Has anyone upgraded their air pump or replaced their current factory pump for something better ?
I picked up a Stealth air compressor advertised as very quiet. It’s nearly as quiet as the fish pump that came with the laser, although capable of enough pressure to pop off the vinyl hose until cable ties were used to secure them.
I’ve been running 15-20 psi (1-1.3 bar) with improved cutting and reduced sap deposits on 3 mm birch ply. The compressor runs constantly at the cut-in pressure but never overheats. I had a similar almost-as-quiet compressor, but it pulls 10 amperes as it reaches cut-out pressure, which pops the breaker in the hobby room.
I’ve forgotten what the published rating is for the compressor I bought, but it runs at a lower current draw than specified, even as it reaches cut-out pressure. I think it’s drawing a bit more than 6 amperes according to a Kill-a-Watt meter. No popped breakers even on an hour long project.
If going from a fish pump which is not really a compressor to a real compressor, be sure to get a water trap as there will be condensation in the line and in the tank. I empty the tank through the drain valve after each operation and leave it open to ensure internal dryness, as well as have an inline water trap to keep it out of the working area.
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