Air Line Questions

[DonIvey]

I have a Quincy QT5 and want to hook up air lines to it. Do I need to go through an air filter before the hose to fill tires, or is that only for using air tools, painting, blast cabinet, etc. What about water separators. are they needed in addition to air filter, or can I get by without one or the other, depending on application. Guess I'm confused about when I need one or the other; mostly just fill tires with air, and occasionally use air tools such as impact wrench, grinder, etc. I really don't do any painting, and just sand blasting once in a while. Thanks,

Don Ivey
Smithfield, NC

 

[MoonRise]

Air tools need clean and dry air to work and last.

Painting really needs clean dry air.

Sandblasting need dry air (not so much with the 'clean' part there).

Filling some tires with air really doesn't need the air to be too clean or dry, but since almost everything else you do with compressed air needs the air to be clean and dry why not just rig it up for at least semi clean and dry and not 'worry' about it. IMHO.

compressor - tank - filter(s) - dryer(s) - possible more filter(s) - end use tool/device

Optionally there may be filters and dryers in between the compressor and the tank, and there may be more filters and/or dryers right before tools/devices that need 'extra' care.

Like painting may put some sort of small dessicant filter right before the gun, unless the whole air stream is already 'paint ready, dry and filtered'.

YMMV. But clean and dry air never 'hurts' the tools, just sometimes the wallet.

 

[kv501]

For filling tires, no, but I would have one if you plan on using air tools. Especially since you mention sand blasting. I drain my tank often but I still get some water in the separator, and water/crud/etc...is no good for the life of your tools. If you want to go the cheapest route you can get a combo water separator/filter for $10-$15, but since your dealing with a big stationary unit like the QT5 I would hard plumb something like a MotorGuard M-60 and a stand alone water separator. Compared to the price of a compressor and tools it is very cheap prevention. Do it once and change the filter element every year for five bucks.

--Nick