Welding motor platform on air tank

[AggiePSD]

I've got a vertical 60 gal air tank that I would like to use horizontally on a trailer. Can I weld a platform on the side to mount the motor and compressor? What about adding legs? And removing the existing mount on the end of the tank? Mig if that makes any difference.

Thanks,
Travis

[aametalmaster]

I welded on my tank adding legs, wheels, handle and a motor base 22 years ago, right or wrong i did it. Today i wouldn't do it. I think i would make a cradle to set the tank into and hold it down with straps and maybe mount the pump beside it. Just my thought....Bob

[Jim-TX]

Factory ones are welded on.

[aametalmaster]

Factory ones are welded on.

Yes, but then they are ASME certified after the welding. When i was a millwright i had to relocate some big tanks on our punch presses and i wasn't allowed to weld on them so i used cradles and straps...Bob

[tacmig]

Yikes!!

I agree with aametalmaster. DOT might be a little nervous too. I did the same thing with a 75 Gal. tank but fabed 3 ring clamps with 1 1/4" X 1/8" flat stock and added snap clamps so I could take it out. Got the idea from a John Deere water trailer.

Good luck...

[man of steel]

add ons to your air compressor

an air compressor is classified as a pressure vessel, under no circumstances should you weld anything to it unless you are willing to recertify it (at a great expense) cheaper to buy a new one.If you do weld legs on it,anytime after that (could be a minute week or year)chances are it may explode when under pressure .not something i would want my kids standing next to in a friends garage.death or serious injury could occour,so.. play safe.( id hate to see anyone hurt so i had to respond to this post)

[dabar39]

Don't do it!

I gotta jump in here and agree with man of steel and aametalmaster. Don't do any modifications on any sort of pressure vessel, not saying it will, but it could go off like a scud missile, it's just not worth the risk. Make a harness with rings and put the tank into it, then mount that to the trailer frame. Dave

[AggiePSD]

Ok, I will play it safe and build a setup with straps. But can I cut off the old legs and mount? Picture a vertical air compressor tank mounted horizontally with all legs and top plate still on. Would look kind of weird. Maybe use a bandsaw instead of oxy/acetylene?

Thanks,
Travis

[hellowyo]

Cant you just pressure test it yourself?

My Dad and I built a compressor tank when I was little. We then filled it full of water and used a port-a-power to pressure it up with liquid to well past what it would ever see with air. (I think 400lbs). The worst that could have happened is it failed and got us wet.

Well that was going on 20 years ago, and its still his main air compressor today...

I was tired so maybe I missed something, correct me if I am wrong fellow welders!

[hellowyo]

Opps.. I forgot to mention...

His tank we built was out of 2' Diameter pipe with very thick walls. SO I probably would have to agree with the rest of you guys.

But cant you test them that way? Or can they pass the pressure test, and fail at a later date?

Thanks everyone...

[aametalmaster]

His tank we built was out of 2' Diameter pipe with very thick walls. SO I probably would have to agree with the rest of you guys.

But cant you test them that way? Or can they pass the pressure test, and fail at a later date?

Thanks everyone...

Yes you can hydro them usually its like 2 or 3 times the working pressure and yes they can rot out from the moisture build up on the inside...Bob

[GMAN]

I agree with the cradle and straps Idea, sounds simple yet effective.

[migman]

Warning!!!!!

As a certified rebuilder for Quincy and Ingersol -Rand i can tell you these guys are 100% correct about welding on a pressure tank, The only time you should ever weld on an air tank is to make a BBQ out of it(works great,built lots).
Even the band mount is a little iffy if your going to use a gas engine to drive the pump due to the vibration and metal rubbing on metal.Most of these tanks are not as thick as you would think they should be to get a 325# rating in the days of the almighty dollar alot of tanks are heat treated to save on material.

just don't want to see anybody get hurt.