First fills with the new Alkin W31😁

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Crank

Crank

Member
Jun 3, 2018
322
12
California, United States
Long story short, a friend got into PCP rifles and after talking me out of one tank, then he wanted my Omega compressor. So I went and put my foot down and said, "Fine! I'll go buy a new compressor". It showed up Monday, but I wasn't able to get a 220V plug until today. Built like the proverbial brick outhouse, but a reasonable footprint.

Overkill you may say, but I look at the fact that I own ten times as much in air rifles and you can't go wrong with a reliable air supply. 

IMG_20210130_140822.1612045373.jpg
IMG_20210125_192315_01.1612045373.jpg


From empty on a 60 minute tank was right at 25 minutes. I'm filling the second tank as I peck this out. It a bit louder than my Omega, but not obnoxious. It sounds like a regular shop compressor, the old school ones that is, not the little China buzz boxes.

Mark
 
Thanks, that's my Takisawa TSL-800 that I overhauled a few years ago. Ridiculously accurate and repeatable, after a dozen different designs, this one is here to stay. Unless of course, I get a killer deal on a Weiler. Out of frame are my Bridgeport vertical and my Kearney and Tracker 2HL universal mill ( with vertical attachment).

I manage to cram machine shop in my garage, so the Alkin will be fighting for a cozy spot to hide in when not in use.

The Alkin is a very organic piece of equipment, you have to understand its operation and monitor it. I find that refreshing in today's automated world. My third tank was fully charged and I wasn't in the mood to bleed off to 3K just to test top off time. However, when I reached that on the fill, it was about 10 more minutes, give or take. 

Well worth the price of admission 😁

Mark
 
Upvote 0
Thanks, that's my Takisawa TSL-800 that I overhauled a few years ago. Ridiculously accurate and repeatable, after a dozen different designs, this one is here to stay. Unless of course, I get a killer deal on a Weiler. Out of frame are my Bridgeport vertical and my Kearney and Tracker 2HL universal mill ( with vertical attachment).

I manage to cram machine shop in my garage, so the Alkin will be fighting for a cozy spot to hide in when not in use.

The Alkin is a very organic piece of equipment, you have to understand its operation and monitor it. I find that refreshing in today's automated world. My third tank was fully charged and I wasn't in the mood to bleed off to 3K just to test top off time. However, when I reached that on the fill, it was about 10 more minutes, give or take. 

Well worth the price of admission
1f601.svg


Mark
Click to expand...

You have a machinists dream home garage. Must be a nice place to get away! I hope you get to enjoy the space. 
 
Upvote 0
Gene,

Yes, it's an SB, the later one with automatic lubrication and the wider base. I was amazed how clean it was when I found it. Doesn't get much use, but I wouldn't think of parting with it. Some jobs just can't be done on a milling machine. 

I went through a major reduction of clutter and redundant equipment last year, to get to this point and I still have a long way to go. 

Selling a Schaublin 102 watchmaker's lathe opened up a lot of room and some other items were found new homes.

A compressor like this has been on my radar for quite some time, but when my buddy wanted the Omega, it was the motivation I was looking for. I tend to shy away from light duty equipment and this just followed suit. I had been studying all of the manufacturers and the Alkin struck the right chord.

Mark
 
Upvote 0
Hey Crank, I solved some of my storage problems by putting things on wheels and parking them side by side. I know your machine tools cannot be treated that way, but perhaps some other Items could. I stack 5 or 6 milk crates on a dolly. I've been chasing the idea of an Alkin W31, but I need the name of a dealer so I can get a price and shipping costs. I'm guessing $3000+. I would appreciate a name and contact info if you can.
 
Upvote 0
GB,

I bought direct from Alkin, they are very pleasant to deal with, give them a call. Your about spot on for cost. Ask what kind of a deal they could make for shipping. Mine was truck freight to a local yard 10 minutes from my house and they loaded it with a forklift into my pickup and I lifted it out by myself. I would recommend normal people have a buddy help so no spinal injury is incurred. 

As for the wheeled cart concept, during the recent purge, ditching two of my wheeled carts with equipment, (lathe, grinder bench) was part of how I regained floor space. For me they are not helpful and prove to be more of a hindrance.

What you guys can't tell, is I don't have the entire garage to myself. I occupy only about 2/3 and am surrounded by the wife's stuff. Space is a premium and I have no ability to store equipment outside my house at all.

I know, first world problem 😆

Mark
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu