Air Compressors --

[GatorGunner]

I suspect there are a lot of "unseen" issues concerning the mass production of an affordable PCP compressor.  Aside from the obvious problem of keeping cost down by finding dependable and efficient resources on the mechanical end, there is also the legal questions that probably come into play.  Such as, what if some grossly amateur diver decides he's tired of taking his scuba tank to the dive shop and wants a do-it-yourself fill station at home?  Perhaps his neighbor has a "PCP designated compressor" (supposing there is one already produced) and he gets permission to fill his tank.  The PCP compressor doesn't have the expensive necessary filters (keeping cost down), only a moisture collector and a less expensive particle filter.  The guy goes diving and gets some sort of viral lung infection from breathing contaminated air.  He sues his neighbor and the company that produced the compressor.  Before you dismiss such a law suit as ridiculous and unsubstantiated, think back to the Phillip Morris law suits some years back.   I know Crosman has a legal source for all their new development pursuits.  Could be the Crosman Compressor is presently a reality that is merely waiting for "legal clearance" to go into production.  

Just a thought, Larry

[airgunbliss]

There is one being developed for paintball, that I have heard about. Don't know if it would be suitable for airguns.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao7aZe4ZQzo

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?t=247451&page=1&pp=30

http://www.automags.org/forums/showthread.php?t=248525

[Thumperrr]

This sounds a bit better than the SCUBA air booster arrangements I've heard of,although it does have more moving parts hmmmmmm.

[Gene_SC]

I have seen this mini pump before. I do not think the guy every went any further with marketing it.  Problem being is it takes so long to pump up a single tank.

[davee1]

thats unfortunate that he didnt make it to marketing....I wouldnt care if it took 6-8 hrs to pump up a tank or even overnight for that matter. As long as I could run it in the garage without waking the nieghbors and it shuts off by itself.

[airgunbliss]

The youtube video was posted on 2/13/2010. Hopefully he is still working on it. My hat is off to anyone that is willing to take on this type of much needed project. I'm sure if anyone here would be willing to give it a try, it would be encouraged and appreciated by everyone.

[kiwi]

But did yer read...It takes 4 hours to fill a 68cubic INCH tank "700cc or so"
so yer looking at 2 hours to fill a gun or 1 hour for a top up...& a 80cubic foot
scuba tank 24 hours  If heat dosn't get to it first..Uncooled..
But other than that is pretty good start...

Pete

[davee1]

He gets away from the typical heat damage by having the motor run slowly. It runs at96rpm if I remember correctly. 24 hours is fine with me, as long as it shuts off by itself.

[airgunbliss]

Looks like he is still working on it. Here is the Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miniature-Compressor-for-Paintball/216287806129

[Ray]

Yes its going in production shortly. Looks good. Right price.

[CaptZippy]

I have an idea I don't know how to operationalize.  Take a Hill pump and build a machine to pump it...where you convert circular energy into vertical strokes that actuate the Hill Pump.  Hill's are great pumps with rebuild kits....the rest of the machine to operate it should be built in such a way as to minimize the stress on the Hill, but pump in such a manner as to fill up to 3000 or 4500 lbs quickly.  I'm pretty sure it can be done cheaply, just beyond my knowledge how to convert circular energy of a motor or pulley to a 16 inch throw with sufficient force for the Hill pump.

[Ray]

to much heat buildup i think. burn out quick.

[Als69GT]

I have seen something like this, They put a large pulley-16" or so- Attach the hill pump handle to it and drive with a electric motor. The base of the hill pump must pivot. It looked like they were turning the pulley slowly like the speed you would hand pump. Looked like it definatly beats hand pumping -

[Als69GT]

It said on face book that it would take 24 hrs to fill a scuba tank. I usually take mine to be refilled at App. 2400 -2600 psi. The top off may only be 8- 12 hrs??   For me the nearest dive shop is 30 minutes away and is open after 11 am till 6pm. This would pay for itself quickly if you factor in the cost of fuel, the hassle and time. Usually the dive shop owner is there and does my top off - fill. But sometimes it is a part timer and you have to tell them what it is for and sometimes they have to call the boss and confirm. ( the hassle)

Al

[TAP]

I have  an FX electric compressor that I purchased used about a year ago for $700 and it works great and sure beats pumping up the reservoir by hand.
The unit is water cooled, quiet and fills the airgun reservoirs relatively fast up to 3000PSI.
It is not designed for filling large tanks, weights 70 lbs and runs on 115 volts.
No longer in production.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l32/togo4it/FXelectricpump.jpg