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Cue
10-19-2006, 11:03 AM
I am getting ready to set up my new (well new to me) 5hp, 2 stage, 60gal. compressor and wanted to know if anyone is running a filter/regulator/lubricator on theirs and how they like it. HF has them for like $25, they claim it replaces the need to oil your tools before use???

The other thing that HF has is an automatic drain kit, does anyone know anything about that??

And lastly how often do you guys drain your tanks if ever??


This is just for my home shop, using it on weekends for personal stuff and the occasional neighbors repairs so it is not a full time duty machine.

Thanks.
TiMe_1
10-19-2006, 11:17 AM
Do not use an automatic oiler, it makes your hoses useless for stuff like painting. I used the one from HF for a while and it worked good but it left ALOT of oil in my hose so i cannned it. My new compressor that i just got has a regulator on it so i just use that. i do plan on plumbing my garage one day but not for awhile. Once i do that i will use a water trap.
Cue
10-19-2006, 11:44 AM
Okay cool thanks for the tip. I did think about the oil in the hose.
tdavis
10-19-2006, 11:52 AM
And lastly how often do you guys drain your tanks if ever??


Drain it every night.

Any water build up over time will cause the tank to rust, and then you'll get pinhole leaks..
yjgoodwrench
10-19-2006, 12:05 PM
Drain your tank weekly if you use it alot, put a water trap in your line but it needs to have at least 25ft of line between it and the compressor the 25ft let the vaporized water return to a liquid that way it can be trapped, as for the oil just oil your tools on a regulor basis
PTSchram
10-19-2006, 01:48 PM
I have the HF drain kit. I'm not impressed. It worked fine for awhile, but now it's a liability, not an asset. If you're only using it once in awhile, shut it down, drian it and leave it open until you want to use it again.
4x4mike
10-19-2006, 03:16 PM
I'm good about oiling my tools so I don't bother with an inline oiler. I also don't grind or cut for extended periods of time. I do open the drain every night I use the compressor. Sometimes I let the little amount of water out. Sometimes I open the valve and leave it open until I use it next.
Cue
10-19-2006, 05:04 PM
Okay thanks guys, I will just get in the habit of draining it nightly, the last thing I want is to get holes in the 60 gal. tank.

The little 20 gal one is one thing, but this big one is totally different.
1996cc
10-19-2006, 05:14 PM
Drain your tank weekly if you use it alot, put a water trap in your line but it needs to have at least 25ft of line between it and the compressor the 25ft let the vaporized water return to a liquid that way it can be trapped, as for the oil just oil your tools on a regulor basis

Good to know, no wonder my filter right off the compressor never catches any water. :)
Norcaljr
10-19-2006, 05:16 PM
Dirk,

lets see some pics of the compressor. Where did you get it ? I heard you passed on gettting that car lift from greg. hope things are going good.
Cue
10-19-2006, 06:34 PM
Dirk,

lets see some pics of the compressor. Where did you get it ? I heard you passed on gettting that car lift from greg. hope things are going good.


Hey Jim,

Yea I hated to have to pass on the lift, but the opportunity with Team Red Bull was just something I COULD NOT pass up.

I got the compressor from my boss, he upgraded to a 10hp 80 gal. so he gave me a sweet deal on this one. It is an Ingersol Rand unit.

Here is the only pic I have of it.