Can someone explain air filters/regulators, etc - and do i need it?

[thais0n]

I just picked up a Coxreels air hose reel for my garage. Right now, I have a small pancake compressor - I mainly just use it for trim work and other small building projects in my garage. Would be nice to get a bigger one eventually, but it will do for now. My questions is, I see all of these intricate air hookups on here....regulators, filters, etc.

Can someone explain to me if this is something i need for hooking up my reel to my compressor? I wont be running dedicated lines around the garage - it will just be compressor to reel (which will sit very close together) and I will pull out as much hose as I need.

Thanks in advance!

 

[ctfjr]

I'm no expert on compressors but I did put a water trap / filter and a regulator on my system when I piped it up. When air pressure is reduced in your tank & piping the temperature of the air drops (ideal gas law, pv/t=k). When the temperature drops through the dew point water will condense in the lines & tank. That's why a water filter is used in the line and on my tank there is a drain (for any accumulated water in the tank).

A filter is useful to trap any particulate matter that gets sucked into the compressor. Its pretty important if you are doing spray painting, unless you like the look of 'stuff' in your finish.

My regulator is set for the max pressure I'm ever going to need. I could probably get away with just setting the compressor control but when I'm in the garage it a lot easier to adjust the regulator than walk down the basement & to the other end of the house to the compressor.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Your compressor already has a regulator on it. Probably not a real good one.
Running without a filter is the same on with a short hose as it is with a long one.
If you connect anything to the hose reel it doesn't matter how close you are to the compressor, the air still has to go through all that hose (and the line losses).

Honestly with a small pancake compressor IMO it would be easier and slightly better to bring the compressor where it's needed and use a short hose. Even if that requires an extension cord (which can be on a reel).

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ This. OP's pancake compressor is mobile for reason . . . USE it mobile.

Nice hose reel is FUTURE benefit when larger compressor is obtained. Next compressor needs to be Oil-Splash and 20 gallon or larger tank.

OP . . . you did know, everyone NEEDS at least 2 compressors !!

Start watching CL like hawk for bargain on 240v compressor.

 

[Denwood]

If it's just the odd air nailer, and impact air tools, then you're set. If you're doing sand blasting, body work etc, you'll want a filter/separators to remove water so it doesn't clog the sand blaster or end up on metal. If painting, the need to remove water and carefully regulate pressure goes up. A very busy shop will also have an inline oiler to lubricate impact air tools.

Regulators come in all sizes and prices, but they all do the same thing. These ones pictured are a few more $$, and require quite a few more turns (so can dial in pressures more accurately) and have 1/2" input/outputs. To my reel though, it's just a pretty basic setup.

Just connect your reel and go to town. No need to complicate the install.

 

[sberry]

They make a cheap little filter. I have one before paint and one on my plaz.

 

[thais0n]

Thanks for all the help guys. Who knew by buying an air hose reel that I was signing up to buy a bigger compressor....but you won't see me complaining.

 

[QBall68]

Ok, so Leaflessshadetree & CNGsaves comments now have me questioning MY setup; like thaisOn, I have a small compressor feeding a wall-mounted 50-ft. hose reel just for convenience sake (as my typical applications are simple things like tire inflation, debris cleaning, etc.)

For the more experienced folks here, are there issues/concerns with having a small compressor feeding a hose reel from a filter/moisture perspective?

Not trying to threadjack, but it has me thinking if I should either (1) ditch the hose reel & just move my small compressor around as needed (with a shorter hose), or (2) consider adding an air filter and/or water trap, or (3) do some preventative items like drain my tank after each use, etc.?

Thoughts/comments/suggestions appreciated...

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Draining the tank often is a good idea (with or without the hose reel).
If the reel is more convenient use it.