WTB air compressor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 12:38:51 pm
content: HiAm looking for an air compressor that is okay to use for blowing PCB boards. Normal compressors have too much moisture in them? I have seen water separators but no idea how good/expensive they are or if there is just a decent compressor made for the job? Could do with it being quiet as it will be in the workshop.Any recommendationsThanksTrev

author: ozwolf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 01:34:42 pm
content: Hi,Try thishttp://www.artistsupplysource.com/brand/225/silentaire-compressors/.These are based upon a special version of a refrigeration compressor. I'm waiting for a starter relay for one that I'm fixing for a friend in the printing industry.As for moisture in the air, doesn't matter what type of compressor you get, you will always get some moisture. You need an air dryer of some sort. Some low cost ones are really just moisture traps, but the best are desiccant filled which needs servicing occasionally.Other option of course is put the air compressor outside and run a hose in to your work space.Ozwolf

author: atferrari
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 01:39:16 pm
content: When looking for something like you, I finally settled for a compressor used by dental technicians and even dentists. It is oil free.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2015, 04:15:25 pm
content: Quote from: atferrari on June 15, 2015, 01:39:16 pm+1That is exactly what I did.You can find them sometimes really cheap on eBay.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 08:10:01 am
content: Quote from: HighVoltage on June 15, 2015, 04:15:25 pmI am now tired to wait for the good deal on ebay. I saw yesterday one sold for 110€ and it was a used no name deviceeBay auction: #141688321893...Is thiseBay auction: #381201814553cheap crap or not? The price is just right and it is new (not worried about leaking tanks...).I need 80psi (5,5Bar) to drive my Metcal MX-uk5 desolder gun, I will pull the trigger on this one if nobody of you guys will stop me.EDIT: After looking at some Amazon feedback, I am not convinced. I will continue to look into Ebay.

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 09:03:02 am
content: zucca,I do not know this "Aerotec Kolbenkompressor" biut I am supecting it is not of good quality.But the price is low and will probably work.It is a piston compressor and they claim Oil-Free.This means it is an air floating piston without oil lubrication and cooling.This usually means it is not so efficient and loud.If you buy a used real professional Dental Compressor, they are really quiet and really efficient.They usually have a membrane or two membranes instead of a piston.And they last forever.They cost as much as a new 3000X scope, if you buy them new.But if you are lucky, you can get them for a few hundred euros and you have a really good compressor for a long time.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 09:16:29 am
content: ThanksHighVoltagevery helpful, I added you to my Buddy list.Will keep my eyes open on Ebay, my budget is 200€.

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 09:21:14 am
content: I have a couple of these under my desk and I can hardly hear them when they kick in. I love them and would never go back to the old noisy POS I used to have.http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/air-compressors/3867834/

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 09:44:19 am
content: Quote from: TopLoser on June 16, 2015, 09:21:14 amwow, 30 dB or 40 dB sound level, that is really low.I was not aware of that brand but it seems really good from the data sheet.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2015, 09:53:55 am
content: Quote from: TopLoser on June 16, 2015, 09:21:14 amIf a nice customer will return one of them 'cause "motor not running/can't hear it" send me a PM.EDIT: I overlooked they are not oilfree... not for me.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 01:13:00 pm
content: I got it!eBay auction: #251984392861new (not used since 2007) for 175€. It spits out 7 bar I need to buy a pressure regulator to get the 5,5 bar. It is oil free and it is a good quality made in Germany tool.Downside it has a piston with 55db(A) sound level...I hope it will last...Z

author: HighVoltage
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 17, 2015, 01:30:36 pm
content: Quote from: zucca on June 17, 2015, 01:13:00 pmWell, 55dB(A) is not too bad.Some suckers are much much louder.That compressor manufacturer "DÜRR" is actually very high quality German manufacturer.It looks like this was assembled for some special application and not for general use.Also interesting, that they talk about a "Trocknerstation" (Dryer) but there is none in the picture or it is hiding.Unless they mean the water release valve.I think you will be happy with this one and the price seems to be good.

author: madalf71
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2015, 08:23:42 am
content: Hi Trev.I was recently at a place that supplies dental compressors, I can make some enquiries for you....I need a an excuse to get my foot back in the door to try and get some work for myself anyway.Alternatively an air drier after a small compressor, small available. See link, I've had dealing with these guys before, good blokes.http://southerncrossaircompressors.com.au/refrigerated-air-dryers/Or maybe something like a SMC 3000 series regulator seperator/filter, think they go down to 5 micron for particles, link.http://www.smcworld.com/products/en/clean/s.do?ca_id=565Cheers.Alf.H.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 18, 2015, 03:39:47 pm
content: Well for the moment I think I am going to just buy some of this:http://uk.farnell.com/kontakt-chemie/dust-off-67-400ml/air-duster-dust-off-67-400ml/dp/2142401It all seems a pain trying to find out a suitable compressor. I do not really have the space for one, etc. I do not need one all the time so I might just see how long a can lasts and figure out if I just take the hit on these for a while.

author: TopLoser
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 18, 2015, 03:47:10 pm
content: Quote from: trevwhite on June 18, 2015, 03:39:47 pmBigger can, MUCH cheaper...http://www.a1stores.co.uk/BM/Google_Products/9974804.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw2ImsBRCnjq70n_amv14SJAChXijNRIV2paVI-j0qO752lOVp9CETbZHUOoxlOqZbksqYTxoCsa_w_wcBOr even cheaper...http://www.poundland.co.uk/air-duster