lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Doug, I use air tools too. Mostly sandblasting and that take more air than a single air tool. There are options, but take out your pocket book. The really nice part of having compressed air is the ability to blow off your work. Briefly, very briefly. If you don't have 240v electricity at the hanger, you will have to settle for 110v and a very large air receiver. The 110v compressor will have to run continuously to be able to fill the extra large receiver. A 240v can work intermittently. You can calculate what you need by looking at the tool requirements first. If they need 10 CFM and the compressors is only capable of 9 CFM, then it is a loosing battle, unless the receiver is large enough to have enough air for the job at hand. That is to retain pressure something above 75 pounds. The best operation is going to be at 90 PSI or above. A 5 horse gasoline powered is O.K. is O.K. if there is no electrical power, but the noise and fuel costs are annoying. I forget the exact air volume required, but I believe it is 11 to 15 CFM to sandblast. Most tools you would buy will have printed on the box the requirements. So if you can sandblast you can run tools. If you are going to operate more than one tool, you have a new ball game. I am sure you have seen the large upright 5 foot tanks with the compressor sitting on top. That would be ideal if you have 240v at the place of operation. Most T-hangers *DO NOT* have this and you will be stuck with the 110v everyone else has to share. When someone's refrigerator kicks in while you are operating your 15 amp compressor, the breaker kicks out. If you don't already know where the breaker is, you will have to find it several times I am sure. We have talked about getting an old propane tank to use for the receiver and start a low amperage 110v an hour or so before use to build up a head of air, apx. 115# to 125#. This is really not a good way to do it however. The last thing I have found through experience is to have a water separator *away* from the tank. The way we do it is to hook one upright at the end of a 20 foot hose that is connected to the receiver. In any operation you don't want to clog up the tools or get dirty water on whatever you are working on. The separation will work better is the air has had time to cool in the 20 foot or so air hose. Ask away, I am sure I have forgotten something very important. Gary Hall Long Eze, FXE http://www.uslan.com/hinge-kit.html LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.