Garage Air Compressor Filters

[Hawkins]

All:

I am a home weekend warrior and am setting up 1/2 inch Maxline in my garage. Run will likely go 20 ft, then T off and go another 20-30 feet in either direction. I plan to install a filter/dryer/lubricator right after the compressor (I am sure some my say that' s not enough run); however, given my usage, I think it's fine compared to what I have now (nothing).

That being said, what are the best air filter/lubricators/etc. to use that work with Maxline 1/2 inch piping. I am trying to keep it $100 or less. As to the lubricator, most of the tool usage will be grinders/impact wrench & ratchet. I won't be sanding or painting so not concerned about the lubricator.

Thanks!

 

[Hobby_Man22]

I thought you were talking about the filter on the compressor itself.

 

[johninct]

I would not use a lubricator because your system will be ruined for painting and I would not want to use lubricated air to blow stuff off or put in my tires. My friend had a body shop and never oiled his air tools because of a fear of contamination and still got good life out of them. I run 125-150 psi off of my 80 gallon 2 stage on all of my air tools and never had a problem.

 

[racecougar]

I'll second the recommendation not to use a lubricator.

As far as filters/regs go, I like the Norgren units. That said, any 1/2" components will likely do the job well enough.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Never mind.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Seems we had this same conversation not to long ago-

In Need of Air Compressor Wisdom

I've been in the process of getting my garage set up do projects in. I just bought an Ingersoll Rand compressor with the hopes of being able to run some air tools in the near future. I chose this particular model...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Hawkins]

Fair enough. Agree i can skip the lubricator however I havent seen much in terms of recommendations of actual filters. Is an Air Filter and Dryer the same? Any thoughts on brands, etc.?

 

[racecougar]

Fair enough. Agree i can skip the lubricator however I havent seen much in terms of recommendations of actual filters. Is an Air Filter and Dryer the same? Any thoughts on brands, etc.?

See post #4. No, a filter is not the same as a dryer. As you're not painting or sandblasting, you're probably just after a filter.

Wilkerson is another good brand.

 

[infinkc]

i am using this regulator:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQJQ71S/?tag=atomicindus08-20
and this filter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GIMWCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

So far no issues, i do have another regulator/filter on one of my drops going to a reel:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TN96Z4G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They sell them in 1/2 and 3/4, i used the 3/4 on mine since i have the 3/4 kit.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

I use the philosophy that you protect the compressor- everything after that is also.

Use highly rated air intake filters (Solberg). In-line filters and dryers at the point of use along with the regulator. Dryers tend to not do as well when at the compressor- usually due to the air temp (vapor).

 

[Hawkins]

i am using this regulator:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQJQ71S/?tag=atomicindus08-20
and this filter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GIMWCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

So far no issues, i do have another regulator/filter on one of my drops going to a reel:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TN96Z4G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They sell them in 1/2 and 3/4, i used the 3/4 on mine since i have the 3/4 kit.

So i was considering the rapidaire filter. Are you indicating you use both? Isnt Rapidair regulator a filter as well?

Thanks!

 

[tester19]

I use a 3/4" Rapidaire filter regulator. About $100
3/4" Filter/Regulator

I also recommend NOT installing a lubricator. I oil the tools separately or use nothing at all if doing body and paint work.
.
.
.

 

[infinkc]

So i was considering the rapidaire filter. Are you indicating you use both? Isnt Rapidair regulator a filter as well?

Thanks!

yea, i guess its an overkill, but just running two filters to make sure everything is caught.

 

[tmandell]

I have two DV filters and a top ring water separator in my system. I will be adding a third DV filters with activated carbon for oil removal for painting soon. They are kinda spendy, each was about $300 Canadian.

I am quite happy with them, I have particle filtration down to 0.01 micron, and notice no pressure drop across the filters.

Explore DF Series Air Compressor Filter | DV Systems

Engineered to be the best filtration solution for your DV compressed air system, the DF Series delivers incredible results, setting a new air quality standard.

www.dvsystems.com

Water separator 88 scfm 1/2 (f) npt airflo crn

56.010

topring.com

 

[nadogail]

I, when I remember, squirt a few drops into the tool I am going to use.

 

[Makoto]

i modified the quiet ones and put a couple dirtbike filters on the thing. its way louder but way more powerful.