Knowing Nothng About Compressors, I Decided I Want a Small Misting Device

[redsquid2]

From what I have read, this is a good one: Noga MC1700

...but it requires a compressor. So I started researching compressors, and they run up to $1500 or more, but some are a lot less. Does anybody out there know how big or powerful of a compressor I would need to blow mist out of this thing?

Here are some pictures of ones like I have seen on construction sites, do you think they are big enough?

Thank you,
Andy

 

[Cliff Carter Knives]

Hi Andy, I just went through this exercise about 6 months ago and solicited several makers about compressor brand, tank size etc.

I ended up with a dewalt 15 gallon compressor to run it, and it cycles on about every 5 minutes when I’m actively grinding and have it set to between 75-85psi.

A cheap pancake compressor will work, but the feedback I got is that it will run almost constantly.

As for the misting apparatus, I purchased this one stop shop from Brian at housmade.us. https://housemade.us/products/2x72-sharpening-system

He’s a great guy and the system was tested for air/water leaks. It says it’s a sharpening system but it’s really for any type of wet grinding. Last, I grabbed a gallon of cool mist additive from Amazon to add to a 5 gallon bucket where I have the water. I’ve been very happy with all of the items so far.

Hope this helps!

 

[Stuart Davenport Knives]

I bought a very similar misting system as the OP showed in the photo. I went with a pancake compressor. I only use about 40psi, but the pancake compressor does kick in more than I would like it to. It doesn't run constantly at 40psi, but kicks on every 5 minutes or so. It is NOT ideal if you are grinding a lot of blades one after another. Does it get the job done? Yes it does, but it isn't ideal. I would love to run it at a higher psi, but it does work at that low of pressure. Do yourself a big favor and skip pancake compressors. Put that money into a larger unit. The larger the better, but you don't need a really big compressor.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

80-100 PSI and 2-3 SCFM is what you want. More won't hurt. A 6-gallon tank will do the job just fine. A smaller portable jobsite compressor will work, but rums pretty much all the time.
A solenoid valve with a foot pedal will shut off the air flow when you aren't actually grinding. This will allow the compressor to catch up and shut off during inspections and such. It is much easier than manually turning a valve open and closed.

 

[seanj]

I have a 12 gallon compressor made by Stealth that I purchased used for a good price. Amazon has them new for about $300 and you can get a 20 gallon for about $400. Mine is very quiet for a compressor. Which is what sold me.

 

[12345678910]

SCFM Standard cubic feet per minute at the pressure you wish to use.

Look at the specs of the mister, make sure the compressor outputs that, probably double that for fudge factor.

Specing an air compressor by Gallons- That's the size of the tank.
The motor and pump output is what matters.
The tank is the cheapest thing, easy to upsize it, not at all related to what it actually puts out.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The count points out a very important thing. The advertising for a compressor may show a rather impressive SCFM number, but it is at 45PSI. Look at the SCFM rating for 90PSI to have a better idea of the compressor's ability in real use. Most air powered tools need 90PS to 100PSI at 3-6 SCFM. A blasting cabinet needs about 125PSI and at least 6 SCFM.

 

[ChristoDart]

I run the cheap Amazon sprayer and a dewalt pancake compressor with zero issue. I guess it runs a good amount but not constantly. I normally have on my 3M worktunes so don’t really care.