Shoe box compressor, 3000 vrs 4500 Recommendations please
I am now on the list for the next production run of the shoebox compressor. I will soon have the choice between the 3000PSI model or the 4500PSI model.
I have two scuba tanks, and I now cascade them, other than the 40 mile round trip to town, this works fine.
Question I have is this, what is the advantage of the 4500 over the 3000 PSI tanks using the AF rifles and 2240/Diso rifles?
I see three points now in favor of the 4500 PSI system:
1: If I get a big bore that needs a 3400 fill.
2: going to Eastern Oregon to hunt rats and need to fill numerous times with the tank that accompainies me.
3: A pony tank and regulator in a back pack, for extended hunts would be handy for bird control
The disadvantages of the 4500 PSI are the huge cost involved with a scba tank, and a regulator if I wish to connect an umbilical cord from the tank to the rifle, or just have the 4500 sbca tank.
80 Grit just bought such a tank and regulator, the cost of the 4500 system scares me.
I will soon have a choice between the two PSI systems. If I order a 4500psi system and stay with the 3000psi tanks, I have to monitor them continuously while filling to keep from blowing a burst disc.
The fact that life has thrown too too many fights and too many concussions my way, makes me worry about forgetting that I am filling this thing and forget the fact that I need to keep track of it.
So it looks like a shoe box compressor with a 3000 PSI, will cost me $450.00 for the two compressors that I will need beause I have the tanks already.
A 4500 PSI shoe box will cost me, nearly $1400.00 For the 2 compressors, 88 ci scba tank, and regulator.
Like you I have an airgun budget, what would you folks do?
Roachcreek
All Replies
RC, get the 4500. Walter’s suggestion is a good one. With a 3000psi unit, you will be topping off all too often, but the PLV will keep you safe. (Even with a PLV, I would keep an eye on any high pressure compressor operations). At some point you will want to go to a carbon fiber 45000psi tank and will wonder why you bought a 3000psi compressor?
These things sound like winners! 😀
Ken G,
What are the first run problems with the shoebox compressor?
Roachcreek
Voltar,
Why has no one develped a regulated 4500 PSI tank and 3400 regulator for the Condor, is it feasible? Is the SCBA technolgy sturdy enough for this application? I see some members talking about the high FPE they get at 3400 PSI fills, it would seem like the next step.
How high of PSI can the Condor breech/valve handle before air starts to escape?
One problem I have with the Condor ETACREG is that what you end up with is a regulated COndor with Talon performance.
Roachcreek
When using a “HAND PUMP”! 😈
I love my Shoebox compressor (1st run unit @ 4500 PSI). I was originally on the list for a second run unit but I found someone selling their unused 1st run unit and jumped on it. Luckily, I haven’t had any of the 1st run problems and I am very pleased with my decision. I would second Voltar’s suggestion and get the 4500 PSI unit and add a regulator if you think you might forget to stop the fill at 3000 PSI. The reason I say this is that it really sounds like you are going to have a use for the higher pressure fills in the future. Also, remember you don’t have to convert all of your gear over to 4500 PSI right now, you can phase it in slowly over time (i.e. buy the compressors and regulator now and wait on the high cost SCBA tanks).
Ken
When is less ever better???? 🙄
If the possibility of a 4500psi cf tank is in your future, then it’s a no’brainer, get the 4500 shoe box and have the best of both worlds.
I cascade as you do and that is economical $$$ path to follow as in the operating and maintenance and longevity of your support equipment.
Sam 😎
Volter,
When I was writing this, I hoped you would give your comment, I recognise that you are one of the foremost authorities on this subject, thank you so much, that is a very viable solution.
Oldgoat,
Yes I see your on the list also. And yes that is far more reasonable.
One question for both of you. I hear that some members are buying expired scba tanks. On those tanks that are expired, since we are filling them ourselves and not taking them to a fill location, does it really matter if they expire ?
And yes, I realize a castrophic failure is like bomb going off in your garage , but do either of you know of scba tank failure?
And again thank both of you, this is the imput I wanted.
Roachcreek
I got a 66 cubic foot 4500 psi SCBA tank, off of ebay, for $125 shipped. It has 5 years left on the 15 year lifespan. A hydro cost me $35 and is also good for 5 years.
Adjustable regulators can be got for around $250, google is your friend.
I thought about buying a new 4500 psi SCBA scuba tank and being good for 15 years, except for the hydros but, I don’t know if I will still be shooting air guns 15 years from now.
I also am on the list for a shoebox, mine is going to be 4500 psi.
I would buy the 4500 psi Shoebox and then add to my fill whip for $143usd a Pressure Limiting Valve as sold by Chemiquip. model PLV255S style 6
Adjustable from 1,000 to 3,000psi dead nuts accurate pressure control/protection.
Benefits the compressor as well as once the reservoir is full at the set pressure of your PLV the compressor then climbs quickly to the 4500 pressure cutout. That reduces the slapping of the cutout arm against the on/off switch.
For 4500psi fills all you need do is remove the PLV from the fill whip.
So for a max adder of $200usd you will have 1,000 to 3,000 psi adjustable control AND 4500psi tank filling capability with ONE Shoebox compressor.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
These shoebox compressors sound like the answer to many problems ….I think when I get the extra set aside I’m gonna pop for the 4500 and get the plv so I can fill my scuba and scba tanks ….I’m finding that my 68cf scuba tank is very useful when playing in the jeep….nothing like lots of instant on board air for tools and tires..and what are the problems that the 1st gens are having??Greg