Da sander issues

[joesquid]

I know there's got to be a simple solution to this problem and i'm hoping one of you gurus has it.  I'm using a Porter Cable 6" DA pneumatic sander and keep getting condensation buildup.  I have a filter installed at the compressor and the air hose always blows dry air when I use the air blower to blow stuff down, but the  '>  sander just constantly drips and flings water everywhere.  Any suggestions?  Here's a pic of what I'm using.

[loman4ec]

Mine does the same thing.

[MCarter]

Put a dryer filter on your compressor. Or a drain on your line.
I sell compressors for a living so your problem is common.
Matt

[Jim]

Eric,

If this is the compressor that you prime with and possibly paint with, I suggest getting a good water filter/separator. As Matt stated, placing a drain in the line will allow you to periodically drain the line of water. This may not apply since you could be coming right off the compressor...

If you have piped the work area for air connections, be sure to put a water trap w/ a petcock valve  at each connection location. (See diagram)

Additionally, I always utilize the disposable ball filters at the tool too! I'll usually keep these on to get any last condensation that may sneek through the hose...

[sodaworks]

Most people install a filter and water trap right at the compressor. I as well did the same thing and had the same results, water in tools,etc. I did a little research and learned that water condenses in the air line within 35' of leaving the comp. tank. I mounted my water trap and filter 50' down stream of the tank and all my moisture problems went away. I too like Jim, use a extra pre-filter on all my paint guns. Just keep in mind that you also need to apply about 3 drops of air tool lubricant daily into the inlet of your air tools.

[sodaworks]

Most people install a filter and water trap right at the compressor. I as well did the same thing and had the same results, water in tools,etc. I did a little research and learned that water condenses in the air line within 35' of leaving the comp. tank. I mounted my water trap and filter 50' down stream of the tank and all my moisture problems went away. I too like Jim, use a extra pre-filter on all my paint guns. Just keep in mind that you also need to apply about 3 drops of air tool lubricant daily into the inlet of your air tools.

[sodaworks]

Eric,
  If you like using a 6" dual action sander you would really like using 8" random orbital sander. You get 2" more pad space and better results. '>

[joesquid]

Thanks for all the info guys!  As of right now I'm using the poor man's air compressor setup.  4HP 15 gallon compressor and a 50 ft hoze.  As much as I move for the military, a permanent setup just isn't a viable option yet.  I've already got one filter/separator at the compressor so will try the throw-away balls on the DA Sander.

Also, Terry, where do you find an 8" DA sander?

Thanks Again!

[Eric]

MCarter (Matt)
Great that you've joined .... good input! You'll have a lot of knowledge us
trying to do it ourselves are gonna need!

Eric

[txturbo]

I remember way back when I used to have those same problems. I tried all kinds of filters,traps etc....but none of them worked very well. Finally found a solution. I live in South Texas. Very humid in the summer. I went and bought a 20 foot piece of galvanized 3/4" pipe and mounted it on the wall in my garage with a slight downward slope towards the compressor. On the far end I made a 6" riser with a quick connect on the end. No more problems. The metal pipe cools the air which condenses the moisture out and it drains back toward the compressor tank. I also have a short piece of rubber hose connecting the outlet of the tank to the pipe on the wall. Helps keep the heat from transferring from the tank to the pipe.

[Jim]

Now that's a creative mind at work!
Excellent suggestion Dan!

[sodaworks]

Eric,
 Check with yopur automotive paint supplier. Mine cost around 150 bucks and worth every penny. '>

[txturbo]

Thanks Jim.....sometimes it hurts when I think that hard.

[sodaworks]

I ran a 3/4" rubber hose with CP couplings right off of my compressor, this assorbs any vibrations. The 3/4" hose connects onto 1" heavy wall PVC piping that runs through my shop attic and into a series of pulldown hose reels (5) on the ceiling and a couple of stationary couplings on the walls. This keeps all my air hoses up off of the floor. I also mounted 5 electrical ext. cord reels on the ceiling, this also helps keep the floor clear. '>

[txturbo]

Quote (joesquid @ July 17 2005,7:12)

I know there's got to be a simple solution to this problem and i'm hoping one of you gurus has it.  I'm using a Porter Cable 6" DA pneumatic sander and keep getting condensation buildup.  I have a filter installed at the compressor and the air hose always blows dry air when I use the air blower to blow stuff down, but the  '>  sander just constantly drips and flings water everywhere.  Any suggestions?  Here's a pic of what I'm using.

Another thing I've learned from experience is that water filters/separators don't work very well when placed near the compressor tank. The water is in vapor form at that point and most of it will pass right through. They work best when moved away from the tank and on the end of a metal air line just before the quick connect fitting for your hose. That way the air has had enough time to cool and condense out the water. Then if any is left at that point the seperator can take care of it.

[sodaworks]

txturbo,  Your right that's the same reason why I mounted my water trap and filter 50' down stream of the tank and all my moisture problems went away.