Use of compressed air tools

Bird · Apr 24, 2002

By the way, Bob, be sure to read the compressor manual carefully. I'm not sure which one your got; oilless or crankcase model, but the oilless model should not be run very long at a time and even some of those with a crankcase and oil say not to run them continuously over 10 minutes. Some also have a very shallow crankcase and the oil needs to be filled right to the top of the fill hole or you can burn them up. If you read the manual though and follow it, the compressor will probably last many many years.

Soundguy · Apr 24, 2002

Auto oilers and water trapping filters are fairle easy to plumb as well, and most have a water bleeder right on the filter.

Soundguy

Bob_Trevithick · Apr 24, 2002

Bird, I got an oil-less Coleman. I'd read enough to know that it would be noisier and couldn't be run very long, but didn't think these would present a problem for me. And yes, I had read your previous post somewhere about the common mistake people make of oiling their air tools before using them and not after using them. See, many of us pick up on these little gems you toss out to us! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I'll add the filter.. seems silly not to.

Thanks again for all your help!!

Bob_Trevithick · Apr 24, 2002

P.S.

...be sure to read the compressor manual carefully

I did.. it took about a minute. It's a crummy manual.. a single piece of paper, on which they have translations into about six different languages. "Push this lever to turn it on. Here are the pressure gauges. Here's the drain valve. Go with God." Okay, I exaggerate a bit, but I had hoped for more details. I love to read manuals cover to cover, but this one didn't have much of a plot. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif It was up to me to figure out all the rest.. with the help of you folks! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Jeff396 · Apr 24, 2002

One of the suggestions that came with my compressor was to put a minimum of 50 feet of pipe before the water separator. This allows the water vapor to condense so the filter can catch it better. They also suggested that the piped lines should be sloped with water traps wherever the pipe goes up or comes down from above. This may be overkill for many but my eventual goal is to learn to use an airbrush in the near future.

Jeff

ewoss3 · Apr 24, 2002

As jeff has stated the 50' does make a difference in the amount of water that you will trap. I also use a vertical 12' drop down to the seperator and then right back up. This slows the large particles and allow the condesation to fall. I have around 600' of total piping/ hose reels attached into my system and I rarely get moisture on the working end.

Sears does sell a good seperator for around $20

RoyJackson · Apr 24, 2002

I've got 3 female quick couplers plumbed in different places in the shop, three 50' air hoses, one 15' hose, and two 10' coiled hoses, and just off hand can think of at least 14 pneumatic tools I use, and of course quick couplers on everything is the only way to go

Jeez, Bird...how big is your compressor?

EdKing · Apr 24, 2002

I'll add the filter.. seems silly not to.

Bob, I have my filter set up with a male connector on one end and a female on the other. This way I can put it as close to the tool I am using as posible. I have a 10 foot length I put between the tool and the filter, attach the filter to the end of the hose on the compressor. It is especialy important when painting, also prevents the sand from clumping when using a sand blaster. As far as oil, I just put a few drops in before and after I use my tools.

Bird · Apr 25, 2002

how big

Just a 6hp, 60 gallon upright, 230 volt; not portable./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif If I don't have enough hose to reach what I need, I just have to fill up my little 7 gallon portable tank and take it where I need it, and yes, I have quick couplers on it, too./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Bob_Trevithick · Apr 25, 2002

Hi Ed,

Bob, I have my filter set up with a male connector on one end and a female on the other. This way I can put it as close to the tool I am using as posible.

I looked at one hardware store last night, and they didn't have a filter. I'll keep looking. Your idea sounds good. I guess it isn't important how the filter is oriented? I had pictured something in which water settled to the bottom. Do you have to set the filter in a particular orientation before using your tools?

Thanks,
Bob