Using compressed air

I want to run a Stuart S50 on compressed air, but only want a small, quiet compressor, as it will be kept in the house. It will be run at very low speeds, & with no load.

If the engine runs freely when turned by hand, will an aquarium pump give sufficient power, - there is a full Stuart Beam on youTube being operated by this method.

If so, what power of compressor will I need to give 10-20 PSI, as aquarium pumps are rated in litres per hour ?

Any help will be appreciated.

Mike.

Although more expensive than an aquarium pump, I believe you will get more satisfaction from an airbrush compressor. Certainly a more versatile appliance (unless you have an aquarium!)

Lidl and Aldi have them for sale from time to time if you can wait. Otherwise have a look at eBay 131015709681. If you see this in time, 131425392878 looks like good value.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

Edited By jason udall on 15/02/2015 22:52:46

it would have to be the best engineered Item to run on that pump...highly unlikely

As the average aquarium is only two feet deep these pumps are not intended to run at any great head of pressure, you will find they run out of air as soon as any great head load is added and won't work at much over 5ft depth, koi pond pumps go deeper. Given that 3ft is approx 0.1 bar then 5-6ft is 0.2 bar or 3psi.

As dave says a small airbrush compressor will be more use but watch the cheap ones as they can be very noisy.

It might be a good time to revive this earlier thread.

MichaelG.

My wifes car came with a tin of glue and a tyre pump, these have been replaced by a proper spare wheel. Yesterday I was playing about with the pump and it seems this could be a useful w/shop tool. Runs of 12v DC ,up to about 50psi. A small air tank and a pressure switch makes a good little tool.

Michael,

How do you add a link to a previous thread ?

Paul

..

Paul,

It's a bit laborious: Find the old thread, select its URL, then add it as a link like any other.

MichaelG.

I tried a portable 12v tire compressor on a Stuart Turner S9, 1.5 " bore x 1.5" stroke double acting, no go, the volume per minute not enough, maybe with a tank the motor would run. This is a some what bigger motor than the 10V, but these little compressors are noisy wee beasts.

Ian S C

Find an old fridge and remove the compressor/motor and use that, not very environmentally friendly if it is still gassed up but they can be purchased on that well know auction site. Add a small receiver and it should be a low cost option.

Bob

If you are careful with the mounting of the frig compressor, it should be quite quiet, use rubber isolating blocks, and don't let vibrating metal parts touch the frame.

Ian S C

Watch out for condensation in the cylinder(specially cast iron), when using air

Ian S C

Hi Michael,

Running small engines on air was also discussed in a thread called "Air compressers for steam engines"

In which I said that I saw some small engines running on a steam cleaner. Very quiet and real steam.

Paul.

I keep thinking of using a wallpaper stripper. I have an old one with a radiator cap as a 'safety valve'.

Neil

I just got an airbrush compressor from there. It is a really nice option, as for me. Maybe, it will work for you