Thread: A Better Manifold for Home Compressor

My WTD 12 CFM Compressor felll over in the trailer the other day and damaged the outlet on the Manifiold.
I Googled and could only find the same cheap and cheerful version on Ebay.
I bought one and I have damaged that as well, due to not realising how soft the cast metal is....grrr

Anyone know of a good source for 'proper' compressor parts?
Steve


Manifold.JPG

You'd probably be better off getting a few T pieces and nipples/sockets etc, in 1/4" Brass, and make up a set yourself, as all I've ever seen is the same as you've pictured. Or get a block of brass bar and make a manifold, utilising some of your existing fittings.
If you've a truck dismantler nearby, look in there as some run 1/4" fittings
Kryn

Different compressor but similar manifold. I had a small leak and decided to tighten the fitting and the die cast manifold decided to break apart.

So made something up out of bits I had laying around.

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Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

You'd probably be better off getting a few T pieces and nipples/sockets etc, in 1/4" Brass, and make up a set yourself, as all I've ever seen is the same as you've pictured. Or get a block of brass bar and make a manifold, utilising some of your existing fittings.
If you've a truck dismantler nearby, look in there as some run 1/4" fittings
Kryn

I agree. If you want to go a little bit classier, try the SS fittings from of all places Blackwoods as they are really well priced. I've used them for quite a few of my comp air projects. As I was interested in improved flow and lower pressure drops out of my compressor, instead of 1/4", I used 3/8 or even 1/2" including hose and the 1/2" Hicupla Nitto fittings. For taps/valves I use the 1/2" plumbing ball taps from bunnings.

Heres a few of my manifolds

Shop made very low pressure piston and manifold for calibrating dust collector pressure sensors
Piston2.jpg

Testing the new coffee machine pump.
Setup.JPG'

What about utiilising something like this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-4-G-5-...bvUVcgw1Ip1Bgw and mounting your parts onto them. I think the material might be anodised aluminium.

Steve, Nescco used to carry a wide range of air fittings, not sure if they are in your area, if not they have an outlet on Welshpool Rd, Welshpool. Alan.

Thanks Guys,
Some good ideas there.
Not sure what I'll do yet.
Didn't think of those Ali manifolds....That might work out well.
Don't really want to have millions of fittings. ( As an Instrument Fitter, its a natural instinct NOT do that...lol)

Have not heard of Nescco so assume they ar eonly in Perth. I'min Bunbury.
We have Blackwoods so might look at their catalogue.


Steve

I don`t mount anything on the compressor other than a ball valve. I have seen to many brake because of having a whole heap of fittings hanging off them.

I run flexible line to a collector then more flexible line to manifolds mounted around the garage. Push fit stuff is the only way to go.

Tony

Originally Posted by bts

I don`t mount anything on the compressor other than a ball valve. I have seen to many brake because of having a whole heap of fittings hanging off them

That's another good reason to located it outside in its own little enclosure.

Originally Posted by BobL

That's another good reason to located it outside in its own little enclosure.

That and its quiet when their outside. I`ve had one back in the garage doing some repairs. Dam noisy things.

Tony

Well, I have just broken another manifold.
This time I was swapping the pressure relief and blanking bungs over so I had better access to the PR..more fool me. I should have know to leave well enough alone....doh.
I have cracked the cast cheese metal where the PR should screw in......Its completely stuffed...no way to repair it.

Back to square one.

Use larger brass fittings and mount them on the end of a hose and fitted to the shed.
Yes, it'll cost a bit more, but how many cheesy ones do you want to go through???? Buy once and buy right.
I've stripped a few Swiss cheese ally ones just trying to fix a minor air leak.
Kryn

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

Use larger brass fittings and mount them on the end of a hose and fitted to the shed.
Yes, it'll cost a bit more, but how many cheesy ones do you want to go through???? Buy once and buy right.
I've stripped a few Swiss cheese ally ones just trying to fix a minor air leak.
Kryn

Thanks Kryn. I don't want to go through any more!
I can't find any other comercial options so I think I will make my own. I don't really want to hang one on the wall. I move my compressor around when using it.
Looking into buying some aluminium square stock ( probalby around 40 x 40mm ) and mount everything onto that.
Something like this.

Manifold Block.jpg

Total tools have these manifolds.
Not as cheap as making your own (assuming you already had suitable tap etc) but easier..

https://www.totaltools.com.au/66831-...p-male-120m045

Steve