Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

[minuteman62-64]

I have a pancake compressor that I use for air tools - mostly nail guns. It has no filter and the conventional filter/water separators won't fit on the outlet at the compressor. So, I'm assuming I need one of those small in-line filters that would go on the tool end of the air hose.

Any recommendations?

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

Whoops. Just found this: Installing a compressed air filter on Porter Cable pancake air compressors | Gilles' Outlet

I may go that route.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

Whoops. Just found this: Installing a compressed air filter on Porter Cable pancake air compressors | Gilles' Outlet

I may go that route.

The designs not bad, but I take it you actually want an automatic oiler for the nail guns and such. Don't see much advantage in putting a filter on for air tools, oil when you start and oil when you stop. Most of the water will stay in the tank which you drain out. A filter to keep moisture out and small particles would be used for painting and such.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

Most of the water will stay in the tank which you drain out. A filter to keep moisture out and small particles would be used for painting and such.

A lot of water condenses in the line after it cools. That is why you always want the water separator far from the tank. You definitely need a water separator for air tools.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

A lot of water condenses in the line after it cools. That is why you always want the water separator far from the tank. You definitely need a water separator for air tools.

Yep. The part with the highest failure rate on our equipment is a pneumatic actuator. 85% of failures are the result of water contamination from a malfunctioning "self-draining" coalescent filter. The remaining 15% die from failuire to maintain the oiling system.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

OK, so I've already installed the Husky filter similar to the way shown in the above link. Hopefully that represents some improvement from what I had. Now, it appears some additional water/moisture protection would be desirable? Is there a compact in-line dryer that would be appropriate for air tools? The dryers I've found on-line look to be for spray guns and operate at lower pressures than my air tools.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

A lot of water condenses in the line after it cools. That is why you always want the water separator far from the tank. You definitely need a water separator for air tools.

I don't use my tools commerically, but have had some of them for more then 20 years without a failure to the internal workings. Only air tool which ever gave me a ruff way to go was a china made air ratchet. All others for the most part are US made.

I have used auto oilers and never found the need for water seperators.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

I have some tools that I have where if I use them on a humid day, there is water spitting out of them if I don't have a water separator. I don't use an oiler because I also paint and I don't want an oiler in the line. Its a bad idea putting an oiler in a line where you someday may use it for painting or use oiless tools like the Senco finish nailer that I use.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

Agree with finsh cabinet nailing tools, painting (post 3), and using air lines which were had been used with an auto oiler for perviously mentioned items. My sole disagreement was for the comment of "You definitely need a water separator for air tools. If you would have said you need a water seperator for painting, finish grade cabinet air tools or the like I wouldn't have said a word. I probably would have let high humidity areas alone also. Your opinion and mine differ and that is all I am saying.

Cheers
"

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Air Filter for Pancake Compressor

Oil mixed with water in an air tool is bad news. I don't care if you have an automatic oiler or not. All air tool manufacturers recommend a water separator.

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.co...product-information-americas-04584801-p6750us

Always use clean, dry air at 90 psig maximum air pressure. Dust, corrosive fumes and/or excessive moisture can ruin the motor of an air tool.