Husky 1 Gallon Air Compressor Manual
Xena Donovan
Just got a new craftsman air compressor (33 gal). I have read that it is important to "break in" the unit by running it with the pressurized chamber open (so that there is no load on the motor). How long do I do leave it running in this state? Is there anything else you would recommend I do?
Answering a little late, but the instructions that came with my 20 gal. oil-free Husky say to run the compressor for 10 minutes with outlet and drain open. Times may vary depending on compressor size, lubrication style, etc., so check your owners manual.
Not so sure about needing to break in the unit, but if it is an oiled compressor then make sure you change the oil after the first 10 hours (or about that). Also if you do go ahead and break in the unit, some compressors have a duty cycle that is less than 100% (running 100% of the time). The compressor I have (Sears Craftsman 3 gal., 1 hp, Horizontal Tank) has a 50% duty cycle so it should not run more than 30 minutes in any one hour.
A new compressor should be broken in before being used for work. The compressor should be run for 30 minutes with the unloader valve locked open to seat the rings. The unloader valve can then be reset for normal compressor operation. The oil should be changed after the first few hours of operation. Check to see if there is any specific requirements; if there are no special requirements, use a quality synthetic oil.
I know from experience that break-in is required and a good idea for oilless compressors. I was unaware of that instruction once with a new one and sure enough it failed to reach its rated maximum psi after a single first success. From then on, it consistently came 10 pounds short. The instructions said run for a number of minutes without allowing pressure to build aka, drain valve open (I forget how many minutes...). I simply failed to read the manual! It did make a difference.
These are a few of the important details in regards to the Razorcut 45 Plasma Cutter. I have not found many details on what the expected life of its consumables are but the important details follow, including what I used to prepare my manspace for the table.
Questions 2
Would it be better to go with the 3/64" orifice or the 1/16" if we are running at 40 Amps or greater? It would be a bummer to have to invest in two sets of nozzles but I understand the probability of a need to do so.
Kerf
The tip orifices focus the plasma stream to the work piece. It is important to use the correct size tip for the amperage being used, for example a tip with a 3/64" orifice is good for 0-40 amps whereas a 1/16" orifice is better for 40-80 amps
Air Pressure and Volume
The required air pressure and volume can vary from model to model and the manufacturer will provide the specs. The RazorCut45 air pressure is pre-set at 4.5 psi and requires a flow rate of 6.0 CF/M. The volume capacity of your compressor is important, if you have a small compressor with exactly the same l/min rating as the plasma, then the compressor will run continuously when you are plasma cutting, a compressor with a l/min rating slightly higher than the plasma would be more adequate. If you are doing a lot of cutting, cutting thick plate (same air consumption but slower cut speeds = longer cut time) then choose a compressor at 1.5 to 2 times the plasma system requirement.
What I bought:
I went with the best compressor for the lowest price and came across the Home Depot Husky 60 Gal. Stationary Electric Air Compressor. They usually have these hanging around in store and as I am a Veteran of the Navy and get a Military Discount, this was a no-brainer buy for me.
You will also need to pick up a standard Vertical Air Shut-Off valve to put at the output from the tank as well as a regulator and filter. If you are worried about condensation you will want to pick up an air drier as well. The driers are not cheap so do your best to look for the best deal. I am in the desert here in Idaho so I am not too worried about condensation.( I still plan on keeping an eye on it. ) I also bought an under tank drain valve extension for easy access to check for and drain condensation that might be in the tank.
Wiring for Compressor
30A double pole breaker for the Husky 60 Gal 220v compressor. I separated the circuits for the compressor and the torch so I could run both without putting them on one massive breaker. SAFETY FIRST!
Make sure you know the type of breaker panel you have and whether or not you have the room to add the required breakers to your system. You may have to hire an electrician if you feel uncomfortable doing this on your own or you need to add a sub panel for your setup.
If you are planning on a long run from your breaker panel to your outlets you will probably want a safety switch as well as adding a heavier gauge cable for the run. Look at the Electrical Code for what your situation will call for.
This compressor is a stationary compressor. You will want to mount this to the floor of your garage or shop. I see quite a few people skipping this step, but its dumb to leave a large compressor like this unbolted or sitting on the original pallet. If it tips you could have a massive electrical issue that could cause harm or death not to mention that you have a large tank with 60 gallons of compressed air that could launch flammable dust in the air causing combustion from the aforementioned possible electrically unsafe situation caused by a tipover. Not something I would want to risk in the garage of my home. Why risk your family? Buy the cement bit, anchor bolts and rent a hammer drill. Its not that expensive when you consider the alternative.
60A double pole breaker for the 45A 220V Plasma Cutter. I have a 50A already for my welder but I am not sure if this is going to be adequate based on whether the plasma cutter pulls a true 45 Amps. If it starts slamming the breaker I may have to upgrade to a 60A breaker as that is a true 25% greater than the suspected load whereas the 50A is somewhere around 12% greater than the possible applied load.
(I might upgrade before I get it the Razorcut 45 just to be safe, but a 50A is more than adequate for the 30A plasma cutting machine Razorweld makes.)
On the cable, check what is required for the length of your run and the amperage requirements. Every situation is different and it is honestly better for you, as the individual installing the equipment, to find the information yourself, diligently, or talk to a licensed professional (i.e. a trusted Electrician).
I think you will be fine with a 50amp breaker.
The cut45 is not preset at 4.5psi. You adjust the flow with the built in regulator on the machine.
Cutting with too many amps on too small of an orfice will kill that tip quick. Just start out with one size.
Also note the warranty is 3 years on the power supply and 90 days on the torch.
Put your dryer close to the plasma cutter.
These little dryers work well and are cheap. Depending on your humidity they can dry out quickly
When I talked to Langmuir they said that the 45i required 6 cfm at 90 psi. So you may want to double check the specs on the 30 gallon compressor. Also, the higher scfm the more consistant your airflow will stay and the larger the air tank the less your compressor will run.
With that said, I strongly recommend seeing whats used in your area. We recently picked up a used vertical compressor with a 100 gallon tank rated for 15cfm for 400 bucks. That is overkill for any plasma cutter but we use it to supply air to our 6500 sqft factory.
We have a Husky 60 Gal Air Compressor, C601H that we have had as back-up and is now being put back to work. We are in need of the manual for this compressor. If you could supply me with a pdf copy it would be greatly appreciated.
Cordially.
Luis Robles
Persona Medical
Quality Systems Manager