compressor quandry

[shootinfool]

Just wondering if anyone has any knowledge of using construction type air compressors to charge a PCP. This is my 1st PCP rifle and I have a couple air compressors I use in my business, but am unsure if they would work. I surmise, with proper filters and/dryers, they would work but I want to confirm (or not) before I try using them. I appreciate any advice that you can give me. Have a blessed day!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bandg]

I'm not familiar with construction type compressors but do any provide the pressure needed? Lots of folks use Shoebox and/or Altaros compressors and those need a basic shop compressor to supply initial air which is then boosted but I'm not aware of any other type of compressor except dive compressors that provide the pressures necessary.

 

[BigTinBoat]

I'm going to guess your "Construction" compressors might get up to 200 maybe 250psi? Most PCP's require 2000 to 3000 (some as high as 4500)PSI to function. Without an additional "Booster" such as the Shoebox or Altaros it's not going to work.

 

[Bruce54]

Will your compressors push to at least 3000 psi? That is what most PCP. air rifles take to fill the gun itself. Many shooters use carbon fiber bottles for storage of additional air in the field. These bottles are filled to 4500 psi. Takes a specialized compressor to achieve that kind of pressure.

 

[Dansker]

You can add a booster compressor module, there are several types google "Shooebox compressor" it will take the "low pressure" from your construction unit, typically 120+psi and output 4500psi.
The shoebox seems a bit expensive, however its got several benefits over the typical $300 chinese unit that require you to feed it cooling water, the shoebox runs cooler because its not doing the full compression only boosting, and its also quieter..

check the name sake out here, there is also a import unit that do the same job for a bit less I believe.
http://www.shoeboxcompressor.com

 

[shootinfool]

Thank you for all your answers fellers. I really appreciate your input. Since my compressors are appr. 120 lbs., looks like I gotta suck it up and get a tank and or compressor. Again, thanks for your time and advice.

 

[GBGUNNER]

Your compressors must be oilless, that is to say they cannot inject the smallest amount of oil into the compressed air. Absolutely none. Most shop compressors oil the compressed air to oil air driven tools and all at "low pressures" High pressure compressed air and any petroleum product will most likely create an explosion. PCP air guns use pressures approximately between 1000 and 5000 psi. Usually 2000 to 3500 psi. NO FLAMMABLE products can be contained in high pressure air( 19 to 21% oxygen- breathing air) or higher % of oxygen. Your investment in a compressor and air gun and quite possible yourself can be damaged or destroyed. Some compressors for high pressure pcp airguns can use "booster" compressors which use low pressure (100psi) compressed oilless air from an oilless shop compressor as the 1st stage air which they boost up to 1000 to 4500 psi to fill the high pressure air tanks and guns. Many of us do this. There are safety procedures to follow. They are not difficult but an error can cause everything from a scare to a SERIOUS INJURY POSSIBLE MORE. Till you get the hang of it make yourself a safety check list and use it. In addition to the compressor you will need some HIGH pressure air lines, one or 2 with pre assembled fittings about 3 to 6' long and a gauge. Ask questions on the forum, view you tube videos addressing filling tanks and air guns. Please remember "OIL LESS" air compressors. The 3000psi to 5000psi compressors that are sold to fill airguns are designed oilless and safe to use, come with instructions, hoses etc. WELCOME to airgunnation.com forum. Join If you haven't it's easy and free. 

 

[Brian10956]

One other alternative is to use nitrogen. You can rent a. 6000psi tank and get a regulator that will give you what your gun uses.

here is an old link there may be better ones around but it’s a way to get started without spending for a compressor 

https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/6000-psi-nitrogen/

 

[vdwb]

I checked on high pressure nitrogen in my state, seems you need a special license or permit to get it from the supply house. And this in a very nonrestrictive state like South Dakota.

I guess they are worried about the dangers of high pressure. A shame, nitrogen is nice and dry. And 79% of a pcp’s charge is nitrogen.

 

[Brian10956]

If your not far from the border go to a neighboring state that has less restrictions

 

[scubajeeper]

Since you have access to what I assume are high capacity compressors, I would take a look at this. I have one and they are absolutely fantastic.

https://www.altaros.cz/en/compressors/48-altaros-compressor-booster-unit.html 

By the way, oil less compressors are NOT needed with this unit. I've had mine for over two years and have had zero issues and I shoot a LOT!

 

[Eddie_E]

I checked on high pressure nitrogen in my state, seems you need a special license or permit to get it from the supply house. And this in a very nonrestrictive state like South Dakota.

I guess they are worried about the dangers of high pressure. A shame, nitrogen is nice and dry. And 79% of a pcp’s charge is nitrogen.

I grew up in South Dakota and I don't think we needed a permit for anything, we just did whatever we wanted. In fact we used to drive 500 hp stock cars around a grass field less than 1/4 mile from the Rushmore Mall and nobody cared. I guess things have really changed.

 

[scubajeeper]

I'm with you brother, I don't want to hi jack the thread but when we were kids and came to a barbed wire fence, the only question was is it loose enough to go between or do we have to climb over and we never had anybody tell us to get off of their land. Now, you can't go anywhere and do anything. I feel for kids these days. Rant over.