for a oil trap/separator, they look at me like I'm an alien and ask "Do you mean a lubricator?" Then I have to explain the whole usage of paints and why I can't have oil in my setup..
Oil lubrucation is used for air powered tools, as the high psi they use (normally 90psi+) 'blows' away the original lubricating oil. As industrial use of air compressors here is the main flow... they don't really understand half of my reason. Even if they do understand they show me a oil separator that costs around 100-200 us the cheapest...

Thanks again for the help guys, means a lot.
Steve