Question Keep RIX SA-6 or Buy New?

[mcgyverj]

I purchased a RIX SA-6 about 3 years ago anticipating a move to the Caribbean. It was in good working order, but was pretty stock according to prior owner. My thought was that it would be something I could repair/work on. I am handy, but new to having my own compressor. Getting parts is apparently a challenge and I have never used the compressor. I am finally making the move and want to have something that will work and be safe for filling standard Alum80s for rec diving. Would appreciate some advice and recommendations as to whether I keep the RIX, order spares and clean it up or sell it and but something new like a Max-Air 35, etc.

 

[iain/hsm]

Getting parts is apparently a challenge

Spare parts for an SA-6. Can't see that being much of a challenge.
If you are a customer order by part number, state quantity and quote serial number or your purchase invoice number for your compressor.

 

[Golan68]

Lain, is there a reason not to coat the 3rd stage sleeve with electro less nickel high phosphorus?!

 

[Golan68]

I purchased a RIX SA-6 about 3 years ago anticipating a move to the Caribbean. It was in good working order, but was pretty stock according to prior owner. My thought was that it would be something I could repair/work on. I am handy, but new to having my own compressor. Getting parts is apparently a challenge and I have never used the compressor. I am finally making the move and want to have something that will work and be safe for filling standard Alum80s for rec diving. Would appreciate some advice and recommendations as to whether I keep the RIX, order spares and clean it up or sell it and but something new like a Max-Air 35, etc.

I would keep it obviously, nothing compares to the Rix. As Lain said in another post - actually if you take into account cost of service of a normal compressor , than it might be the same cost ownership. And I didn't mention the safety.

 

[tbone1004]

I purchased a RIX SA-6 about 3 years ago anticipating a move to the Caribbean. It was in good working order, but was pretty stock according to prior owner. My thought was that it would be something I could repair/work on. I am handy, but new to having my own compressor. Getting parts is apparently a challenge and I have never used the compressor. I am finally making the move and want to have something that will work and be safe for filling standard Alum80s for rec diving. Would appreciate some advice and recommendations as to whether I keep the RIX, order spares and clean it up or sell it and but something new like a Max-Air 35, etc.

Parts are as simple as emailing Rix and asking for them, the painful part is the bill, but it's really not any worse than Bauer. I can't in good conscience say that you'd be better off with a max-air 35.

 

[grf88]

I believe that like any other Rix owner I would suggest you keep the Rix. Knowing that it is almost impossible for the Rix to contaminate my breathing gas is a great comfort to me.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Knowing that it is almost impossible for the Rix to contaminate my breathing gas is a great comfort to me.

To me, the Rix SA-6 is the perfect hobbiest compressor because of that alone. I love my Rix.

@mcgyverj I just ordered and rebuilt my Rix for like $450. (It's mostly rebuilt, but that's what parts cost me). Parts were not hard to get (although some were on backorder). Rix was very pleasant to deal with.

 

[iain/hsm]

Lain, is there a reason not to coat the 3rd stage sleeve with electro less nickel high phosphorus?!

1. Cost against return of investment.
2. Minimal life expectancy against greater additional cost
3. Fits and clearance of existing external OD into the old existing bore
4, Slip fit to interference fit options
5. Heat dissipation considerations into block (acting as a heat sink)
5. Tribology considerations wear friction against lubrication advantage
6. Getting the balance right between the original choice of material, heat treatment, grinding, honing etc
Then adding additional cost for surface treatment for a perceived minimal advantage against alternative treatments such as gas nitriding.

At the moment nothing wrong with electroless nickel as a coating but I would want also to get a little more of a handle on any medical implication from others due to our unique breathing application. Iain

 

[Golan68]

1. Cost against return of investment.
2. Minimal life expectancy against greater additional cost
3. Fits and clearance of existing external OD into the old existing bore
4, Slip fit to interference fit options
5. Heat dissipation considerations into block (acting as a heat sink)
5. Tribology considerations wear friction against lubrication advantage
6. Getting the balance right between the original choice of material, heat treatment, grinding, honing etc
Then adding additional cost for surface treatment for a perceived minimal advantage against alternative treatments such as gas nitriding.

At the moment nothing wrong with electroless nickel as a coating but I would want also to get a little more of a handle on any medical implication from others due to our unique breathing application. Iain

Yes , my worry is about the safty of the gas. Cost is not the problem and I intended to screen the outer surface. The high phosphorus is 70 Rockwell, seems like very sleep . I considered chrome as well , but its electrolysis so not sure it's as good . I was thinking of coating and regrinding, but if I'll be able to source from you new sleeve with out the mill spec paperwork and for acceptable price, definitely it's a much better choice. Thanks for taking the time to answer, your an asset to SB

 

[mcgyverj]

To me, the Rix SA-6 is the perfect hobbiest compressor because of that alone. I love my Rix.

@mcgyverj I just ordered and rebuilt my Rix for like $450. (It's mostly rebuilt, but that's what parts cost me). Parts were not hard to get (although some were on backorder). Rix was very pleasant to deal with.

Really appreciate the input - that is what my original research showed. I will keep it, as planned. Any chance you have a list of recommended parts I should order? I do not mind having spares. Thanks.