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Silentaire 20 a okay for first compressor?
TopSmith
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Washington, United States
Joined: August 09, 2002
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Posted: Thursday, March 26, 2020 - 01:56 AM UTC
For me, the downside of a compressor is : noise, water spatter/emptying a water trap, need for power, dedicated work spot, maintenance on future worn parts and dealing with any oil issues if your compressor uses oil. The cylinder exchange is the same as exchanging your propane tank on your BBQ grill and that never kept me from enjoying a good steak. YMMV
noobking
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Posted: Friday, March 27, 2020 - 09:12 AM UTC
Thanks again to everyone for the helpful input.

cabasner
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Nevada, United States
Joined: February 12, 2012
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Posted: Saturday, March 28, 2020 - 04:30 AM UTC

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+1 on what Russ said. I wish I went the route of OP and bought the 20A at the beginning, rather than going through all the trouble of finding alternatives such as cheaper compressors that don't meet my needs, CO2 tanks that I can't haul around, plus other dumb trials. I have not needed to fix my 20A for over 20 years.


How often do you change the oil for your Silentaire compressor? I really wanted one of those compressors for quite a while, but the oil change requirement has put me off.
ctkwok
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Alabama, United States
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Posted: Saturday, March 28, 2020 - 06:08 AM UTC
Someone is going to pan me for this but I have not changed oil in 20 years.
Scarred
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Posted: Saturday, March 28, 2020 - 06:36 AM UTC

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+1 on what Russ said. I wish I went the route of OP and bought the 20A at the beginning, rather than going through all the trouble of finding alternatives such as cheaper compressors that don't meet my needs, CO2 tanks that I can't haul around, plus other dumb trials. I have not needed to fix my 20A for over 20 years.


How often do you change the oil for your Silentaire compressor? I really wanted one of those compressors for quite a while, but the oil change requirement has put me off.


That thing needs more maintenance than most cars and, of course, uses proprietary oil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTO0_IZw0OQ
Trisaw
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California, United States
Joined: December 24, 2002
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Posted: Saturday, March 28, 2020 - 08:15 AM UTC

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+1 on what Russ said. I wish I went the route of OP and bought the 20A at the beginning, rather than going through all the trouble of finding alternatives such as cheaper compressors that don't meet my needs, CO2 tanks that I can't haul around, plus other dumb trials. I have not needed to fix my 20A for over 20 years.


How often do you change the oil for your Silentaire compressor? I really wanted one of those compressors for quite a while, but the oil change requirement has put me off.


I changed it probably twice in seventeen years as I don't use mine that often. I think one should change it more. Best to contact Silentaire...they speak and email in English.

The oil also prevents the motor from rusting inside. One thing I've noticed with those non-oil compressors is that after a few years, everything metal inside turns a rusty brown, increasing noise and wear and tear. Remember, Silentaire is just like your quiet refrigerator motor air compressor...it's oiled... and how often do you change your fridge's motor oil? Never. That's because your fridge runs at a fixed air pressure.

If you don't change your compressor oil, it runs the risk of getting sludgy and harder to drain. But I haven't changed mine in years.
VintageRPM
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Texas, United States
Joined: November 28, 2010
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Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2020 - 01:23 AM UTC

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Someone is going to pan me for this but I have not changed oil in 20 years.


Same with me. But then the Silentaire Scorpian 2 I have requires no maintenance. :-)

Mike
Removed by original poster on 03/29/20 - 20:13:30 (GMT).
exgrunt
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Massachusetts, United States
Joined: December 17, 2013
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Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2020 - 03:01 AM UTC

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My first source of air was the spare tire in my '71 Cougar, so I'd say yeah, anything above that is a good start.


LOL, that's so funny. I lived in an apartment as a young kid. Remember my neighbors looking at me like I was crazy as I rolled a spare tire from my old Buick up the steps.
Scarred
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Posted: Sunday, March 29, 2020 - 04:31 AM UTC

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My first source of air was the spare tire in my '71 Cougar, so I'd say yeah, anything above that is a good start.


LOL, that's so funny. I lived in an apartment as a young kid. Remember my neighbors looking at me like I was crazy as I rolled a spare tire from my old Buick up the steps.


Before I got my Speedy I was able to finagle unused spare tires from the motorpool officers. I did get the odd look during room inspections but once I explained why I had a tire in my room they were pretty understanding.
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