alturnative for air cans?

[LegionX]

hi
i am sick of buying air cans to clean my comp. also sick of them spewing out the fluid ;(

is there any electronic air compressors that dont cost more than 100-150 if not cheaper? does anyone use one?

 

[imported_Pablo]

Legion

I just got done using a whole can of air on about 8 comps, and that kind of thing really does get expensive. If i did this kind of thing on a regular basis, I would probably buy one of those air-tanks (like the ones that you use to pump up tires) and attach one of those adapters on the end that shoots out a fine stream. They are out there. The air tanks are about 25-30 bucks (maybe less) and the nozzles are probably around $10. You could either adapt it yourself or I'm sure the place where you buy your air fittings would be glad to help you out for little or no money. I'm sure a 10-gallon tank would last about as long as two cans... at least, probably more. Of course that's a big tank to lug around... so if you're going to be doing it just occaisionally or very mobile i'd just stick with those pricey air cans Hope this helps

 

[chizow]

You can also use an airbrush tool, sans the paint of course

Chiz

 

[zephyrprime]

Airbrushes can't deliver the pressure than canned air can. There are two things that you can do that I know of. But a 2gal air compressor at walmart or hardware store. The problem is this is really heavy. Or, you can get this sort of refillable compressed air thing. They sell it at microcenter but I don't know where else they may sell it.

 

[SKORPI0]

Originally posted by: zephyrprime Or, you can get this sort of refillable compressed air thing. They sell it at microcenter but I don't know where else they may sell it.

I use this ReAir Refillable Duster .

Blasts of air gently remove harmful dust, lint and other surface contaminants from difficult to reach areas of keyboards, printers, computer drives and optical lens. It's always nice to have an additional canister for the ReAir Refillable Spray Duster System - Canister can be refilled up to 100 times. Pump or compressor required for refill.

 

[Volkspeed]

We bought that at the university i attended. We got the package deal wich was the air can and the compressor. Its $45 beans right now and can be used 100 times. So thats basiclly $0.45 a can, not to shabby.

 

[Peridium]

I find a vacuum cleaner with a thin nozzle works just fine. Plus, you don't get dust flying around the room...

 

[McCarthy]

Once upon a time I made a water canon out of an old fire extinguisher by unscrewing the top and installing a standard air valve (metal stem, screw in) from a car wheel. If you're so inclinded (and I'm not suggesting it, just saying...) you could probably do the same with a small extinguisher, retrofit a smaller noozle on for more controlled blasts. Have to find one with a screw in valve though which might be tough with the smaller ones.

As for cheap electric air compressors, a $15 emergency car compressor from your favorite discount store will work as the compressor for such limited duty (keep dust out of them and they work a good while in short cycles), no tank of course, but a starting point for a ghetto tech project. Just some thoughts, not suggestions, don't go blowing anything up now.

 

[cgm3]

I know someone that has a scuba tank filled with compressed air....he has a little nozzel on it....(he found an attatchment that had a bike pump attachment, and he just screwed a nozzel onto that)......he has it next to his computer...just opens the valve and spays away....

he even found a shop to fill the tank for free.......(even if they charge it's only like 4 or 5 bucks)

just my 2 cents
Chris

 

[PurePeon]

You can use a vacuum cleaner to either either suck...or switch it to the blow option. It is not as great as compressed air though. But as long as the dust isn't caked on, it will work. Just make sure not to touch any of the components with the vacuum. You might get some ESD.

 

[Markfw]

The best is an air compressor (20 gallon tank, 3.5 HP), and make sure the tank is drained each time (the condensation). The case comes out like new, and I have done this for 5 years with great results. at $5-$10 per can, you can pay for that $250 compressor pretty quicly (and its' great for tires and other stuff)