@Team_Infrastructure
@Team_Machine_Shop
As I was leaving tonight I was turning off a few lights and I heard from the electric room the compressor running constantly and no one was using any equipment. I’m sure that it is not good for the compressor to be running like this. I am still at the space I can stay a little longer if anyone can tell me how to get into the electric room to turn it off.
That sucks. I don’t have access anymore. Pinging @Team_Infrastructure too.
If turned off - signs must be put on the Lasers saying they can’t be used until the compressor is running again as it needs compressed air.
The plasma torch, Haas, Bridgeport, will also not operate without compressed air. But unlike the lasers they just won’t operate properly (load tools or operate the plasma cutter). The lasers will damage themselves. Not sure what other machines impacted
I’m still here, I need to leave. If I can get into the electric room I’ll turn off the compressor or figure out what’s leaking and address it.
Okay – so, we’re leaving the compressor running. Whoever gets in early should take a look, as there’s probably a leak somewhere.
Adding – @Team_Woodshop and @Team_Laser. Just in case y’all are in early…
I’m here, turned off the compressor using the breaker.
Here’s what I know.
Big thunders air assist was on and no cut was running. I could only stop the flow by disconnecting the solenoid
9 posts were split to a new topic: Air Compressor Heat Discussion
@Team_Moderators can you pin a post about the compressor being down and lasers being non functional until further notice?
I’ll take credit (blame) for the thunder. It’s air assist control broke at some point, so we’ve been running for a few days without air assist. That was why we’ve gone through two lenses since we reopened.
In an effort to keep the laser up I hot wired the air assist the stay on, reasoning that we had some leaks in the system and the laser wouldn’t be a significant load. Seems like I was wrong.
Big Thunder will need to be shut down until we can find the issue with the air assist control. It’s somewhere between the controller and relay as switching relays around inside the laser did not change anything.
I’m not sure that thunder’s air assist alone is the problem. Pearce indicating the blow out valve was purging the whole time indicates a different issue.
Paging @tbjk
Just as an FYI don’t turn off any of the shop lights.
I’ll swing by on my way in to work this morning.
We have air but at half the capacity at the moment. The contactor for the second air compressor welded shut. Hence keeping the compressor running while it’s supposed to be off. Hence the pressure relief doing its job.
I will work on sourcing a new OEM contactor.
YEEEOUCH. Thankful for safety gear for sure! Exploding compressor tanks are zero fun.
When I first read your post, I wondered why a contractor would be welding on our compressor. Then I realized it was the contactor, and it made a loooot more sense.
A post was merged into an existing topic: Air Compressor Heat Discussion
I’d say we should fire that contractor for sure… 
Damn auto correct. It does not like contactor
Now that it’s edited, our comments about nefarious welding contractors are no longer amusing. 
Big Thunder is now running again. Controller isn’t fixed but the blower output is pulling double duty as the blower and air assist control.
Hahaha. I read “contractor welding” Even after the edit.
