Air dusters for delicate electronics

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mdf

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Topic # 230329 19-Feb-2018 12:37

My current can of compressed "air" (some kind of fluorocarbon probably) is about to run out and I was just about to order another one. But they're like $25 and Chemicals Bad and Thinking of the Children and all that.

Just wondering what others do? Some kind of small electric compressor would possibly be ideal.

I also have a big garage compressor (which is old and rubbish but just won't die so I can legitimately tell Mrs MDF that we need a new one). I've never used this for "delicates" as it packs a bit of a wallop, and I worry about the level of moisture it spits out. But maybe a decent moisture filter for this would be okay?

Starscream122

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Reply # 1960315 19-Feb-2018 12:41

See: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=50&topicId=227468

lxsw20

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Reply # 1960317 19-Feb-2018 12:41

One of my workplaces had a small compressor with a water trap.

Something like this: https://www.topmaq.co.nz/shop/air-equipment/1-1kw-12l-air-compressor-02/

Was fine for dusting out PC's. Just don't let the fans spin free, you'll kill them.

It had a lazy susan type setup and sort of like a range hood vacuum around the outside. Was a good setup for dusting PCs.

frankv

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Reply # 1960319 19-Feb-2018 12:44

I have a little squeeze-bulb air squirter thing for delicate stuff. And a big old compressor that limps along for the heavy-duty stuff.

mdf

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Reply # 1960321 19-Feb-2018 12:46

Starscream122:

See: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=50&topicId=227468

@Starscream122 How did I miss that? Fail.

What did you end up with?

xpd

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Reply # 1960322 19-Feb-2018 12:47

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We used an air compressor at one job I had for blowing out our gear (servers, desktops etc) , never had any issues, just be aware of the moisture build up as you mentioned.

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1cloud

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Reply # 1960324 19-Feb-2018 12:49

mdf:

My current can of compressed "air" (some kind of fluorocarbon probably) is about to run out and I was just about to order another one. But they're like $25 and Chemicals Bad and Thinking of the Children and all that.

Just wondering what others do? Some kind of small electric compressor would possibly be ideal.

I also have a big garage compressor (which is old and rubbish but just won't die so I can legitimately tell Mrs MDF that we need a new one). I've never used this for "delicates" as it packs a bit of a wallop, and I worry about the level of moisture it spits out. But maybe a decent moisture filter for this would be okay?

we used to drill a hole on the spray can, and installed a tyre valve or any kinds and then super glue/silicon/hot glue. then pump with car cig tyre pump works well :)

Rikkitic

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Reply # 1960326 19-Feb-2018 12:50

There has been a whole discussion about this, probably on the thread referenced above. I got jumped on when I admitted to vacuuming, though I have never had a problem. I use a straw duct-taped to an attachment. I probably wouldn't dare do this on a state of the art $3,000 desktop, but on my old gear it wouldn't matter much if I did kill something, which has never happened in many years.

I'm not sure of the technicalities of static electricity so don't know why vacuuming is supposed to be so much worse then blowing, especially if you do it carefully from a distance through an attachment. But if blowing is good, why not just reverse the vacuum and use it that way? What is it about the canned air that makes that so much better? I have never heard a good explanation of this.

I reject your reality and substitute my own. - Adam Savage

mdf

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Reply # 1960329 19-Feb-2018 12:56

Rikkitic:

<snip> What is it about the canned air that makes that so much better? I have never heard a good explanation of this.

No idea. It's not actually air. I was just reading the label to see if I could see what it was. The actual manufacturers' label has a clear statement that its contents is inflammable. However the retailer label over the top has "non-flammable" written on it. Totally Doctor Nicking it:

via GIPHY

EDIT: Bah. Image link didn't work

Starscream122

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Reply # 1960330 19-Feb-2018 12:57

mdf:

Starscream122:

See: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=50&topicId=227468

@Starscream122 How did I miss that? Fail.

What did you end up with?

Ended up getting this baby from Aussie

Metro ED500 DataVac

neb

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Reply # 1960407 19-Feb-2018 15:06

mdf:
My current can of compressed "air" (some kind of fluorocarbon probably) is about to run out and I was just about to order another one. But they're like $25 and Chemicals Bad and Thinking of the Children and all that.

Just wondering what others do? Some kind of small electric compressor would possibly be ideal.

I also have a big garage compressor (which is old and rubbish but just won't die so I can legitimately tell Mrs MDF that we need a new one). I've never used this for "delicates" as it packs a bit of a wallop, and I worry about the level of moisture it spits out. But maybe a decent moisture filter for this would be okay?

Google "rocket blower". Cheap, zero running costs, and easily available.

Or, more generally, anything used for blowing dust off camera lenses, I have a 40+ year old puffer that works fine.