- Joined
- Jun 8, 2016
- Messages
- 603
Hope this is the right place, if not feel free to move it where it belongs.
Kind of long story......I'm building an air compressor. I got a great deal on a new 80 gallon compressor tank. I already have a plan, using a harbor freight air compressor pump. The pump manual says it requires a 5 hp motor. Here's where the questions come in.
I know a "real" 5hp motor should be pulling around 24 amps. But, most of the motors being sold as 5hp actually come out to be about 3.5 with a max load of 5hp. those motors are considerably cheaper. I also know that many of the 5hp motors on factory compressors are rated a bit high. So my question is does the compressor pump manufacturer take that into account when specking a 5hp motor as needed? Would a "SPL" rated 5hp motor do just fine for my application?
My use will be limited, I doubt it will run more than an hour or two a week. I don't spray paint cars, or have lots of air tools. I plan to have a sand blasting cabinet soon, but it will be used rarely. Basically, I have just a hobby shop need, although it will be running my fogless mist-cooler for both lathe and mill.
So, thoughts, suggestions? And does anyone have a 5hp motor they need to get rid of?
Kind of long story......I'm building an air compressor. I got a great deal on a new 80 gallon compressor tank. I already have a plan, using a harbor freight air compressor pump. The pump manual says it requires a 5 hp motor. Here's where the questions come in.
I know a "real" 5hp motor should be pulling around 24 amps. But, most of the motors being sold as 5hp actually come out to be about 3.5 with a max load of 5hp. those motors are considerably cheaper. I also know that many of the 5hp motors on factory compressors are rated a bit high. So my question is does the compressor pump manufacturer take that into account when specking a 5hp motor as needed? Would a "SPL" rated 5hp motor do just fine for my application?
My use will be limited, I doubt it will run more than an hour or two a week. I don't spray paint cars, or have lots of air tools. I plan to have a sand blasting cabinet soon, but it will be used rarely. Basically, I have just a hobby shop need, although it will be running my fogless mist-cooler for both lathe and mill.
So, thoughts, suggestions? And does anyone have a 5hp motor they need to get rid of?