Electric Bill

[Kev Williams]

We have a big 60 gallon, 5hp, 220V air compressor. And when we're cutting that thing cycles about 30-40% of the time. Can't imagine that use is negligible, but I will do the math on it and try to keep track of how much it's running.

You shouldn't be using that much air just for air-assist- I have a HD Husky compressor, same basic specs as yours, it runs about 70% when pressure-pot sandblasting @ 100psi-- If you're using the cone nozzle to deliver the air, you might consider buying or fabbing up an 'exterior' mounted air nozzle, using 1/16" ID copper tubing, you can get a much stronger stream of air using much less air in the first place....

[John Lifer]

Why on earth use a large air compressor? My cheap Chinese aquarium pump puts out plenty of air and it is about a hundred watts... Now with my 38mm nozzle it has a little needle valve. It needs all the flow it can get to get enough air.. I'll be buying a HF airbrush compressor when this one dies.... Heck I'd hate to use my 1 HP compressor

[Mike Null]

John

If you're a hobbyist the HF/aquarium pumps might be ok but if you're running customers' goods then you're taking a risk with that kind of air supply. Both, no doubt, have automatic shut-offs. That can ruin a job in a hurry.

[John Lifer]

Whatever.... My air assist is off when engraving. I haven't found anything yet that has been ruined if it is off. Ill not argue the fact on a clear acrylic it wouldn't be good to be cutting and it fail, but any compressor can fail. Would you really notice quick enough is you lost air due to a leak?

I'll still argue a five horsepower compressor is overkill for air assist unless you are running multiple lasers simultaneously. It doesn't take that much air....But it ain't my money...

[Kev Williams]

Most of us with large compressors have them for many reasons that have nothing to do with laser air assist

-and as long as a big compressor is already in service, there's no reason not to connect it to a laser...

And FWIW, when I find my compressor is cycling more than I think it should, it's because one of my fittings is leaking...

[Bill George]

Whatever.... My air assist is off when engraving. I haven't found anything yet that has been ruined if it is off. Ill not argue the fact on a clear acrylic it wouldn't be good to be cutting and it fail, but any compressor can fail. Would you really notice quick enough is you lost air due to a leak?

I'll still argue a five horsepower compressor is overkill for air assist unless you are running multiple lasers simultaneously. It doesn't take that much air....But it ain't my money...

Agreed. You can also hear the air or aquarium pump running so you know it working. My big compressor would only cycle maybe 3 or 4 times an hour when I was using on my ULS.

[Keith Downing]

Thanks for all the opinions guys. I will say though, there's no reason to really turn this into a debate about the size of the air compressor I own. We use it for spraying and a few air tools also. And, going from the trash air pump that came with my laser to a true, regulated 20-35 psi of flow made an AMAZING difference; especially when cutting 1/4". No more charred edges, a cleaner cut, etc. So, no regrets there.

Anyways, thanks for the input on everything.