Air Flow & Hose Bore

[geoffsurf]

I have just bought a second hand small compressor to use as my travel mobile compressor to use basic air tools, for cleaning parts, and to run a 1/2 air gun.

I chose this compressor because although it is 25 years old it has a direct drive 10cfm output and small 25ltr tank to move around. The compressor came with an 8mm ID air hose. I want to change all my air tools over to PCL XF Euro fittings.

I am just trying to work out if it is worth buying a 1/2” 5 metre hose to increase the air flow to run a 1/2” air gun etc. The reason I am not sure is because the compressor tank outlet has a small diameter.

I therefore wonder if increasing the hose diameter and euro fittings is pointless because of the compressor outlet restriction?

 

[brightspark]

if u want more flow fit a half inch filter regulator in the end of your tank if it has a blank plug on it and use 10mm bore pipes

 

[zzr1200]

I agree with BS^^^^^. Drain air tank daily, remove the end inspection plug from tank, fit a xp q/r coupling and buy a 3/8" hose with xp fittings. That's about the best you'll get with that compressor set up. The limiting factor will be the tanks size, then the pumps capacity.

 

[geoffsurf]

If I took off the basic red regulator control and fitted a 1/2” regulator there, would the short run from the tank outlet up to that regulator cause a significant reduction in flow rate etc?

I don’t like the idea of putting a regulator or fitting on the tank end plug as it will make the thing less compact and mobile and also probably get damaged as it sticks out.

Also if buying a new hose anyway, would it not be better to go for 1/2”?

 

[bourbon]

You are on a hiding to nothing with that size tank. You will run out of air very quickly, your motor will then be running continually which will very quickly overheat it and burn out.
You mention running an air gun, spraying? you will be getting the paint coming out very haphazardly and you won't get a good finish. Don't run it on an extension lead either

 

[MetalMonkey]

A 1/2" hose likely be a bit chunky and overkill really for that type of compressor.

The bigger the hose the less flow you will lose, but I really suspect it’s not worth it in this case, and they become less flexible the larger they are.

The cheap regulators are normally rubbish so that could be an easy upgrade, and a 10mm hose is worth doing if you are going over to XF fittings.
Or as suggested, take a tapping off the end of the tank if possible.

 

[brightspark]

If I took off the basic red regulator control and fitted a 1/2” regulator there, would the short run from the tank outlet up to that regulator cause a significant reduction in flow rate etc?

I don’t like the idea of putting a regulator or fitting on the tank end plug as it will make the thing less compact and mobile and also probably get damaged as it sticks out.

Also if buying a new hose anyway, would it not be better to go for 1/2”?

a 10mm bore hose will do everything you want fitted with filter regulator on the end of tank. left as is dont bother

 

[geoffsurf]

So I decided to strip the compressor apart to check things out. If I were to use 15mm copper pipe to go from the end of the tank end plug then I could put the new regulator near to where the existing one is so it is tucked out the way.

Is there any cheap regulator filter you would recommend? Again, this is my mobile setup not my proper compressor so I would like to spend as little as possible.

Also in terms of hose, I’m still considering going for 1/2” in 5 metres as it will not be my regular compressor so flexibility isn’t a major issue. Is there any brand or type of air hose you would recommend?

 

[brightspark]

i use 3/4 bore 15mm and ten mm bore pipes this will do what you want. just cut and put your own fittings on the end. a cheap; machine mart filter regulator will suffice as well . for spraying i use a quality norgren or simlar big £££ if u have to buy them new https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-...VmpFQBh1_ag-aEAQYAyABEgJ-6vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[geoffsurf]

The only thing I don’t like about most of the air hose is that they are 10 metres. 5 metres will be fine for this little compressor and I would imagine reducing the length of the hose will help air flow.

 

[brightspark]

The only thing I don’t like about most of the air hose is that they are 10 metres. 5 metres will be fine for this little compressor and I would imagine reducing the length of the hose will help air flow.

as i said cut it in half and fit your own ends to suit its cheap enough and decent i got one

 

[geoffsurf]

How do you fit the ends. Do you have to buy a special crimping tool for air line hose?

 

[brightspark]

How do you fit the ends. Do you have to buy a special crimping tool for air line hose?

no just jubily clips

 

[brightspark]

here just cut the hose push it on and jubily clip to hold https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20307012...MIwKq4p4TJiwMVdI5QBh3_CBp4EAQYAyABEgKRffD_BwE

 

[Jack_K]

I'd use a 10mm aka 3/8" hose and I'd also go with 10m long. I think you'll find 5m is too short. With a 5m hose you'll have to keep moving the compressor if you are doing something like changing wheels on a car. You'll also be right next to the compressor, I'd rather be 5m more away from it.

 

[AVI_8]

You’ll get about 7 CFM free air delivery from that compressor, honestly, if you’re wanting something which is going to be useful, like running a half inch air gun, I’d upgrade the compressor, every bit of advice about the best free air flowing supply is all well and good but a 25L tank and a low CFM output will leave you wishing you had a larger compressor.
These compressors are good for running a nail gun etc, or blowing up a tyre as they are mobile but genuinely, I have one they have serious limitations as far as running any power tools.
I have one in a wheelbarrow, it’ll blow up maybe 1 tyre if it’s flat, then I need to plug it in again.
I’d try to get a 3hp belt driven comp if you want the bare minimum to run any meaningful power tools, you can get the likes with a 50L tank on wheels, anything larger is not really mobile, but that would have a 15cfm delivery and somewhere about 9-10 fad.