Quote:Are those compressors you guys have oil-less? I'm not fond of oil-less compressors since they tend to run hot and don't last as long. I had one some years ago and gave it to my nephew.
Thanks,
Ed
Yup, these are oil-free design, rocker pistons with Teflon rings and coated thin-wall aluminum cylinders. You are right in that oil-free compressors have a limited life. The mfr claims an operating life of 3000 hours minimum before a rebuild is required (we'll see). California Air Tools has designed in the ability to replace the cylinder sleeves and the pistons when a re-build is required. For my use, 3000 hrs is a long time. The mfr may or may not be around when the time comes. Even if they still exist, it will be interesting to see the cost of rebuild parts versus the cost of simply buying a new compressor.
For small, home use, compressed air systems, my personal preference is for oil-free. I only add oil where it is needed with a small pneumatic "oiler." I have an oiler on the power draw-bar on the BP mill. Everything else runs without oil. Keeps the plumbing clean, and eliminates blowing an oil mist from blo-guns. Water is another issue. I make no attempt to dry the air. For what I do, dry air is not required, and the condensation in the pressure tank usually catches enough of the water so as not to be a problem. (If only I could remember to drain the tank on a regular basis - especially in the summer). The compressor I bought has an aluminum tank - supposed to keep the compressor light for portable use, but I bought it because it reduces the corrosion hazard present with steel tanks.
Terry S.