Compressor Cleaning Do's & Don'ts??

[gamename]

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting an air compressor to help clean my (growing) gun collection.

Is there any hard-earned advice you guys can share about that?

TIA,
-T

[baih777]

Compressors are loud. I have two in the garage. A big 26 gallon placed in the corner of the garage. And a bunch of stuff stacked around it to quiet the noise. Then I ran copper pipe and fittings to the door with a extension cord with a switch on it. For my gun area I have a little 3 gallon compressor placed inside the cabinet and a switch on top of the bench to turn it on. I set the regulator to 40psi. Works great . since its in the cabinet its not that loud. You want a water filter on them.

[CoopsDad]

Buy towels at yard sales and lay the guns/parts on them to blow the gunk and solvent off. Using compressed air to get stuff out of little grooves and hard-to-reach places works great.

[Carsgunsandchics]

Oilless compressors make more noise, and run at higher temps which can cause high moisture content in the lines if running for long periods of time. Oil bath type run quieter and lower temp, not as bad typically with the moisture. But regardless run a moisture trap. Try to place it at least 15ft from the tank to allow the air to cool and condense the moisture to be able to trap it. And figure out what is the highest demand tool you plan on using to get the correct sized compressor.

[Canucky]

I use a small pancake size. it's portable so i can haul it around to do odd jobs. You can get water traps so your not blowing moist air. Also bleed out the tank to stop rust. Sorry wish I could explain better. Used to have a monster sized one years ago. (owned a wood shop) As mentioned depends on your application.

[clbshooter]

Go to Harbor Freight and get an air dryer like auto painters use.

[003]

Keep in mind that all compressors collect moisture and much of that moisture is released through the nozzle with the air. Be sure and have a condensation collector (water filter) in line, and wipe the guns down with an oily rag after blowing them off. While it may not be apparent, you are spraying a fine mist of moisture along with the compressed air.

For occasional cleaning, consider using compressed air in can. Costco sells a four pack in their computer department.

[Ron Swanson]

My only advice is to be sure to release all the air after use. I let a neighbor borrow mine and when I got it back a week later there was air in the tank that started rusting the release valve. I've replace the valve probably 3 times now and still corrodes over time. Once the tank starts to rust your hosed.

[CK_32]

I use my compressors on almost a daily basis.

Can't day I've ever used one on any of my guns or gun parts.

[Bullets&Whitewalls]

It is nice to use it on the guns but be careful it can make you lazy. You will still need to use your brushes and plastic picks to get the crud completly out especially on 22 from my experience. But it does speed up the process of cleaning sometimes. Or if your not careful it makes another mess for you to clean when your done with the gun.

[Divernhunter]

It is useful. Just be sure you do not blow small parts/clips/springs way out into the blue yonder. I find it a big help when cleaning up mil surplus firearms packed in grease. I also like it with 22RF when the stock is removed and you shoot it full of brake clean.

[Twystd1]

I can't imagine cleaning my guns after a desert trip without a compressor.

Trying to clean 10 - 20 guns after a long range trip is a chore.

I also use 2 solvent tanks and a ultrasonic cleaner as well.

One tank has deodorized kerosene and the other has 3 gallons of Mpro-7 in it. It makes life much more enjoyable when you have all the tools to clean your guns, tools and various other cleaning projects.

A compressor is one of the best tools you can have for cleaning parts.

NOTE on compressors: Bigger is better.

-T

[RandyD]

I use an air compressor to clean my firearms. I have a small Craftsman 3 gallon compressor that is adequate and costs around $150.00. Take extra precaution with small parts. I suggest using lesser air pressure to avoid loosing small parts, or place the small parts in a wire basket as you use compressed air to dry them.

My cleaning process involves using a sonic cleaner for small parts in a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water. Then a full rinse in water followed by drying the parts with the air compressor. For barrels, I also give them a water rinse followed by a drying with the air compressor. This process is the most effective means of cleaning, it is quick, and it requires very little of my time.

[Old Colt]

Consider a 60 cf (or larger) aluminum (light weight) nitrogen tank. No noise, lasts a long time and is refillable at a local welding supply shop, inert (a concern if there's an open flame near by), and dry. These tanks fill to over 2200 p.s.i. so you'll need a regulator.

[dls]

You will find lots of uses besides just cleaning firearms, so spend money on a good one,you'll have it for decades.

Unless you need a highly portable one,don't get an oil less,for most of the reasons posted above.

And get at least a 60 gal so you'll have a place for your stickers.

This is a 5hp Dayton I bought a Grainger,20+ years old now,hundreds of hours of use on it,polishing, grinding, cutting....




Just bought this 7.5 hp 80gal. one for the shop at work,quieter than my home 5hp. and runs a blast cabinet with no problems.

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