1st Gen Lunchtable Thread - General Discussion

Not as much as starting and stopping one. The inrush of current really makes the meter spin.

 

Quick math.

1 hp is around 750 watts. So 3/4 of a kilowatt. I pay 8 cents a kw.

5hp motor.

6 x 5 is around $.30/hr.

Like I said, quick, inaccurate math.

 

Must not be any Chinese restaurant nearby.

 

Let’s figure it out. It’s has a 240v 15 Amp rated continuous duty cycle motor on it.

First we must calculate wattage. This can be found by multiplying the motor voltage by the amperage.

Voltage and Amperage to Wattage
P = av
240v x 15a = 3,600w

After we find total wattage, we need to calculate the total amount of kilowatt hours consumed by the motor. Let’s put an approximate continuous run time of six hours out of twelve excluding breaks.

Watts to Kilowatts
E(kWh) = P(W)× t(hr) / 1000
E = 3600 x 6 / 1000
E = 21.6

Pacific Gas & Electric charges 12¢ per kWh. At a rate of 21.6 kWh, a six hour run time would cost approximately $2.59

 

These things are like 240 volts at 14 amps right?

 

This is better than those electric auto drain valves on a timer?

 

It can much higher on start up.

 

So the initial startup of the motor would be higher than 15 Amps?

 

For your instance, yes much better the electric valves really aren't very reliable.

The auto drains are really for systems that are kept pressurised 100 percent of the time.

 

I was planning to get this system eventually for when I get into painting.

http://www.usaweld.com/Max-Dry-for-Plasma-Cutters-p/25310-2.htm

 

Yes, it varies. It will be higher when motor kicks on when air pressure is present and less when there is no pressure in the tank.

It's normal for electric motors to have a higher amp draw on starts. The motor and breakers are designed for this issue.

 

Are we factoring in time spent building these things, sourcing materials, wiring, painting, blasting, packing for shipping, admin time like for PM's, paypal fees, packing materials etc, consumables, wear and tear on tools? I'm not knocking the venture, but it seems like you've burnt up a good part of labor day weekend on the hustle.

 

I

Like that rig, but I like the HF version better. Buy the warranty for cheap and have a new one right away. It sucks when you need tools ASAP but nothing is available. HF is everywhere.

 

Those rounds you bought will make quick work of that cat lol

 

I have a very very small overhead on these systems including labor. The demand has proven itself, so I’m just capitalizing on it.

I do hire out some work at certain times so it isn’t only me.

 

Are those Harbor Freight filters worth a damn? I bought some initially, but I returned them because the quality was just lacking for me.

 

Never discount what your time is worth

 

You have a point. I wouldn’t even begin to know how to account for my own time when factoring in overhead.

 

This is what you should be considering if you are going to use compressed air continuously. They work great for plasma cutters as well as sand blasters.

The filter/dry you posted is really only going to be able to supply you with enough dry air to paint a car fender or hood. They are not designed to run full out all day.

As you have found out, compressers make lots of water. Imagine if you were in south Florida.

 

Nothing good ever comes out of Florida, but Casey Anthony is kind of hot