Best compressor regulator/filter/dryer

[Bomer]

I've just purchased a Saylor-Beall compressor (VT735-80) and have run airlines to four different areas in my garage. I'm trying to figure out the best way to install a regulator/filter/dryer system. Is it best to have an individual unit on each air outlet (I have a hose reel on the ceiling and three outlets out of the walls) or a common system out of the compressor before the split to the individual drops. This system will be used for air tools primarily but I don't rule out painting/sand blasting in the future.

I'm looking for a plan of action and some specific brands that work well....thanks!

 

[KCarGuy]

I have an IR 110VAC auto drain system plumbed into my compressor,
it is set to drain (outside) for 5 seconds every 35 minutes (its mounted to one of the compressor Legs, so it stays low).

Then I have a main Dessicant Trap (dessicant starts out blue and as it traps moisture, it turns to a Pink, at that point it gets replaced).

Then I have several drops,each with a dip leg and drains, along with (4) SMC regulators around the garage that have a water trap and an auto discharge built it...just as a back-up in case any water happens to get through and fills the bowl.

After all of that, I get very dry, clean air to all my tools. And it is almost "0" maintainance.

It may be overkill, but Air tools that are 25 years old still work like new!

 

[KCarGuy]

OK, here is My Auto drain...Desc Trap (I had to drill and tap it for a bigger line)...and Regulator.

As you can see, the Desc. is still bright blue, I havent even had to change it all this year yet.

 

[terabyte]

i really like this i have had it about 3 years

http://www.usaweld.com/Max-Dry-for-Plasma-Cutters-p/25310-2.htm

i do a lot of sand blasting in florida humidity and this keeps my air clean and dry
i have a toilet paper filter at the end of it too

 

[G Speed]

have 6 of those smc regulators.. they work great

 

[Torque1st]

Make up a plug in F/R for use at specific outlets when needed.

 

[Bomer]

Make up a plug in F/R for use at specific outlets when needed.

That's clever...

 

[Bomer]

have 6 of those smc regulators.. they work great

What model is that? Does it have a built in filter?

 

[Bomer]

i really like this i have had it about 3 years

http://www.usaweld.com/Max-Dry-for-Plasma-Cutters-p/25310-2.htm

i do a lot of sand blasting in florida humidity and this keeps my air clean and dry
i have a toilet paper filter at the end of it too

This also looks like a good unit. I'm thinking that this could be good as a "whole system" dryer and also use a "quick connect" at each outlet. I guess I would need a dedicated unit for the ceiling hose reel.

What about an oiler?

 

[Torque1st]

NEVER use an oiler for the entire system. Use an inline oiler at the tool only.

FRL's are for installation on a pneumatic machine of some sort.

 

[KCarGuy]

I agree, Not a fan of the inline oiler.
Its a good practice to oil your tools daily, as long as you have good clean, dry air.

If you have a quick connect on a Filter Regulator set-up, you can move it around as needed. Instead of one for each drop, that is a good Idea!

 

[Torque1st]

The oil mist from a lubricator falls out of suspension in just a few feet. That is why the lubricator needs to be at the tool. I use an inline lubricator on a whip for my tools. I just plug it back into itself for storage. The lubricators cost $5-10 and the whip is usually cheap. Don't mess with the factory adjustment on the lubricator. Use air tool oil in the lubricator. It is available at many hardware stores and a container will last many years.

 

[Bomer]

Great advice....thanks to all!

 

[ddrewyor]

I have the unit that Terabyte has and it works great. Their customer service was also top notch. I also have a Hankinson air dryer that I never used because the one from usaweld works so good. I have not had to bake the medium to get the moisture out and it has about 75 hours on it.

Dave
________
Mercedes-Benz W463 History

 

[Todd.Brock]

B/C I missed on the SMC regulator buy, I was able to find locally just a 3/8 regulator with a gauge for 28 bucks. The model is alphabet soup but it has a bracket and a lock ring to hold it all in place.

 

[Frank]

Does size of regulator/dryer matter? I see some of these little ones and I'm not so sure I trust them.

 

[Mr. D]

Mine is a Sata 444

 

[z28toz06]

The oil mist from a lubricator falls out of suspension in just a few feet. That is why the lubricator needs to be at the tool. I use an inline lubricator on a whip for my tools. I just plug it back into itself for storage. The lubricators cost $5-10 and the whip is usually cheap. Don't mess with the factory adjustment on the lubricator. Use air tool oil in the lubricator. It is available at many hardware stores and a container will last many years.

who makes that one?

 

[z28toz06]

Only one I've been able to find.:http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/WILKERSON-In-Line-Lubricator-1A260?Pid=search

 

[impulse922]

Only one I've been able to find.:http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/WILKERSON-In-Line-Lubricator-1A260?Pid=search

tooltopia has one for $11

http://www.tooltopia.com/tool-aid-98500.aspx

the words "cheap" and "whip" however dont go together.. whips start @ like $22

 

[Torque1st]

Look at Harbor Freight over in the air tool section. They can be found in most tool stores, some hardware stores, auto parts stores, and even Home Depot which is where I bought mine years ago. Look around, $22 is high for a whip.

 

[z28toz06]

I found one here at HF: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-swivel-whip-hose-1824.html

its a half inch though. I have several 1/4" though I bought from there, just not finding it online.