One day hopefully my own air

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AirgunBill

Member
Nov 2, 2015
1,272
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Maryland, United States
Like most everyone I would like my own source of hpa to fill my tanks and rifles. And for the typical reasons most people have like saving travel time and cost to and from the scuba shops. I don't go through a lot of air so I would not be putting a lot of use on a unit to top off tanks. I also live in a condo and don't have a lot of space for equipment and want to avoid potential noise. Therefore I am thinking the Freedom 8 shoebox compressor would satisfy my needs. One of the most important factors is to avoid putting moisture into my tanks and rifles. To me I like the the Alpha moisture filter that Joe B. offers. I also trust the quality and performance of his products. I believe his filter costs about $400 and the shoebox will run $999. I know getting rid of moisture and particulates at all points is of the utmost importance. Joe's filter goes on the output of the shoebox. What I would like to know what kind and how much should I spend on the filter going on the shoebox in connection. I want a filter that will do what I need but not spend more than I need. A link to some appropriate filters would be nice. Also what type of fittings I would need to make connections to the shoebox, filter and compressor. Thanks Bill
 
The shoebox compressors require a first stage compressor to hook up to. These are shop compressors you find at Home Depot for pnuematic air tools that usually fill to around 120 psi. I think the shoebox might only need an 80 psi boost, I'm not positive, but if so maybe you can find a small compressor that isn't as loud.
 
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If you haven't been on the Shoebox forum yet, there are a lot of pics of differents setups for the compressor. Check out the California Tools shop compressor, supposed to be really quiet. Also check out the other airgun forums, the unit has been out for awhile and plenty of good info on how people have set theirs up.

http://www.shoeboxcompressor.com/forum/forum.php
 
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John thanks for the picture again. I was trying to figure out what to buy and how much to put into the filter on the in side of the shoe box. What filters did you use there. I know you just added the Diablo filter recently. Was that done to give you that last bit of protection and peace of mind for not getting moisture into your system. I was looking at the California Air compresser # 4610 partly for the quietness of the unit. The spec are for 2.2 cfm @ 90 psi and 120 max. psi. The Shoebox Freedom8 calls for 120 to 125 psi and about 3 cfm. Do you think this compressor will allow me to utilize the Shoebox at near full capacity. I was trying to stick with the California Tool compressor in their 1 hp range and 8.5 amp draw as to not be tripping my 15 amp circuits. Thanks Bill

http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-oil-free-air-compressors/1-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-4610ac/ 
 
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I joined the ShoeBox forum and while not a very active forum got some more useful information. What I am trying to decide now is what Shoebox to consider buying. It appears they both have the upgraded pistons and belt drives. One of the big differences is the fill rates, For those with Shoeboxes which one do you have and what size and types tanks are you filling, from what start and end pressure. and how long is it taking. I right now have a Great White 97 cu. ft. tank and my worst case situation would be filling it from a start pressure of say 3000 psi and going up to 4500 psi. Any idea on how long that would take with the ShoeBox Max or Freedom8. In the future I can see me buying the Guppy 18 cu. ft. tank because of its portability and taking it out in the field. Again any information is much appreciated. Bill
 
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"AirgunBill"LarryK thanks for that information. I did find the ShoeBox estimated fill times chart on their site and that gave me a good idea on filling times too. Bill
Click to expand...
I don't remember seeing those charts. The times and pressures I quoted are actual times it took based on an installed hour-meter on my Shoebox and the tank pressure gauges.

LarryK
 
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Not sure if you are still reading this thread or not, but sounds like we have similar air consumption needs. I bought a used Shoebox Max and it works perfectly fine for my needs. I run it for about 45 mintues about every three weeks or so. I don't wait until my Tiger Shark gets all the way down to 3K PSI. When I know I'm going to be home for an hour or so and the pressure in my Tiger Shark has dropped below 4K, I will just top it off. I don't think I've ever run it for more than an hour at a time, and it has worked flawlessly. I've thought about getting a faster compressor, but the truth of the matter is I already have all the compressor I need for the amount I shoot. I have a Wilkerson (can't remember the model number but it was about $100) filter between the shop compressor and the ShoeBox, but I haven't added a high pressure filter on the Shoe Box outlet as of yet. I live in a very arid climate, and have yet to see any moisture collecting in my tank, but I will probably add one of Joe's filters this year just to be sure.
 
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tsp3355- Even in New Mexico, I have to be concerned with moisture. When you compress air there is condensation, every time! The moisture will damage your tank and rifles over time. It won't happen overnight! The best way to prove this is to open your tank up. With a Shoebox, it will take a while to refill but I would suggest this when you get your new filter. I would personally rec. the filter from Shelden's Sporting Goods, it costs a little more but you will be certain the air will be dry and clean.
It's the best insurance policy you can buy to keep your rifles shooting straight for a long time!

Doc
 
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tsp3355 Yes I think we have the same low air use situation. The main need for my own air would be avoiding the long trip and inconvenience of getting my tanks filled. When I did the pay back on the total cost of getting a shoebox set-up the pay back was way out there. However I am expecting my financial situation to improve soon and the shoebox does seem to fit my needs the best. Bill
 
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