I would suppose it depends on your storage space as to which model to get, horizontal or vertical. I have a vertical manual model and have no regrets. Easy peezy.
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Alkin W31 vertical. Manual or auto version?
- Thread starter 20TAC
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After watching some of the Alkin videos, they recommend having the unit on a solid surface as they don't like vibrations. So as long as your workbench is solid, this shouldn't be a problem. Having said that, I believe the vertical version is more popular because it is so easy to move if you have to. But you can't go wrong either way.
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And not only what is stated above, but in my case, I rotate between 4 tanks, so while one is filling, I am using one of the others....now, even though the tank is not hot to the touch, it WILL lose a little pressure as it fully cools.... but if I leave it connected ( which I usually do), when it drops below 4500, the unit kicks on, and takes it to the max again....this is how my tanks result in full fills
DJ
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My horizontal Alkin W31 is zip tied to an 8" inflatable tire yard wagon for portability. It is easier to move around than the vertical model with its 3" wheels would be for me. I like the wider footprint for stability. The height of the yard cart also raises my compressor to the same eye level as the vertical model so I can see the controls without bending down. My compressor is kept in paved crawl space area under my house. If I take the compressor outside for servicing it is easier to move over obstacles with the yard wagon. However, I like the vertical model and it seems to be the most popular choice among air gun users. A standalone horizontal W31 @ 145 lbs. takes 2 people or one gorilla to move it.
Hot fills can be a result of 2 factors. The fill speed of the compressor or a flow restrictor in the tank can both cause hot fills. All Alkin W31's have excellent air cooling features built in. They have intercoolers between stages as well as many more feet of coiled air lines between stages. Look at the coiled air lines under the crankcase in the attached photo. The only time my 6.8 liter tank gets warm enough to lose pressure after cooling down is when I fill it from empty, which happens rarely. When I top off from 3K I have my pressure relief valve set to 4800 psi which gives me several extra fills per tank.
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Any compressor at my place is going to take up floor space, and the vertical takes up a bit less. It's also easy to move (across my cement shop floor) than a horizontal would be - at least without making a cart or something like Humdinger shows. Mine is electric, so it really only moves away from its outlet when I want it out of the way for something. It's completely a matter of what works best for your situation - I believe the relevant specs are the same.
GsT
GsT
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I’m planning to order a W31 and also have limited floor space in my shop so the Vertical seems the better choice. Questions: How difficult is it to read the oil level and to access the switches and valves (old knees)? What instructions should I give the electrician when he wires the 220V (20 amp breaker?) outlet and plug? Thanks. Uj
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When I fill. I roll the unit out from the wall to insure good air flow and the gauges are on the back from the picture. I have a rubber kneeling pad I throw down for the old knees.
My Alkin did not have a cord cap included. So I chose a Nema L620 male cap and recep. Wired with #12 wire to a 20 amp 2 pole breaker. The Alkin has it’s own over current protection.
My Alkin did not have a cord cap included. So I chose a Nema L620 male cap and recep. Wired with #12 wire to a 20 amp 2 pole breaker. The Alkin has it’s own over current protection.
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Heres how I have my 2004 horizontal unit set up on a commercial grade cart. Everything is at kitchen counter height, and makes topping off tanks easy. Under the cart I store all things pcp related like my two pellet traps, a Caldwell precision turret rest, a box full of pellet sorting tins, spare lumps of duct seal, cardboard target backers, and the Best Gun Vice.
On the handle end I have the Caldwell Stinger rest strapped on, and a #12, 25’ extension cord with the ends converted for the 220 circuit. Same end style on the Alkin cord.
My garage is 32’ wide with the electrical outlet underneath the sub panel at one end. From sub panel to wall outlet it’s all #10 wire. With this 25’ cord and the cord whip length on the Alkin, I can role this cart all the way to the opposite end and still power up with no voltage drop due to distance(I can go up to like 75’ on #12 cord based on my wiring charts). The vertical model was my first choice as I like the compact footprint it offers and the hand truck style of design for moving it, but this set up does the same for portability. Plus, if I’m not around and my wife needs it moved, it’ll be easier with this set up than if she had to move the vertical, I feel.
Lastly, looking ahead, if I ever have to tear into this thing, no bending down for me, and the cart offers a table for tools and parts. Love this thing, and for being 17 years old and just at 40 hours of use, it still runs like a champ, and tops off my tanks from 3200 to 4500 at exactly 5 minutes.
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Everything is easy to read and easily accessible. The only "gripe" I have is I wish the control panel was at the top. But it certainly isn't a deal-breaker by any means.
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Well took me while to make up my mind but I ordered a compressor a couple weeks ago. Shipping was delayed a bit so it could be delivered while I was on days off.
So this Friday is the big day. Have an Alkin W31 vertical with the auto features on the way. Also ordered extra intake filters, desiccant recharge kits and some extra oil.
Pretty excited for Friday and so glad the shipping worked out for me. The wife would have beed a little chocked if she had to deal with the compressor in her way for a few days till I could move it.
Will try posting some photos this weekend.
Also the guys at Alkin are top notch. I called/emailed them with some questions and even requested some different photos of the different units. They were very helpful and quick to respond. So I am very impressed with that. Also the Aqua Sub which is there Canadian dealer in Ontario was helpful and made the process work great for me.
So this Friday is the big day. Have an Alkin W31 vertical with the auto features on the way. Also ordered extra intake filters, desiccant recharge kits and some extra oil.
Pretty excited for Friday and so glad the shipping worked out for me. The wife would have beed a little chocked if she had to deal with the compressor in her way for a few days till I could move it.
Will try posting some photos this weekend.
Also the guys at Alkin are top notch. I called/emailed them with some questions and even requested some different photos of the different units. They were very helpful and quick to respond. So I am very impressed with that. Also the Aqua Sub which is there Canadian dealer in Ontario was helpful and made the process work great for me.
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Congrats on your purchase. You are going to fully enjoy it. There is nothing like have your own, dependable air supply.
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I’ve filled three tanks since I’ve had mine, very happy with my Alkin W31 Vertical Compressor. I wish I would have bought it ten years ago!
Zonk
Zonk
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Hopefully my AV 4500 will last a while longer. It's pushing a little over four years old now and has seen good use with having a couple of big bores and three other airguns. I'll certainly be looking at the vertical model of the w31 when it decides to go toes up, provided I am unable to repair it. I haven't had any issues with it to date.
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Well, got my new compressor delivered on Friday. Unpacked it and found the shipper wasn't very nice to it. Must have put something heavy against it. Looks like the 3rd stage cylinder bolt was pushed through the compressor cover, the outer 2 cooling fins on that cylinder are bent and the tubing into the 3rd stage is bent over.
So safe to say that I was super pumped that day, followed up with some disappointment.
So I have sent some photos to my dealer and we are waiting to see Alkin's response. Just taking a while as happens to be a long weekend. Should hopefully be covered through shipping insurance. I am sure things will get taken care of and I am happy that my tank is almost full so not in a huge rush.
Can post some photos if anyone is curious, but otherwise I will wait to get a proper looking unit before doing so.
So safe to say that I was super pumped that day, followed up with some disappointment.
So I have sent some photos to my dealer and we are waiting to see Alkin's response. Just taking a while as happens to be a long weekend. Should hopefully be covered through shipping insurance. I am sure things will get taken care of and I am happy that my tank is almost full so not in a huge rush.
Can post some photos if anyone is curious, but otherwise I will wait to get a proper looking unit before doing so.
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What a big disappointment for you. Nothing to loose faith over though. I am sure you will receive a proper one in time.
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