reston_ray
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posted on April 7, 2001 04:13:59 PM new
I use compressed air for a lot of chores from cleaning my mice, keyboards, work area and camera to working on inventory.
Annoys the 'ell out of me to pay $10.00 for a can of air.
I usually buy several whenever a local BB or such has a half price sale.
I'm out and nobody has had a sale recently.
Anybody have a good answer to an ongoing low cost supply.
I'm thinking about buying a small air tank and filling it up at the gas station (after I find one that dosen't charge for air) or using one of the small electric pumps you can buy for air matresses.
Any suggestions?
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dman3
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posted on April 7, 2001 04:32:51 PM new
I can recommend this dont buy a small tank to fill with air at a gas station that offers free air this type of air has water in it from condensation inside the tank.
That is the reason for the can small spray cans of compressed air its free from condensation if its stored in the right way.
I dont think I have to tell you what sparying your camera or keyboard with 30% water air combo will do I can tell you this if you do it will cost you more then the $10 the can of air would have.
They do make small tiny vacumes to clean your eletronic things like keyboards. that you could by for them times when you dont have a can of air.
I can tell you them little tiny vacumes really suck take that as you will !!!
http://dman.Dman-N-Company.com
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kerryann
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:13:53 PM new
http://www.costco.com/frameset.asp?trg=product%2Easp&catid=1892&subid=2051&hierid=2060&prdid=10002808&log=
Three cans of air for 9 bucks plus shipping. You can order online.
Not Kerryann on eBay
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uaru
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:26:54 PM new
'm thinking about buying a small air tank and filling it up at the gas station (after I find one that dosen't charge for air) or using one of the small electric pumps you can buy for air matresses.
Dman give good advice in warning about moisture, that is a problem. Another problem is oil. Most aircompressors come in two flavors, regular, and oil free. Your average compressor is going to have a very fine oil mist in it, you might not see it, but it's there.
I've spent a small fortune on camera gear, and the last thing I want to do is to damange the coating on my one of my Summicron or Rodenstock lens. I'm very low tech with my cleaning I use just a simple squeeze bulb. A baby aspirator works great for my purposes, its cheap, effective, and won't damage my lenses.
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Powerhouse
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:30:55 PM new
Thanks, Kerryann. The add only states that it is XL size, which is open to anyones interpretation. I wonder how much it really contains?
GREAT question, Ray. I use canned air all the time in my antique (or 'vintage') radio repairs and could use some cost cutting tips on air as well.
Like you, I usually wait until my local Radio Shack or other electronics store has a sale before buying any. Down to my last 2 cans now.
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kerryann
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:33:31 PM new
I purchased the 3 pack in the Costco location near me and it was the tall can. I don't have one right now to see how many ounces but if you look at the picture of the can on Costco's web page, I believe the ounces is 2 digits.
I also think you have to be a member to purchase. Sorry I didn't include that in the above post. I had completely forgotten that.
Not Kerryann on eBay
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kerryann
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:34:20 PM new
oops
[ edited by kerryann on Apr 7, 2001 05:35 PM ]
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hardoutfit
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:46:37 PM new
reston_ray
Here is what I found to solve this problem. I use a bike hand pump to refill, just uses air, no oil etc.
http://www.cleansweepsupply.com/pages/skugroup14800.html
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rhpepsi
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posted on April 7, 2001 05:52:28 PM new
"reston_ray"....if that is VA Reston...CompUSA just had them "free" after rebate ($5).....
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Powerhouse
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posted on April 7, 2001 06:14:16 PM new
Does anyone know if those air-brush compressors are ok to use in place of canned air?
If you use an air-brush compressor do you need to add a dehumidifier or a filter?
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berkeley
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posted on April 7, 2001 09:10:24 PM new
I have the Costco ones and they are Net 12 oz 340g 374ml. They're great for cleaning dust off of silk and dried flower arrangements! 
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insightwatcher
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posted on April 7, 2001 10:17:52 PM new
We buy 3 cans for about $10 at Sam's. I'm not sure of the ounces, but each is about the size of a standard can of spray paint. We use to have to pay big bucks elsewhere, till we found this at Sam's in their office department.
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kcpick4u
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posted on April 8, 2001 12:27:21 AM new
Powerhouse,
The airbrush compressor will work, however, very limited air pressure! They utilize diaphram construction, aka-oil less. If you are going to use it to clean sensitive equipment, use it straight from the compressor no tank or restriction unless it is a moisture trap or filter. When you compress air it begins to heat up so the moisture in the air will condense and go out the line in large droplets. Which is not desirable to moisture sensitive equipment.
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Powerhouse
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posted on April 8, 2001 02:36:50 AM new
Kcpick4u, thanks for the answer.
All of what you said makes sense to me. A few drops of water would probably help these old tube rigs that I drag out of attics and basements, so it looks like I can use one.
I have seen their pressure output by people air-brushing stuff at the fleamarket and it seems to be enough for my application.
Thanks again!
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reston_ray
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posted on April 8, 2001 12:45:54 PM new
While I see it repeatly on these boards I'm always delighted anew with the range and depth of knowledge and heplfulness exhibited by posters.
I find it amazing (and occasionally a little frightening) that so many people can know so much about minute topics.
Thank you all.
Yes it is Reston VA, and I do usually check the CompUSA "Free after rebat" section in their weekly ad. Must have missed it last week.
I think Ill give Costco a try. I'm not a member but a neighbor is. She owes me a favor as I reached "Computer Wizard" status in her eyes last week when I returned her broken old computer to working status by cleaning the mouse rollers and removing a CD from the 5 1/4 inch drive.
What an interesting world we've made where bottled water sells for more than beer and 10oz. of air costs $10. bucks.
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