Early santa drop! My Jim Sheldon 4.2cfm compressor build...

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Pezz

Pezz

Member
Jun 4, 2015
35
1
Tennessee
Hello again!

Just HAD to share some pics of my new HPA compressor. Those that know the Sheldon Sportings Goods reputation for reliability then you know what is up. For folks unfamiliar with Jim's work he gets old "surplus" or new old stock of military Kidde compressors (his friend invented these units in the 50s for the government) that are used in jets and tanks, etc and rebuilds them for scuba or HPA fill stations. They are rated for over 5 times the pressures we fill to hence why they tend to last so long and perform so well compared to modern "cost cutting" designs. He bragged about building one in the 70s that just this year needed it's first full rebuild. Wow, that is awesome for sure.

Part of the reasoning for this purchase is to save time and money overall with fills and be a discounted club benefit for the airgun group I want to start up here. So I am super excited to just be able to unplug my drier's cord and plug my adapter cord to the 220v receptacle and fire her up. Filled my small 90ci buddy bottle in less than two minutes and Jim says should fill my 75cu/ft Omega bottle in less than fifteen. Going to get a BUNCH of shooting done this year for sure!

Anyway some may say ugly duckling but I say beautiful. 





Pure awesomeness...

-Dave
 
I havr tried to find out more about the Walter Kidde compressors, but there doesn't seem to be much info available. One mention on a scuba board implied that these compressors were being used outside their design parameters when used for high pressures. Don't know for sure which model was being referred to. My main concern would be availability of parts if needed down the road. If Shelden isn't available, are you out of luck?
 
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In any of these compressors except a new Bauer you are taking a risk. Sheldon as assured me that he has parts and someone will take over his business when he retires. If your risk tolerance is low go with the Shoebox but you will need to get a dryer and fill time is slower. The verdict is still out on ALL the other compressors. My compressor will be the 2.4 so I was able to get it for under 2K. I am OK with that risk. The Kidd compressor was built to last! There are plenty of comments on all the other airgun forums to make a good decision on this compressor
 
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"NMshooter"In any of these compressors except a new Bauer you are taking a risk. Sheldon as assured me that he has parts and someone will take over his business when he retires. If your risk tolerance is low go with the Shoebox but you will need to get a dryer and fill time is slower. The verdict is still out on ALL the other compressors. My compressor will be the 2.4 so I was able to get it for under 2K. I am OK with that risk. The Kidd compressor was built to last! There are plenty of comments on all the other airgun forums to make a good decision on this compressor
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Good point but the lowest cost on a new or used Bauer for a small setup is closer to $5000 and I did not have that much to work with. So for the $2600 I will take a chance on my boy Jim over the bad stories I hear about the Chinese and even the Italian made small (under $3000) home / club compressors. So except for new Bauer you are indeed taking some risk but feel Jim Sheldon and his reputation is a safe bet...for me at least.

-Dave
 
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There is a guy on e-bay (goes by Too Deep) that is selling used Bauers for about $2500 out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. No way of telling if you will have to pump more money into it. I was having a real problem coughing up the cash for a new Bauer. I, like you, put my money on Jim Sheldon. I was "lucky enough" to get the last 2.4 Kidde. Mine should arrive right around Christmas!

Doc
 
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The fifty percent or more price difference is what has me thinking of going with Shelden. I vaguely recall the fellow who goes by Too Deep on the Bay getting some positive feedback on the yellow some time ago, I am sure that I would never use a good compressor enough to have it wear to the point of needing a rebuild. I guess my concern would mainly be getting parts in case I was unlucky enough to have something go wrong. Around 4500 for a new Bauer is quite a premium for peace of mind. I guess I have to decide if it's worth it. Oh, well, I have to recover from the holiday expenditures first, so I have a while to go before making a decision. I appreciate you folks giving me your opinions.
Jack
 
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"NMshooter"If you are planning on getting a Sheldon, I would do it ASAP. I believe he only had 2 of the 4.2 and is totally out of the 2.4's. He told me the government is not releasing anymore of these compressors.
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Correction one of the 4.2cfm Kidde compressors left to build and sale. He got an order right after mine was being completed so just a heads up if anyone wants to give his a go...

-Dave
 
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