WTB: Compressor and Cascade

[AB8CD]

Is this an OK post for this forum? If not, go ahead and move or delete. I'm looking at purchasing and setting up my own air supply system. I have had a registered dive business since 2003 and I am factoring in the convenience, tax advantage (as if...) and a desire to be more self sufficient. I use my tank air for diving as well as pressure testing lines for leak detection. I typically will be filling 4-8 80 cf 3000psi tanks at a time and I don’t want to babysit the system too much. Single phase electric and a fairly quiet operation are desirable traits. Any suggestions or leads? I could drive my truck from West Michigan to offset shipping costs (if practical). Education and personal experience posts are great, but if your grandmother just died and left a system in her dive shop… PM me!

[FW]

Is this an OK post for this forum? If not, go ahead and move or delete. I'm looking at purchasing and setting up my own air supply system. I have had a registered dive business since 2003 and I am factoring in the convenience, tax advantage (as if...) and a desire to be more self sufficient. I use my tank air for diving as well as pressure testing lines for leak detection. I typically will be filling 4-8 80 cf 3000psi tanks at a time and I don’t want to babysit the system too much. Single phase electric and a fairly quiet operation are desirable traits. Any suggestions or leads? I could drive my truck from West Michigan to offset shipping costs (if practical). Education and personal experience posts are great, but if your grandmother just died and left a system in her dive shop… PM me!

Buying is OK, but retail sales would be a no no.

[Cave Diver Wayne]

I had a Mako 9 cu ft compressor that I just loved, sold it when I moved to FL. I have a Tri Mix blender cert. and not only did our co-ops air but also sold to general public if they were cert. We tested our air 4 times a year as we were dong tri mix and wanted to make real sure compressor and filters were doing there job. Found my compressor on ebay. Make sure if you buy they have all the past air tests to show you system makes clean air. One last thought....a good compressor can cost $9000.00 and up. and there is anual maintenance costs to go with it.

Good luck!

KD8MRC

[JCGoodwin]

Contact Bruno's Dive Shop in Clinton township in Detroit.
He is a tech / service center for many fire departments and has access to many good compressor deals.
Give him a call to see what he has currently available.
He has entire systems banks and all.

Wayne is very correct a compressor is not cheap and not without service, air quality tests, filters, but more than anything keeping detailed records of all service.
Heaven forbid but if their ever is a issue with liability health involved you will want all your ducks in a row and good insurance.
I am not a LDS nor wish to be one but have run the numbers on purchasing a compressor as well.
Currently I am about 1.5 hrs away form where I fill tanks so fuel costs are driving me to make every trip count.
Here in the sticks they charge crazy for air / NITROX at local dive sites, it is insane.
I think it is their way of encouraging new divers to keep diving.
You may even know the site I am talking about.

JCG

[AB8CD]

Well, I'm making the jump.
I am buying a 1996 Mako 5405 with 200 hours. I bought it from the company in Iowa that sold it new, has serviced it regularly, Midwest Breathing Air, and they have just put $1200 in parts into, what would have been a 1000 hour service. New valves, plunger, etc.
They are putting on a new single stage 7.5 HP motor and a refurbished auto drain unit. 4 4500 DOT Cylinders with current hydro, 2 bank panel with all gauges, regulator, bypass valves and fill assembly for SCUBA, drop shipped to my driveway with a liftgate truck for about $10K.
I’ll post pictures when I have it set up.

[jdiver]

Contact Bruno's Dive Shop in Clinton township in Detroit.
He is a tech / service center for many fire departments and has access to many good compressor deals.
Give him a call to see what he has currently available.
He has entire systems banks and all.

Wayne is very correct a compressor is not cheap and not without service, air quality tests, filters, but more than anything keeping detailed records of all service.
Heaven forbid but if their ever is a issue with liability health involved you will want all your ducks in a row and good insurance.
I am not a LDS nor wish to be one but have run the numbers on purchasing a compressor as well.
Currently I am about 1.5 hrs away form where I fill tanks so fuel costs are driving me to make every trip count.
Here in the sticks they charge crazy for air / NITROX at local dive sites, it is insane.
I think it is their way of encouraging new divers to keep diving.
You may even know the site I am talking about.

JCG

Hey Cam, been awhile...

Man, I thought I had it rough going 30 min's to my LDS, but 1.5hrs would be torturous...

I'm still waiting on that big payday, but when it happens I'll be in touch because you know the first place I'm heading right... Hope you have had a chance to get in some cavin lately... Take it easy

And goodluck with the new MAKO - AB8CD... You'll probably find yourself brewin up all kinds of mixes thru the wee hours of the night, at least for awhile....