OT - Antique air compressor - Model T era?

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration
Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: OT - Antique air compressor - Model T era?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Blancard on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 12:20 pm:

Last weekend my wife and I were out in the Shenandoah valley area and poked into a couple antique shops. In an outbuilding of one way off the beaten path I found this old air compressor.

compressor

It looks like it could be from the model T era, but I'm not sure. It looks all original with an ancient electric motor that drives a Kellog compressor via chain drive. The air then goes into a metal reservoir. The on/off switch is the round piece in the lower right hand corner. The gauge only goes to 30 PSI, so its not too useful, but it sure is cool looking. The shop owner said it works and was in the back of their barn for man years. It sure would look cool in my garage along with my other antique tools and my touring car. What do you'all think? How old is it? They were asking $125 for it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ricks - Surf City on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 12:24 pm:

I'd buy it and use it.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cameron Whitaker on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 12:57 pm:

It does look cool for sure! Now if I were to make a guess, I would say that it's actually a compressor for an early refrigerator, the kind that would have used ammonia or something similar. But again, that's just a guess.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Dewey, N. California on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 01:44 pm:

I agree, re-purposed refrigerant compressor.
Still, looks cool!
T'
David D.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cameron Whitaker on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 01:44 pm:

I should have also mentioned that it looks to be from the '20s for sure, judging by that motor.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Moorehead on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 01:59 pm:

I had one similar to this at one time. The one I had was from an old hotel steam heating system. It was low pressure and used to somehow control the functions of the old steam radiators. Somehow it was used in conjunction with the air operated thermostats to allow for more or less steam to the individual radiators. I remember back when the thermostat was adjusted, I would hear some air hissing from the thermostat. This may in no way be where this compressor came from, but it sure is a good story!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Blancard on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 02:32 pm:

I hadn't thought about it being re-purposed, but it sure is possible. If so, it must have been done long ago.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 02:33 pm:

30 Lbs. Not very practical. The base & other parts don't look cobbled together either. They all belong there. Chain drive. Weird. Any tags or plates on it Steve?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Moorehead on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 02:36 pm:

I just noticed it appears it is chain driven from the motor to the compressor. Must be a fairly slow motor RPM.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Blancard on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 03:19 pm:

There was a tag on the motor, I think it was a General Electric, but I don't recall the other details. The only other tag I could find was on the compressor, identifying it as a Kellog. The chain was not a roller chain, rather a multi-plate chain, similar to a timing chain. The unit was pretty grubby so there could have been another tag I missed. I didn't look cobbled together.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Rogne on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 03:51 pm:

Most Kellogg air compressors were air cooled. Probably refrigeration, Will work but may pass a little oil.No oil scraper rings.Would make a nice item


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Larry Bohlen, Severn MD on Sunday, October 28, 2012 - 05:33 pm:

Maybe a compressor unit from a soda fountain? Liquid Carbonic used something like that. That may explain the lower pressure.

Larry


Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.
Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration