SpudFiles

I want to buy a actual air compressor for use with my pneumatic cannon's. I wanted to know what tools I would need to hook it up to a bike valve, and what tool I need for quick disconnects, I also need recomendations on a specific air compressor. I dont want to pay any more then 500$.

http://www.powermate.com/air_compressors/

Just one of many places to chose from.

just some advice, stay away from the cheap 1 or 2 gallons, you will have to wait forever to pump up anything bigger than something that shoots AA batteries.

I recommend a 7-15 gallon compressor. I hear that the "oilless" compressors don't last as long as the ones that have to be oiled, but I've had mine for several years now and its still works.

Get a name brand like Craftsman, don"t go cheap like Harbor Freight. they work, but wont last as long.

Fridge comppressors are the way to go if you have a small chamber volume.. if not then.. good luck :p

Alucard wrote: I wanted to know what tools I would need to hook it up to a bike valve, and what tool I need for quick disconnects

Quck connects are typically either NPT on the other end or hose barbs. Use the hose barb version if you are making you own pressure hose. You'll also need hose clamps that match the OD of the hose.

For installing a quick connect onto something like a chamber use the NPT fitting type.
Home depot air compressor fittings, quick connects to 1/4" NPT:


There are a couple way to interface to a bike (schrader) valve. One way is to just use a tire inflator adpator; male quick connect on one end and the typical tire inflator on the other. Pretty much exactly what you might see at a gas station for filling car tires. The tire inflator should cost perhaps $5. For ~$20 you can get one with a built in pressure gauge. Or, if you can find it, the tire inflator that locks onto the shrader by screwing or a clamp setup.

At McMaster.com take a look at part numbers 6146A23, 6701A41 and 6140A62. McMaster also has the barb version of these fittings.

Most of these parts should be available at the local hardware store in the compressor section.

The hardware store should also have blowguns of various types. Usually the inlet end is a 1/4" NPT female thread. Add the suitable quick connect (bottom-right in the photo above, use teflon tape) to make it compatable with your quick-connect pressure hose.

$6 blowgun from Home Depot;

hi wrote:just some advice, stay away from the cheap 1 or 2 gallons, you will have to wait forever to pump up anything bigger than something that shoots AA batteries.

I recommend a 7-15 gallon compressor. I hear that the "oilless" compressors don't last as long as the ones that have to be oiled, but I've had mine for several years now and its still works.

Get a name brand like Craftsman, don"t go cheap like Harbor Freight. they work, but wont last as long.

Good advice. Most smaller ones are also lower pressure often with a cut off pressure of 100 PSI instead of 125 or 150. I have the little 3 gallon. I bought it because it is low enough power to run off my car.