SpudFiles

well, i have a grand idea for a semi-auto, shell fed marble gun, but i kinda need a compressor first.

my question to yall is what is the smallest size air compressor you reccomend. im looking to spend no more than 120 bucks. right now im eying a .5 gallon air compressor, only 56 bucks.

thanks

you would be very unsatified with a .5 gallon compressor. i have a 15 gallon one and it is jus right for my cannons.

if i had a .5 gallon compressor i would get about a shot a day with my big cannon.

i recommend nothing less that 8 gallons. you get what you pay for.

what about 1.5 gallons?

im looking to use it for rapid-fire applications, not for filling up huuuugggeeee cannons.

and i forgot to mention in rapid-fire applications the chamber is SMALL

If you've got a 120 bucks then go for the biggest you can.


Even if you get a small one, chances are you won't be able to use it for more than 15mins per 3/4hour as they have duty cycles so they don't overheat.

Michael

oo heyyy does anyone know where i could just get the compresser part? i have a couple outdated propane tanks in my basement. those would make a mean air chamber. each one of those is like 2 gallons.

the problem is that rapid fire cannons, even with small chambers, use tons of air.

with a big compressor it will charge itself, then turn off for a little while, then turn back on. a little one will keep running and running and never get a break.

even 2 gallon compressors are really only good for filling ballons, they will not be able to keep up with you, maybe a shot every 30 seconds or so, but thats not rapid.

if i were you i would check ebay, you can get a decent compressor there.

edit- again, check ebay for just the compressor part.

edit edit- i checked ebay, you can get an 8 gallon compressor, new, for about $110 with shipping. id go with that.

My advice is to check the craigslist for your locality. I prefer it over ebay cause you can see what your buying in person before you decide.

what Psi can these cheaper compressors get up to?
is the out put regulated in any way? or do you have to buy a regulator?

my chamber is about 753cm cubed and i need to fire about 7 shots.
7x756=5271 cm cubed about 1.4 gallons for all shots

so if i get a 1.5 gal will the last shot be at a very low pressure?

this website has a handy unit converter:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/volum ... _1034.html

I think most of the cheap ones go to around 100-115 PSI and a few go to 125PSI.

From_Hamsterdam wrote:what Psi can these cheaper compressors get up to?
is the out put regulated in any way? or do you have to buy a regulator?

my chamber is about 753cm cubed and i need to fire about 7 shots.
7x756=5271 cm cubed about 1.4 gallons for all shots

so if i get a 1.5 gal will the last shot be at a very low pressure?

this website has a handy unit converter:
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/volum ... _1034.html

Only the first shot will be a full pressure

Only the first shot will be a full pressure

so it would be cheaper to make a secondary chamber and pump it up using a normal pump?

Cheaper, yes. More practical, No.

This factory reconditioned compressor is $20 over your spending limit, but It is your best buy with a 5 hp electric motor, holds 17 gallons, and has a running pressure of 150psi. Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld ... 54&sr=1-29

I managed to find a 5 gallon 3 hp compressor at Kragen Autoparts for only $90. The compressor pumps fast enough to let me shoot any of my strafers for over a minute (holding down the trigger) without th pressure dropping below 80 psi.