OK, so I needed a big a** air compressor, and didn't have the $$$. I wanted to start media blasting, since I live on the East coast and metal loves to corrode..

Friend of mine had a 220volt direct drive, two stage head. It had come from a workshop that had made the mistake of bolting the tank to the concrete and the restraint caused the motor to crack the tank.

I purchased the compressor/motor for $50.

I knew a guy with a fried compressor and tank for $20.

Welded up an adaptor, a couple of fittings, milled drilled and tapped a few things, had a hydraulic shop make me the compressor/tank fitting (rated at 400degrees, 3500 psi!) bought a pressure switch. Used large rubber plugs as shock absorbers between the compressor head and the tank, and used anti vibration feet on the tank itself.

Set the switch at 100psi (tank rated for 125).

and added a ball valve to drain the tank.

No rating on the compressor, but I guess based on similar setups it is between 15-18 CFM at 90 psi.

Got a water separator and regulator from a friend gratis. Used #4 wire from a throw away shore line from work.

Similar compressors are running between 1600 1900 bucks.

I think I have less than $350 in it, plus my time-which you know is always free!

Yes, I am one CHEAP sonofagun!

Could not believe how well it runs!

Now THAT is a perfect way of "going green". ;D You got a heckuva deal on something you needed, and kept a bunch of stuff from hitting the landfill. Nicely done!