Air compressor alternative?
 

I have a small 1-gallon (maybe 2, not really sure) portable air compressor that I use to blow the dust out of my various computers, but I would like something better.

The compressor I have is small enough to be portable, but that small size means that the tank doesn't hold enough high pressure for long enough to do the job. So, I'm always waiting for the pressure to get back up to ~100psi. And I'm not the most patient person. A bigger tank would be the next logical step, but that would reduce portability and take even longer to build up the pressure I want. A larger overall compressor is even less portable.

"Canned air" is expensive at ~$5 a can. It takes just about a full can to completely blow out 1 computer, and I have 3 computers, so it can get rather pricey just to clean them.

I know regular "biscuit" fans won't work. I can get high-flow fans, but they don't have high pressure when you restrict the flow at all, like you'd get when you attach a funnel and ~1/4" nozzle setup (which is what I'd be doing to make something to clean my PCs). Any back-pressure and the air "leaks" around the fan blade tips. To get around that, I thought maybe an R/C EDF setup may work, but I read that if you restrict the exit port too much, it tends to stall the blades.

Are there any other alternatives/ideas?

I'm not sure if you have a Wholesale Club like Costco, BJ's, or Sam's Club around you but I get 4 of the air cans at BJ's for $9.99 and I use them on my R/C cars to dry them out so they do not rust. You could try that but I am also getting tired of paying even that much for air cans and would also like to know if there are any good alternatives.

I tried the Husky Air Scout which was awesome because it was portable and rolled around like a suitcase so I could even take it out while I was bashing or even to the track but I also had the same problem you did with tank capacity and such so I ended up returning that as well.

I scored a 110v 15gl stand up compressor on wheels @ Habor Freight for $129.00 +tax, still going strong after 2 yrs and it gets used a LOT.

A lot of guys at the local track have been showing up with these blowers

Well, I already have a compressor that works well. It just doesn't have the capacity to retain high pressure for more than ~30 seconds, so I have to wait until it builds up again. And any compressor larger won't be as portable anymore.

That is more like what I'm thinking about! $50+ might seem a bit steep, but considering the size and constant pressure, it's cheaper than anything I'd probably be able to build. I might head over to my LHS to see if any of the guys there use it so I can see how well it works in person.

That thing looks great! Exactly what I am looking for! Do you know if the air pressure on this thing is at all comparable to an air can?

If you scroll down the page on the link that was posted, there is a video of a guy cleaning out a couple PCs with it. From what I can tell, pressure is about the same, but the blower has a bigger opening which means higher air flow at that pressure. And since it's just air, you don't have to worry about turning it upside-down like you do with a spray can (which just spits out snowy stuff).

you guys know the obvious joke I'm going to say right? RIGHT?:lol:


Do I even have to say it?


Something that does a good job blowing?

I'm not gonna say it. I'll leave it alone.

Sweet, I didn't see that before. That is awesome, I think I am going to order one of these up!

:lol:

Those blower things are far better than most compressors that are portable enough to get to the track. Plenty of pressure as well as volume... and you don't have to wait for the pressure to build back up to do the last half of your car.

Have you considered picking up an old divers air cylinder? They come in handy sizes ( 3, 5, 7 & 12Ltrs ) and can hold ~2,000psi. Just stick a suitable valve and hose assembly on if one isn't included & attach a suitably pressure rated 'gun' to the end of that = high pressure dust blower that lasts forever...?

http://www.amazon.com/The-Source-S-K.../dp/B003TFEE28

This is a bit pricey but would have many uses besides blowing out a computer. Goes with Neil's idea but this is everything needed.

The DataVac is what you want.

I've been on many computer forums, and people praise them up and down.

They will hold a constant stream, powerful enough to knock some dust off some heatsinks, yet very portable.

Personally, I like the $90 air compressor we got from Harbor Freight which holds about 8gal @ 120 PSI, I believe.

Very handy.. but hardly portable minus the wheels.

Get a 5 gallon air tank from Harbor Freight and hook it up to your current compressor. Could always just use a leaf blower too, lots of high speed air...

I use my shopvac on the discharge port.