Air Compressor Accesories/modifications

[diff operator]

So I searched for this, but haven't found what I'm looking for.
Quick background: I'm trying to stock my garage on a budget. I just purchased an HF 21 Gallon 2.5 HP compressor using the 150 coupon along with 50 feet of air hose. I plan to use it to run an IR231C I'm picking up today. I'm only using the compressor for automotive repair work for now. I know about pressure and vacuum, I'm an ME for a bellows company, but I don't want to get carried away.
1. What kind of accessories do I need to purchase, and from where? Filter? Regulator? Gauge? I'm sure the ones at HF ****.
2. Anything I should replace on the compressor itself like the air filter or muffler? or is it not worth it?
3. I already did the first 20 min of break in and drained the oil the compressor comes with. What kind of compressor oil should I run? Anything I can pick up tomorrow morning from Walmart or Sears, or something special?
Thanks guys!

 

[sberry]

Get a hose reel, an air filter and a regulator, a service valve at the comp, HF stuff is fine for now, screw the 50 ft you got to the filter, to the reg and to a hose reel mounted in the best spot you can for now and go from there. I like automatic tire gage, a blow gun with wand, one decent connector on end of reel and a dozen plugs (male fittings) to fit the tools. You can do more later but that lets you do anything you can actually do with it and I can paint a car as simple as that.

I think pic 3 was a fly by night deal at the time, it feeds a reel and we don't even use the coupler on it, should be plugged. Pic one is a reg that feeds about 5 functions including the hose reel.

 

[diff operator]

Any specific reasonably priced brands/locations to buy?
Anyone have oil recomendations?

 

[Bunk]

I tried the HF high flow couplers and were disappointed in them, they all leaked. I have since moved to using Milton couplers and have been very happy with them in that regard.

 

[Bunk]

Harbor Freight does usually have a great deal on nice rubber Goodyear hoses. A 3/8" hose should be fine for the general use you are talking about.

 

[tshetter]

I have a Campbell-Hausfeld air dryer/desiccant setup that I got from Tractor Supply. Hose on the inlet side has some corrosion but the outlet does not.

Manual hose reel for 50ft of FlexZilla. Harbor freight for the reel, Tractor Supply for the FlexZilla.

Milton type-V fittings, both couplers and plugs. Northern Too..

Bottle of air tool oil; I put in two drops before using the tool and one drop before storing the tool. Harbor Freight.

 

[tshetter]

I tried the HF high flow couplers and were disappointed in them, they all leaked. I have since moved to using Milton couplers and have been very happy with them in that regard.

I have also had issues with HF couplings/plugs leaking. I double checked that they were all I/M style, and they were. They just don't fit well and unless they are perfectly alighted, they leak like crazy.

The Miltons are MUCH better. My compressor would drop from 130psi to around 50 in 2-3days with the HF fittings, now I don't get any drop off.

Saves time and electricity. Always good.

 

[mshell56118]

i really rec getting the universal female couplings that way nomatter what male coupling the tool has it will plug in-great if you borrow a tool

 

[diff operator]

Thanks for all the input guys,
Is it easy/worthwhile to add another/ a better muffler to the system?

 

[sberry]

I like a plumbed out drain valve, doesn't have to be automatic just a ball valve, when I read a forum about it I crack it open. If I run the **** out of it give it a drain.

 

[Trey T]

It depends on people and where you put your compressor. I prefer to have an automatic valve. I did the ball valve thing for awhile on a previous compressor (20gal speedaire) but I always forget to drain the tank.

I think a $75 drain valve (110v or 220v) is a very good investment.

 

[22george]

The quick disconnect couplings from home depot work well and aren't expensive

 

[usmc_noma]

Is there any benefit by using brass vs. the steel fittings?

Also, there's several different types of fittings. I found the linked thread with a little more explanation into the styles.

quick connects