Advice on air filtering

[Kevin7909]

Hi All:

I own a black max compressor with the following claimed specifications: 3hp, 22 gallon, 120psi, 8.6cfm @ 40psi (don't know the cfm at 90 psi but not too important).

I also have a CH 50ft 3/8" blue PVC hose/auto retracting reel combo.

Today I bought a 3/8" husky high flow air filter (so I can return it if needed) and plan to buy a husky 3/8" air regulator. These will be mounted to the wall above the compressor. Will the above units be adequate to clean the air and get rid of water for impacts and air ratchets? If not, what filter/regulator do you recommend?

Do I need to use 3/8" NPT stuff or can I just go 1/4" NPT for everything?

I was thinking of going 3/8" npt at the compressor and going 1/4" npt at the tool end.

If you suggest I get a better 'X', please include a brand and model number or a linky.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[mossyboy6]

A little wordy on your part, but I will attempt to answer.

Buy the nicest filter/regulator setup that you can afford, it will save your tools in the long run. Stay at 3/8 or larger for the hose, as it is airflow that restricts the power of your air tools.

Drain your compressor AND filter assembly every time you use them.

I also have a crappier filter that is just past the outlet of the compressor, and then a nice one at my hose reel, and then a third one at my blasting cabinet when its in use.

Try to trap as much condensation as possible.
Good luck!

 

[Kevin7909]

Thanks mossyboy6. Yeah, I know it is a very long post. I wanted to be sure that I was very detailed. Apparently too much of a good thing .

The issue is that I do not know what nicest is for stuff like this. Say for a max of $100 if I can get good stuff for that price. Is the husky stuff junk? Any suggestions on a brand and model?

Kevin

 

[mossyboy6]

You cant go wrong with a sharpe filter.

I have an 880A mounted on a Coxreel that is fantastic.

But, if you aren't THAT concerned with filtration, id go for something one step up from husky.
Perhaps a nicer harborfreight ($50ish) filter would be great for your usage.

something like this perhaps:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98904


Other than that, speedaire and IR make some good filters.

 

[Kevin7909]

This is what I found at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TRQQ02/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I see that the inlet size is 1/2". What is the outlet size? It seems that I can paint with this unit as well. Sounds like the ticket!

Kevin

Edit: Found the info. THANKS for the help. I shall order this on Monday.

 

[mossyboy6]

Yeah, that looks great!

good luck!