2 stroke powered compressor

[DPittman]

It's probably a hairbrain idea and the fact that I can't seem to find anyone that has already done it supports the idea that it is not likely a good plan, but I want to think about it anyhow...

I'm wondering about using a little 2 stoke engine such as a chainsaw or weed eater to power a small air compressor for mobile use. It would be an alternative to a 12 volt powered air tankless compressor. My hope is that it would be faster and not have the heavy amperage draw that the faster 12 volt electric one have.

How big of a compressor would a little 2 stoke (40-80cc) engine run? And how complex would it be to build a suitable compressor for this engine? I'm thinking the high rpm of the 2 stroke would be an advantage to gain speed in terms of cfm air output.

Comments?

 

[6.5 Fan]

You will need an unloader valve which allows the motor to start easier, other than that i have no idea if a small gas engine would work. Depends i guess on the compressor size. I am looking for a battery powered one, Ryobi, Makita, etc for small jobs around the farm.

 

[Former Member]

Yes they are available commercially (or at least used to be until the EPA got involved in NA, USA makes it hard to import, Canada doesn't get it either).

Quality depending on source ????

 

[Susquatch]

It's probably a hairbrain idea and the fact that I can't seem to find anyone that has already done it supports the idea that it is not likely a good plan, but I want to think about it anyhow...

I'm wondering about using a little 2 stoke engine such as a chainsaw or weed eater to power a small air compressor for mobile use. It would be an alternative to a 12 volt powered air tankless compressor. My hope is that it would be faster and not have the heavy amperage draw that the faster 12 volt electric one have.

How big of a compressor would a little 2 stoke (40-80cc) engine run? And how complex would it be to build a suitable compressor for this engine? I'm thinking the high rpm of the 2 stroke would be an advantage to gain speed in terms of cfm air output.

Comments?

I have it firmly planted in my mind to try a 20V rechargeable inflator or compressor. I agree that the 12V ones suck.

But the latest crop of 18V/20V units are getting GREAT reviews.

I got my first 20V Chainsaw a year ago and I LOVE IT! I have an industrial Husky, but it's big and heavy. I only use the Husky now when I have a whole tree or trees to chop up. The convenience of the battery powered unit is impossible to match and that thing is no toy, it cuts!

I'm guessing that the 20V inflators are similar. I'm just waiting for a good sale.

Regarding your idea - no good reason it won't work. But 2-strokes are a PIA for varnished jets, fuel feed issues, compression starts, fouled Plugs, bad fuel, bad mix, etc etc. Sooner or later you mess up a shoulder trying to start them.

 

[Tom O]

I have for years used the cheap air pumps with plastic gears never knowing when they’d give out.
I finally bought one of the better ones from the pawnshop I browse for stuff it’s 12v plug in with presetting of pressure auto off ( for cold days ) and customary light it works like a hot-dam the only problem with compressors is if the bead is broken your toast although I have had success jacking it up in such a case and have a PA portable air tank at home. I have also considered getting one of those air inflated tire tools that wrap around the tire used at the tire shops for emergencies. Laugh if you want but I also carry a screwdriver and screws (acts as a temporary plug) to help someone get to a shop, I also have a PA repair kit in the truck.

 

[Chicken lights]

I have for years used the cheap air pumps with plastic gears never knowing when they’d give out.
I finally bought one of the better ones from the pawnshop I browse for stuff it’s 12v plug in with presetting of pressure auto off ( for cold days ) and customary light it works like a hot-dam the only problem with compressors is if the bead is broken your toast although I have had success jacking it up in such a case and have a PA portable air tank at home. I have also considered getting one of those air inflated tire tools that wrap around the tire used at the tire shops for emergencies. Laugh if you want but I also carry a screwdriver and screws (acts as a temporary plug) to help someone get to a shop, I also have a PA repair kit in the truck.

Ether works if it’s off the bead

Keep your head back LOL

 

[Tom Kitta]

It's probably a hairbrain idea and the fact that I can't seem to find anyone that has already done it supports the idea that it is not likely a good plan, but I want to think about it anyhow...

I'm wondering about using a little 2 stoke engine such as a chainsaw or weed eater to power a small air compressor for mobile use. It would be an alternative to a 12 volt powered air tankless compressor. My hope is that it would be faster and not have the heavy amperage draw that the faster 12 volt electric one have.

How big of a compressor would a little 2 stoke (40-80cc) engine run? And how complex would it be to build a suitable compressor for this engine? I'm thinking the high rpm of the 2 stroke would be an advantage to gain speed in terms of cfm air output.

Comments?

I actually seen one few years ago. So small gas powered compressors do exist - they are just very rare.

 

[YYCHM]

https://www.grainger.ca/en/category/portable-gas-engine-air-compressors/air-compressors-and-vacuum-pumps/c/4965

 

[phaxtris]

Besides the unloader your going to have to gear it down big time, those little 2 strokes don't make any power until pretty high RPM

I look forward to the upcoming build thread

 

[ducdon]

Back in the day WAJAX sold small 2 stroke powered Water pumps for wild fire fighting. They put out some serious water pressure from a 1.5 inch hose. If it works there should also work for a compressor?

 

[140mower]

Back in the day WAJAX sold small 2 stroke powered Water pumps for wild fire fighting. They put out some serious water pressure from a 1.5 inch hose. If it works there should also work for a compressor?

They still make the mark2, very little has changed over the years. But be prepared, they are over $5000.00 now, but if lots of water is more important than your hearing, it's money well spent.
A miss- spent youth found me in more than one creek bed babysitting up to three of them at a time, it's what happens to a guy when he knows how to get them started when the others have flooded them... I'm much older now, but it turns out that I can still get them running as of last year..... Damn things are like trying to start an old rm125 with a pull cord instead of the Kickstarter.

 

[DPittman]

Back in the day WAJAX sold small 2 stroke powered Water pumps for wild fire fighting. They put out some serious water pressure from a 1.5 inch hose. If it works there should also work for a compressor?

I think they still make them. My nephew is a forest fire fighter and he has one and the pressure is crazy. They are quite a bigger engine than I'm wishing for.

 

[DPittman]

They still make the mark2, very little has changed over the years. But be prepared, they are over $5000.00 now, but if lots of water is more important than your hearing, it's money well spent.
A miss- spent youth found me in more than one creek bed babysitting up to three of them at a time, it's what happens to a guy when he knows how to get them started when the others have flooded them... I'm much older now, but it turns out that I can still get them running as of last year..... Damn things are like trying to start an old rm125 with a pull cord instead of the Kickstarter.

Ha ha that's funny and true...As my nephew was starting the pump to give me a demonstration of the pressure, his father was saying "nobody under 40 seems to know how to operate a choke".

 

[ducdon]

They still make the mark2, very little has changed over the years. But be prepared, they are over $5000.00 now, but if lots of water is more important than your hearing, it's money well spent.
A miss- spent youth found me in more than one creek bed babysitting up to three of them at a time, it's what happens to a guy when he knows how to get them started when the others have flooded them... I'm much older now, but it turns out that I can still get them running as of last year..... Damn things are like trying to start an old rm125 with a pull cord instead of the Kickstarter.

Have you ever seen the two cylinder model? They apparently did back in about 1967. Guy's took the ROTAX motor, hopped it up and installed it in a Ski Doo to win numerous championship. I would love to find one to build a clone!