air dryer

[grogsroom]

hi , i just started running my cnc plasma and i have a filter at the hypotherm 1250 and a toilet paper roll filter at the compressor and was wondering if i should put an air dryer and what ones are the best and app. how much , thanks , greg

[plain ol Bill]

Greg the little moisture trap that comes w/ the Hypertherm 1250 (on the back of the machine) is OK if you have VERY dry air to start with. It is more like eyecandy in my opinion. I woud mount your TP type filter close to the plasma unit if you have a long run of piping to get there like I have. If the compressor is close you are probably OK. If you have a high humidity condition I reccomend a refrigerated type dryer. I have one of the Horrible
Freight ones and like it. I think they are around 3 bills now. I run a 1250 on my table also.
I like to put a piece of blotter type paper under my nozzle after the machine has sat for a couple of days then turn the amp knob down till the air starts to come out of the tip and let it run for a minute. The paper will tell you if you have any moisture and letting it run gets rid of any possible condensate in the lines or torch.

[jimcolt]

Thanks for posting Bill......I was just starting to type an almost identical post to yours! I have heard good reports about the Harbor Freight air dryer from other users.....if you live in a high humidity area and do a fair amount of plasma cutting...as well as use other air tools...the $350 or so for this unit will prove to be a bargain over time. Other air dryers that are similar in size (cfm airflow rating) are priced in the $800 to $1500 range...Graingers and McMaster-Carr has them listed.

Jim