*
I have a Devilbiss Finishline gravity feed HVLP conversion gun & now need a compressor (this is all brand new to me) – to be used for spraying ONLY – no air tools. I have done some research & priced several models – and have a couple questions I hope somebody can help me with:
1. I like the quietness of an oil lubricated belt driven compressor; however, even with a filter, I don’t know if an oil lubricated model would be suitable for spraying – in that ANY oil in the air stream would contaminate the finish being applied. Would I be better off with a noisy, but cleaner oil-less compressor ?
2. I’ve been to Home Depot, Lowes & Sears and all they carry are “air moisture filters” – can’t find an “oil filter” that is supposed to filter any oil out of the air stream for an oil lubricated compressor. Is a moisture filter sufficient, or do I have to have a separate oil filter when using an oil lubricated compressor ?
3. Lastly, how much quieter are the oil lubricated that oil-free compressors – is there enough difference to talk about ?
Thanks very much for your help
John
Replies
*
John, In my humble opinion,FORGET THOSE LOUSY,CRUMMY,AND USELESS OIL FREE COMPRESSORS.they are to loud,and they don't last. oil lubed ones will outlast them at least 2 to 1. Spend the money on good filters and you'll be better off.With the right filters oil lubed ones are just as clean.
*Buy a really good oil-lubed compressor. Then go to an industrial supply house that sells compressors or WW Graingers if you have an account and get a coelescing filter. The 1 micron coelescing filter is specifically built to take oil out of the air. In my experience, depending upon the time of year and where you live, you will have more trouble with water in the compressed air than oil. The coelescing filter will also take out the water if the air has been sufficiently cooled after it has been compressed.
*Go with the oil-lubed compressor. It will also last a lot longer than the oil less (the only advantage I know of with the oilless is if you work outside in below freezing weather). Setting up an effective system just takes some planning; if it is permamnent, the filters should be placed a certain distance from the compressor, there are some angles to run the pipe at, you can build in some drops to drain a lot of moisture befor it even hits the filters. The people you bought your gun from can probably help a lot; Andy Charron's book "Spray Finishing" has some good advice on this, and on spraying in general. If you are new to this, I heartily reccomend it.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled