Basic compressor>tool setup?

[Jonathan Webb]

Hi,
I've got an ABAC 3hp compressor to drive, initially, a cheap 12cfm planishing hammer.
I'm not sure what I NEED as a minimum to get going, and what is desirable/good practice, perhaps to install later when I know the hammer does what I want.

Also, how do I determine the size of the fitting on the compressor and how to spec the hose needed?
Initially, I'll just be running a hose about 10m to the hammer.

This is for light-ish use.

I've read a load of threads, looked at a load of suppliers websites & the sticky thread & links but it's all overload really.
Many thanks

 

[Beanwood]

Where did you buy the compressor from? They should be able to tell you what coupling it has on already - if any, and you then buy the same type of couplings to go on a hose.
Do you have machine mart or similar near you? They're cheap enough for this sort of stuff.

Probably something like:

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/male-quick-release-snap-coupling-1-4/
and
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/14in-snap-male-adaptor/

 

[frank horton]

not an expert but if the P/hammer is rated at 12cfm, ur comp would only be just big enough.........as for hose, use 3/8 diam at that length........just in case u'll want to use smaller stuff like a air ratchet they would run on 5/16 diam.....
the 3/8th's hose is a bit bit stiff for close work.........
the air line fittings from LIDAL are realy quite good......and high flow......if ur not in a rush.........should be around again soon.........
remeber the hose fittings should be high flow, no good having a 3/8 hose with stupid 1/4 fittings....it does happen.........

 

[Jonathan Webb]

Where did you buy the compressor from? They should be able to tell you what coupling it has on already - if any, and you then buy the same type of couplings to go on a hose.
Do you have machine mart or similar near you? They're cheap enough for this sort of stuff.

Probably something like:

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/male-quick-release-snap-coupling-1-4/
and
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/14in-snap-male-adaptor/

I bought it secondhand so no supplier advice.
It possibly has a female adapter on one of the outlets, but it's in my father's garage at the moment so I can't easily check. I did manage to get a pic of it when I was there.
Any advice re hose diameter? Seems to be 5/16, 3/8 & 1/2 inch (8, 10 & 13mm?) bore available.
And all hose diameters use 1/4" end fittings?
Thanks

 

[Jonathan Webb]

not an expert but if the P/hammer is rated at 12cfm, ur comp would only be just big enough.........as for hose, use 3/8 diam at that length........just in case u'll want to use smaller stuff like a air ratchet they would run on 5/16 diam.....
the 3/8th's hose is a bit bit stiff for close work.........
the air line fittings from LIDAL are realy quite good......and high flow......if ur not in a rush.........should be around again soon.........
remeber the hose fittings should be high flow, no good having a 3/8 hose with stupid 1/4 fittings....it does happen.........

IIRC, it was just matched ok - I can't easily go bigger on the compressor. What are the implications of it is not powerful enough? Short work cycle while the compressor keeps up/recharges? Feeble hammer blows or just won't work?
I also have a smaller Stanwell compressor I could connect up as well if necessary, but that needs a bit of TLC.

I read, just after Lidl had them in, that their fittings weren't too bad...

The compressor has 2 outlets, so I could connect a more flexible hose to the other one if I wanted a hand tool (possibly metal shears in due course)? Or tee off from the feed hose. The p hammer is bench mounted, so flexibility is not a problem I think.

WRT the 1/4" fittings then, the 3/8 hoses I've seen online have 1/4" fittings. Presumably it's not rocket science to buy hose & 3/8 fittings & make it up: hose over fitting barb with jubilee clip? Or two? I'll keep looking too.
Many thanks.

 

[Beanwood]

Worst case, it won't work at all. More likely, it will work for a while, then run low on pressure, depending how much hammering you're doing in one go. Your compressor may be running quite a lot

You can easily buy hose with 1/4" ends, and this makes connection easy. I personally don't bother with barbs and jubilee clips - life's too short!
The connections you use will be quick connectors anyway - so you can save cash on a hose (An extra trip hazard?) and 2 extra couplings just by unplugging your hammer, and plugin in whatever else you need.

When you do connect it up, make sure you wind up the output regulator to a sensible pressure..... whatever that might be.

 

[Jonathan Webb]

You can easily buy hose with 1/4" ends, and this makes connection easy. I personally don't bother with barbs and jubilee clips - life's too short!.

That's the point, the hoses I've seen have 1/4" ends, on a 3/8" hose seems restrictive as you indicated?

 

[armalites]

If you are just starting out then go for PCL XF fittings, much better flow than the traditional standard PCL. Screwfix stock them at a reasonable price. It also seems many of the tools come with them as standard.

You'll need some air tool oil too, couple drops in the inlet of the tool at the start of use.

Worth getting a water trap/regulator too.

Ear defenders are an absolute must if you are using an air hammer.

 

[Jonathan Webb]

Yes, just starting out, was thinking of PCL XF as seems popular on here.

Screwfix only have 1/4" connectors though, if I need 3/8 hose or are they actually ok if the hose is 3/8?

Thanks for the tip about the oil.

I have ear defenders and am interested/apprehensive to hear just how noisy this thing will be. Might need to get some better ones.

 

[Beanwood]

That's the point, the hoses I've seen have 1/4" ends, on a 3/8" hose seems restrictive as you indicated?

Sorry - I have no answer - perhaps one of the clever types can answer - but I suspect it may be to do with reducing pressure due to the length of hose - same as water?
I just know that all the air tools I buy have 1/4" threads, and most hoses are larger than 1/4". Maybe I'm not buying big enough tools - but my setup includes air chisels, impact guns, tyre inflators, spray guns etc, and they're inter-changeable with friends.

I have just seen that Lidl tools have Euro connectors - so depending where you get your kit, you'll want to go that route.

The important thing is, whatever you start with, you'll probably want to stick with.

 

[armalites]

Most air tools have a 1/4 thread either BSP or NPT.

I would say a ready made 3/8 hose will have 1/4 BSP threads on it. A PCL XF has a nominal bore of 7.4mm so 3/8 bore hose will be no issue

 

[Dcal]

For a 3 HP compressor any of the 1/4 quick release connectors are not really a restriction, I think of it in the same way as a fuse in an electrical circuit, as it is only a short restriction there will be no noticeable drop in flow and pressure. The tool you are using should cause a bigger restriction and if it isn't your compressor is too small. Long runs of very small diameter pipe will cause a restriction.
As an aside the tool for checking the output of a 3HP hydrovane is a fitting with a 2mm orifice, if the compress can keep the pressure up with an opening that size it is working OK. Try running a 3 HP compressor with an 5 or 6mm quick release fitting open to atmosphere and it will never get close to its working pressure.

 

[Jonathan Webb]

Thanks Beanwood,
I've muddled my way through life without fully understanding pressure as I find it hard to get my head round the nuances like constrictions. I think restrictions reduce flow rate rather than pressure, but presumably this can manifest itself in a pressure drop over a length. But I'm not sure that's right.

I think, as pcl xf is well-regarded here I'll go with them rather than Euro although I don't know anything about either , although on the PCL website it says "The adaptor, plug or probe profile is the European standard and interchangeable with Rectus 25/26, Norgren 234/238 and Cejn 320." - is that Euro compatible? ie the Lidl or whatever tools would fit too?

armalites Thanks but I'm confused then - what is the point of 3/8" hose when it is constricted by a 1/4" fitting. Would the full benefit of the extra bore not be realised unless there were 3/8" fittings? If not, What is the point of 3/8" fittings, where do they go then?
Cheers

 

[Jonathan Webb]

For a 3 HP compressor any of the 1/4 quick release connectors are not really a restriction, I think of it in the same way as a fuse in an electrical circuit, as it is only a short restriction there will be no noticeable drop in flow and pressure. The tool you are using should cause a bigger restriction and if it isn't your compressor is too small. Long runs of very small diameter pipe will cause a restriction.
As an aside the tool for checking the output of a 3HP hydrovane is a fitting with a 2mm orifice, if the compress can keep the pressure up with an opening that size it is working OK. Try running a 3 HP compressor with an 5 or 6mm quick release fitting open to atmosphere and it will never get close to its working pressure.

DCAL thanks for that clarification. This whole thing is a matter of perspective - to me (and many domestic garage users I suspect, my compressor is big compared to what you see in the shops and the space in my garage, but I suppose as they can be as big as a car it's a different world...
I'll see if I can borrow a hose form a friend - his is all 1/4" afaik.

 

[Dcal]

As long as the hose lengths are reasonable it will work fine.
Give it a go, I'm certain the compressor will be the limiting factor.

 

[Farside]

If you want your air hammer to walk the walk, fit an outlet to the end of the tank and keep the regulator out of the picture. That, combined with 10mm ID hose and Euro (XF) fittings will make your tool shine.

 

[Beanwood]

fit an outlet to the end of the tank and keep the regulator out of the picture

Really ????? So, you want to put a QD connector straight onto the tank output?? Well - that'll make a bit of a 'hiss' when it get's disconnected !!
Personally I'd really NOT recommend that one. (Unless of course you were joking - which may not be the best given the OP's knowledge on Air tools/pressures etc ??)

 

[anto44]

Really ????? So, you want to put a QD connector straight onto the tank output?? Well - that'll make a bit of a 'hiss' when it get's disconnected !!
Personally I'd really NOT recommend that one. (Unless of course you were joking - which may not be the best given the OP's knowledge on Air tools/pressures etc ??)

QD fittings screwed straight into the tank is common place. I don't see what's wrong with it?

 

[brightspark]

no restriction on my outlet one end direct from tank other end a regulator on tank . u cant disconnect the fitting unless there is no pressure in pipe

 

[Farside]

Really ????? So, you want to put a QD connector straight onto the tank output?? Well - that'll make a bit of a 'hiss' when it get's disconnected !!
Personally I'd really NOT recommend that one. (Unless of course you were joking - which may not be the best given the OP's knowledge on Air tools/pressures etc ??)

Put a lever valve on it first, of course, if you're that bothered.
And you can keep your disapproving head-shaking stuff to yourself, matey.