Semi portable air compressor setup

[charlestmann]

I have recently purchased a Central Pneumatic 29 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight to replace my 4 gallon Craftsman Professional that I have used for the last 20 years. I had to settle on the 29 gallon unit because I need to move it to another location a few times a year. I use the compressor for auto repairs (1/2, 3/8 impacts), filling tires and various framing/finish nailers.

So far I have upgraded the intake filter with a Solberg unit using the adapter plate available from Compressorpros.com, replaced the tank drain with a reachable extension and replaced the oil with Royal Purple Synfilm. I did notice a small reduction of operating noise with these changes. I don't have a meter so I couldn't collect data.

I would like to add an after cooler and particulate filter between the pump and tank. I have read and re-read similar threads and watched a few YouTube videos. I have formed a rough plan and would welcome any suggestions.

Here is my plan:
Add a Hayden 1240 bolted to the rear of the pulley cage using the Hayden rubber block mounting system. Add a Parker 07F38AC between the Hayden 1240 and compressor tank. Leave the stock regulator in place, connect a "V" high flow 1/4" quick connect with flexible hose to a hose reel (less than 10 ft of hose between regulator and hose reel).

My questions:
I am concerned about using flex copper (type K) from and to the Hayden 1240. Since I move the compressor The copper could be damaged. Would it be acceptable to use hydraulic hoses instead?

Should I add an additional filter between the tank regulator and the hose reel? maybe use a 40 micron filter between the after cooler and tank and a 5 micron just before the hose reel?

Let me know if I am on the right track or if there is something you would change. I included a pic of the Solberg filter and adapter plate.

 

[sberry]

Why?

 

[sberry]

If I was going to change anything would be to take the regulator off and add a filter, filter never hurts but the mfg didn't bother on this little unit. Personally would keep the old for moving it or pit it there. Run this a while before fixing it better.

 

[charlestmann]

I should have mentioned that my old Craftsman Professional has died. The Central Pneumatic is my only compressor.

I am also noticing a lot of water in the tank which is why I have thought about adding the after cooler.

 

[charlestmann]

I got the after cooler and filter installed on the compressor last night and ran it to fill the compressor. I ended up going with a Hayden 1240 and Milton 1020-8 particulate filter. The Milton was about half the price of the Parker. I couldn't justify the extra $ for the Parker.

Since I have access to a FLIR camera I took some pics to show how the after cooler was working. The temperatures will not be exact because I did not adjust for emissivity. For these pics emissivity was set to .95.

The after cooler definitely works. After the compressor shut off I couldn't touch the copper line into the cooler but the copper line out of the cooler was basically room temperature.

I did get some water in the filter, but I only operated it for long enough to fill the tank. I will run it some more this weekend and see how it does. This is probably total overkill for this compressor but the project kept me busy for the day.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What ever cord it came with, replace it with a 25' 12/3 SJOOW cord. Probably the cheapest thing is to buy a 25' extension cord and cut the ends off. You could probably go 50' because this is not a continuous duty machine.

 

[charlestmann]

What ever cord it came with, replace it with a 25' 12/3 SJOOW cord. Probably the cheapest thing is to buy a 25' extension cord and cut the ends off. You could probably go 50' because this is not a continuous duty machine.

I don't see a need for my use. It will always be within a few feet of a receptacle.