Reel Repair by Alan Tani

My old air compressor finally let out it's last gasp yesterday. It was getting kind of weak anyway.  Wondering if anyone could suggest a good air compressor for blowing out bearings and such. 

Thanks, Steve

I have an airbrush compressor with a 3L tank and auto px shutoff switch tucked under the desk.  Not much cfm but enough for most things, plus it is quiet!
cheers
Steve

I bought a small Fortress series compressor from Harbor Freight, very quiet, about $170 a few years ago, chuggin along just fine.  It may be more than you need as I wanted one for occasional air tool use.  Maybe an inflator might be enough for bearing work.

  Do you want a compressor or just some thing to blow out bearings .
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dust-Off-RET10522-Compressed-Gas-Duster-2-Pack/176165691?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=941&adid=22222222277176165691_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=w

I have one that does it all for small jobs around the house. A cheapo Husky from Home Depo; 3 gal., 125 PSI. But, kinna noisy and just barely inflates an 85 PSI truck tire. 7 years old now. Check the oil, drain the water outta the tank and shoot some lube on the controls a few times/year.

Quote from: ReelClean on April 02, 2023, 06:32:55 AMI have an airbrush compressor with a 3L tank and auto px shutoff switch tucked under the desk.  Not much cfm but enough for most things, plus it is quiet!
cheers
Steve

I like the "quiet" part.  My old one would wake the dead.  I'll look into the airbrush compressor. From what I see you must work on quite a few reels and so must use your airbrush compressor for bearings.  Thanks for the info.

Thanks for the responses.  Here is one I'm looking at.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-gallon-135-psi-ultra-quiet-hand-carry-jobsite-air-compressor-64596.html

Smaller, this is just for reels and sits under the bench.  I have a 14CFM twin cylinder in the garage for serious air.

Quote from: ReelClean on April 03, 2023, 04:18:27 AMSmaller, this is just for reels and sits under the bench.  I have a 14CFM twin cylinder in the garage for serious air.

If you would please send me the info on this one.  I'd like to check it out.  Appreciate it.

Thanks, Steve

If the specs are true for the one you linked, 60bBA seems pretty quiet. Enough to fill a flat or do some trim work and more than enough to blow out bearings.

I tell ya what don't go to Wal-Mart and get the cheapest option (Who woulda guessed?) I got one and I hate it. It's loud, and it's gotta run for like 3 minutes for a 10 second puff. And it doesn't seal well so like 5 minutes later it's empty.

I never use an air compressor to clean bearings.

1. The bearings can be blown out of the races.

2. It is dangerous.

3. Lots of guys like to spin the bearings with compressed air.
   More damage and wear could be done to a dry bearing by 
   over-spinning it for 2 minutes —- then a lifetime of   
   fishing.

4. Ask any experienced mechanic —- they will tell you.

5. If you do use an air compressor —- be careful and wear eye
   protection.  Use an air defuser on the end of your nozzle.

My method is to clean the bearings with an ultrasonic cleaner.
Then rinse in water —- and dry with a portable hand held hair dryer.  Lubricate, test, and install.

Cheapest and safest way to go.

I have (4) Air compressors of various sizes.  And they all have their specific usages and applications.

Best, Fred

Quote from: retiredandfishing on April 03, 2023, 04:36:31 PM

Quote from: ReelClean on April 03, 2023, 04:18:27 AMSmaller, this is just for reels and sits under the bench.  I have a 14CFM twin cylinder in the garage for serious air.

If you would please send me the info on this one.  I'd like to check it out.  Appreciate it.

Thanks, Steve

They are just mass produced Chinese Thomas knockoffs, literally everywhere online:
https://www.sears.com/pointzero-airbrush-compressor-with-tank-1-5hp-home/p-SPM8798490402

Quote from: ReelClean on April 04, 2023, 02:40:55 AM

Quote from: retiredandfishing on April 03, 2023, 04:36:31 PM

Quote from: ReelClean on April 03, 2023, 04:18:27 AMSmaller, this is just for reels and sits under the bench.  I have a 14CFM twin cylinder in the garage for serious air.

If you would please send me the info on this one.  I'd like to check it out.  Appreciate it.

Thanks, Steve

They are just mass produced Chinese Thomas knockoffs, literally everywhere online:
https://www.sears.com/pointzero-airbrush-compressor-with-tank-1-5hp-home/p-SPM8798490402

Thank you.

The Fortress is exactly what I have.....Happy Camper here.