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04-28-2016, 09:45 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 3,179
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Quote:
Originally Posted by videobobk
Normally only using air drills and rivet pullers
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Those air drills are louder than my compressor :-)
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04-28-2016, 11:29 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 886
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The other reason I went with the California Air Tools compressor was I needed a low power compressor that wouldn't trip my hangar's 15 amp breaker. Airport Ops charges $$ to reset them.
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04-28-2016, 01:57 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by videobobk
Think I will have to give the CAT a try, and will plumb in a larger tank if I have to. Normally only using air drills and rivet pullers, fairly low volume devises. This is the first time we have had a dedicated classroom (not used for any other classes) but size and appearance will make a difference. We may be able to get one free, or at least at a good discount. We won't be starting until August (school year) but will fill you in on how it works out. It certainly sounds like a simple solution to the noise problem, and is portable. (I do have a two stage at home, but it is staying!)
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I bought the quiet CAT. Mine is model 4610A which has two tanks with a total capacity a little less than the model you mention. Based upon the specs, it looks like it has the same motor/pump mechanism. Yours is portable with wheels, mine is portable with a handle. I have transported mine from home to hangar and back pretty easily.
It is pretty quiet but I would swear it's getting louder the older it gets. Not objectionably so, but perhaps indicative of wear? That said, it does the job and I would by another. It cannot keep an air drill or grinder running continuously or even for an extended period of time. They use too much air. When I'm running my grinder, I can easily outpace its ability to keep up and once the compressor starts, it'll never catch up unless I stop using the tool. For riveting with a gun or squeezer, it can keep up with no problem.
You mention adding more tank volume. I think this is a common tactic people use to increase working time before the compressor pump runs again. While that is the effect, once the compressor pump runs, it will run longer to fill the larger tank(s). The logical place to plumb another tank is via the tool outlets which I think on my model (similar on yours I'd guess) is on the tool side of the regulator. Most tanks are rated 120psi or more. On the tool side of the regulator, I doubt this thing would break 100psi after the regulator so you'd be giving up some capacity of your extra tank, not too mention then you might need another regulator to get down lower for tool use. That's a good chunk of air that your extra tank could hold but isn't. You could probably get at the plumbing on the compressor side of the regulator but at least on my unit, it's sort of tight -- doable, but it would require creative piping solutions.
You mention use in a classroom. I don't know what special demands that might place on the equipment. Perhaps multiple students using air tools at the same time? I don't think it would handle that well.
I think if you're looking for something that can keep an air drill running continuously, buying one that can compress a larger volume of air (more CFMs) would serve you better.
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05-01-2016, 01:41 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Near Scipio, in Southern Indiana
Posts: 1,779
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On rethinking this (thanks for all the help with that!) I believe you are right. I think I will still go with California Air Tools, but with two hp. I checked the volume on an air drill, and it is too much, especially when someone else may be using a puller. CAT seems to be the quietest of its type out there, and it doesn't use belts. Regardless of what type guard is in place, they can be a danger, especially in a room full of kids. The two hp unit is a little noisier, but still better than most. Will talk to Lowe's this week and see if they have a "scratch 'n dent" model. Lowe's has been very good to us. You might keep that in mind when shopping for tools...
I am going to post about the new project. Thrilled to get a chance in this school, the first where we were invited by a major manufacturer. Check it out.
Bob
__________________
Bob Kelly, Scipio, Indiana
Tech Counselor
Founder, Eagle's Nest Projects
President, AviationNation, Inc
RV-9A N908BL, Flying
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05-01-2016, 08:51 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Novi, MI
Posts: 107
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We also bought a California Air Tools compressor to build our RV-10 and are very happy with it.
Much, much quieter than our other compressors from Bostitch (pancake) and Husky (20 gal., 175 psi).
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* Flying Mooney M20E
* RV-10 kit on hold
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08-24-2016, 07:51 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Near Scipio, in Southern Indiana
Posts: 1,779
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Initial report on the California Air Tools 10020C, 2 hp 10 gal. compressor: We have had it for a couple of weeks, and it is doing the job. It is quiet, at least quiet enough to not be a problem, and you can't hear it at all out in the hall. We only have two hoses at present, but have used an air drill and rivet puller at the same time, and it doesn't run all that often, and then only for less than a minute. It is reasonably well made, although the wheels are pretty light duty. The line air pressure adjusts well. The fittings are a little tight, when putting in a hose fitting. The drain is too close to the floor. Since I got it for $202.50, plus $56 shipping on ebay, it is a tremendous deal for us. I would really like to have one in my workshop. Will it last? Stay tuned--we will use it pretty hard in the next year or so. At present, I recommend it over any small compressor I have ever used.
Bob
__________________
Bob Kelly, Scipio, Indiana
Tech Counselor
Founder, Eagle's Nest Projects
President, AviationNation, Inc
RV-9A N908BL, Flying
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10-30-2016, 04:16 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Central MA
Posts: 42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by videobobk
Initial report on the California Air Tools 10020C, 2 hp 10 gal. compressor: We have had it for a couple of weeks, and it is doing the job. It is quiet, at least quiet enough to not be a problem, and you can't hear it at all out in the hall. We only have two hoses at present, but have used an air drill and rivet puller at the same time, and it doesn't run all that often, and then only for less than a minute. It is reasonably well made, although the wheels are pretty light duty. The line air pressure adjusts well. The fittings are a little tight, when putting in a hose fitting. The drain is too close to the floor. Since I got it for $202.50, plus $56 shipping on ebay, it is a tremendous deal for us. I would really like to have one in my workshop. Will it last? Stay tuned--we will use it pretty hard in the next year or so. At present, I recommend it over any small compressor I have ever used.
Bob
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Sorry to bring an old thread back to life, but I'm considering this compressor for my build. How's it holding up?
__________________
Mike Lemovitz
RV-??
VAF Dues Paid October 2016
Blog and Build Log: PilotFuse.Com
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10-30-2016, 05:33 PM
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Stockton, California
Posts: 296
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Build a sound box!
mjb
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10-30-2016, 09:59 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Palm City, FL
Posts: 315
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scuba tanks
A friend of mine built an entire RV-7 in with scuba tanks and a first stage regulator. It doesn't get any quieter than that.
Lenny
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10-31-2016, 06:44 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Dallas area
Posts: 10,768
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc Bourget
Build a sound box!
mjb
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Be careful boxing in a compressor. Make sure you leave plenty of cooling air. Compressors can get really hot and heat is very detrimental to them.
__________________
Mel Asberry, DAR since the last century.
EAA Flight Advisor/Tech Counselor, Friend of the RV-1
Recipient of Tony Bingelis Award and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award
USAF Vet, High School E-LSA Project Mentor.
RV-6 Flying since 1993 (sold)
<rvmel(at)icloud.com>
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