Welders

[mccutter]

Originally Posted by dubby

Since it was exhausting as fast as it was building, the compressor never had a chance to shut off. I had the doors closed so I couldn't hear it droning on.

I had a little HF compressor like the one pictured: 2hp, 8gal, 125PSI, single-cyl oiled compressor. I accidentally left it on and plugged in which usually isn't a big deal unless you get an air leak. Well, the gasket in the pressure cycling (on/off) switch gave out and the compressor continuously ran for who knows how long. A neighbor of my shop went and turned the main breaker off out of concern the compressor would over heat and catch fire. He DID hear it droning on...

I'm not sure how long it ran but it was covered with oil spray from the sump of the compressor leaking out the switch. It wasn't bone-dry but was down quite a bit--I can't remember how much. Since the gasket was unobtainium from HF, I made my own from a sheet of rubber and the compressor worked for another year or two before it needed another gasket made.

I make it a habit to turn compressors off when I'm not around. I'd rather arrive to an off, but empty compressor from sitting, rather than an empty building due to fire.