anyone know of a decent, inexpensive air compressor?

[rudeguy]

I mainly want to use it for cleaning out the inside of my computers, so I don't want anything huge and fancy.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

 

[MovingTarget]

Try harbor freight tools? Generally they have the best prices on cheap imported tools, and they do sell air compressors.

 

[ponyo]

For cleaning out the dust? How about using a shopvac?

 

[BoomerD]

For cleaning out the dust? How about using a shopvac?

Yep. All too often, air compressors don't provide very clean air...oil, water, etc. can contaminate the compressed air.
Buy a vacuum cleaner/shop vac that has the option to reverse the flow...so that it blows...

 

[MovingTarget]

Yep. All too often, air compressors don't provide very clean air...oil, water, etc. can contaminate the compressed air.
Buy a vacuum cleaner/shop vac that has the option to reverse the flow...so that it blows...

Good point. We still use a real air compressor as we already own one for other purposes. A shopvac however would probably work better for that purpose though. Just make sure it has an attachment to narrow the flow of air coming out.

 

[amdskip]

I use this for blowing out computers: http://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-CAP20...778233&sr=1-27

Works great!

 

[Minerva]

Hit up craigslist for a belt drive oiled pump model. Do use a filter-drier though! Much better than those new oil less pumps that are LOUD and don't pump worth a piss.

A vacuum with blower is good for getting dust out of the box but won't deep clean like high pressure air can. Just be careful about making your fans whine like turbines. It will wreck the bearings.

 

[rudeguy]

Yep. All too often, air compressors don't provide very clean air...oil, water, etc. can contaminate the compressed air.
Buy a vacuum cleaner/shop vac that has the option to reverse the flow...so that it blows...

very nice! I never thought of that. Could do double duty to clean out my car!

 

[DrPizza]

very nice! I never thought of that. Could do double duty to clean out my car!

Or, the compressor could do double duty to keep your car tires inflated properly. I've noticed that the pumps at the gas stations are now at least $1.00 to pump up your tires. So, assuming you check the pressure monthly, that's $12 a year you could save. Times the number of cars you have & a "cheap"compressor could be worth it. By cheap, I mean good for about 2 things - occasionally inflating tires, and blowing out your computer parts. Using the cheap ones with tool attachments will wear them out pretty quickly.

 

[rudeguy]

Or, the compressor could do double duty to keep your car tires inflated properly. I've noticed that the pumps at the gas stations are now at least $1.00 to pump up your tires. So, assuming you check the pressure monthly, that's $12 a year you could save. Times the number of cars you have & a "cheap"compressor could be worth it. By cheap, I mean good for about 2 things - occasionally inflating tires, and blowing out your computer parts. Using the cheap ones with tool attachments will wear them out pretty quickly.

Meijer gas stations have free air and vacuums.

Just another reason that Meijer > *

 

[Nintendesert]

Just use a straw and start blowing.

 

[Jumpem]

I have this one (minus the vaccuum):

http://www.blackanddecker.com/power-tools/BDCP200AV.aspx

 

[Exterous]

Meijer gas stations have free air and vacuums.

Just another reason that Meijer > *

WTF - I feel cheated. The Meijers by me charges $1.00

 

[iGas]

Yep. All too often, air compressors don't provide very clean air...oil, water, etc. can contaminate the compressed air.
Buy a vacuum cleaner/shop vac that has the option to reverse the flow...so that it blows...

He could step up to a model that have filter built in, but of course it is going to cost more money.

My 25 year old airbrush compressor double up as a computer cleaner (still works great, but it cost $1100 CAD in circa 1985~86.)

IMHO, a $4~$5 can of compressed air duster would serve the purpose that take less space and is cheaper.

 

[Jumpem]

This one looks good for something basic:

$50 at Home Depot
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

 

[Greenman]

I use this compressor,
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

and this vacuum,
http://www.amazon.com/Dustless-Techn.../dp/B000WJMV4C

 

[x-alki]

You can buy cheap, inline filters for compressors. I'm to lazy to put up any links.

 

[rudeguy]

WTF - I feel cheated. The Meijers by me charges $1.00

not if you go inside and ask them to turn it on.