Quest for Dry Air, On the Cheap Options

[jmill]

I'll be painting sometime soon and recently there has been several timely paint related threads. In the Midwest we're plagued by humid weather and lots of water in our compressed air. I figured I'd share my project to rid myself of water so my paint job isn't ruined.

There are several high dollar units out there to separate water from the air but I'm cheap. I decided to design some piping meant to drop the water out of suspension. All you need is 25' or more of piping, some valves, fittings and good old gravity. I wanted to use copper but it would have cost me over $150 in materials. Going with PVC cost me $40.

I still need to finish the drain and inlet/outlet piping but you'll get the idea.

[J P Stein]

I have a confession to make.
My compressor is an oil-less 30gal Craftsman kinda' like the one in your pic.
I also looked into the prices of air driers....not traps, driers. Uh oh......DIY is supposed to be cheep.

Being a hammer mechanic, I drained the water from my tank and went for it. I also shot it (both primers & top coat) when it was humid (normal for the NW bout 50-70%) and cooler...... about 55-60 deg.

I had no problems with water in the gun or in the paints.....the paint is still on 7 years later.....still a 10 footer tho.
Yeah, I violated every painting rule I ever read about..... I'd rather be lucky than good. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)