Hello all - I'm about to upgrade the air assist on my laser and wanted to see what the minimum compressor tank size should be. Right now I'm leaning towards the little vertical 8 gallon "Super-Quiet" NorthStar oil free compressor from Northern Tool. Or perhaps the California Air Tools 8 gallon horizontal aluminum tank on Amazon.
Are these tanks suitable enough in size to power the laser during cutting operations?
Beyond the needs for the laser, I don't run a lot of air-powered tools. My current and only compressor (for my shop) is a 1 gallon Senco PC1010.
Air Assist - Compressor Size?
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Eric Adams
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Pete Cyr
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Tank size will determine how frequently the compressor cycles/runs.
The CFM rating of the compressor will determine if the compressor can keep up with your use.
5psi supply to you laser head will typically result is 2.5-4 SCFM use of air.
The compressor you listed will generate 4 cfm according to the specs - You could probably run for 1-2 hours before you lost pressure below 5psi at the laser - your compressor would probably run continuously though.
The CFM rating of the compressor will determine if the compressor can keep up with your use.
5psi supply to you laser head will typically result is 2.5-4 SCFM use of air.
The compressor you listed will generate 4 cfm according to the specs - You could probably run for 1-2 hours before you lost pressure below 5psi at the laser - your compressor would probably run continuously though.
Location - VA
Equipment - Boss Laser 1630
Power - 100W
Laser Bed Size - 16" x 30"
Home Position - TR
Full RDWorks Version - v8.01.18
First name - Pete
Equipment - Boss Laser 1630
Power - 100W
Laser Bed Size - 16" x 30"
Home Position - TR
Full RDWorks Version - v8.01.18
First name - Pete
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Eric Adams
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2019
- Location: Decatur, TX
- Country: United States
- Nickname: Eric
- Laser Machine Make or Type: BESCUTTER VERSA
- Laser Power: 150W
- Laser Bed Size: 52" X 36"
- Home Position: TR
- Control Software: RDWORKS
- RDWorks Version: v8.01.40
- Ruida Controller: Other
- Windows Version: 10
- Contact:
Thank you Pete. Can you elaborate on your "5psi supply will result in 2.5-4 SCFM use of air" comment?
The NorthStar description says it will deliver 4 CFM @ 90 PSI and 5.4 CFM @ 40 PSI. The CFM rating increases as PSI decreases. I'm confused on how only 5 PSI of airflow will max out the compressor's output. They only have a 70% duty cycle for these 'quiet' motors on this style compressor, so running continuously won't be ideal.
Do you have a recommendation for a suitable compressor or pump?
The NorthStar description says it will deliver 4 CFM @ 90 PSI and 5.4 CFM @ 40 PSI. The CFM rating increases as PSI decreases. I'm confused on how only 5 PSI of airflow will max out the compressor's output. They only have a 70% duty cycle for these 'quiet' motors on this style compressor, so running continuously won't be ideal.
Do you have a recommendation for a suitable compressor or pump?
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Gene Uselman
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I have been using the Calif Air 4710 [4.7 gal, 1 hp] for a year and have flow gauge as my hearing is impaired, and it works a treat, quiet and enough air to blow off debris when needed .
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Pete Cyr
- Posts: 1964
- Joined: Sun Nov 27, 2016
- Location: Suffolk Virginia
- Country: United States
- Laser Machine Make or Type: Boss 1630
- Laser Power: 100w
- Laser Bed Size: 16"x30"
- Home Position: TR
- Control Software: RDWORKS
- RDWorks Version: v8.01.18
- Ruida Controller: RDC6442
- Windows Version: Win 10
- Accessories: roller rotary attachment
LOL . What a rookie error. You are correct. I failed to account to the change in capacity with a lower line pressure. I locked in on a 4 cm flow rate and did not pay attention to 90psi.
The flow through an oriface at 5 psi with a pressure drop to 1psi assuming an oriface size approx 0.2 will be about 3.5 -4 scfm
The flow through an oriface at 5 psi with a pressure drop to 1psi assuming an oriface size approx 0.2 will be about 3.5 -4 scfm
Location - VA
Equipment - Boss Laser 1630
Power - 100W
Laser Bed Size - 16" x 30"
Home Position - TR
Full RDWorks Version - v8.01.18
First name - Pete
Equipment - Boss Laser 1630
Power - 100W
Laser Bed Size - 16" x 30"
Home Position - TR
Full RDWorks Version - v8.01.18
First name - Pete
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Brian Book
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Hi .... I have the 10 gal. California Air Compressor .... it keeps up at 40 psi continuously .... a great quiet compressor.
Brian
Brian
Ray Fine 80w 6040 110v TL
Chuck Style Rotary
RDWorks 8.01.18
Corel Draw 6
Brian
Chuck Style Rotary
RDWorks 8.01.18
Corel Draw 6
Brian