Got my Lindsay graver, need advice on choosing a compressor.

[Rolf]

I plan to have the compressor outside and run an air hose through the wall of my workshop to limit the noise. The length of the connecting hose 2-4 meters. How long can I power the graver with a 50liter tank at 8 Bar?
I'd like to keep the running of the compressor as short as possible.
Any recommendations on tank size?

Best regards
Rolf

[Adrie luke]

Rolf

I bought a 30-liter low-noise compressor.
It's fine for engraving, but it often kicks in because the Gravermax loses quite a bit of air.
However, the compressor noise isn't bothersome.

[smart dog]

Hi Rolf,
Check out Silent Air compressors.  You won't need to isolate the unit because of noise, they are very quiet.

dave

[hortonstn]

Like Dave said get a quiet compressor a noisy one affects your constellation

[flatsguide]

I made an accumulator out of a piece of heavy wall PVC pipe 6 X 18 inches. I used a smoke a small air compressor for an air brush. Works for me.
Cheers Richard

[t.caster]

I use a California Air Tools #1P1060SP , 1gal. compressor. It is very quiet, only runs for a minute or so every ten minutes while I'm engraving. it is set at 125psi regulated and I use a foot control with my Lindsay palm graver.
Harbor freight has something similar in size and price.

[JTR]

For years I used a scuba diving tank at 3000psi, with a suitable regulator. If you don't have diving in your area, use a compressed air tank, Not Oxygen, from a welding supply company. I used an oxygen regulator with the output set at 50psi, then connected to the Lindsay regulator. The tank lasted me at least six months, and cost 6 bucks to refill. No noise air compressor, just the buzz of the palm control doing its work. 

[Daryl]

Further to the compressed air "tank", various sizes are available. When you get into carbon fiber tanks, many sizes with allowable pressures to 4,500psi are available from air gun store sales sites.
Paintball stores also sell and fill "tanks". Prices vary. Adjustable regulators would have to have allowable working pressures to 4,500psi, though.

[T*O*F]

Rolf,
You can run into condensation problems having your air source outside.  Moisture will cause problems with your graver and water filters may not cure the problem.

[P.W.Berkuta]

I have the California Air compressor model 2010A with the 1 HP 2-gal aluminum tank. It is oilless and runs quiet. I have it in my computer/craft room in the house. It is small and light weight. I paid less than $150 for it 4 years ago now I see them for under $200 on Amazon. They are a great compressor! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TDNKBMC?th=1
I have a 5 HP compressor in the garage for the big stuff.

[JH Ehlers]

Lindsay air tools use very little air. I had the same idea with my 20 gal compressor in a unheated garage but condensation would definately be something to deal with. I luckily got a hold on a Yun air compressor for cheap, quiet as a fridge. I believe they are made in Norway.

[smart dog]

Hi,
Yes, Lindsay Airgravers don't require a lot of pressure or volume of air but if you intend to hook in a rotary hand piece for carving. grinding, and background removal, you need a bit more pressure than for the airgraver alone.

dave

[Rolf]

Thank you all for your advice. Quiet a few things I had not thought about.
Ordered my compressor today from a Danish firm called Global tools.
It's got a 30liter, 8 bar tank and a 47-decibel rating. Costs 550 us$, shipping and VAT included.
They had one rated 40-decibel, but it cost almost 3 times as much.

I did check the recommended amazon compressor option, but they won't ship to Norway.

I also checked the scuba tank options, but it would cost almost as much as the compressor I bought. Options are limited where I live.

If the one I bought is too noisy, I'm thinking of putting in the loft over my work room. That should avoid the condense problems.

Best regards
Rolf

[JTR]

Rolf, With your skills, I'm sure you are going to enjoy the Lindsay tool!
John

[Adrie luke]

Rolf 47db is very quiet

https://grs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/004-041_MaxMate.pdf

[Adrie luke]

I forgot something, I have the compressor set to 4 bar