Using an air compressor to clean a computer

[George Adams]

Hi, all. Since I often do computer repair work on the side, I'd like to
dispense with buying can after can of compressed air to clean out dusty PCs
and instead buy a small air compressor. However, I'm a bit unsure even how
to go about doing it. I know I'll want an air compressor that will almost
exclusively be used for cleaning purposes (i.e. no air-driven power tools,
no inflating tires, etc) but I don't know how to shop for one.

Compressors in stores are often rated by PSI, but I discovered that at least
in some cases, the PSI measurement only indicates the max. level of
inflation the compressor can put out, not necessarily the force at which the
air comes out. I also see measurements of such-and-such PSI @ such-and-such
CFM, but I'm not sure how to translate that into something I can use.

I also see them sold in terms of capacity (e.g. "2 gallon") which I assume
has to do with how long it can pump out air at high speed before it has to
recharge and refill the tank. I see measurements of HP as well, which I'm
not sure how to interpret.

I suppose I probably don't need something terribly powerful - just enough to
give me a powerful dust-scattering blast for a few minutes (and if it has to
recharge after a few minutes, that's fine too). So I don't want to get
something more expensive and powerful than I need... but I'm not sure how to
figure out what will work for me. And for the most part, Home Depot and
Lowes employees just give me blank looks when I tell them I just need
something to blow out my computer.

So, which numbers in the ads do I need to pay attention to? What features
do I need?

Any buying advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Rick Ekblaw]

"George Adams" <g_adams27@hotmail.NOSPAM.com> wrote in message news:<be0ac101lta@enews1.newsguy.com>... I know I'll want an air compressor that will almost exclusively be used for cleaning purposes (i.e. no air-driven power tools, no inflating tires, etc) but I don't know how to shop for one.

Given that you only want a blower for cleaning, here's another
alternative (it's what I use) - get a good shop vac that has a hose
with a smallish opening (about 1 inch diameter is common). Then buy a
PVC pipe adapter or two to take that 1-inch opening down to about
1/2-inch. You'll have a powerful blower that can also be used to pick
up messes around your shop/garage, vacuum out your car, and pick up
water seepage in the basement (if you buy a wet/dry model). My shop
vac is intended to act as a leaf blower -- the motor assembly
detaches, and it included a 2 1/2-inch long pipe and a nozzle with a
rectangular opening.

To keep the rest of the family happy, I do the blowing outside on the
patio -- it keeps the dust out of the house, and reduces the noise
level inside the house.

Rick Ekblaw

[martin wood]

Hi

I use a compressor - just get a cheap one with a reasonable size
storage tank. make sure it has a regulator - you dont want too mush
pressure ( < 60 psi). and beware - cheap ones can be extremely noisy ..

Cheers

Martin

[Jonathan]

Buy an extremely cheap household vacuum cleaner, fit the small nozzel
and set it to blow! ;)

Or you could get one of those small electric blowers, but I'd get a
mains/rechargable one as anything smaller probably won't do the trick.