What Filter Am I Missing?

[rtbcomp]

I've used a cheap & cheerful one from Thorite and one of these http://www.airlines-pneumatics.com/webcat/Detprod.asp?ProductCode=S050175

Avoid Clarke, they don't seem to last very long.

 

[pedrobedro]

I bought a second hand Norgren one for £15 and it works fine. It has a clear plastic bowl so you can see when it has anything in it.

 

[rtbcomp]

Norgren are a good make.

Note about plastic filter bowls, some are not compatible with synthetic compressor oil.

 

[geoffsurf]

I had a look on the Norgren website, not really sure which one I would need though as there are some different ones. For different size fittings as well I think.

I have never really understood synthetic vs mineral oil. I have just changed the oil and put SIP piston compressor oil in, just read the bottle and it doesn't say whether it is mineral.

 

[rtbcomp]

Go for 1/2in BSP fittings, 1/4 are a bit restrictive.

 

[geoffsurf]

I will have to give Norgren a call on Monday as I'm not really sure which one I should be looking at, they do a few. If 1/4 inch PCL fittings are a bit restrictive for demanding air tools then why are they so popular? I just bought new PCL fittings the other day. Maybe I should change everything I have got to euro fittings?

All the new air filter regulators look so small in comparison to the old one I just broke in the picture. Is it a case that despite their size they filter just as good?

 

[rtbcomp]

The fittings aren't really the problem, as mentioned before it's the hose diameter that can be a problem.

I run 15mm copper pipe to strategic points around the workshop, with 1/4 PCL sockets to connect the air tools to via hose.

Try to position the regulator near to where the air is being used, that way the long lengths of hose are at tank pressure which means air flows more freely.

 

[geoffsurf]

Ok. It is only in my small garage to work around a car, so the actual compressor is only a few feet from me. I will therefore only be using a short length of hose from the compressor. Having said that most air lines come in lengths of around 10 metres and I wouldn't want to cut it as they have proper fittings on the end attached.

I'm also searching for where to buy 10mm air hose from at a reasonable cost. I'm going round in circles on ebay. Air lines are quite expensive. It is rubber as opposed to PVC that I'm after I think someone mentioned? Does 10mm refer to outside or inside diameter?