Compressor and filter?

[ChrisP]

Hi

I am awaiting delivery of my PC from Steve. (Can't wait!!!)

I am trying to source a decent quiet compressor with large enough tank. However they don't come with a coalescing filter to remove the oil from the air supply unless you pay silly money or install a seperate coalescing filter inline.

So , a simple question. How big a deal is it to have a compressor without a coalescing filter?

This is the compressor I have my eye on

http://www.axminster.co.uk/bambi-bb2...sor-prod21502/

It has a moisture trap, but as I say no inbuilt filter to trap the oil within the air supply.

Thanks for your help in advance

Chris

[SEngraver]

ChrisP,

You can always use additional oil and moisture traps.

http://www.airlines-pneumatics.co.uk/

SE

[ChrisP]

Thank you for the link.

I was just wondering if it were a concern or not in using the palm control.

I haven't seen any mention of engravers fore warning the buying of a compressor with the requirement of a coalescing filter. However I did read a bit of technical jargon on Steve's site about the fine tolerance in the piston and cleaning out any oil with a cotton bud.

So I don't know if it is a critical or just a nice to have or don't even fret about it !

[SEngraver]

Chris,

I prefer to keep the airgraver dry, works well that way.
SE

[Gemsetterchris]

If you shop around abit you can find an oiless one with say 24ltr tank for around £100.

It might be noisy for a couple of minutes filling up, but then you turn it off until empty

24ltr can last half day - a week depends on how much use at what pressure.

[Daniel Houwer]

Looks like a silent compressor from a refrigerator was used.
It doesnt say how many liters per minute (at least I dont see it) and that pretty nice to know. Although the lindsay tools run from compressors only doing 22liter/minute. (got one like that also with the refrigirator thing on it)

With such a big tank it would be nice to be able to run an air turbine from it as well and then the l/m starts to be important. I wouldnt worrry about the oil.

[paulsph]

Hi Chris, I already had a large 100/300 liter V-twin compressor before I bought a pneumatic engraving system. To play it very safely, I contacted the company where they had serviced/repaired my compressor before, they are 'specialised only' in compressed air systems. I just explained them that my engraving system needs "absolutely clean & dry air", so I ended up with the maximum security for achieving pure air: 1 condensed water separator/filter + 1 oil separator/filter + 1 small particals filter all 3 side by side, just before the air enters the little standard airfilter which is a part of the engraving system. All 3 extra filters + fittings costed me about 350 euro's. Yep, in fact now the air goes trough 4 filters! I guess I can sleep on both ears when my outfit is placed & ready to go at my workshop! Greetings, Paulsph

[SEngraver]

Hi Paulsph,

That's very useful information.
Steve L does state that the requirement is completely dry air, co2 or compressor generated.
I have started having problems with moisture/condensation.
Thanks
SE

[ChrisP]

Thanks very much for the detailed info.

I went for an oil free 24 litre compressor in the end. I am new to the world of compressors, so didn't know what was the most important tech.

The one I've bought is a decent make , fairly quiet with the all important oil free output.

My palm control is currently en route from USA. I can't wait to see that Fedex man on Monday.

[Gemsetterchris]

That should work a treat, besides the noise of refilling now & then.
Mine makes a hell of a racket at 97db

Just remember to turn it off so you don`t get a sudden shock if it comes on.

Alot of compressors come with the attatchment for nail guns ect, you just need to unscrew that for the airline screw to fit in..

[James]

have fun with your new pc. i use silentaire sa-20 an have never used coalesing filter. steves tools are pretty easy to maintain, also the small "scorpion" compressor from silentaire works fine with these tools. silentaire also make "oiless" compressors. hope this helps.

[Dave London]

Clean dry air is the goal, a coalising filter on a oil type compressor is reqiured My two cents, also a moisture filter / trap no matter where you live