Thread: Which air compressor?

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Hey everyone,

I'm new with the pneumatic props, so I'm hoping to see if an expert can help me out.

I'm looking to buy an air compressor that'll run a simple trash can trauma. I have found these 2 below at my local Sears, and looking to see which one would be better suited? Is 4 gallons enough air?

• 4 gallon pancake compressor. It's cheaper but not as portable. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G22
• 5 gallon air compressor kit. It's more expensive but has wheels. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...&blockType=G21

I think I am leaning towards the 4 gallon without wheels to save on money - but I wanted to see your thoughts.

Thanks!

OK, both will do the job. Just make sure to sset the regulator (outtake psi) to the proper psi. Mine is no more than 40 psi. If your only using this compressor for Halloween go with the one with wheels, just for portability. If you plan on using it with other pneumatic tools I'd go with the pancake then. I have one and can take it anywhere, even on the roof! Fair warning, either one of these are quite loud when refilling, and will refill quite often on Halloween night. So plan on buying a 50 ft hose to keep it some where far enough away to so you can hear the screams of your victims.

Thank you for the reply! I will probably end up using it for other things since I have it. I was thinking the 4gal pancake as well.

Also, I was thinking of putting it in my basement and getting 2 50ft hoses so that it's "quiet" and hidden.... Will that be OK to do?

Does Oil Free mean anything special besides the obvious no oil?

Keeping it in the basement is ideal, of course the second you enter your basement it will kick on and scare the crap out of you. Oil free means you do not have to add oil to the motor. Thats why they are so much louder than those that take oil. If you have a Harbor Freight near you, thay sell compressors of various sizes at much lower costs. But don't buy their fittings they are poorly made...

Also...don't by any regulators from Harbor Freight. Go with something better from Sears / Home Depot.

The air compressor has a regulator built in, and I bought a filter/regulator from FrightProps as well, so I should be double covered, I think.

More capacity = less loud tank pressurization.

I normally stick my compressor away from my effects so you can't hear it turn on. Making a silencer box for it is something that is also good if you cant hide it.

Also, make sure to silence the output of any pneumatic prop, there is nothing worse than hearing hissing sounds and such, it really can make the difference between an ok pneumatic effect and a great professional one! It is one of my greatest pet peeves.

Yeah! My plan is to hide it in the basement and throw an air hose out the window so you don't hear it.

I also purchased a couple mufflers so I can quiet the exhausting air. I'm heading to Sears to grab that 4 gallon air compressor now.

My first pneumatic - pretty exciting!

That is very exciting, I love pneumatics!

Have fun experimenting and post pics of your prop in action!

I have seen people use jars filled with that foam cubes with foam they use in beds and pillows. Works pretty good if you are thinking about making your own silencers or don't like the ones you bought.

Also...don't by any regulators from Harbor Freight. Go with something better from Sears / Home Depot

I don't understand all the hate with Harbor Freight fittings and regulators. If anything I wouldn't buy a compressor from there.

1.) I've bought about 30 regulators from there and they work perfect. Just make sure it's a diaphragm or HVLP regulator. You most likly bought the metal one which does not dial into the pressure you set it to.

If you have a Harbor Freight near you, thay sell compressors of various sizes at much lower costs. But don't buy their fittings they are poorly made...

2.) Probably another mistake. If you buy universal, automotive, Hi-flo fittings you must match it with the same female/male fittings. You probably mixed a auto fitting with a hi-flo or similar. Doing this makes air escape because of a bad connection. I have bought 200+ and they work perfect. Cheap....not cheaply made.