Entry level compressors / fill stations for home use

[the_matrix_guy]

Hey, are any of you guys using these entry level compressors for home use? I'm inclined to give one a go. I don't mind filling up to 3k since it'll be more airmithing/teching purposes mostly -- but are there other benefits in going with a more expensive 3 HP 4500 PSI station? I wanted to try one in the $300-400 range but I'm still weighing options, and considering the more expensive 3HP+ 4500 PSI units. If they're good then I'd rather save the money obviously. I don't need to fill up to 4500k, as I mentioned. What are your experiences? Any recommendations?

Many thanks,

TMG

[BenoitOWN]

Well if you can find one a shoebox compressor are greats and could do 4.5k for only a few hundred more. Sadly they are discontinued because of those small Chinese ones in your budget. In the cheap one you will need an oil bucket, something better to cool them on big tanks and a better moisture filter.

[the_matrix_guy]

BenoitOWN Thanks for the input. What do you mean by "something better to cool them on big tanks" like what's a big tank? I'm not trying to fill a scuba tank or anything like that, just your regular 68ci PB tank.

[BenoitOWN]

I’m sorry I got it wrong, oil is within the machine and the cooling is always as it running in a ice/water bucket with a pump and it not just about size of tank.

[Big Jim]

BenoitOWN
I have seen conflicting information. If I set up a couple of 5 gallon water containers can I run one of these long enough to fill a scuba tank?

[the_matrix_guy]

The Yong Hengs and HPDAVV's have great reviews online. Big Jim they seem more than capable of filling medium sized scuba tanks. For the big ones you might have to let it cool off a bit before topping it off. You just need to keep the water cool with ice water. But they're more than capable to fill PB tanks. There are reviews on YT after 1-2 year periods of ownership and they're still going strong. So my main concern was reliability on these entry level models, and even the entry level ones seem to be very reliable. That being said, for home use, it's better to keep topping it off after you use it and never let it go empty. That way you put less stress on your unit and you don't have to wait the whole 15 mins+ to fill a 68 ci (or longer for the bigger tanks.)

I'm still weighing options. The Yong Heng for $300 seems to do the job just fine, but I'm still weighing options.The HPADAVV's in the $700-900 range seem really nice and much more professional (obviously).

[cfos00]

Here's the review I wrote for the Yong Heng. I recommend them.

https://www.hp-wt.com/yong-heng-4500...or-review.html

[the_matrix_guy]

Here's the review I wrote for the Yong Heng. I recommend them.

https://www.hp-wt.com/yong-heng-4500...or-review.html

Very cool site, thanks. I just read your anodizing article and your CTRL review as well. How long have you had the Yong Heng for? And what oil/water filter are you using specifically?

Many thanks,

TMG

[cfos00]

Thanks! I try to put up new stuff often, and hope it's helpful.

I've had Yong Hengs, on 3 different levels, for around 3 years now. The lowest level was an unlabeled one, and it was a piece. The standard Yong Heng was really good, but I absolutely love the high level one with the cut off. It works extremely well. I've used both the synthetic compressor oil that you get from an autoparts store and Royal Purple. Royal Purple is better, but also expensive. I've used them for probably a 100+ fills at this point. They're great. Get that filter. Let me know if you need a link on it.

[the_matrix_guy]

Thanks for the input. Greatly appreciated. And yes, please shoot me a link for the filter.

Much obliged.

[LowBudget]

I have been using a Shoebox for a couple years now and really enjoy it. I probably fill 3 or 4 (77ci) tanks to 4.5k each week. If you can find one used it will probably be in your price range and they are easily rebuildable.

I chose the Shoebox because it had an active forum and Tom has been quick to answer any tech questions I have. It's a shame the discontinued them

[the_matrix_guy]

I've heard good things about em. It is too bad that they were discontinued. But they probably got priced out by the Chinese cos.

[the_matrix_guy]

cfos00 I just ordered the "simple" non-adjustable ver. for $280. You finished selling me on it



Quick questions: I don't see that they come with a quick disconnect, do they? And do you run synthetic oil on yours? And what filters do you use?

Many thanks

[cfos00]

I think that they come with the quick disconnect on the end of the filter. I'm almost positive, but it's been a while. You'll also want a gold filter. Let me know if you need help on it!

[the_matrix_guy]

Should I get this too?

[Grendel]

Are you planning on filling Scuba bottles? If so you will need something like this but if not I'd say no.

[the_matrix_guy]

I was looking for a quick disconnect to make life easier. It doesnt come with a quick disconnect out of the box, it looks like.

[Grendel]

https://smile.amazon.com/MAddog-Pain...%2C152&sr=8-25

[the_matrix_guy]

Grendel Sweet. Thanks +1

[the_matrix_guy]

Got mine today. It didn't come with the pump or the hoses/pipe or anything other than the compressor itself. I already contacted the seller on Amazon. But it's much smaller than anticipated. Which is a good thing. Even after seeing it reviewed on video, I don't know why I thought it would be bigger. I'm still working out the best placement for the bucket, etc while still maintaining adequate ventilation. But so far so good.

[the_matrix_guy]

BTW, buyer beware if anyone's looking to buy one: avoid Amazon seller "Retermit". Based on the reviews he has a habit of sending the compressors without accessories. I already left negative feedback (which I will amend if he resolves it.) I'm giving them one to two days max, otherwise I'm sending it back and leaving the one star negative review.

[Arthur]

Amz has become increasingly shammy, I swear.

[the_matrix_guy]

cfos00 Hey, i got this filter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...FTGR8LSC&psc=1