Air Compressor Questions for CNC Plasma

[slammedxonair]

OK so I'm looking to upgrade my compressor for my Dynatorch and Hypertherm 1250. I started out just running my machine with the compressor I allready had, a Craftsman 20 gallon, 5hp oil less, compressor, it says 9.1scfm@40psi and 7.1 scfm@90psi. Obviously its slower crap and I have to pause the feed on the cnc sometimes to let it catch up and it runs non stop. I only cut for about 45-60 min usually and alot of times it takes longer to cut than the machine says it will because I have to pause the feed.

Anyways would this be a good purchase? I have don't have much of a budget to work with right now but it seems like a good deal to me. and would hopefully speed up production. 3 times the volume for starters and a faster cfm rating. http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/a...ressor-3310006

Or would this be a better brand or are they pretty much the same? http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...3#BVRRWidgetID

[jeffery71]

I dont' think either one is going to be much better than what you have right now. Bigger tank but that doesnt' mean a whole lot. Its all in the CFM as you know. If the cfm ratings on those two units are correct they may get you by and they might keep up ok.

I think one that would be much better suited for you is this one.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/a...r-5-hp-3496129

I know its more money but its alot more CFM and it is rated at continuous duty cycle. I think Ingersol rand makes the same unit in a smaller tank also. I didnt' see it on the site though.

Jeff T.

http://www.3dcarvestudio.com

[jimcolt]

The Hypertherm Powermax1250 air inlet specifications are: 6.7 scfm @ 90 psi. It is a good rule of thumb....if you plan to do any production cutting...that your compressor rating should be at least double the rating of the plasma system rating.

The closer you rate the compressor output rating to the input rating of the plasma system...the more often the compressor will have to run. A larger tank will only allow a little more time between on/off cycles. For occasional hand cutting use a compressor rated the same as the plasma rating will usually be adequate. The more you use your plasma....the larger your compressor output should be! Most compressors that are not commercial grade (expensive) have limited duty cycle ratings....if they are forced to run often...they will not last very long.....expect motor and compressor failures if you are overworking your compressor. Also....don't forget...you likely have other tools in the shop that require air!

I have an old Campbell Hausfield 13.8 cfm @ 90 psi compressor with an 80 gallon tank that I use with my Hypertherm Powermax45 plasma (mounted on a PlasmaCam table). I actually moved the compressor outside my shop to keep the noise/annoyance level down....it has been running outside (under a roof overhang) for 3 years with no issues...even in -20 degree f weather.

One other thing to keep in mind: The rating for your Hypertherm unit is for use with the largest nozzle...for cutting at 80 Amps. When you use the smaller Amp rated nozzles (FineCut, 40 Amp, 60 Amp) they have a smaller orifice and lower flow rates......so your compressor will run less.

Jeff's suggestion for a compressor is probably a wise choice. The others will work....but would annoy me with their continuous operation.....and over time would likely be more expensive due to maintenance and repairs required.

Jim Colt

[slammedxonair]

I never even saw that one lol 100% duty cycle and 175 psi is allways a good thing lol. Only thing that sucks is its $600 more. I guess I should just keep looking around. I have been watching craigslist but havent really found any deals, although I would rather buy new. I guess I better keep saving. On another note I never use the 80amp consumables just fine,40 and 60, and I have been working on going from 60 amp on 1/4" and 3/16" to 40 amp but I need to keep messing with my settings (mainly to get more accurate parts and bolt holes)

[Mike Ray]

Air as you know is almost as important as the torch itself. Bite the bullet and get a good compressor and and air dryer. Your whole shop will appreciate it !!

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=195

My thread and the Ingersol Rand setup I have. Also look at http://www.pattonsinc.com. Good stuff over there.

Hey wow I have sumpin for Jim ... coool .. usally the other way around !!!!

Everyone check out one of these mufflers even if your compressor is outside.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=213

I have my compressor in my shop (for now) (I have the pad pourd outside now but it aint covered yet.

I can actually stand nexto my compressor and talk. The motor makes as much or more noise than the compressor now. These mifflers go on the intake side (Compressor exahust goes into the tank).

But back to the air. Compressor,Dryer and Filter. You will not regrete spending the dough to get a complete setup in the long run!!!

[slammedxonair]

I looked around but couldn't find it. What model compressor and dryer are you running? How does it keep up with the table? Thanks.

[Mike Ray]

2340L5

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...30-1/p705.html

Air Dryer

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...DS15/p771.html

My system runs fine and keeps up with my Thermal Dynamics 151. It cycles about every minute or so when cutting.

That being said, I was trying to save money and the smaller compressor is an "Entry Level" machine and I have had to replace the motor already (Defective design from IR) I bought a different brand (Baldor) motor since IR was going to replace it with the same motor.



If doing it again I would do it this way. More money but way better quality.

Air Compressor

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...-230/p738.html

Air Dryer

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...DS25/p772.html

[slammedxonair]

The other thing not to forget with the Dynatoch is that is uses air for the cylinders that lock the gear teeth in place.

[WSS]

Slammed,

Did you get a new ac yet? Just curious if it helped at all. I installed a dryer I found on craigslist inline with ours and never even pulled the torch apart to clean during the last job. I am not sure if it was the dry air or not, it just cut good all day.

WSS

[BobWarfield]

Who knew Christian Dior made air compressors?

I have an Eaton I really like:

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/206949.htm

It's quiet and pumps out a ton of air.

Cheers,

BW

[slammedxonair]

No I haven't had the money to buy one yet. I have been trying to save up for the IR 175psi 80 gallon at TSC for $1000
I wish they had more specs listed on this one http://mansfield.craigslist.org/tls/1498552746.html I wonder if its any good.But im to tired to look up the specs tonight.

[grogsroom]

hi i just started running my machine and i have a filter at the hypotherm 1250 and a toilet paper roll filter at the compressor and was wondering if i should buy an air dryer and which ones are the best and approximately how much they are , thanks , greg