Thursday, May 9, 2024
The Shadetree Garage YouTube channel hasn’t gotten an update lately, mostly because the shop air compressor died. I have had the replacement here for most of a week, but still must complete running 220v to the new DeWalt compressor. The good news is that the new box and receptacle are prewired and all I need to do is mount the new box, clamp the 10-3 cable in place, and then wire-nut the connections.
The first chore will be to follow the manual’s instruction to run the compressor for 30 minutes with the drain open. I suppose this is break-in procedure. The pump requires synthetic oil, and I’ve already purchased a new quart of oil.
This model DeWalt compressor is a single stage unit, but it has a high-efficiency pump that pumps up to 175 psi. I didn’t have a regulator on the output of my old compressor, since it only pumped up to 120 psi. That’s probably where I’ll keep the pressure set on the new compressor.
I have a new regulator and s water/oil filter system to add to the compressor. I also plan to build a moisture trap to allow condensation to drain out of air after it enters the garage.
I may need to end up buying a separate air hose for use with my spray guns — one that will be clean of moisture and oil. Since I removed my original oil and water filter from the compressor long ago, all of my lines are probably contaminated by moisture and oil. Those old lines are fine for use with air tools, but I want good dry air for use doing body work and painting.
COPPER PIPE OR ADDITIONAL FILTERING? A 34 inch copper air dryer system is going to cost close to $400. I can buy some air dryer units that are compact and are added to the air line without filling part of a wall with copper pipe and ball valves.
More to come when the compressor is up and running ….