Subject: Re: An interesting how-to article :)
From: "Steve Bamford" <[email-masked]>
To: Kaan Gök <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 10:37:57 -0800

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Kaan Gök 
  To: Steve Bamford 
  Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 11:30 AM
  Subject: An interesting how-to article :)

  Hi Steve;
  Here is a compressor modification. I think that will be interesting for your readers:
   
  Modifying your noisy compressor to a silent compressor:
   
  The title explains it all. I was frustrated by the noise of my compressor. I couldn't use it after 11PM because of the noise, and prolonged painting made me distracted and I had headaches after every painting session. Silent compressors are very expensive, and I couldn't find any here in Turkey with a reasonable price. So I modified my existing compressor to a silent one.
  I took my compressor and went into a shop which sells refrigerating and cooling equipments. I explained them the situation, the guy was very helpful and found me a technician to to the installation. I bought the compressor and the fittings from him. The compressor is "Tecumseh" brand and it's power is 1/3 HP. It is a overpowered for airbrushing, 1/4 or 1/6 HP models will be sufficient. It has only an impact on the tank filling time. The technician made the installation in two hours (it requires some welding, better to leave this job to a professional.)
  I installed a refrigerator (or air conditioner) air filter into the air input of the compressor to prevent dust from entering the compressor. As a last job, I adjusted the working pressure of the compressor from 5-7 bar to 4-6 bar to be on the safe side.
  The whole thing costed me 80$, 70 for the parts and 10 for the installation. It is a good value for the money if you already have a compressor.

  Disadvantages:
  -Altough it's not costly as a commercial silent compressor, it's not free. The price of the modification depends on the country you are, it has a range of 40-150USD here depending on the compressor and parts used. You can use a second hand compressor to keep the price down (if you can find a reliable one).
  -If not properly done, There is a chance to ruin your already working compressor.
  -Normally refrigerator compressors are designed to work in a closed curcuit. Moisture in the air shortens their life, but it's a second concern for hobby use. You are going to use it only 3-4 hours on a week max.
  -The welding job and installation can be dangerous if not properly done by a qualified technican.
  -Your compressor's warranty will be void.
  -You have to add oil to the compressor (once or twice a year).
  -The compressor can pump its oil to the air tank. You have drain it more often.
  -A good water trap is essential (If you do not have one already).
   
  Advantages
  -It has no sound, it produces the same noise as your refrigerator. (Which overcomes all the disadvantages in my opinion)
   
  I'm not sure if you can do this in your country, but it is a worthwile option. Remember to find a good technician to do the work, do not try this at home. And do this at your own risk !