Stampy Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 I was just outside today putting some trim on the newly reno-ed workshop, and had the Porter Cable pancake compressor outside with me. I've had this for about 5 years or so and have been religiously venting the tank every day I use it and making sure that it is on an angle when not in use so as to let moister drain out of the vent at the bottom. Untill today I have only used it maybe half a dozen times since the fall but have not tilted the unit over to let water drain. How much could there be right? I opened the vent today outside, and picked the unit up to carry it inside, then I noticed the brown stream of rust I had left behind me. I now have a new task ahead of me. So be warned.....DRAIN YOUR TANKS! On another note....the nose peice I lost in the fall from my trim nailer (outside again) came into plain view in my wifes garden. 15 feet away from where I had dropped it. That was my day. Now it's time for a beer and watch the hockey game. Stampy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vermont Carpentry Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Stampy, My PC compressor is about 8yrs old and I drain it after each use. And yes, I have rust. Sometimes I run the compressor with the bottom valve open in hope of pushing any condensed water out. As far as finding anything in the garden, we are still 4 to 5 weeks away as there is 48"+ of snow piled up out there. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmykx250 Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Ive had a pc pancake compressor for about 10 years. I know i should drain it more often and this is a good reminder. I figure i already got my moneys worth out of it. If it leaks or stops running i will go buy a replacement- what a value considering the amount of time ive had with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stampy Posted March 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Sometimes I run the compressor with the bottom valve open in hope of pushing any condensed water out. I did this about 3 weeks ago and there wasn't a drop of water on the floor afterward. However about a 1/3 of a cup came out today. So make sure to tip your compressor so that the valve is at the low point so the water will flow out. Oh and sorry about that snow Mark. Stampy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vermont Carpentry Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Stampy, Hmmm....maybe I'll store the compressor on its side from now on! Good tip. Oh, and as far as the snow, I lived in Phoenix for 25 years and now that I'm back in the northeast, I love it! The more snow the better! Its the ladies of the household who grumble....... Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harryangel69 Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 All air compressor tanks have rust in them. It is just the nature of the beast. Unless you live in a humidity free world, somehow. Had a friend bring me a compressor that was "acting up". When I pulled forward in his truck it sloshed. I looked at him and asked when is the last time you drained the tank. He looked at me confused and said never. Tried to open the valve and no go. Got the pipe wrench and removed the petcock. About eight gallons out of a twelve gallon compressor. Whacha gonna do? Put in a new valve, gave the speech, sent him on is way. Remember, always make sure your dog has fresh water. or something like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stampy Posted March 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 I just put a 2x4 under one of the legs to tip it over a bit. Stampy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftylen Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 All air compressor tanks have rust in them. It is just the nature of the beast. Unless you live in a humidity free world, somehow. Had a friend bring me a compressor that was "acting up". When I pulled forward in his truck it sloshed. I looked at him and asked when is the last time you drained the tank. He looked at me confused and said never. Tried to open the valve and no go. Got the pipe wrench and removed the petcock. About eight gallons out of a twelve gallon compressor. Whacha gonna do? Put in a new valve, gave the speech, sent him on is way. Remember, always make sure your dog has fresh water. or something like that Good friend was moving away and wanted to give me his old compressor. Asked him how often he drained it, puzzled look and said never. I passed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harryangel69 Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Good friend was moving away and wanted to give me his old compressor. Asked him how often he drained it, puzzled look and said never. I passed. Typically a tank is made to outlast a motor. That being said I have seen two exploded. One was an eighty gallon that was being adjusted for more pressure. Took that moron's leg off. Yes off. The other one was in the corner of a garage and blew a hole in the back wall. Broke at the weld. No one ever said all power tools were safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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