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Smoke Generator…………

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83_Silberpfeil (Post 12031733)

@DavidInc - I was thinking about this option as well. Just took a quick look at Harbor Freight's July 4th sale if there are any air compressor deals. If I acquired a compressor, it will be useful for many other things. And, I could even build a DIY smoke generator.

What's a practical compressor capacity for automotive application, in terms of gallons, PSI, and CFM?

I looked at "pancake" style compressors (6 gal, 3.0 SCFM, and 175 psi peak) --- are these practical for automotive applications, or are they really for carpentry?

Thanks!

Jonathan,

You don’t need a high capacity air compressor for a smoke generator. On the contrary you need a low capacity like foot pump, an aquarium air pump, or even an air bellows. You could build your smoke generator for less $50 total using a gallon paint can and some fittings and plastic hoses. The air pressure should be less than 2 psi. to prevent the POV from opening. The battery operated tire compressor delivers too much pressure and have to turn it off and on frequently to maintain the low operating pressure. You want to create just enough positive air pressure inside the air box and I use a toy balloon as an indicator.

Tony

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83_Silberpfeil (Post 12031733)

For regular garage tools you might want 4-5cfm which is kind of where the limit is going to be with a 120V, 15-20A circuit. Mine is actually only 2cfm but is very quiet. It's too low for consistent use on many tools but I'm not in so much of a rush that I can't wait for it to recharge, and it's quiet enough that I don't care if it runs nearly constantly. It's a California Air Tools 8010 and I love it.

Your standard air compressor for 4+ cfm on 120V is going to be ****ing loud. I hate having one in my garage. I used to have one that could keep up with all hand tools no problem but I much prefer the quiet one even if it needs a moment to catch up every so often.

Edit: Oh and for capacity maybe 6-8 gallons plus. Like mentioned, though, look at the tools you want to use and base off of that.

Thanks for guideline. I'll look at flow and pressure requirements for the impact wrenches, then check for suitable compressor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mixed76 (Post 12031750)

Compressor cfm should match the highest cfm of any continuous-use tool you have or will get.

an impact wrench, even used intermittently, pulls a lot of air, maybe start there.

Sent from my Pixel 7 using Tapatalk

Thanks Tony. For sure, understood. The thinking was that if I were to acquire a compressor anyway, might as well get a properly sized one for typical automotive applications like impact wrench. But, yes understand that smoke test only calls for 1 or 2 psi. The paint can is an interesting idea for DIY smoke generator. I've seen pickle jars used as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boyt911sc (Post 12031782)

Thanks for suggesting the CAT 8010. I will take a look.

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Inc. (Post 12031870)

Yeah I think some might say that the CAT 8010 is under capacity for garage use, which is debatable if you use a lot of pneumatic tools (I don't so much), but I can have a phone conversation while standing next to it without raising my voice or the other person on the line even realizing.

I might break out a pneumatic impact once in a blue moon, and I never use a grinder. It's mostly for inflating tires or blowing stuff down.