Air Compressors

[wykikitoon 21509]

Im looking at getting an air compressor for when I am cleaning my bike. Does anyone know much about them?

 

I basically want to use them to drive the water out rather than using stuff like GT85 / WD40 as they arent good, they dissolve grease thats in headsets & pedals and means servicing them is need a lot more.

 

So, anyone know anything about air compressors?

 

I dont need a monster one. Something simple, was looking at this one.

 

Are they easy, cheap to re-fill?

[sammynb 3640]

Cheap to refill, what do you mean?

A compressor compresses air it takes in from the atmosphere, there is nothing to refill.

 

Things to know about compressors.

You will need to put a water filter on it as although they compress (pressurise) air because there is moisture in the atmosphere, inevitably the final compressed air will have water in the line.

The small compressor you have linked doesn't have a reservoir (tank) so it won't build up a tank full of pressure, instead the compressor has to run continuously when you want air.

Also it's max pressure is 40psi, so if you wanted to use it to pump up your tires on your bike, it won't be able to pump them above 40psi.

The compressor you've linked is perfect for air brush painting, for murals and small area work, that's all.

 

You would be better off with this version:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/...ath/airmaster-2

 

But here is the clincher, although using air, with a line filter to remove water, you will be able to blow out water and dirt, it will also blow out the grease and any dirt that is around an unsealed bearing/headset/crankset will be pushed into the bearing housing.

 

Soap and water really is the best way but don't spray pressurised water at your bike's bearings.

TBH fitting sealed bearing units to your headset, pedals, crankset, etc would probably only cost you what you are going spend on a compressor.

[wykikitoon 21509]

So you know a lot about bikes?

 

I will be using the air compressor to drive out water from my headset, cassette, bottom bracket etc rather than spraying water on it. I will wash the bike then essentially use the wair compressor to 'dry' the bike. i.e drive out moisture from my Cassette, Headset, rear & front mech etc. It therefore doesnt need to be so powerful it does push out grease.

 

I use a track pump to pump up my tyres too so thats not an issue.

 

thanks for the info.

[sammynb 3640]

wykikitoon, when I left school and before I went back to uni I did a plant (heavy machinery including compressors) mechanical apprenticeship, I also build my own mountain bikes, so yeah I've got a little experience with both.

I know you don't need a lot of pressure but I think you'll find you will need more than 40psi but as I said you will then find the pressure pushes the shite into the bearings.

The problem with all unsealed bearings is they don't like pressure (water or air) pushing on their lubricant (grease).

For example when you pack a bearing with grease all it takes is the pressure of one's palm to force the grease into and eventually through the bearing.

Soap unlike WD40 or a degreaser won't cause the grease to break down, which is where your biggest problem is, not the actual water in cassette/headset etc.

 

Another example is when someone uses compressed air to clean their computer, don't use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dirt and dust out instead of air to push it further in.

[wykikitoon 21509]

wykikitoon, when I left school and before I went back to uni I did a plant (heavy machinery including compressors) mechanical apprenticeship, I also build my own mountain bikes, so yeah I've got a little experience with both.

I know you don't need a lot of pressure but I think you'll find you will need more than 40psi but as I said you will then find the pressure pushes the shite into the bearings.

The problem with all unsealed bearings is they don't like pressure (water or air) pushing on their lubricant (grease).

For example when you pack a bearing with grease all it takes is the pressure of one's palm to force the grease into and eventually through the bearing.

Soap unlike WD40 or a degreaser won't cause the grease to break down, which is where your biggest problem is, not the actual water in cassette/headset etc.

 

Another example is when someone uses compressed air to clean their computer, don't use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dirt and dust out instead of air to push it further in.

 

The reason you dont use a vacuum is it creates static which will kill a mobo.

 

You use soap and water to clean the bike. The areas you cant get into to dry off the water, casette etc I normally spray with GT85. So, hence the reason I was looking at an air compressor. If used carefully, its ok.

[sammynb 3640]

wykikitoon, when I left school and before I went back to uni I did a plant (heavy machinery including compressors) mechanical apprenticeship, I also build my own mountain bikes, so yeah I've got a little experience with both.

I know you don't need a lot of pressure but I think you'll find you will need more than 40psi but as I said you will then find the pressure pushes the shite into the bearings.

The problem with all unsealed bearings is they don't like pressure (water or air) pushing on their lubricant (grease).

For example when you pack a bearing with grease all it takes is the pressure of one's palm to force the grease into and eventually through the bearing.

Soap unlike WD40 or a degreaser won't cause the grease to break down, which is where your biggest problem is, not the actual water in cassette/headset etc.

 

Another example is when someone uses compressed air to clean their computer, don't use a vacuum cleaner to suck the dirt and dust out instead of air to push it further in.

 

The reason you dont use a vacuum is it creates static which will kill a mobo.

 

You use soap and water to clean the bike. The areas you cant get into to dry off the water, casette etc I normally spray with GT85. So, hence the reason I was looking at an air compressor. If used carefully, its ok.

 

Not when the thing is running!

 

Good luck with compressor, spend a bit more if you can and then you will have one that you can use for other things eventually.

[wykikitoon 21509]

Cheers for the info Sammy, its given me some food for thought. Much appreciated