A quick mock up of the air assist system for my K40 and Redsail LE400 lasers. It is controlled by a 12V solenoid (So I can turn it on/off with Gcode), and has an inline filter to reduce the risk of oils contaminating the material being cut or engraved, regulator, and pressure gauge. I am making the switch to running shop air from my big compressor, instead of an airbrush pump on each machine. I bought a 3 outlet airline kit from Lowes to get the shop air to the machines, as well as having an extra outlet available for air tools, etc.
I’ve seen many users posting about using shop air via the “big compressor”. I’m curious how large is the big compressor & it’s tank capacity?
In my outside shop I have a 33 gal (125L) tank with 1.7hp compressor. Haven’t wanted to go through the hassle of running a line inside to my study where my laser is so I’ve just been using my airbrush compressor. One day I’ll probably make the switch and do what Anthony is doing.
Email me if you get water on focal lens and have to clean it every 20 minutes of cutting/etching like I had to do when I first started using shop compressor. No amount of water traps with adjustable air pressure valve or just the water traps alone will remove the 0.05% of the water moisture that was making it to my focal lens passed 3 water traps.i ended up making a desiccant cystal water trap just before the focal lens . nebula98@http://dodo.com.au
@Phillip_Conroy a silicagel filter is the solution.