I got this old (20 + years) Craftsman 20 gallon compressor from my grandfather years ago. The old motor gave up the ghost a few weeks ago. I picked up a HF 3HP (previously Rated 5HP), 10 feet of 10/3 wire and a 220 plug. I rewired it for 220 and gues what? It works. Yay.

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/compressor_001.jpg

the old motor was a 2HP dual voltage. The new one is 3HP 230V. It runs at the same RPM. It runs nice and quiet (for a compressor) :toothless

http://bronco.tophersworld.com/images/compressor_002.jpg

Those old iron comprssors sure do work good. My pump has to be 30 years old, and its actually now on top of my 5 year old Craftsman compressor tank. The oilless new compressor worked so shitty, I put that 30 year old motor and pump up on there and it works so much better now

That is so true

How ironic. I picked up that exact same model at a garage sale about a year ago for 25 bucks. I had to replace the pressure switch, the check valve, and re-wire the motor (someone had set it up halfway between 110 and 220??) but it works like a champ.

I also use that handle as an air hose holder ha!

I've got the exact same compressor. The compressor was siezed when my uncle was about to take it to the dump. Took the head off, put a little penetrating oil around the pistons. That was ten years ago and it has worked like a champ ever since. Definitely one of the best compressors ever sold under the Craftsman name.

What PSI pressure switch do you guys run on these? I have a 120/90 one. I want the 150/115 one but I dont know if its too much for the compressor head or the tank.

im running 160 psi in an old water tank off my compresser and it works perfect .... i rounded the bottom of the tank out a few years ago when the pressure switch stuck on and I was away the guge broke at that time at well over 350 psi so the tanks will take a lot of psi...

I am still running the rounded out tank and have had no problems at 160
BUT rememmber turn off the compresser when not in use
T

Mine cuts off at 90 PSI. Now that I have the new motor I plan on upping it to at least 120.

Mine cycles between 120-90 psi.

Usable air would double with a 30 psi increase. For the 20 dollars it costs for the pressure switch, doubling your usable air (just like getting a tank thats twice as large) is a bargain. Im just wondering if it would work.

Looks like it will.