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Compressor Issues

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Jedi Knight
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Hey guys, I need a little advice. My shop air compressor has an air leak in the tank. It's about 20 years old, but still in good shape. It's leaking around a small pin hole in one of the tank welds where it was put together. I don't think it's rust, but I could be wrong. Has anyone ever tried welding on an air tank sucessfully? I have NO faith in my welding skills so I would take it to someone else. If it can't be repaired, does anyone sell a replacement tank? I hate to have to buy a new compressor. Ideas? Questions? Comments? Any help would be appreciated! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
I'd want to save the money too, but I wouldn't get the tank welded. Although there may not be any rust outside, I suspect that your tank is rusting from within. I can't imagine any other reason why a 20 year old tank would start leaking at a weld.

Parts are available for many compressors - try a google search with "[manufacturer name] compressor replacement parts" .
 
DON'T USE THAT COMPRESSOR. IT HAS FAILED !!!!!!!

Whether it has rusted or not DOES NOT MATTER. I have seen the aftermath of a compressor explosion and it is NOT pretty. BUY A NEW COMPRESSOR. If the tank you have lets go, the damage will be ten fold the cost of a new one. If your insurance company sees that the tank has been compromised it probably will not pay on a claim.

Get the picture? Buy a new one.
 
Yea, that's kinda what I was thinking. I'm a cheapskate, but not that cheap.
 
If you just need a replacement tank, they are available from a variety of sources, such as McMaster-Carr, Graingers, etc. Should be easy to find.
An exploding air tank is not a pretty sight.
Jeff
 
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