Air blower designed for cleaning computers.

[contink]

Hmm... I'm looking for something that will be useful for cleaning projector filters as part of my maintenance routine..

 

Thanks for the suggestions so far...

[ejsaunders]

Just a FYI since someone might want to know, you can get a moisture trap for a compressor, and there IS one for computers, its a transportable compressor with a strap to wear it too, but personally, I like the INDY 5000, but I'm unsure if its still manufactured. Its a bit heavy, but it has a handle for carrying and you generally leave it on the floor if you start spraying.

 

Also, a tank-based is best for long-term jobs, there isn't enough pressure for a good blow if its really clogged on a non-tank (I'm also an artist, and use airbrushes regularly) model. If you don't have a tank, let it 'charge' between blows so there's some air in the tinky built-in tank, and the hose, or do short sharp blasts.

 

Don't use a huge 2Ltr tank one tho, unless you're alone, it'll sound like a tank being humped by a rhino.

 

B&Q do two these days that are portable, but this one has a small tank:

 

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9376648&bqrefcmp=AW&bqrefcre=AW_AFFILIATES&ecamp=aff-p9-awin-001

Edited January 29, 2009 by ejsaunders

[Andrew_C]

Airmaster - Airmaster Air Compressor -Tiger 6/7 - 'Airmaster' Diy & Semi Pro Air Compressors - Machine Mart

This product is no longer available. is what Machine Mart have to say about that.

[HarryMonkey]

Get a 3 litre scuba cylinder and a first stage regulator from ebay. Delivers as much pressure as you're ever likely to need and can be refilled at a couple of quid a time from your local dive shop.

[ninjabeaver]

I've used a compressor for cleaning PC's for years. You only get moisture build up if you don't release it using the thumb screw on the bottom of the compressors body.

 

I actually find that the air cans spray moisture and then freeze it onto what you are spraying, and after buying 10 to 20 cans of air you could of bought a decent compressor and 5 piece kit from screwfix.

 

They usually have a deal on compressors there once a month.

[plexer]

You may have trouble getting a scuba tank refilled depends on the shop, some will do it if it's marked for surface use only.

 

Others won't fill it unless you have a diving cert.

 

Plus you need to have the tank tested every few years, I think 5 years for surface used ones?

 

Your local fire station might fill it for you.

 

Other than that I have a toner vac, this is anti static and has a filter to trap toner particles as well.

 

Ben

[HarryMonkey]

You may have trouble getting a scuba tank refilled depends on the shop, some will do it if it's marked for surface use only.

 

Others won't fill it unless you have a diving cert.

 

Plus you need to have the tank tested every few years, I think 5 years for surface used ones?

 

 

Ben

 

I have never come across a dive shop that won't fill a cylinder (unless it's out of test). Neither have I ever had to show a qualification (for plain air)

There's no such thing as a surface only scuba cylinder.

 

They need testing every 5 years, costs about £25 ... about the same as 8 cans of air duster.

[plexer]

No there is no such thing as a surface only cylinder however one that is only used on the surface should be marked as such.

 

Cylinders

 

You should still have to show a cert for plain air otherwise it's irresponsible for the shop to fill a tank.

 

Ben

[HarryMonkey]

You should still have to show a cert for plain air otherwise it's irresponsible for the shop to fill a tank.

 

Ben

 

Why is it?

[ejsaunders]

I've got friends who do airbrushing with SCUBA, and they refill at the pumps (you know the air comp at the garage), dunno if they change the connector, or they refill at home in the garage if they have a big compressor for doing stuff like cars, or whatever.

[HarryMonkey]

They must do because SCUBA cylinders have a special fitting and operate at pressures way in excess of those found in the garage.

[plexer]

A garage based air compressor or a home one will not fill a scuba tank to the correct pressure.

 

You can get stirrup based pumps to charge them up these are normally used by airgunners and take quite a bit of effort.

 

@Stevenewman: Do you dive?

 

Ben

[ejsaunders]

But, bear in mind, that an airbrush operates at the most at 50-80PSI, not at 3000 like a SCUBA tank. There's plenty of literature on filling old tanks at the garage pump online if you want to go that route, but I'd still say, portable compressor is easier to carry than a cylinder.

[ejsaunders]

Clarke Mini Air Compressor - Wiz - Machine Mart

 

Clarke Air Spray Kit - Indy - Machine Mart

 

I use the second one, with a moisture trap, its not silent, so if you have the budget, buy a silent one if you intend to use it while the room is empty but there are still lessons going on, but its portable and well priced.

 

Clarke Shhh Air 30 Quiet Run Compressor - Machine Mart

 

The last is silent, with a built in moisture trap, and doesn't need oil (always a PITA and possibly a contaminant when spraying electrical equipment).

 

THIS: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Palmgren-92102-Tankless-Shoulder-Compressor/dp/B00068U8BW]Amazon.com: Palmgren 92102 HipShot 2 Amp Tankless Shoulder Strap Compressor: Home Improvement[/ame] is the one I was thinking about that is new, but I can only find it in the states atm, if anyone finds a UK link, please post it as its got amazing reviews from several US schools (which is where I heard about it).

[HarryMonkey]

.

 

@Stevenewman: Do you dive?

 

Ben

 

Indeed I do (when the time and money allow !!!)

[Sirbendy]

Stanley APC-OL6-UK 6Ltr Compressor - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys

 

That's the one we've just bought...bloody lovely.

[plexer]

@Steve: Cool I haven't been in the water now for several years mainly time/money.

 

The bit about dive shops not selling air to people without certs is just my take on it being dangerous to dive if you don't know what you are doing.

 

Ben

[Hacksawbob]

use an air compressor here, wear a GOOD dust mask, not just the simple over nose jobs but they are better than nothing, and take the box outside, two blasts in the case and your done.

[AyatollahPies]

I bought a couple of handheld blowers from dealextreme for a few quid each and they work a treat.

[speckytecky]

Any good?

 

Suppliers of PC and Screen Cleaning Equipment and Consumables

[Oakie]

I just received 60 donated Dell and HP computers. The air can thing was just not going to be cost effective. they were 5 years dusty and I used 1 can for 3 computers. No way was I going to buy and discard 20 cans in the landfill. I bought this 40 dollar air blower and it has a 500 watt motor that blows dust all the way across the hall. Amazing product. I cleaned every single computer and every single computer worked afterwards. No damage at all. I held the fan blades still with a pen while i cleaned the power supply, CPU heat sinks and case fans. I didn't want to take a chance generating any electro magnetic electricity and sending back into the components.

 

I paid 40 dollars for it, but now that I have used it I would pay 80 for it. It's that good.

 

 

 

Amazon.com: Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt, 0.75-HP Electric Duster: Home Improvement