Air flow

[JohnHaine]

Only thing to watch is overheating. These compressors are designed for fairly short run times in normal use, with pressure cut-off switch. Running for 30 mins or an hour on a long cut they might get too warm. I fitted a computer fan on the back of the crankcase to blow air through it.

[cropwell]

Strange that! I had a LIDL airbrush compressor, with a disposable welding gas bottle to make a reservoir. I only used it to clean down the machine and shift any build up of chips. This has been since replaced with a small Jun-Air compressor, which is nice and quiet and it only cost me £20. It is old and needed a new pipe and a service, but it is a quality machine. Apparently these compressors are used in Banks as part of the security grill system and with the closure of Branches, they are becoming available.

[Doddy]

As others have said, use a high speed and try to stick to a free machining grade like 6061 / T6 (IIRC). I use a airbrush compressor with a small reservoir and a small jet pointed at the cutter. Use standard airbrush hose, about a 1mm hole in the jet which is mounted on a bit of lokline from the mill head so it can be directed at the work. I don't use coolant.

If you don't mind, can you advise compressor model?, also, can this run/provide cooling continuously (say 1hr+.... I know that's probably short for some people)

[cropwell]

The reason I went for the large pond aeration pump is that it can run continuously (24/7 if necessary). It is quiet compared with even an airbrush compressor, pumps out 80L/min free air (70L/min in a typical pond aeration rig) and can produce 0.3 MPa which is 43PSI The ACO-388D costs £40 - ish. When I get my machine recommissioned, I will use it again, with the bigger compressor for large area clearance.

Just a footnote, I started off with a smaller pump, which was OK but not brilliant.

[erniehatt]

The reason I went for the large pond aeration pump is that it can run continuously (24/7 if necessary). It is quiet compared with even an airbrush compressor, pumps out 80L/min free air (70L/min in a typical pond aeration rig) and can produce 0.3 MPa which is 43PSI The ACO-388D costs £40 - ish. When I get my machine recommissioned, I will use it again, with the bigger compressor for large area clearance.

Just a footnote, I started off with a smaller pump, which was OK but not brilliant.

I just ordered thw ACO-328, which is also 80L, will see how it goes, thanks for the help. appreciates.

[JohnHaine]

If you don't mind, can you advise compressor model?, also, can this run/provide cooling continuously (say 1hr+.... I know that's probably short for some people)

Sorry, I haven't a clue it's just one of those generic airbrush compressors. With the cooling fan it can run indefinitely I think.

[Muzzer]

Another option might be a HVLP high volume low pressure paint sprayer. These use a radial compressor, so sound rather like a vacuum cleaner...

I bought an Erbauer one from Screwfix and it worked well for clearing swarf - too well, so the stuff ended up all over the workshop. Until I get round to fitting an enclosure, I am persisting with flood cooling and periodic blasts with a handheld air line.