Shoebox Compressor in 2022...still worth it?

[badpennny]

I'd like to get small compressor to top off my HPA tanks at home, and while I'd like to get a used Shoebox compressor, I'm concerned about the availability of replacement parts and the lack of official support given they've been out of business for a couple years now. Still, I suspect the quality is better than these new Chinese compressors you can get for under a few hundred bucks. I'd rather buy something used designed and made in the U.S. by TK than get some piece of garbage that requires a separate bucket of ice water just to cool it while operating.

From what I remember, Tom Kaye mentioned the Shoebox was designed to be rebuildable. Is it just a matter of common o-rings I can find online or are there specialized consumable parts that would make picking up a used Shoebox (if I can even find one) at this point a bad idea?

Thanks all

[Tunaman]

I'd like to get small compressor to top off my HPA tanks at home, and while I'd like to get a used Shoebox compressor, I'm concerned about the availability of replacement parts and the lack of official support given they've been out of business for a couple years now. Still, I suspect the quality is better than these new Chinese compressors you can get for under a few hundred bucks. I'd rather buy something used designed and made in the U.S. by TK than get some piece of garbage that requires a separate bucket of ice water just to cool it while operating.

From what I remember, Tom Kaye mentioned the Shoebox was designed to be rebuildable. Is it just a matter of common o-rings I can find online or are there specialized consumable parts that would make picking up a used Shoebox (if I can even find one) at this point a bad idea?

Thanks all

I am still using my shoebox almost every day. They use standard mag orings and not much else goes bad. Those chinese ones suck and do blow up. Get the shoebox. It can always be rebuilt if needed.

[knownothingmags]

still using mine

[Zone Drifter]

Still use mine. The shutoff isn't reliable but I just manually shut it off. Run it through a secondary inline measuring setup so I can ensure exact pressure since I do use it for 3000k tanks also. (not supposed to, but I don't let it run without being in the shop with it.)

[badpennny]

Still use mine. The shutoff isn't reliable but I just manually shut it off. Run it through a secondary inline measuring setup so I can ensure exact pressure since I do use it for 3000k tanks also. (not supposed to, but I don't let it run without being in the shop with it.)

What would an example of a secondary inline measuring setup be? Would that just be a gauge between the fill nipple on the tank and the HPA coming in off the SB?

[badpennny]

I am still using my shoebox almost every day. They use standard mag orings and not much else goes bad. Those chinese ones suck and do blow up. Get the shoebox. It can always be rebuilt if needed.

I'm definitely leaning towards one after the feedback so far in this thread. I would never get one of the chinese ones at this point.

Are there major differences between the different models? I'm guessing I can't be too picky. I seem to remember the F10 was the last version, and there was an F8 before it, and one or more versions prior to that. From what I've read, the F8 or better seems to be the way to go, given the belt drive and cooling setup those have. Do you run yours with filters/moisture removers?

[Tunaman]

I'm definitely leaning towards one after the feedback so far in this thread. I would never get one of the chinese ones at this point.

Are there major differences between the different models? I'm guessing I can't be too picky. I seem to remember the F10 was the last version, and there was an F8 before it, and one or more versions prior to that. From what I've read, the F8 or better seems to be the way to go, given the belt drive and cooling setup those have. Do you run yours with filters/moisture removers?

I bought a oil and water separator(cheap) but I never see anything in it. High humidity is your enemy so at least get a filter for that. Any model is good. I have one of the originals updated with the belt drive and polished pistons and it works great.

[MANN]

I have one of the originals updated with the belt drive and polished pistons and it works great.

I have one of the originals, and have never used it. Is it hard to update? do you have parts available for it?

[Zone Drifter]

I bought a oil and water separator(cheap) but I never see anything in it. High humidity is your enemy so at least get a filter for that. Any model is good. I have one of the originals updated with the belt drive and polished pistons and it works great.

Like Tuna said, I put a water separator right off the compressor (cheap 120psi compressor from home chepo) and another inline filter on top of the shoebox. I get some moisture on the vent occasionally, but I am using it in a stone and concrete basement. Yes I run a dehumidifier also. I use a water filled pressure gauge hooked up to a custom blow off valve in case pressure reaches past either 3000k or 4500k, whatever I'm filling. That's on the quick disconnect to the shoebox outlet. Just an extra safety measure since I gauged the shutoff and it's not as reliable anymore. I believe that is due to spring fatigue, but I prefer the blow off setup anyway. Working in an air lab we are good at improvising setups based on whatever parts we are testing, usually aircraft valves and heat exchangers.

[Tunaman]

Like Tuna said, I put a water separator right off the compressor (cheap 120psi compressor from home chepo) and another inline filter on top of the shoebox. I get some moisture on the vent occasionally, but I am using it in a stone and concrete basement. Yes I run a dehumidifier also. I use a water filled pressure gauge hooked up to a custom blow off valve in case pressure reaches past either 3000k or 4500k, whatever I'm filling. That's on the quick disconnect to the shoebox outlet. Just an extra safety measure since I gauged the shutoff and it's not as reliable anymore. I believe that is due to spring fatigue, but I prefer the blow off setup anyway. Working in an air lab we are good at improvising setups based on whatever parts we are testing, usually aircraft valves and heat exchangers.

The nice thing about the shoebox is that you can leave them running and not have to worry about overfilling as they are pretty slow.

[Tunaman]

The nice thing about the shoebox is that you can leave them running and not have to worry about overfilling as they are pretty slow.

and make sure to check every fitting for leaks with soapy water. The slightest leak and it wont fill.

[Tunaman]

I have one of the originals, and have never used it. Is it hard to update? do you have parts available for it?

I do not have any parts for them. Maybe TK has some. Maybe ask Beemer. Alot of the stuff can be had through McMaster Carr.

[BigEvil]

I have one of the originals, and have never used it. Is it hard to update? do you have parts available for it?

The orings are standard mag orings.. the bushings im trying to srouce on McMaster... and some of the other parts we are SOL.

[MANN]

some of the other parts we are SOL.

I figured if tk was producing these we would have parts still. Kinda sad. Looks like i will just sell mine and go back to scuba tanks.

[mpsd]

Would it be possible to ask Tom for a parts list and where to source them, since he stopped producing the Shoebox? Kind of an open source maintenance book of sorts?