Air Compressors and Blow Guns

[Tom Wesenberg]

This is a repeat of many years ago, but how many people drain their air compressor tanks of water that condenses inside the tank? Also change the oil every so often. I was in the basement on the computer several years ago and heard a loud explosion. My neighbor's air compressor just blew up because the tank was so rusty. When he gave me the remains I actually found that he had put a sheet metal screw in a rust hole so he could keep using it. This guy used to run dragsters and also ran a tranny shop, so you'd think he would have known better.

Last week my other neighbor put a like new air compressor out on the curb with a sign "FREE LOCKED UP". Luckily I was the first to see it and drag it home. What I found was the motor pulley was out of alignment with the pump pulley, and the belt came off. I dusted it off and painted the two pulleys and handle, which the factory likes to leave bare metal, which turns to rust. Anyway the compressor doesn't look like it has more than a few hours on it. I called my neighbor as soon as I got it home to ask him if it locked up from setting, or while it was running. He said he wasn't sure and it was one he got from his dad when he passed away. He said he got a new one and didn't care about his one. You'd have thought that he would have known the belt just came off.

I actually use one like this to do all my work including sandblasting. This will maintain 40 lbs. at the cabinet with the trigger pulled. If I was heavy into sandblasting I really would need to buy a larger two stage compressor, but this size works well for most of my work. I would never buy an oiless direct drive compressor. They are too noisy and wear out too quickly.

Also shown are two blow guns I bought. The one with the narrower pipe is from Harbor Freight and is junk which cost $4.99. I can blow more air with my mouth and a drinking straw than this piece of crap does. The other blow gun came from Fleet Farm for $3.99 and works great.