Air Compressor Recommendations

[+RangerG]

I haven't had much time to work on the Star Wars cab I have sitting in the shed, but Curt recommended an air compressor to clean the insides. I am also in the process of restoring a vintage r/c car and this would be a great help for this project as well. However, what would be a good price for one and how big of one do I realistically need (they are as small as for bike tires and huge like for pressure cleaners)?

 

Thanks!

RG

[A.J. Franzman]

If you don't have much use for a compressor other than for occasional blowing out dust or small painting jobs, just get one that's small and cheap, but shop around a little in the price range and get the one with the highest CFM rating you can find. CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute; how fast it pumps the air. If you decide later that you need More Power (grunt, grunt!), you can always sell it and buy something bigger.

 

Oh, and DO remember to wear goggles and at least a dust mask when blowing dust. A respirator would be better, especially if the dust is unknown or might have vermin droppings (biohazard), lead or asbestos in it.

Edited October 10, 2006 by A.J. Franzman

[candiru]

I agree on small and cheap considering your intended use. One thing to consider is that many of compressors you're likely to encounter in the cheaper bracket are the "oil-less" or "oil-free" variety. There's nothing wrong with them, especially if it's mainly for occasional use. I've got that type myself. However, be forewarned that they are LOUD! They are significantly louder than the other types. You'll probably want to wear hearing protection if you're going to be around it while it's pumping up. If the one I have craps out or I outgrow it, I'll spend a few more dollars and get an oil-lubed compressor next time.

Edited October 10, 2006 by candiru

[+RangerG]

Thanks for the information and the noise is an issue in that I live in a downtown neighborhood. Do they say oil-less or oil-lubed right on them?

 

Take care.

[+RangerG]

This one seems to fit:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Air-Co...2693623?ie=UTF8

 

 

Still, they are expensive. I think I will need some other reasons beyond hobbies to justify the expense. What else are they used for (inflate car tires, nail guns?)?

[arcadebasement]

I think that's a little overkill - I'm not an expert by any means but I did all my cabs, pins, the slots, pachislo and the merit megatouches with a simple can of compressed air from walmart. About 3 bucks each.

 

Perhaps there a specific techinical reason I should not have done but it worked for me. Do wear a mask though!

 

Having said that - with the dust on your cab - I'd take it out side and hit it with an electric leaf-blower before minor detailing it.

[A.J. Franzman]

Or, if you don't have a leaf blower handy, the hose of a shop-vac (or even some household vacuums) can connect to the exhaust and through a crevice tool for blowing out the few crevices that can't be cleaned by suction.

[+RangerG]

Good suggestions - I have a blower and small shop vac. At this point there is no way $150 would be going for an air compressor for hobbies.

 

Thanks!

[candiru]

If you find the need for high pressure air in short bursts you could always just get an air tank and charge it up at a gas station compressor for a couple quarters.

[+RangerG]

Nice idea, thanks.