Air compressor

[blockmanjohn]

Hi all, I have been running my Stuart beam engine on steam, but would like to clean it up and run it on air. I would like to know the best type of compressor to buy.

I have a contractor's compressor for my air nailers, but that seems like over kill. I was thinking of the kind that you keep in your car to inflate a tire. Does the horsepower make any difference?

Any way, if some one could suggest the way to go here I would appreciate it. Thanks, John.

 

[purpleknif]

Airbrush compressor maybe ?

 

[GailInNM]

Tire inflating compressors are generally made for high pressure and low volume.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BJFHAW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 Also most make a lot of noise. An air brush compressor works well for running engines as low speed. I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BJFHAW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

It is very quiet and produces adequate air for low speed operation of most steam engines. I believe Harbor Freight also sells the same compressor but don't know for sure. I have used one on my laser engraver for several years for air assist for cutting. As I recall the air fittings on the regulator are an odd thread for those of us used to NPT threads in the USA.
Gail in NM

 

[Philipintexas]

Be VERY cautious of "Oil-less" compressors if you value your hearing, they can be VERY loud and miserable to be close to. Air-brush types are usually pretty quiet but a small emergency tire inflator is extremely loud. Also it has no tank so air pulses would be imparted to the engine.

 

[BobsModels]

Hi

Take a trip to your local Menards and have them plug this one in for you to listen too. They have another small one but this one seemed more compact.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...23543348-c-12910.htm?tid=-1333548757128001408

A modeler at the Debolt show in Zanesville had one under the table and you really could barely hear it while standing and talking. I see its on sale now. No I do not have one as I usually have my gas engines at shows and only have a few steam engines. I also have a 7 1/2 HP Quincy in the shop so really do not need an air compressor.

Bob

 

[swnf]

Use a old refrigerator compressor.
Runs in oil all the time and is all most silent not sure on the volume of air it produces.