I’ve been trying to read up on upgrading air assist using an air compressor for cleaner cutting. I just bought a 10gal California Air Tools compressor
I’ll be operating this unit in our basement which is pretty dry for a basement. I’ve read some people saying they don’t have an air dryer in line and have no issues. I’ve read others say you need one and to consider getting a refrigerated dryer or desiccant dryer - both pretty pricy but ok if I need one
I found some coalescing filters on Amazon for like $150. Not bad
Does anyone have some first hand experience that might help? Or do I need to try to hook up my laser with no dryer and be on the lookout for certain issues and go from there?
I’m getting my Omtech 80w laser this weekend - it’s my first laser - so just trying to set things up right
Compressing air will create heat and moisture (Well not create, technically) even in a dry environment. The coalescing filter is great idea, I would suggest an inexpensive oil/ water separator in front to protect it, coalescing filter replacements are 80-100 bucks. Also place a coil or length of air hose between the compressor and the filters for maximum efficiency lets the air cool a bit and moisture condenses. My system is even one step further, pretty much overkill, have a desiccant filter after the other 2, but I use mine for Cerakote.
…but beware, some types of this kind are intended to separate water from air and add oil!, in the picture it could indicate that it is a separator with an oil dispenser.
I’ve been running for a few years with no moisture filter. I live in the SW desert almost dead center of Arizona. During summer monsoons we get around 50 to 60%, higher with a local thunderstorm and it produces lots of water out of the compressor.
My California air has an auto drain on it. It activates a timer while the compressor is operating and purges the water off at timed intervals.
It was pretty loud, so I built a muffler for it here on Markers Forum…
