Compressor Query

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Thu 15 Jan 2009 21:40
Compressor Query - Fullchat
I have a 50/15 compressor (50 Ltr). I have a good selection of air tools with PCL couplings.

I recently bought one of those small ones complete with the tools which is handy for dragging down the drive and pumping up tyres etc. This one has different couplings. I dont know what the official term for them is.

Problem 1. My tools are therefore not interchangeable between the two compressors. Is there some sort of adaptor available that will allow me to interchange tools between the two?

Problem 2. I have been eyeing up one of those in line filter/oiler regulators to ensure all the damp is out and the air tools are lubricated. However If I have an oiler is it not going to put oil down the air line to the tools; which is the pupose, but what happens if I then connect a spray gun. Will it not pump oil into the paint which isn't very healthy for a quality finish.
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Thu 15 Jan 2009 21:45
Compressor Query - Number_Cruncher
Problem 1) Without seeing / knowing what you're converting from and too, it's difficult to say, but, adaptors are commonly used, and I would be surprised if suitable ones were not available

Problem 2) You need 2 routes for the air - one via the drier and oiler for tools which need oil, and one via a drier and filter, and possibly pressure regulator for spraying. It shouldn't be too difficult to rig up the fittings to do this. If you allow oil into the spray gun, your results will be very poor.
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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:14
Compressor Query - Fullchat
And presumably a 'clean' line for the spray gun?
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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:17
Compressor Query - Number_Cruncher
Yes, it's best to reserve all the route from compressor to spray gun for spraying only, to prevent contamination.

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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:17
Compressor Query - Old Navy
And presumably a 'clean' line for the spray gun?

>>
Isnt that what NC said? Two routes for the air.

Edited by Old Navy on 15/01/2009 at 22:19

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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:24
Compressor Query - Number_Cruncher
To add to this, its surprising how easily this kind of work can be ruined by contamination.

The spraying of the coating of some PCBs built by a colleague was ruined by silicone contamination which had us all scratching our heads - the clear arathane coating was peppered with so-called "fish eyes". The cause? The lubricant used in the rubber of a syringe which was used to measure the volumes of arathane and solvent!

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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:33
Compressor Query - Fullchat
Pardon me!
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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:40
Compressor Query - Old Navy
Pardon me!

>>
I apologise, I couldnt resist!
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Thu 15 Jan 2009 22:42
Compressor Query - Fullchat
Accepted. :-)
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Fri 16 Jan 2009 09:58
Compressor Query - piston power
Pcl fittings are on 1/4 bsp thread, you could put a rubber hose over yours and fit a pcl to the other end.

As for the filter are you spraying every day? or at least twice a week?

I don't bother with lubricating the inline method my gun/ratchet etc a drop or two of oil when i use them is fine, this ingersoll rand gun is 10yrs old still going strong.
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Fri 16 Jan 2009 16:24
Compressor Query - Fullchat
Very little spraying these days.

I've seen a small oiler at Machine Mart which could be cobbled together with a small piece of line and a male and female connection and then fitted right up to the tool with only the tool that needs oil.
Yes I agree, a couple of drops into the tool prior to use would suffice after all I've been doing that for 30 years.
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