Options for next compressor...?

[The Z'eer]

Make up a condenser out of a few runs of copper pipe with a drain, then get a filter/regulator if you haven't already got one (you can get good quality branded ones on ebay cheap if your canny).
That should take care of any water issues.

I have that system already, I'd say for most applications it's pretty good and a fair amount of condensation is collected. I think it'd be wise to invest in dryer though, to be absolute in a quality result when spray painting.

 

[The Z'eer]

Seen this written here a lot. If you have two tanks of the same pressure rating can you just plug both compressors into the same supply line? Also will they produce the combined cfm of both compressors? Anything else to look out for, thanks M.

Yes, you will receive double volume of air (CFM) but check valves will be needed to stop a back flow of air between systems https://air-compressor-help.com/con...ir compressors come,lines together with a Tee. and as stormin mentions adjust the pressure switch to stop a circuit being overloaded.

 

[RWD3M]

I have the same one as Brightspark and quite honestly, I think you'll struggle to find better. They do occasionally pop up used and I know they aren't cheap new. But they are good. Had mine about 12 years now and it's given great service. Also excellent customer support from Clarke, based in Leyton iirc.

 

[The Z'eer]

i have the twin 3 hp one it kicks out 28cfm and can run a 3mm jet on portable blast pot at 90 psi no probs and even cuts out as produces too much air it will do yo everything thats neede

I have the same one as Brightspark and quite honestly, I think you'll struggle to find better. They do occasionally pop up used and I know they aren't cheap new. But they are good. Had mine about 12 years now and it's given great service. Also excellent customer support from Clarke, based in Leyton iirc.

Yeah, I can't deny I am tempted. However in the position I'm in now it makes financially more sense to get another Dakota. This will give a total of circa 28 CFM and 180 ltr's worth or air reciever.

 

[MetalMonkey]

I have that system already, I'd say for most applications it's pretty good and a fair amount of condensation is collected. I think it'd be wise to invest in dryer though, to be absolute in a quality result when spray painting.

A dryer certainly won't do any harm, but I've done quite a bit of spraying with my setup with no issues. Water traps in the regualtors are always bone dry.
If you are going to be doing a lot of painting and have them running all day every day, it is probably a good idea - for just spraying the odd thing at home or a car restoration etc, I think you would be fine.

Yes, you will receive double volume of air (CFM) but check valves will be needed to stop a back flow of air between systems https://air-compressor-help.com/connecting-two-compressors-together/#:~:text=Most smaller air compressors come,lines together with a Tee. and as stormin mentions adjust the pressure switch to stop a circuit being overloaded.

You don't really need the check valves, but you would need to make sure the pressure release is similar on both units to avoid the issue, and also that they cycle at different pressures to avoid hammering the power circuit.

Having the two machines joined without a check valve also means you can choose to just run the one compressor but utilise the tank capacity of both, and only turn on the second one when you need more CFM.
I would suggest fitting ball valves between each compressor and the shared air line, so you can isolate it for servicing or if you don't want to wait for both tanks to fill.