Thread: Compressor help needed. Calling all multiple prop haunters.

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Well I've decided to buy a 30 gallon compressor and need some help. I'm going to run it from the backyard and 100 feet of 3/8 hose. This will go into a manifold and split into 4 props. I am thinking of getting 3 5 gallon storage tanks and put them "in line" running right before the solenoid of each prop. Also adding check valves on the tanks. Is this overkill? I only ran 1 prop off of a 6 gallon and it refilled every 10 or so times last year. The compressor was next to the prop. I'd hate for everything not to work right the big night.

There are a lot variables to think about, the size of the cylinders, the work load of each cylinder, and is there a possibility of all three firing at the same time. The 30 gallon tank should easily handle all three but I would add a tank at the largest cylinder or heaviest work load just in case because of the distance.

Originally Posted by Industen

Well I've decided to buy a 30 gallon compressor and need some help. I'm going to run it from the backyard and 100 feet of 3/8 hose. This will go into a manifold and split into 4 props. I am thinking of getting 3 5 gallon storage tanks and put them "in line" running right before the solenoid of each prop. Also adding check valves on the tanks. Is this overkill? I only ran 1 prop off of a 6 gallon and it refilled every 10 or so times last year. The compressor was next to the prop. I'd hate for everything not to work right the big night.

First let me say that I am a field service technician for a compressed air solutions company, which means I install, service and repair pretty much anyting having to do with compressed air. From what you have written this is a very well designed system the individual tanks will provide plenty of storage for each unit, while the check valves will allow one prop to replenish its tank while the other still have full pressure and the 100' of tubing will allow you to place the compressor out back where it may not be a noise issue. The weakest link here is the size of the tubing, what you can do to help without increasing the size is create a loop, where the tubing goes to the first prop then on to the second etc., when you reach the last instead of ending it goes back to the compressor this allows twice the flow capability as well as giving the air two paths to the devices. Good luck.

Now I'm getting compressor envy. This is my first year using pneumatics, and 30 gallons sure sounds like a lot. I have a bad feeling I'll have to buy a bigger compressor than I have once the props are out and I see they don't have enough air.

With you there. I have a 17 gal and 5 props (including an ankle tickler and an air cannon). Just in testing, this is running a lot. I'm thinking of doing the additional air tanks too.....

Holy smokes just got back from Harbor Frieght...and man I went nuts. Just need the 30 gallon compressor. Here is what I bought:

3 5 gallon air tanks (on sale for $20)
4 8 feet air line
4 25 feet air line
1 50 feet air line
1 100 feet air line
1 Manifold
2 in line regulators
Quick connects up the wazoo
Regulators

I am waiting for some check valves they should be here later this week

Think this is enough

It seems like your on the right track. There's enough there to keep the air flowing.

It's nice when you can find that 'Black' air hose isn't it.

Ha ha most are bright colors like red, blue, yellow. I'm guessing it's so you don't trip over it while working with tools in normal use. Who said we were normal. At least Harbor Frieght had us fellow haunters in mind.

You shoudl be all set now. Is your 30 gallon compressor running on 110v or 220v?