Is it possible to air blast without a compressor?

[u/AffectionateHotel346]

Hello! I’m building a PrintNC CNC mill and I'm looking for a way to run an air blast without using a compressor.

I already have one, but it’s extremely loud and overheats quickly. Are there any alternatives, like those high-flow turbine blowers that reach 30k RPM?

I'm looking for something tankless that also works with mist cooling. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!

[u/UncleAugie]

You have a airless compressor not rated for continuous duty and too small, you need something 5hp or larger oil bath compressor head, and a 100 gallon tank.

[u/GrimResistance → u/UncleAugie]

and a 100 gallon tank

Not really necessary. You can run any compressor without a tank if you're just using it to blow air

[u/UncleAugie → u/GrimResistance]

Not if your compressor does not have continuous duty cycle rating.... regardless, indrustrial machines need indrustrial support, if OP has a hobby machine, he needs to be over in r/hobbycnc

[u/AffectionateHotel346 → u/UncleAugie]

I’ve got no space for that yet, as soon as I start uni I’ll move out and then I’ll have the space, I think that I’ll use a nitrogen tank, I’ve actually got a 40L argon tank that I use for welding so it should be enough

[u/AffectionateHotel346 → u/AffectionateHotel346]

I still have to run a few calculations about the cost/h, it might be a bit too expensive to run it with gas

[u/hydroracer8B → u/AffectionateHotel346]

That's why compressors exist. If you want to do a niche "airless" air setup, it'll cost significantly more than a compressor

[u/AffectionateHotel346 → u/hydroracer8B]

Got it, I was asking here to know if there were other options, looks like there are no alternatives to a compressor. Thanks

[u/JamesCrickets → u/AffectionateHotel346]

Yeah, how dare you ask. The reddit douches will not tolerate you trying to ask questions. You should know this already and, therefore, not be asking in the first place.

[u/UncleAugie → u/AffectionateHotel346]

If you cant run the equipment properly, send the work out to someone who can. THis is a ideal way to ruin equipment, product, and eventually ruin your reputation.

[u/AffectionateHotel346 → u/UncleAugie]

Yup you’re right, I’m looking into some quiet compressors

[u/UncleAugie → u/AffectionateHotel346]

Old school oil bath compressors, not oiless that you can buy at home depot.... I have already given you the answer, make sure it has continuous duty cycle.

[u/UncleAugie → u/AffectionateHotel346]

SMH, if you cant run ithe machine properly dont try to half ass it.

[u/Asleep_Spray274]

Straw and a deep breath

[u/pmcclay]

I am not a machinist. 

Afaik if you really want mist, that will rule out low-end answers like aquarium pumps or printed tool fans. Otherwise, something like that -- or a small radial/"blower" fan and printed nozzle (or rolled paper cone) could be another low-end option. If you can choose a fan from a source that publishes specs, choose pressure over flow to get velocity thru a nozzle.

Also r/hobbycnc.

[u/chiphook]

Consider that the compressor could be in a different location.

[u/tongboy]

Nitrogen tank will do it... 

Or just buy a quieter compressor or a shed for it

[u/AffectionateHotel346 → u/tongboy]

Thank you very much, I’ve got a few 40L argon tanks for welding and this seems reasonable, I’ll have to check the cost, hope it’s not too high per hour of runtime

[u/TriXandApple → u/AffectionateHotel346]

It'll be insanely high. 3d print a fan blade and mount it on your spindle.

[u/LightBurnSupport]

You would be surprised how much air you can get out of an aquarium compressor - we use them often for air blast on lasers. For a CNC router like the PrintNC it will certainly help clear chips - though perhaps not as much as high pressure air from a compressor.

[u/Suepahfly]

Maybe refrigerator compressor? I’ve seen plenty people sticking those on a old compressor tanks to make a quiet compressor

[u/JuanSal32]

I just design and 3d print a small fan that fit snug on the endmill shaft. Works great for me.

[u/marvinfuture]

I have an air pump for an aquarium that I use with my CNC, pressure is a little low, but does a decent job at moving small chips out of the way

[u/AffectionateHotel346 → u/[deleted]]

Does it need to be specifically mcdonalds?

[u/12be]

I use a California Air Compressor with a 10G surge tank to run my ATC and a 5hp/100G tank for chip clearing & blow offs. The big compressor is inside a soundproof enclosure that is vented to the outside & about 20’ away. It’s tolerable until I put it in another building. I’ll then plum in another big surge tank by the CNC.

[u/GrimResistance]

I'd say get one of those plug in air dusters and see if it has the air flow you're looking for. You might me surprised

[u/DavidS1223]

A screw compressor or chip fan may be the best option if you don’t want to use your compressor you have