Thread: What air compressor do you use?

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Ok well since I am taking the year off this year I am taking this time to get ready for 2009 and the more I read the more pneumatic props sound like a do able thing to add. Now I was reading phantasmechanics web page on using pneumatic props. They recommended a 1/2 to 1 horsepower compressor. Now I have a 2 hp 8 gallon compressor. Only problem is when it recycles it is really loud. So what are people using to power the pneumatic props and where are you placing the compressor and how you running the lines? Do they have quiet compressors that would work? Do you have a bunch of air lines run everywhere? I have thought about a couple of options like uses several portable tanks and just run the props on Halloween. Or just putting the compressor in the back yard and running the air hoses to the front. If I did that what are the best lines to use? The best option would be able to find a quiet compressor. In suggestions or feedback would be great.

-Thanks

pends on how many props you use.I would put it in the back & run an airline to front.
Plus the longer hose carries more air, (never use extension cord) & you can add extra tanks for air,i convert propane tanks for added air supply.

I am only go to use it on maybe 2-3 props as it stands now. Yea I know not to use ext cord, it would be plugged into a distro box or in a outlet that is hung from the panel in the back.

I would like to find a quieter compressor though that I could hide in the bushes on the side of my house so I don't have to make a long runs. Do they make quiet compressors and how does everyone else set up there pneumatic props?

You could always make a cover out of syrofoam the stuff that you make gravemarkers out of and add some foam rubber glued to the inside of the cover, then cover up the compressor and it would quiet the sound down alot.

MDF insulated with jute padding would probably work better but making a box is definitely a good idea. Cut a hole in the top for power and one on the side for the air lines out. That is giving me some good ideas for that part. Thanks

I am really interested on how others set up their pneumatic props and run the air lines. Also if you are using a compressor where do you house it?

This is my first year using a compressor so I haven't tested it in the field so-to-speak.

I had the salesman plug in a oilless compressor and then an oil-lubed one (supposed to be more quiet) so I could compare the noise. Well, the oil lubed one is a bit quieter but it's still noisy! My haunt is going to be in the garage and I really can't tolerate any noise from a compressor in there. So, that made the decision easier. I will run air lines to the garage and the compressor will be in the back yard. I got the oilless and saved a bit of money. This is the one I got: Craftsman 17 gal. Vertical Air Compressor - Model 16737 at Sears.com It's a 17 gal, 150 PSI, 1.1 HP.



Then I consulted with an electrician to see how I was going to power this thing. He checked the amps it needed, whistled, and told me that I needed to find an underutilized circuit for it. He was right about that. When I tested it on the garage circuit it was running fine right up to the time the fog machine kicked on. It tripped the circuit breaker. So I'm going to run an extension cord out the kitchen window for this guy. The electrician said that I could use an extension cord for it as long as it is the correct gauge and do as short of a run as possible.

The compressor pumps up to 150 PSI and then kicks off until I drain it down to 120 PSI, then it runs again. My prop uses 48 PSI and I figure I'll get 12 or so routines before the compressor needs to recharge again.

Wow that is a really good price on that compressor for that size. I am not really crazy about the uprights but would be space saving during the off season. So they demoed them for you at Sears? I might have to go up there and give them a look then.

I am good power wise. I have a 200 amp panel on my workshop in the back which is pretty much for my Christmas and Halloween displays. More Christmas then anything since it pulls around 125 amps when full own. Then I have a sub panel on the back of my house with 20 amp outlets off it. So plenty of power... Fog machines pull a lot of power, a lot more then most people know and figure into there electrical needs. My 1700 watt machines pulls 15 amps alone so that is one circuit right there. Just make sure you are running 12 gauge ext cord and you will be good with yours.

I am curious what others do when these props are in there yard. The way my house is set up the Garage is in the front and if I left it in there I would have to run air lines across walkway and paths to the front yard and definitely don't want that. Ideally I would like to put it on the side of the house if I can find a quiet compressor. I may try building a box like suggested but use MDA and Jute padding. I think that would quite it substantially.

Toby, the guy who runs the Haunt31 yard haunt (Halloween Countdown Clock) in Lake In The Hills, IL has his air compressor in the basement. He ran air lines up to his garage and has quick disconnects built right into the wall of the garage. He also dug holes on either side of the sidewalk that goes from his driveway to his front porch, and then permanently burried a pvc pipe under the sidewalk. Every Halloween he just digs up a little mulch to reveal the pvc pipe and he feeds his air hoses and electrical under the sidewalk via the pvc pipe. I think he has a pretty big compressor, but I don't know the specifics. He runs something like 20 or so props off his air and has at least a couple of additional air storage tanks.

look at duty cycle of the compressor relative to what you're trying to power...PSI is not as important as CFM's and duty cycle....for instance, I use 1 33 gallon Craftsman at 150 PSI (props are regulated down to between 40 and 60 psi) and 1 15 gallon compressor at 125 psi output...they power 14 pneumatic props cycling once about every minute or so. Air flows from the compressors to two 3/8 hose lines to another "reservoir" tank (15 gallon capacity) where the air is distributed to 9 of the props via common air manifold. The remaining props share another 3/8" hose split to the remaining 5 props. The duty cycle determines when and how often the compressor will run to re-fill the tanks. Here are pics of the 9 valve block, computer control and the reservoir distributor.

WOW that is a nice little elaborate set up. I don't think I will need that much but sure would be nice to have it though...LoL

Anyone got pictures of their lines running to their props so I can see how you are running them and hiding them? I was thinking of just using landscape staples for the runs to hold the lines down.