Having My own air compressor
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There are many small compressors out there for filling tanks. they are generally 3 stage machines either gas, diesel or electric driven. If going electric, most homes have 230v, single phase power available. If you go 115v you will need an electrician to install a correct power supply, as house 115v wiring can't handle the amperage draw. A 3hp 115v motor draws 30 amps. These small machines take up wards of 20+ minutes to fill an 80 from 500 to 3000 psi. A Bauer Oceanus uses a 5 hp motor and is about the maximum you can run off the clothes dryer circuit without alteration, straight up. A Bauer Capitano or Capitano II also uses a 5 hp motor as does a Mako 5404 compressor. Both of these are continuous duty machines. Although folks do use these with storage bottles, the manufactures don't recommend it. Something to consider if buying new.
I own a RIX, not sure that I would recommend because of the lack of parts available but I got a good deal. It is amazing being able to fill your own gas. I topped off 5 tanks Tues for yesterday's dives.. about an hour of my time. I got off of work, pumped the tanks, and went home in time for dinner. Going to the LDS would have been a much later night, and they always give short fills.
All in I'm around $4000. $5000 with the bank bottles. $2400 (+$300 to ship) for the Rix SA-6. $400 for the filter tower, and $1000 (or close to) in misc. fittings, whips, hoses, etc. All bought pre-pandemic crazy prices, like at the end of 2020.
Just had a bauer jr sell right down the street for $2800... slower cfm, but it was ready to go.. screaming deal.
All in I'm around $4000. $5000 with the bank bottles. $2400 (+$300 to ship) for the Rix SA-6. $400 for the filter tower, and $1000 (or close to) in misc. fittings, whips, hoses, etc. All bought pre-pandemic crazy prices, like at the end of 2020.
Just had a bauer jr sell right down the street for $2800... slower cfm, but it was ready to go.. screaming deal.
Nice! Gonna enrich that air?
Not sure yet.
Of course you are.... come over to the dark side already. What did PADI used to call it... devil gas?
Of course you are.... come over to the dark side already. What did PADI used to call it... devil gas?
Voodoo gas
jadairiii
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you will never pay that thing off. Not sure how much diving you do in Idaho, but up keep and maintenance will be more than the 6 hour round trip.
That said, 6 hour round trip would suck. Another option is to look at boosters and go to your local gas supply company and see what they charge for compressed air bottles.
That said, 6 hour round trip would suck. Another option is to look at boosters and go to your local gas supply company and see what they charge for compressed air bottles.
I knew that going in for me it was all about convenience with the shops having wierd hours etc. Plus the cost of gas is way up.
Wasn't that back in the 1900's? These days nitrox is very mainstream. I haven't dived regular air in years. I've even been able to get nitrox in Honduras and Mexico with no trouble.Of course you are.... come over to the dark side already. What did PADI used to call it... devil gas?
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