Does this exist? Mini compressor

[Robbos]

I find myself often wishing I had a compressor like I got used to working as a bike tech. But my workshop is, er, rather small. I don't need one for pumping tires, rather for cleaning. I'd love to find something that is manually pumped to create pressure (like a tubeless pump) and that creates a blast of air enough to clean out parts. More power than an aerosol can, but not as much as a full on compressor.
Does this exist?
If not, bring on the mocking!

[parris]

I don't know if this'll work or not but there are portable air tanks that are used for inflating tires and such. they get charged via an off site compressor so they're reusable.

[Robbos]

There are these guys, but all the ones I've tried tend to blast in a dissipated fashion, not a concentrated stream of air.

[chazmtb]

How about a ultra compact 2 gallon compressor like
This.

https://m.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-2-Gallon-Portable-Electric-Twin-Stack-Air-Compressor/1000226861

Relatively cheap at 60.

May not be manual pump but can work for your needs

[C40_guy]

How much air do you need? Maybe a foot pump (that you step down on to generate pressure) will give you sufficient air flow. With a trigger nozzle on the end of the hose to control air flow, you might build enough pressure in the pump to be useful.

You could get a 5 gallon air tank and fill it up periodically with a floor pump (which would take forever) or with a compressor at the gas station.

I use a small 12 volt air compressor for filling tires at autocross events. Good ones aren't that noisy. Most are very noisy! I did a quick google, and it looks like you could pick up an AC version for under $100. The problem is that anytime you need air, the pump will be running. If you have someplace to enclose it, to reduce noise, maybe that's okay.

Or just get a 6 gallon pancake compressor...they're $100 at the blue and red big box stores...

Or the 2 gallon version mentioned above.

You'll find other uses for it. :)

[Calnago]

If it’s just for blowing out small parts etc, then maybe the compressed air cans for blowing out electronics might do the trick....
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/f3fc1b030042772fe4f8637a09bb7289.jpg

[cmbicycles]

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Eagle-EA-3000-Air-Compressor/p70901.html

Is it cost, space, noise, or all of them an issue? There are some pretty small and quiet compressors out there. The above is rated at 46 decibles and isnt in the stratosphere price wise. You can just get a nozzle for a schraeder floor pump, as well but not sure how well it would work for what you are doing. If you are used to a compressor and want the same ease of use, I think you would be better off with a compressor... my 2 cents anyway.

[Jaybee]

If you are going to commit the space to a portable air can, might as well get a 6 gallon or so 100psi pancake compressor. Easy to find light duty versions for less than $100. I use mine all the time, it fits easily in a cupboard or on the shelf on those rare occasions when the shop is clean.

[cribbit]

Why not get something like a shopvac? I do everything from sweeping to detail dirt removal with mine.

[nalax]

There used to be electric powered compressors for use in darkrooms to clean film negatives, enlargers, etc. I had one made by Beseler and tried to convert it to pump tires but it was underpowered. I gave it to my DJ nephew to clean LP's. You might be able to find a used one. Most darkroom gear has relocated to the dump.
There is the Metro Datavac which is for cleaning computer gear. Perhaps something similar might work for you.

[p nut]

Why not get something like a shopvac? I do everything from sweeping to detail dirt removal with mine.

Seems like the perfect tool for the OP.

https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Vac-2021000-Micro-Wet-Dry/dp/B004UQVQ0I

[foo_fighter]

+1 on ShopVac.If you just needed one shot, you could simply add one of these to your floorpump:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61mF1PiwvCL._SL1100_.jpg

The problem is that you need a continuous flow of air. Even with a 3 gallon compressor, I run out of air when cleaning and dry stuff.

[likebikes]

plenty of small compressors available smaller than the size of a microwave.

[ultraman6970]

You have to get a compressor for airbrushing. You can get fairly cheap at harbor freight. Get a good pressure regulator aswell.

[Kontact]

I would second the use of a shop vac with the hose reversed so it blows - some come with attachments for a narrow stream of air.

Another way to go is putting a hose on an empty propane tank and recharging it at the gas station.

[zennmotion]

I would second the use of a shop vac with the hose reversed so it blows - some come with attachments for a narrow stream of air.

Another way to go is putting a hose on an empty propane tank and recharging it at the gas station.

Um, no. As someone who used to work for a propane distributor, this is insane. I know of at least one major fire where some idiot lit up his barn when filling his tractor tires from a propane tank. Really, not going to be polite about it here, this is absolutely idiotic.

Edit: OK reading comprehension- filling an empty tank with air. The problem there is the mercaptan, an oily substance added to odorless propane in order to enable detection of a leak from the smell. The stuff doesn't burn or turn to a gas, so it tends to accumulate in the tank, the older the tank with more previous fillings, the more mercaptan. That stuff really stinks and you really don't want it misting with compressed air, you and everything it hits will smell like skunk and it doesn't wash out easily. I have a little two gallon compressor for tires, it doesn't take up much room (less than a 20 lb LPG tank) and not much more expensive.

[ultraman6970]

YOu can buy an empty tank air tank at walmart and fill that up at the gas station.

The thing IMO is the noise, a vac sucks just because of the noise, an airbrush compressor even a bad one is pretty much silent compared with a vac.

The tank is pretty much silent but you have to fill it up at the gas station for a couple of bucks.

[Jaybee]

Nm

[zennmotion]

Aren't there tiny little compressors that airbrush artists use?

[charliedid]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077V5B8Y5?aaxitk=qXol-dHL9AvluvObE7.0Qg&pd_rd_i=B077V5B8Y5&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=5582544217303223519&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=small+home+air+compressor&hsa_cr_id=8371938770701

[p nut]

YOu can buy an empty tank air tank at walmart and fill that up at the gas station.

The thing IMO is the noise, a vac sucks just because of the noise, an airbrush compressor even a bad one is pretty much silent compared with a vac.

The tank is pretty much silent but you have to fill it up at the gas station for a couple of bucks.

Is noise that big of a deal? How long does it take to blow something out? 20 seconds? Plus you've got something that can be used to also clean up all that dust you just blew out. :)

[staggerwing]

If you've ever used a air gun on a proper compressor, you know that is can bleed a tank rather quickly. My vote is for a 1-2 gallon mini compressor. Once you have one, you will scratch your head at why you haven't had one all along. Something like this: Cheap Wen (https://smile.amazon.com/WEN-2202-20-Gallon-Oil-Lubricated-Compressor/dp/B07641MDQT/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1527100888&sr=8-11&keywords=portable%2Boil%2Bair%2Bcompressor&th=1)

As an aside, they come in "oiled" and "oiless" variations. My preference is for the "oiled" due to the typically longer life, better build and quieter operation. However, both would certainly be OK for occasional use. Also, the specs you want to compare are XX CFM (cubic feet per minute) at YY Pressure (40 and 90psi are typical reference points). On cheaper units, check duty cycle too.

An airbrush compressor simply does not move enough air to be useful for much more than an airbrush.

[KarlC]

This one is really small .......

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Compressor-Hausbell-Multi-Use-Oil-Free/dp/B01HRTK2NG/ref=pd_sbs_86_19?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01HRTK2NG&pd_rd_r=QJG0BFE2KXNXVF520K4N&pd_rd_w=B8MLT&pd_rd_wg=BfZzN&psc=1&refRID=QJG0BFE2KXNXVF520K4N

.

[staggerwing]

This one is really small .......

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Compressor-Hausbell-Multi-Use-Oil-Free/dp/B01HRTK2NG/ref=pd_sbs_86_19?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01HRTK2NG&pd_rd_r=QJG0BFE2KXNXVF520K4N&pd_rd_w=B8MLT&pd_rd_wg=BfZzN&psc=1&refRID=QJG0BFE2KXNXVF520K4N

.

Look at the answered questions on that one! Specifically noted that it didn't move enough air to use in 'blower' mode.

FWIW, I burned up a similar unit in less than 30 minutes trying to inflate two auto tires.

[Gsinill]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81uoLLyX3KL._SX425_.jpg

Less than $100 (https://smile.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-1P1060S-Compressor/dp/B01LYHYHEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527104035&sr=8-1&keywords=CAT-1P1060S)and does everything you need and more plus it's really quiet.
I have the bigger version and use it for all bike related work in my basement, including painting.

[wallymann]

+1, well +2, for CARBs. i have a 2-gal in the basement and 4-gal in the garage.

i lived with traditioinal LOUD compressors for many years, now there's no going back from a quiet CARB unit.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81uoLLyX3KL._SX425_.jpg

[ultraman6970]

WOW that thing is super quiet and the price is pretty good...

[smontanaro]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81uoLLyX3KL._SX425_.jpg

Less than $100 (https://smile.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-1P1060S-Compressor/dp/B01LYHYHEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527104035&sr=8-1&keywords=CAT-1P1060S)and does everything you need and more plus it's really quiet.
I have the bigger version and use it for all bike related work in my basement, including painting.Can something like that be used for, say, painting bike frames?

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[Peter P.]

Great idea about the shop vac! I never would have thought about using it as a parts cleaning compressor.

I have this one (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Shop-Vac-2-5-Gallon-2-5-Peak-HP-Shop-Vacuum/50159049), I purchased from Lowes. It has a blow port, and I bought an accessory kit (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Shop-Vac-6-Piece-Tool-Kit/1084993) which has a very small nozzle which would do the trick just fine.

[charliedid]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81uoLLyX3KL._SX425_.jpg

Less than $100 (https://smile.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-1P1060S-Compressor/dp/B01LYHYHEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527104035&sr=8-1&keywords=CAT-1P1060S)and does everything you need and more plus it's really quiet.
I have the bigger version and use it for all bike related work in my basement, including painting.

You win :-)

[foo_fighter]

Here's another option but it's just as expensive as a compressor:

https://adamspolishes.com/adam-s-blaster-sidekick.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw6J7YBRC4ARIsAJMXXsdk-wD84jBPiqYHGvaTVoneuRx6qHoPwjL7_35RkFJIDwmDytZyF2A aAmhoEALw_wcB

[martl]

inexpensive compressors are noisy like hell (95db upwards, which is nothing one would want in a workshop). some painters/airsbrushers use air storage tanks, home-made or bought ones. It may be possible to fill them with a floor bicycle pump but i guess its a lot of pumping.

[ultraman6970]

Any compressor can work the issue painting is to pick the right paint gun, and filters.

Can something like that be used for, say, painting bike frames?

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[speedevil]

I used one of these for a couple of years until I finally got a proper air compressor. I used it for topping off car/truck/motorcycle tires and to use with a cleaning attachment. You can fill it anywhere there is a auto tire chuck. It's surprising how heavy it gets when there's 100 psi in it.

A lot of autocross folks use it to air up their tires before a run, where events are run in a parking lot without an electricity source.

https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Tool-W10005-5-Gallon-Horizontal/dp/B000FW7W54/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1527334971&sr=8-3&keywords=5+gal+air+tank

[Gsinill]

Can something like that be used for, say, painting bike frames?


As long as you get by with an airbrush, yes.
Anything bigger, probably not.
I have the bigger 2gal. version of this compressor and it is too small even for a little touch up gun.

[Gsinill]

inexpensive compressors are noisy like hell (95db upwards, which is nothing one would want in a workshop). some painters/airsbrushers use air storage tanks, home-made or bought ones. It may be possible to fill them with a floor bicycle pump but i guess its a lot of pumping.

Sorry to disagree, but the one I listed above is less than $100 and really quiet at 56db.

[smontanaro]

As long as you get by with an airbrush, yes.
Anything bigger, probably not.

I guess the next question is, is an airbrush sufficient for painting frames? It seems so, but I've never painted anything with a compressor setup before. (Thinking about learning to paint on a couple frames which need to be refinished.)

[Avispa]

At some point I kept looking for a compressor like you... but I found having hoses and attachments plus the noise, wasn't appealing to me.

I found these very cool:
https://www.metrovacworld.com/product/DataVac_Electric_Duster/overview

They have several models to do just any job and they have enough pressure to clean a bike and parts correctly.

If you still think you want a small great compressor, this brand is very good:

http://www.californiaairtools.com/

[Gsinill]

I guess the next question is, is an airbrush sufficient for painting frames? It seems so, but I've never painted anything with a compressor setup before. (Thinking about learning to paint on a couple frames which need to be refinished.)

Yes, at least for base coat.

I used a "regular" airbrush and that California Air Tools 2 gal compressor on several frames, repairs and full resprays.
BUT, it's extremely slow and hard to lay down a smooth layer on bigger areas, e.g. DT, ST and TT.
Because of this I never used it for primer or clear.

I say "regular" airbrush since I recently got one that puts out more paint, close to a touch up gun (Harder & Steenbeck Colani if you want to look it up).
Tested it on a Silca Super Pista that I am overhauling and it turned out really really well.
I didn't try primer or clear with it yet but given the base coat results, it should be fine.

[Burnette]

I find myself often wishing I had a compressor like I got used to working as a bike tech. But my workshop is, er, rather small. I don't need one for pumping tires, rather for cleaning. I'd love to find something that is manually pumped to create pressure (like a tubeless pump) and that creates a blast of air enough to clean out parts. More power than an aerosol can, but not as much as a full on compressor.
Does this exist?
If not, bring on the mocking!

I get it, you want something that's not big, bulky and loud, something hand held and manually operated.

This will sound crazy but I think it will work if you fashion a nozzle for the end of it. Some time ago we had to buy an inflatable mattress for a trip and it came with a huge manually operated hand held air pump. It puts out a lot of air, it's light weight and of course, quiet. You could make a cone shaped nozzle or a funnel attached to a small diameter tube for the end of it.

Best of all? It's eight bucks. Try it and if it doesn't work you're not out a bunch of money for the effort. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Intex-Double-Quick-III-S-Hand-Air-Pump/33562268

https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/a50c7ce9-3236-4e9d-b058-6101f76fff1e_1.00b4ceb979bf029d40b8f0326e94f576.jp eg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF

[C40_guy]

It's surprising how heavy it gets when there's 100 psi in it.



The trick is to fill it with nitrogen. The tank will get lighter, the more you put in. :)

[martl]

Sorry to disagree, but the one I listed above is less than $100 and really quiet at 56db.

You're right, i was wrong. When i'm looking at compressors i do so with using a paint gun in mind, which require more CFM than the original poster's purpose. then my rule applies: inexpensive, sufficient, quiet, pick two :)