Dust be gone: compressor recommendations

[DrMrLordX]

I'm getting tired of canned air, along with the questioning/dirty looks I get for buying the 3-packs of the things from the local Wal-mart.

So, I would like a small-ish compressor (or what have you) to blast the dust out of my nh-d14 and/or whatever other heatsink-like objects I may acquire in the future. Anyone have recommendations? I don't mind something ugly and noisy, like a small garage compressor. I have no problems taking the computer outside to airblast some dust and grit out of there. The stuff that does accumulate on my system takes a fair amount of air to remove since it settles into place in a 100+ cfm airstream. It's mostly fine-grain, clingy stuff that does not readily release its grip.

 

[ClockHound]

There's the (almost legendary) DataVac: http://www.amazon.com/Metro-Vacuum-ED500-500-Watt-Electric/dp/B001J4ZOAW

I use a small B&D something compressor with a nozzle. However, if the cpu air cooler is really gunky, then dismount and give it a bath in the sink with dish detergent. Air dry, of course.

Damp cloth for other surfaces.

System cleaning is where the custom loop guys save time. Pop a QDC, turn the pumps up and hose the whole system down with the custom pressure washer attachment.

 

[DrMrLordX]

I've done the bath though doing so is risky, since I have one fan ziptied to the NH-D14 which I do not like to remove (the other one uses the included fan clips so it can be removed easily).

The DataVac looks like a good product. You got a product/serial # on the B&D compressor you use?

 

[MrTeal]

Assuming you're American I'm not sure what you have that's similar to a Canadian Tire, but a couple years ago I bought a 2 gallon oilless air compressor kit on sale for CDN$32 to stick in the house. I don't use it much since I have a proper compressor in the garage, but it came with a little air blower, a tire fitting, all the other air fittings, and a brad nailer with some nails.

Something like that would work great for blowing out a computer, and it's handy to have around for other things too.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Metro Data-Vac:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Since it's a "blower," I still have trouble wrapping my brain around the name "Vac."

But it's a lot more effective than canned-air dusters, and I think it paid for itself some time ago -- given the price of a six-pack of those damn cans.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Assuming you're American I'm not sure what you have that's similar to a Canadian Tire, but a couple years ago I bought a 2 gallon oilless air compressor kit on sale for CDN$32 to stick in the house. I don't use it much since I have a proper compressor in the garage, but it came with a little air blower, a tire fitting, all the other air fittings, and a brad nailer with some nails.

Something like that would work great for blowing out a computer, and it's handy to have around for other things too.

Only thing I worry about with compressors is condensate in the tank, though that's only an issue at high pressures/high humidity. Granted, we have hella high humidity around here.

I have to wonder if that would be an issue with the DataVac unit as well. From what I've ready, the main problem is overheating.

 

[ClockHound]

I've done the bath though doing so is risky, since I have one fan ziptied to the NH-D14 which I do not like to remove (the other one uses the included fan clips so it can be removed easily).

The DataVac looks like a good product. You got a product/serial # on the B&D compressor you use?

Fan bathing is trickier.

My old B&D is similar to this one: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-ASI300-120-Volt-Inflator/dp/B000IE0YIQ - except it's round, 25 years older and only works with vintage air from a previous century.

 

[aigomorla]

i use a data vac....

do not use a standard air compressor which has a tank.
Those can compress the air back to liquid and you will be shooting out water onto your eq, unless u have a filter.

 

[squirrel dog]

I don't know why anyone would give you the eye when buying canned air . I find it makes an excellent cat mover as well .

 

[gus6464]

Why not just go to home depot and get a small 3 gal compressor like this porter cable. You will find a ton of uses for it once you have one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-3-5-Gal-135-PSI-Pancake-Compressor-PCFP02003/203254365

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

I'm getting tired of canned air, along with the questioning/dirty looks I get for buying the 3-packs of the things from the local Wal-mart.

So, I would like a small-ish compressor (or what have you) to blast the dust out of my nh-d14 and/or whatever other heatsink-like objects I may acquire in the future. Anyone have recommendations? I don't mind something ugly and noisy, like a small garage compressor. I have no problems taking the computer outside to airblast some dust and grit out of there. The stuff that does accumulate on my system takes a fair amount of air to remove since it settles into place in a 100+ cfm airstream. It's mostly fine-grain, clingy stuff that does not readily release its grip.

I got a small compressor, (cost about $100)it rattles when you run it as it does not require oil changes. I also use a long bristle paint brush(never used) from the dollar store works wonders on breaking dust lose.

 

[DrMrLordX]

i use a data vac....

do not use a standard air compressor which has a tank.
Those can compress the air back to liquid and you will be shooting out water onto your eq, unless u have a filter.

Yep, that's a possible issue. There are ways around it but still . . .

I don't know why anyone would give you the eye when buying canned air . I find it makes an excellent cat mover as well .

People huff the propellant to get high, even though they now add embittering agents to the stuff to stop people from doing that. When you buy it in bulk, it's a bit like going to the pharmacy and buying up as much Sudafed as possible. Not quite as bad, but still.

Why not just go to home depot and get a small 3 gal compressor like this porter cable. You will find a ton of uses for it once you have one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-3-5-Gal-135-PSI-Pancake-Compressor-PCFP02003/203254365

See aigo's comment, though I haven't entirely ruled it out. I just didn't have a good point-of-reference to know how small I could go before it would be too weak to get the job done.

 

[squirrel dog]

I do like that data vac , I have been using an upright with the tools attachment . I will never understand why people want to go through life as a zombie , high on whatever that can get .

 

[MrTeal]

Yep, that's a possible issue. There are ways around it but still . . .



People huff the propellant to get high, even though they now add embittering agents to the stuff to stop people from doing that. When you buy it in bulk, it's a bit like going to the pharmacy and buying up as much Sudafed as possible. Not quite as bad, but still.



See aigo's comment, though I haven't entirely ruled it out. I just didn't have a good point-of-reference to know how small I could go before it would be too weak to get the job done.

The reason you get condensation in a compressor is that the ambient air has a certain amount of moisture in it, and as you compress it you get all that air in a smaller volume. It's initially usually not a problem as the air heats up as it's compressed which raises its moisture capacity, but as the compressed air cools it can hold less water and you get condensation.

For something like a small compressor you use occasionally, it's generally not a problem. YMMV of course, if you live in Florida and don't have AC it wouldn't take much to have a problem. If you are in a standard ~20C room with relatively low humidity, condensation is much less of a problem. That's especially true with how you would normally use something like this; it's not a continuously running compressor where the air has time to cool to ambient. At least in my case, I plug it in, blow the thing out that needs cleaning, and stick in back in its corner. Even if the feedstock was particularly humid, there's not much time for the compressed air to cool.

BTW - I just gave it a test last night, letting the tank fill and then discharging it onto a piece of paper. There was no noticeable moisture. I'm sure I could make it cause issues if I tried, but just having an air compressor with a tank doesn't mean it will be spewing water.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Right, caution can carry the day. Many compressor owners I've read commenting on the process say that you can avoid tank condensate easily with water traps and/or running the compressor at maybe 10 psi instead of going to max pressure. Makes sense.

Around here, 50%+ humidity is common, and I'd be doing most of my dusting in the garage.

 

[Rubycon]

If you notice condensation, aka water mist droplets, etc. then yes you have way too much water for dusting off electronics. While it may not appear harmful, it will kill bearings in fans! And don't even think of pointing that near a display!

For the small (sub 10SCFM) flows for most safety guns, a spindown type dryer/separator isn't going to do very much. It will help with oil if you have one of those compressors, however.

A dessicant based dryer will give sub zero centigrade dewpoint egress air and thus work very well for dusting parts. CO2 or other filtered inert gases are still best for working with displays and other easily foulable components.

And lastly, with drier ambients and dry gas flow electrostatic discharge is certainly possible. They do have deionizing blow guns that contain a small amount of polonium which emits a powerful stream of alpha particles in the aspirator portion of the gun. This virtually eliminates the ESD risk. When ESD safe is mandatory, be sure NOT to use one of these devices past its expiration date or you will basically be using a fancy looking dust gun with a nuclear warning label on it!

 

[DrMrLordX]

Polonium? The Russians must love those things!

 

[cholley]

http://www.lowes.com/pd_470440-30449-0120212A_1z10s3l__?productId=50041084&pl=1&Ntt=air+compressors

these go on sale for $50 from time to time, i got one a couple of months ago last time

 

[DrMrLordX]

I went ahead and ordered the DataVac, but that's a good recommendation, so thanks anyway.

 

[Ramses]

Your best long term solution is a well designed case with good (demcifilter) dust filters. Positive pressure with good filters really, really does work. The difference is amazing.