Compressor setup with HF air dryer

[Whiskeymike]

I just ordered a 4x8 plasma CNC table and It'll be here in a few weeks. So I'm planning on reconfiguring my compressor setup and would like ideas and feedback. I have a 60 gallon husky. I'm planning on coming out with hydraulic line from Tractor Supply. I think I can go 3/4" out of tank and through line. Then I plan to put it into a couple 8' lengths of pipe going up wall and down ending in ball valve after a turn, out of pipe to filter & regulator(which I think is 1/2"), into HF refrigerated air dryer(1/2"), then copper shop line that exists final filter/regulator(1/4") into plasma cutter.


I've read a bunch of threads here as well as other boards and this is what I've come up with. Any thoughts?

 

[engineer2]

I like the idea of hydraulic line.

The HF air dryer I saw is a "3-in-one", so it should be able to take hot air right from the air compressor, if you want. If the HF air dryer about twice the capacity of your compressor, so it should have no problem keeping up.

It never hurts to put an aftercooler between the air dryer and compressor, but you have to be able to deal with the water it condenses out.

The air dryer condensation will help remove most particulates in the air, so I would put the filter last.

Looks like the HF air dryer uses a float valve to dump out condensate. These can be troublesome if they gunk up. The float bowl assembly needs to be cleaned out every year.

The best way to deal with condensate is to use a timed solenoid operated drain valve. Tee in the compressor tank, the aftercooler drain, the air dryer drain to this timed solenoid and now all the water drains automatically.

 

[stonesfan68]

I would recommend investing in an after-cooler to put in between the compressor discharge and refrigerated air dryer. You want the inlet air temperature to the dryer to be less than about 100F in order for the dryer to give you optimal performance. If you've invested in a plasma CNC table then go ahead and spend the extra $300 or so on a proper after-cooler. Thermal Transfer makes one that can be mounted on the back of the compressor's belt guard, or you can buy a stand alone unit.


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[TimberwolfFXDL]

Mind if I ask which plasma table you went with? I'm ordering one myself in the next couple weeks

 

[Kaizen]

I've got that same husky. man she's a wet one. I put 5 ten foot pieces of black iron on the wall but going across. I have that hydraulic line that I think goes from 1inch to 3/4 and into the pipe. helps a lot with vibration.
instead of putting the pipes perfectly horizontal I pitched each one up an inch or two so the water always runs downhill. I have drip leg at the beginning of it all with a ball valve to empty. also have one at the end before it goes into the hose . works well enough to use media blasting. I got a filter as well for the end of the pipe that has a regulator on it.

 

[CMichael60]

I have been using the HF dryer for 6 years now..Do yourself a favor and dump the auto drain system that it has on it..The drain is below the cold area and the water dumps into the drain from there..The auto drain system will plug up with the crud that is in the air after time..Then the dryer will freeze up and not allow any air to pass..

The Auto drain is just a 1/2 NPT threaded..I went to Lowes and created from galv. fittings using 1/2 to 1.5 adapter..3 inch piece of 1.5 pipe and fittings to adapt it to a valve at the bottom of it.You are creating a small vertical tank .I know now that you have to drain it manually but it really gets all the water out of the dryer and draining the water out of the compressor and the dryer each day is needed if you are running a CNC plasma..

My air system consists of a 6o gal comp.,2 pieces of vertical pipe to act as a pre cooler, HF dryer and then into a Motorgard paper filter dryer ..then finally to the plasma cutter..

Super dry and clean air is the key to quality drose free cuts and your consumables lasting much longer..

Mike

 

[TimberwolfFXDL]

you guys that are running the extra sections of pipe right after the compressor... could you post pics of your setup?

 

[kazlx]

I run two 5' sections of 2" pipe in a U right out of my compressor and then go through the HF dryer. I had 4 - 5' sections, but in my new house I had to chop it down to get the layout I wanted. It does not like hot air right out of the compressor. Then I run everything through the HTP Max Dry setup. I upgraded from a 60 gal Speedaire, probably similar to your Husky to a 5hp 80 gal Champion. Huge difference.

 

[Whiskeymike]

Mind if I ask which plasma table you went with? I'm ordering one myself in the next couple weeks

Not at all. I ordered a Bull tear 4x8. I almost went with the 5x10, but decided I'd rather have the floor space. I researched it a great deal, compared it to about 5 other companies. I found lots of positive reviews. Even his competitors speak highly of him which says a lot to me. Biggest concern is a really poor website(actually, 3) with information scattered all over. From what I could tell, in this price range, he builds the highest quality tables around with the latest engineering. They use CandCNC which adds a lot of credibility to me.

The new design which is fairly recent uses a ball screw for the z axis and has ohmic touch.

I'll know if I'm right in a few weeks. if you are around Austin, TX, you are welcome to come out and take a look when I'm set up.

 

[TimberwolfFXDL]

Not at all. I ordered a Bull tear 4x8. I almost went with the 5x10, but decided I'd rather have the floor space. I researched it a great deal, compared it to about 5 other companies. I found lots of positive reviews. Even his competitors speak highly of him which says a lot to me. Biggest concern is a really poor website(actually, 3) with information scattered all over. From what I could tell, in this price range, he builds the highest quality tables around with the latest engineering. They use CandCNC which adds a lot of credibility to me.

The new design which is fairly recent uses a ball screw for the z axis and has ohmic touch.

I'll know if I'm right in a few weeks. if you are around Austin, TX, you are welcome to come out and take a look when I'm set up.

I wish I were. I am about this close > < to pulling the trigger on an Arclight 4x8... did you compare the Bull Tear to them?

 

[Whiskeymike]

I wish I were. I am about this close > < to pulling the trigger on an Arclight 4x8... did you compare the Bull Tear to them?

I did and everything I saw was very favorable to the Arclight. I decided on the Bulltear because I felt like I was getting better value for the money spent which it ended up being pretty similar. I wasn't crazy about extruded aluminum. Seems great for a 3d printer or small CNC table top, but for 4x8 or larger, I liked the fully welded frame. I think the rails on the Arclight didn't seem as good, where the Bulltear is using linear rails. It also has a ball screw design for the Z axis(new feature) and I understand this is a benefit. (only time will tell) I got the sense that Bull tear overbuilds everything, which I like. I also like that Bulltear uses the CandCNC kit, so I can upgrade or do other DIY things. Arclight's system being closed was a concern, but to some it may be a blessing. I hear their support is fantastic.

Well, I received the HF Dryer, so I'll be working on setting it up this week. Still need to figure out all the small pieces I need, like the hydraulic hoses, etc..