Simple compressor questions

[BlackVert]

I just got a new compressor, and am new to them. Agreed, the one I got is not a high end one by any stretch, but it should be adequate for my needs.

So, here is my question:

Since most compressors have an auto off feature, does that mean they are designed to be left on and pressurized constantly?

Or is it better to turn it off and leave it un-pressurized, and turn it on 10-15 minutes before using it?

Only one other question: what kind of and size hose would you recommend? I'm thinking a 3/8" 50' hose would be right for me, but I'm not sure about the material.

FWIW, I might use it only a few times a month.

 

[turbogt]

I have a two stage, so I leave it off most of the time so it doesn't burn itself up when it's cold... I have a 50' 3/8" rubber hose which runs anything I throw at it.. I would definitely get a nice rubber hose.. You'll thank yourself later.

 

[revhead347]

You can leave it pressurized, just drain the water out of the bottom often. Keeping pressure in the tank keeps it from coroding. However, you don't have to leave it on when you are not using it. If you are running good air tools, you might want to add a water seperator and a pressure regulator. Most air tools are designed to run at about 90 psi. Prolonged use at higher pressures can damage the tools. Use at least a 3/8" hose or bigger. Air tools are more dependant on air volume than air pressure. Small hoses can keep your tools from working properly as well.

Kurt

 

[BlackVert]

good info, thanks

this compressor has a regulator built in, and the motor is oil-less.

i read that there is something you can put in-line to inject oil in the air so that you don' t need to oil the tools individually ... good idea, or bad?

those rubber hoses are not only expensive, but really heavy too. so i got a 50 foot composite rubber/pvc hose, 3/8", and brass fittings for it. i also got a little tire inflator end piece.

and so it starts. next i'll need this tool, and then that one, and then that other really cool thing, and then ....

 

[turbogt]

I like the rubber because it's not a bitch to work with.. The plastic hoses do what they want and suck to unroll.. I should have mentioned I bought a 2 stage.. I just prefer them that way..

Air tools are the . The power you get when using a die grinder or drill is not even comparable to a cordless. I'm actually looking for a nice air ratchet at the moment, but haven't found anything that seems to be a quality piece for a reasonable price.

 

[revhead347]

Just don't buy an IR air chissel. Fricken Chinese junk. I'm about to send mine back. I've had it apart about a dozen times, and I still can't get it to work right.

Kurt

 

[BlackVert]

IR? I know it is short for something, and when I see it, I'll go, "of course", but I'm drawing a blank right now...

 

[revhead347]

IR is for Ingersoll Rand. They used to be the top name in professional air tools. Apparently they have started manufacturing in China, and there is only one grade of quality made in China as far as I'm concerned. I'll just find old IR stuff rebuilt from now on.

Kurt

 

[BlackVert]

funny thing ... craftsman stuff (at least some of it) is also now made in china.

total crap

 

[BlackVert]

i had a $35 gift card from sears, so i got a 50' rubber hose and a hose reel. and it's made in america. it is so much more flexible than the pvc stuff, it's like night and day.

my dislike for chinese junk is growing. i just had a kenmore microwave give up the ghost on me last weekend. the thing was just barely a year old. made in china of course.,

 

[revhead347]

Give it a little more time, and you will be as bitter about the Chinese junk as I am. I have been so broke for so long, I have learned how to make things last forever. The Chinese stuff just makes that impossible.

Kurt

 

[smilts]

The thing about the chinese junk is its supposed to break often just to make sure you replace it all the time.

 

[turbogt]

i had a $35 gift card from sears, so i got a 50' rubber hose and a hose reel. and it's made in america. it is so much more flexible than the pvc stuff, it's like night and day.

my dislike for chinese junk is growing. i just had a kenmore microwave give up the ghost on me last weekend. the thing was just barely a year old. made in china of course.,

I knew you'd come around on the rubber hose.. It's easy to work with, you just have to twist it as yo coil it.. At work we use thousands of feet of the really big goodyear hose. Hauling that around everyday gets old fast, as does welding lead.

 

[BlackVert]

heh, i returned the hose reel and am using a reel i had in the garage for an extension cord. it fits perfectly. so no need to mess around with twisting it as i coil it.

i also returned the C-H impact wrench, so now i have no tools for it again. it is pretty useless for the moment.

 

[smilts]

I'm sure you will put it to work soon enough. I used to use air rachets and all that, now I just use my impact when needed. My compressor is mostly for the body working tools Im using to slowly rebuild my 1960 stepper.

 

[Rick 91GT]

I prefer to add a little oil to the tool before I use them instead of a "oiler". Get a good quality inline filter to keep the mositure out of the lines, I used a nice industrial set-up that you could get from MSC, Grainger McMaster Carr, etc.. not the little wimpy things you find at Sears.

Kurt, man I agree my older "IR" stuff is great, I returned a new IR impact a while back, thing had half the power of my old MAC gun that my dad has had since the 70's.

Look at the "BluePoint" stuff, price is much more reasonable then the Snap-On brand and I find they hold up just as well even with daily use.

 

[revhead347]

Look at the "BluePoint" stuff, price is much more reasonable then the Snap-On brand and I find they hold up just as well even with daily use.

Never heard of BluePoint. Is it made in the US?

Kurt

 

[Rick 91GT]

Blue Point is by Snap On, its their second line... I find they work and hold up just fine and they are a fair bit cheaper, near half in some cases.

 

[revhead347]

Good to know.

Kurt