[dutchmanmk3]

Nancy, oddly enough smaller compressors can actually be louder than large compressors for a number of reasons.

The newer oiless compressors require less resistence to their air flow. This = NOISE !

The modern high recovery compressors one might use for construction for instance run at a far higher rpm to top off pressure quickly. This = Really Noisy !!

Small tankless compressors have no tank to store air so they run constantly under usage. This = Really Noisy All The Dang Day !!!

For long term professional usage the term oiless should be a Big Red Flag

Oil bath compressors are subject to less friction and wear, and run cooler, and quieter.

The larger the tank, The more stable the air pressure, and the less often the compressor will have to top off.

These can be placed in remote areas, and the air can be plumbed through walls to your work area with very little more than white schedule 40 PVC pipe with a few adaptors and reducers or simple airline.

Silent compressors on the other hand are a completely different type of compressor utilizing the type of compressor found on refrigerators. If your refrigerator doesn't bother you, They won't either ! The portable units are particularly nice to take out to shows, and of course they can still be plumbed from remote locations for even greater comfort. These come at a premium price, but for a professional or someone that is prone to high usage or requires more discretion they ARE Well Worth the price.

For the record Grizzly still markets a 13.5 gal. medium duty oil bath compressor for a reasonable price. Not nearly as nice as the Silent Aire units, but as quiet as you'll find on the general market. Most all of the commonly available portable compressors sold these days are oiless, and for many of us this Is Not an improvement ! HTH. Marc

[dutchmanmk3]

Originally Posted by Nancy-CA

A gunstock is one thing I would love to do. I always admire a nice gunstock. I think that would be fun Okay, what is the SCM? Does it have another name?

Be VERY Careful what you wish for ! We do Gunstocks almost exclusively lately, and you Cannot imagine what a JOY it is to come here and look at everybody elses projects ! I have said it before, and I'll say it again. ! !! Everyone for that !

Lately this is my one and only opportunity to think outside the box. Be Warned, Gunstocks are a HIGHLY Egocentric purchase. You are dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Predominantly Male Clientele purchasing an extremely expensive custom fitted TOOL ! Gunstocks ARE a utility grade furniture. Being pretty just ain't enough, and the clientele is somewhat chronic.

I consider myself more an OCD Specialist than a craftsman. My skills are not so very different than any hostess at The Mustang Ranch ! The Road to Hell as it were, But ! I Digress ???

[Bob_in_TN]

Marc, don't want to cause trouble here, but I would NOT use PVC pipe for air. I have seen the results of it blowing up. Yes, it will work in a lot of cases with no problems, but if it ever lets loose, look out. I don't mean to scare those that have already installed it, it just won't be in my house/shop. What I seen blow had been installed for 10+ years. I'll stick to black iron pipe or even copper. Just my 2 cents, hate to see someone hurt.
Bob

[dutchmanmk3]

Originally Posted by Bob_in_TN

Marc, don't want to cause trouble here, but I would NOT use PVC pipe for air. I have seen the results of it blowing up. Yes, it will work in a lot of cases with no problems, but if it ever lets loose, look out. I don't mean to scare those that have already installed it, it just won't be in my house/shop. What I seen blow had been installed for 10+ years. I'll stick to black iron pipe or even copper. Just my 2 cents, hate to see someone hurt.
Bob

That's a viable concern Bob, but thick wall schedule 40 is rated for a burst pressure of 440 lbs psi. More than three time the static pressure requirements of the system. I've seen it blow as will on HPA, but only utilize it for the straight run, and it's in a guarded area. There's very little savings over black pipe, but not everyone is up to cutom fitting the pipe or cutting the threads. I definitely prefer black pipe, but when you start fishing it back and forth through walls it gets a bit involved.

You don't happen to recall what material the jar on the regulator, and water trap are made of bye any chance do you ?

[Old_Gord]

It's not wether the PVC can stand the compressed air pressure, it's what happens to it when it bursts or should I say "shatters"!
Also a visit to most reputable PVC pipe manufacturer's web site will have the warning..."Not to be used for compressed air" as a final statement.
Quite clever though dutchmanmk3 asking "You don't happen to recall what material the jar on the regulator, and water trap are made of"?

.

OG

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Nancy...not that I know of, just SCM engraver?

Marci..doesn't sound like the problem of the engraver, more like the compressor...also any compressor could spit water if you don't use an inline filter!

[Bob_in_TN]

The jar material on the ones we used were made of polycarbonate material, completely different material then polyvinyl choride. Schedule 40 only comes in one thickness that I know of, if you're talking thick wall, are you referring to schedule 80?

"Can I use PVC pipe and fittings/valves for compressed air or gases?"
Although some people use PVC piping for compressed air or gases, we are not aware of any fittings manufacturer that recommends it and we highly recommend that you do NOT use plastic fittings with compressed air/gases. We feel it is dangerous and absolutely do not recommend it. Air is much more compressible than are liquids and could therefore cause a violent explosion.

This quote was taken from info. on www.plumbingsupply.com

Bob

Bob

[Marci MN]

This is the set up I have. I dont think I have a filter in the line unless thats what that big tank is for. *shrugs*

I know this tank had to run every ten mins and you had to sit and wait for it to fill up and in five mins you were waiting again.

BUT.. I love those tiny burs for doing fine detail on the carvings using my dremel tool. I've been getting better eye detail with them.

I did do an etching on a mirror. Wasnt totally done with it and someone bought it. That and the eggs are the only thing I used the turbo tool for.

[dutchmanmk3]

Originally Posted by Bob_in_TN

The jar material on the ones we used were made of polycarbonate material, completely different material then polyvinyl choride. Schedule 40 only comes in one thickness that I know of, if you're talking thick wall, are you referring to schedule 80?

"Can I use PVC pipe and fittings/valves for compressed air or gases?"
Although some people use PVC piping for compressed air or gases, we are not aware of any fittings manufacturer that recommends it and we highly recommend that you do NOT use plastic fittings with compressed air/gases. We feel it is dangerous and absolutely do not recommend it. Air is much more compressible than are liquids and could therefore cause a violent explosion.

This quote was taken from info. on www.plumbingsupply.com

Bob

Bob

Bob, I said it was a viable concern, and pointed out that Polycarbonate is likewise just another thermoplastic. Have you ever seen polycarbonate explode ? Run a static burst test and tell me what you observe.

The concern for fragmentation is real, never the less the industrial standard is contradictory. By their own wording Polycarbonate vessels would be eliminated from the system as well. wouldn't they ?

There is a world of difference between the dynamics of LPA, and HPA. Suffice to say that the operating pressure of High Speed engravers is limited to 42 PSI and that is 1/10th of the rated burst pressure. While the water trap and regulator are subject to twice the expansive energy, easily more when you consider that most compressors are rated to 135/150 psi and that regulator is relegated to the weakest link in the chain. Polycarbonate is a wonderful material but is actually more prone to flaws in the injection process than PVC.

I can't disagree with you, I'm just unsure of which industrial standard warrants the greater concern, and having a great deal of trouble purchasing all these bloody steel parts ??? LOL.

Bob, I'm agreeing with you. You're right of course, and we both know I'd be lieing if I said I wasn't having a bit of fun at your expense. Forgive Me, I'm Mischiveous by nature.

[deweyrf91]

I have a powercrafter and love it. It definitely is for specific applications though. The one thing I like about it is it will work on very small detail carvings on wood, stone, metal, tagua nuts, or very hard wood (purpleheart, etc.) You will need to invest in a wide selection of bits though. The company doesn't list a wide array of bits either. The downside is the oiling. I used mine alot and within 5 months the bearings went out. I've sent it back for repairs. But, it is definitely a tool that has it's place in the workshop!!