Air compressor suggestions

[GSCampChris]

Hello,
We are investing in a filter press this year. Probably the stainless steel from smokey lake. We are going to get both the hand pump and air diaphragm because we work in an educational program and would love for participants to be able to use the hand pump to get a hands on experience....
But- with the air diaphragm does anyone have suggestions for what air compressor to get?
Thanks in advance.

Chris


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[wiam]

I use a small pancake compressor on mine.

[tuckermtn]

I have an older version of this - not sure I would say that it is "quiet" but it has been trouble free

https://amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-5510SE-5-5-Gallon/dp/B00NOSCDPA/ref=dp_ob_title_hi

[Maple Fox Farm]

Hi, I am also looking to switch out of the flat filter set up and into a filter press. I'm wondering what your experience has been and how much I might expect to process in a given amount of time with the hand pump set up? Gallons per hour or hours per gallon.

Thanks for your time,
Trevor
VT

2012-2017: 1'-2' flat pan on home made barrel stove, 20-60 buckets

2018: 230 taps on 3/16's
30"x 8' D and G Arch
Small Brothers Pans
Steam hood
Blower
(RO but not enough taps to run it this year)
Home made flat filter box.

[Haynes Forest Products]

I have around 9 compressors and if you like really obnoxious sounds get a cheap oil less pancake type from harbor freight. Spend the money the first time and get a nice oil 2 piston type that will last forever. Mount it remotely away from the bottling area and enjoy your press.

[maple flats]

Haynes suggestion is good but it does not fit all pocketbooks. www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE-6-Gallon-Electric-Pancake-Air-Compressor/4764588?cm_mmc=SCE_BINGPLA_ONLY-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-CompressorsDiyAndStationary-_-4764588:PORTER-CABLE&CAWELAID=&kpid=4764588&CAGPSPN=pla{ifdyn:dyn}&k_clickID=c3c81b1e-f0e5-4309-9e6e-f55449498fc0&msclkid=2d2b688552cf18f1b5523234dc613a18
or https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200405815_200405815?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Air%20Tools%20%2B%20Compressors%20%3E%2 0Portable%20Air%20Compressors%20%3E%202%20-%209%20Cfm%20Air%20Compressors&utm_campaign=Porter%20Cable&utm_content=399721&msclkid=a84cca54677b138d031890e5e990cd78
or any one that will give you over .5CFM at 90 psi will work. A compressor that is oiless with work fine, but they will not last for ever, on the flip side, you can buy them for far less if you shop around. A good one like Haynes suggests will last a long time, and if you drain the condensate routinely it will possibly last 25+ years, changing the oil when the owner's manual states helps too.

[maple marc]

I'm perfectly happy with my big box 3 gallon pancake compressor to power my air pump pushing through the 5" filter press. Yes, Haynes has a point--noise. But even he puts his "quiet" compressor in a different room. I do the same--compressor in the basement, hose runs up the stairs to the kitchen. Nice setup.

[Russell Lampron]

I use an oil less 2 tank contractors compressor to run mine. I put it in my woodshed and run the hose through the RO room wall. The insulation in the wall helps with the noise and the compressor is portable for use elsewhere in the off season.

Trevor if you can afford it go with an air pump powered filter press right from the start. My press had a hand pump on it and I quickly removed it because I could only get about 5 gallons through it before it pumped too hard. My press is a Wes Fab 7" and the hand pump version isn't built as strong as the gear pump version. It won't handle the pressure as well.