Shop made air compressor caddy with hose reel

[Pete Pedisich]

Not a Festool, but made with Festools...
Modeled after the hose reel from ShopNotes #41, I've mounted it to a cart with lawnmower wheels. The compressor compartment is larger than my Bostitch portable compressor so I can upgrade when neccessary, as I measured some small pancake and mini twin-tank compressors and sized it accordingly. It's all different finishes because with the exception of the black iron pipe and NPT fittings, it's made of all scrap pieces glued back together to make parts. Waste not, want not - right? I made it modular - the handle and hose reel remove if needed - as I consider this a working prototype. It works as intended, the compressor runs maybe 30 seconds more to fill the extra hose and pipe, but I can shoot a few more brads before it runs again, too.
The hose reel mount base is tounge and grooved to slide together until the friction is just right, and the tops of the reel vertical supports (sides) separate at the seam line right at the axle hole (secured with dowel bolts) so I can lift the entire reel assy out to repair or modify. I plan on making a cleat on the back to wind up the power cord. The wheels align with the cart handle to lay down flat in the back of my station wagon.
Thanks for looking.

*Oh, I forgot to mention the upper compartment is for a custom clamshell plywood box I'm going to make to fit the space, like a systainer for air fittings, nailers, nails.

Pete

ps - yes, it is too big, If I did it again I'd make it much smaller. The reel will fit 150ft of hose and I only have 75!

 

[upscale]

I've considered making something similar, but for a different reason. I live in an apartment and I'm sure the noise of the compressor is irritating to neighbours.

What I have in mind is a totally enclosed box for the compressor, lined with some type of sound dampening material, but including a source port, filtered or otherwise,  to fresh air for the compressor.

Has anybody built such an enclosure for a similar purpose? If so, please tell me what material you used.

Thanks.

 

[richard.selwyn]

A silly question, but if you are not using a large capacity compressor with air sanders etc ( which seems unlikely in an apartment) have you looked into silent compressors.  They are more expensive if you buy a fancy one new, but can sometimes be found when dentists are upgrading their kit as they are often specced in dental surgeries, or you can make one with an old refrigerator.
I only say this as I have just put a noisy cheap compressor in a sustainer (I posted it a while ago) and it is still noisy - but my silent compressor is too heavy to take to site.

Regards
Richard

 

[Pete Pedisich]

Upscale,

The Bostitch compressor pictured is very quiet for an air compressor, and only draws 7.8 amps. If it were enclosed within a (vented with a mini fan) mdf enclosure lined with carpet or acoustic foam/tiles it would disturb no one. But...I would make sure with an oiless compressor that I vented it actively - not passively - as they can overheat with undesireable results.
With the right interior baffles and sound absorbant material, it can be done successfully.

Good luck.

 

[turbogeezer]

Upscale -
Here is an illustrated step-by-step; probably what you have in mind.
http://www.cianperez.com/Photo/Exposed/album_WoodWerx/Projects/Compressor_Enclosure/Pages/Compressor_Enclosure.htm

I plan to work with his idea, and build a modified version. Mine will be shorter and wider to fit a smaller compressor and a hose reel.
You can start out with the right compressor - I picked the Makita MAC700. It hit exactly the right intersection point for me of:
- surprisingly quiet
- really well-made... designed for the long haul
- enough air (for my purposes)
- acceptable price.
Check out the 400+ glowing reviews on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VK0/

The only negative reviews are because of shipping damage.
I headed off that issue by buying local at our lumberyard/hardware outfit, at a price close enough to Amazon's.

The thing that held me off for too long from getting it was that it is oil-lubricated.
I knew that was an inherently quieter and longer-lasting design, but I *thought* that was a deal-killer for me (I didn't want sprayed oil droplets).
But then I realized I could hook-up an in-line oil-separating filter:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/SPEEDAIRE-Coalescing-Miniature-Oil-Removal-4ZL17

I'm happy.

 

[upscale]

Here is an illustrated step-by-step; probably what you have in mind.

I plan to build something similar, but I'll line it with carpet or some other sound deadening product. I already have a DeWalt compressor. It's supposed to be 70 decibels or so, but to my surprise it's a hell of a lot louder than the one it replaced.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I'm curious what you are using the compressors for?  Based on their SCFM values, I'm doubting you are using it for spraying.  If you are using it for nailing, compressed CO2 is a joy to use.  Only noise is the nailer hitting it home.  Hangs off a tool belt.  I have an extra bottle in case I run out.  Refills work out to $3 for a 20 oz bottle and that can shoot something like 500 brads (though you lose if you disconnect often; get good connectors and leave the gun on it).

I bought a PowerTank system.  I did a pretty detailed blog entry with lots of pictures.  I do have a larger compressor in the garage that is used just for spraying.  I turn that one on and go inside until the noise settles.

 

[upscale]

I'm curious what you are using the compressors for?  Based on their SCFM values, I'm doubting you are using it for spraying.  If you are using it for nailing, compressed CO2 is a joy to use.

Just for interest's sake, how long does that compressed C02 bottle last you? How do you get it refilled or what does it cost you to replace it? Not that a C02 depot doesn't exist locally, but the closest I've come so far to something similar around where I live is a gas station with an air hose.

I've had my current compressor for a little over a year. I *was* using it for nailing and the occasional filling of my wheelchair tires, but much of that has changed recently. I got a great deal on a cordless DeWalt DC628k, 15 gauge, angled, finish nailer. It's a pure joy to use. Since then, the only time I use the compressor is for the ten minute task of filling tires. And, that is at most every one or two weeks.

In all honesty, if I'd had the cordless nailer first, I'd probably have bought a much smaller and quieter compressor. I've considered selling the compressor and my Porter Cable FN250B nail gun, but I've always been loath to sell tools. Dad always told me, you don't sell your tools. So, I'm just following his instructions. 

Now, with all these questions, I'm beginning to think that I should smarten up and consider selling them both and just buy a smaller, more suitable compressor or even consider the C02 option. It *would* be a decent solution to noise and the wanting/needing to build a sound dampening box for the current noisy compressor. Hmmm

 

[PaulMarcel]

Just for interest's sake, how long does that compressed C02 bottle last you? How do you get it refilled or what does it cost you to replace it? Not that a C02 depot doesn't exist locally, but the closest I've come so far to something similar around where I live is a gas station with an air hose.

The bottle lasts a long time; as I stated before, you can get 500+ brads out of it if you are just shooting nails.  It even has the necessary pressure (and more!) to do framing nails though you'll only get 200+ of those from a bottle.

Refill the bottle at any decent sporting goods store; paintballers use CO2 for their paintball guns and this fills the same way.  Again, I get a 20oz bottle for $3 and it takes little time.

I've had my current compressor for a little over a year. I *was* using it for nailing and the occasional filling of my wheelchair tires, but much of that has changed recently. I got a great deal on a cordless DeWalt DC628k, 15 gauge, angled, finish nailer. It's a pure joy to use. Since then, the only time I use the compressor is for the ten minute task of filling tires. And, that is at most every one or two weeks.

Well, if you look at PowerTank, the originally started making CO2 tanks for off-road vehicles and racing.  They have plenty of configurations for filling tires and even "setting" tires with brief massive flow.  I don't know much about that; I drive an SUV through Starbucks drive-thrus (and Dunkin Donuts!).  I have no idea how much CO2 you'd use every 2-3 weeks for your wheel.  For you, the larger tank would be more appropriate than the SideArm 20oz tank (and this assumes CO2 is appropriate for what you are doing).  They actually have a Black Friday sale for the larger tank with tire filling connectors.  I'll pass the link along here though it isn't meant as a recommendation; again, I don't know if filling your chair wheels with CO2 is cost effective.

Now, with all these questions, I'm beginning to think that I should smarten up and consider selling them both and just buy a smaller, more suitable compressor or even consider the C02 option. It *would* be a decent solution to noise and the wanting/needing to build a sound dampening box for the current noisy compressor. Hmmm

The ballistic hose they sell for the PowerTank is really nice, too.  Much nicer than other coiled hoses I've used, by far, so worth the extra dollars.  The bigger tank that's on sale (and likely better for you) can be filled at soda bottling companies, welding supply houses, and maybe sporting goods places (though I bet they only train their people on 20 oz bottles and would charge too much for a big bottle like this).

Let us know what you decide.  Certainly if you find a quiet compressor, we want to know!  (that Makita referenced earlier in the thread has a lot of good comments about its noise, btw)

 

[-The Dutch Guy-]

Hey,

That's a very comprssor caddy! And a nice solution for the irritating compressor hose lying on the floor !
Anyway nice job!

Greetz René 

 

[Pete Pedisich]

Hey,

That's a very comprssor caddy! And a nice solution for the irritating compressor hose lying on the floor !
Anyway nice job!

Greetz René 

Thanks very much, this is my hobby as I don't like television or Golf! (the only Golf I like is made by VW with a TDI in it)