Compressed Air Dryer is it worth the cost?

[CaptainRay]

Anyone used the Compressed Air Dryer from Harbor Freight? It looks like it would be a good item to have in my shop. But wanted to find out if it was worth the cost... http://www.harborfreight.com/compressed-air-dryer-40211.html $399.99

 

[rodm1]

Stephenw has one. I believe it worked ok they are a bit small for most larger compressors. Do a search.

 

[Cyberbear]

A lot depends on your ambiant humidity where your shop is located. Besides sucking in a lot of moisture, your a/c may need a commercial type water pre-filter and after filter to properly take care of any moisture. I'd go that route before investing in any type of dryer, the good ones are very expensive. Also, install an automatic tank drain and be sure to use an adequate pre-cooling metal pipe in the air line as it comes out of your a/c.

 

[mrjaw14]

I just have a simple filter/water seperator in my setup. Just something to get the condensation out of the air from compression. I also make sure to oil all my tools before and after use.

 

[alxdgr8]

I have a Hankison that I got on craigslist for ~$100 and love it. It makes the a world of difference with sandblasting and powdercoating. I don't get a drop of moisture in my filters after the dryer.

 

[Doc]

I have an IR dryer. It is capable of 25 CFM. that along with the IR compressor having a after cooler. I get absolutely ZERO moisture in any of my lines ever. For the last 10 years, I have fought condensation from the tank to the the end of my air hoses. I have tried water separators, drop legs, other types of filters and still could not be 100% dry. Now that I have the dryer, I have yet to even get a whisper of moisture from any of the drop legs. Old set up had me getting a cup every day from each of the 4 drop legs. I live in FL and my compressor and dryer is located in a clean room in the back of the shop.

 

[Falcon67]

I have a Hankson 10 CFM unit that I haven't installed yet. It was free. If I do anything with it, I may just set it up as a "plug in" type deal for painting car parts. If I had the budget and did more car type painting, I would get a larger model like the HF unit. If you are painting important things, how much it it worth to have the gun spit water on to the fresh surface.