Compressor Question

[SixGun]

I already mentioned that I bought a new compressor in my build thread.  You guys that use one or own one may know the answer or have an opinion on this topic.  Do I need to use an inline air filter?  I bought a DeWalt Oil Free air compressor.  I plan on using it for an impact gun, air rachet, spray gun for paint, sanding, sand blasting, and airing up tires.  I had read somewhere that an inline filter is needed to remove moisture from the air hose after it leaves the compressor.  However, I do not see anything mentioned in the instructions though.  I sent an email to DeWalt already and am waiting for a reply but I wanted your opinions.  I went to Northern Tools, Lowes and Home Depot looking at these and  are they expensive and I'm not sure which to get.  It looks like they differ on cfm flow.  In case it matters, the compressor has 200 cfm max and 5.0 scfm @ 90 psi actual. So would I go with one at 200 cfm (expensive) or 90 cfm?   I didn't see anything about removing moisture on any filter though.  Help....

[workgoats]

I don't use a filter unless trying to paint. Then I use an inline filter right at the paint gun.

The other devices shouldn't need anything other then oiling them at the tool daily (or so).

I wouldn't put an oiler at the compressor. I think that will cause problems with oil in the air line when you set up to paint.

Also, if you are going to spray paint in your garage, there is danger from explosion from the sparks off the motor brushes.  I built my compressor with a 3 hp motor from Harbor Freight.  I won't even leave the compressor on to paint with a spray can in the garage.  It sparks enough to find the way to the door if the lights are off.

[SixGun]

Thanks for the info Ron. I will probably paint outside when the time comes since my garage is full of stuff.  Thanks for the warning though.

[crazzywolfie]

have you fired up the compressor and seen where it is setup to turn on and off? i bought a cheap oil/water separator with pressure regulator and it works great for me but mine shut off before at about 120-130psi. are you sure the max pressure on the cheap ones is 90psi? almost sounds like you might be confusing the flow rating with max psi. 

[SixGun]

Sorry, should have been 200 psi max.  If I remember correctly, I found an inline filter up to 180 psi and it was expensive.  90 psi about median and quite a few with considerably lower psi rating.  So if I get a oil/vapor separator, shouldn't it be near the max psi?  I was planning on using it today was afraid to use it w/o the filter until now.  I also got interested in the news and it got dark on me.  Hopefully tomorrow, but it will be cold in the morning.  80's all week until I'm off.  Rained all morning today and tomorrow in the 40's.  Go figure that Texas weather ... 

[crazzywolfie]

i think you need to fire the compressor up and see where it kicks off. just because the max psi is 200 psi doesn't mean it is going to fill the tank to 200psi then shut off. i would guess it might kick off at maybe 140psi or less since most air tools only require that 5 cfm at 90psi or less. like i said before i think you might be mixing up the flow rating with the max psi rating. i know i can't find the max psi of any of the oil/water separator on the lowes or home depot website but they do post the flow rating. i think most are rated for 150psi.

[REB]

Here is my take on a inline filter for home use, no matter what you need a filter separator for painting, or you paint job will look like crators of the moon and you paint will blister/peel with in 2-4 yrs.  Now as far as air tools, the filter will make you tool last longer, BUT not manditory. Years ago I used to work at several dealerships that had no filter or separator in the system and on some summer days I had a really cool water fountian blowing out my impact gun and air rachet. And even if I oiled the tools it would only last about 3 yrs at a time. Now that I work as the shop mechanic at a body shop, the air is filtered, cooled, and separated, I have no wear, water or any other problems with my tools and its going on year 4. In my opion I would only install a filter if when you drain your compressor tank and more than 2 cups of water comes out of the drain. And always oil your tools before you use them. ATF works in a pinch, but there is inexpensive air tool oil and any hardware store
Hope this helps and good luck
REB

[SixGun]

Thanks REB, that's some good info there.  How does the water accumulate anyway?

[MT_84Ram]

Thanks REB, that's some good info there.  How does the water accumulate anyway?

Humidity in the air - as you compress air, its' ability to hold water/humidity is reduced.

[crazzywolfie]

ya. i have to drain my compressor daily when i use it. it was kind of amazing how much water would build up while just using it for 1 day.

[SixGun]

Yeah, I noticed that too.  I use the oil as recommended and I just picked up an inline water separator just in case with REB's recommendation.  Less than $10 if it works.  Now if I just had something to try it out on....   

[scratchinfotraction]

I agree 100% with the filter/water seperater when painting.

I have a 30 gallon 6 HP craftsman aircomp, I have a hose for the air tools that plugs right into the reg on comp.

when I paint I have a a filter/water seperater set up on a coupling I plug into the outlet on comp, have a hose just for painting and only used with this filter set up, I have a small regulator at the gun as it is HVLP gun.

I also have a forced air unit for a HVLP gun, uses a 1" air hose with a fan unit to force air thru to paint gun. this is the best for no overspray and misting paint in the air while working. makes a gollon go far with no spray mist waiste.

my first backyard paint job got the bubbles still poping after 3 yrs now,was before I got the new hose and filters.

2nd paint job turned out great, I will know about my 3rd one in a few weeks.

[SixGun]

Well you're welcome to practice on my truck.