On Mar 8, 11:42*pm, "MiamiCuse" wrote:
"Joe" wrote in message
...
On Mar 8, 9:16 pm, "MiamiCuse" wrote:
In anticipation that I would need to be doing some nailing and stapling I
got a used air compressor.
It is a CAMPBELL HAUSFIELD 13 gallons 4 HP. Now I am trying to figure out
about the fittings I need.
It seems most air tool comes in a male 1/4" push in fitting. So it seems
may be the most versatile way to configure a hose is to have a hose that
has
a female push in fittings on both ends. One end will just connect to the
tool, the other end connects to the compressor.
On the compressor I think I will thread in a male push in fittings, then
it
will always connect with my hose. Does that sound reasonable or is there a
better way to go?
Now on to a few questions.
The threaded fittings I noticed thread seals are used. Is this basically
the same thing as the teflon tape used by plumbers? I have those but not
sure if they are identical. Or is it better to use pipe dope?
What size hose is best? 1/4"? 3/8"? I will have 1/4" fittings. I assume
I cannot use those coiled up thin hoses? Those are for blow guns or tire
inflators? I don't think those can drive a nail gun, or can they?
The guy I bought the compressor from, never drained the compressor. I read
the users guide and the first thing I did was to drain the compressor. A
lot of brown fluid came out. Does it mean the compressor is badly
corroded?
I don't know how old the unit is. The model is wl604004aj. It seems the
drain screw is also partly corroded, very hard to turn.
Thanks,
MC
Based on some 40 years of commercial shop experience, here are some
guidelines you may find useful:
1) Never use a hose smaller than 3/8" ID. It will have 1/4" NPT
fittings anyway.
2) Seal threaded fittings with a non hardening sealant like Permatex
#2. Teflon tape has a nasty habit of letting shreds into the tiny
parts of expensive air tools and spray guns and is a poor sealant
besides. At any auto parts department.
3) Use a high quality rubber hose, no PVC or plastic. Polyurethane
hose is OK, but not as easy to handle.
4) Download the Milton air fittings catalog and be amazed at all the
neat stuff they have. Milton is pretty much the gold standard of air
handling.
5) Find a dealer that sells Milton products and load up on Series V
fittings. For openers you will need #764 couplers and #760 plugs.
These are higher flow fittings that are plug compatible with the
ubiquitous M fittings that everybody else sells. The 30% or better
flow with V-types will be essential to make any HVLP spray gun work
right, or deliver full power to a big hairy IR twin hammer impact gun.
6) If your pressure regulator isn't working, replace it. You'll have
to throttle down for paint spray, and run higher for air tools. Mlton
is good, Harbor Freight cheaper and not bad.
7) If you do some air supply plumbing in your shop, use black iron
pipe and fittings and install drain cocks.
8) Buy some air tool oil and use it. If you can't find any, automotive
ATF fluid works just fine.
9) Don't overtighten brass fittings. You will eventually have to take
them apart and seized brass is no joke. That's why we use Permatex.
10) If your hose is too short, don't add more hose. Get an extension
cord and move the compressor.
Now go have fun and enjoy your new toy.
Joe
================================================== ===========
Thanks Joe, is this the product you were referring to use instead of tape
and dope?
http://www.permatex.com/products/Aut...ounds/a_thread...
Thank you for all the useful information!
MC
NO!!! You want a non hardening sealant. It is labelled "Aviation-Form-
A-Gasket #3" and product #80017. Widely used for years in aircraft
engine work, and particularly a favorite of VW mechanics who needed to
assemble Bug engines without oil leaks that could be later
disassembled. Soluble in alcohol for easy cleanup, if need be. I like
it for natural gas pipe fitting, too. HTH
Joe