Simviation Forums

Getting ready to clean my computer. Can someone recommend a good small electric portable air compressor in the 50 to 60$ range. Don't need a lot of cfm, just enough to blow the dirt out. Thanks

canned air $4 - $7 office supply, walmart, etc.

How about a canister?





When I got into airbrushing I had tried those cheap air compressors, not really worth your money. I have a 40 gallon 2 HP compressor in my garage now and use that now. To blow dust out of my PCs I set the regulator to twenty pounds because too much air pressure isn't good.. But those canisters are cheap enough.


PS; I was busy digging out a photo and the good captain already posted what I'm getting at.

With the canisters, don't use them for more than a minute or you will end up with liquid and not gas coming out and then can damage components and give you a cold burn. You will know when you have used it long enough as it will start to spit liquid drops. Then just hold it in two hands for a minute or two or run it under tepid water. Then you are good to go again.

Matt

One advice. Keep a finger on your fans when blowing

On some of those cans you'll also see the nozzle starting to freeze up. Short, well aimed bursts is a good idea. My "cheap" air compressor works fine --BUT-- I put a holding tank and moisture trap inline between the compressor and my air brush. When I use it to clean my computer once I have dislodged the dust and while it's still airborne I collect it with a ordinary household vacuum cleaner. No sense having it fall back into the clean computer housing. And I agree with Steve, 20 PSI is plenty to get the job done.


Hawkeye

P.S. Make sure your computer power switch is in the "OFF" position before you start. I know I didn't need to remind you of that but my conscience said "Say it or regret it."

Thanks everyone. Was looking at a portable tire inflation type of compressor that you plug into the outlet. Comes with different nozzles and pressure settings. Any thoughts on these.....

I don't blow. I suck.

For a keyboard you can use a regular vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. You can clean grease from individual keys with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and QTips and cotton balls. For a really thorough cleaning you can run a keyboard through a dishwasher (Google it, I've done it before. No guarantees, though).

For the box just open it up and use the cleaner's crevice attachment.

Webb wrote:I don't blow. I suck.

For a keyboard you can use a regular vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. You can clean grease from individual keys with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and QTips and cotton balls. For a really thorough cleaning you can run a keyboard through a dishwasher (Google it, I've done it before. No guarantees, though).

For the box just open it up and use the cleaner's crevice attachment.

I read a post somewhere(???) a few months ago where the gent was saying how a vacuum cleaner really didn't do the job nearly as effectively as blowing the dust out of the computer with air pressure. The big problem was centered around getting the dust out of the cooling fins in the heat sink. As we all know dust will collect in those fins and it holds in the heat which can lead to an early demise of your pride and joy. I had been cleaning my computers out for several years with a vacuum so I thought B.S.!!
So I did an experiment. First I vacuumed my computer out thoroughly using the crevice device and a small paint brush to get into the more inaccessable areas. After I was satisfied with the job I took my trusty Badger air compressor and blew out the case and especially around the cooling fins on the heat sink and in the graphics card fan area. I was shocked at how much crap came out. And I clean my computer out every three months because of the dusty environment here. So I was sold on the air pressure method and I've been using it ever since. But to each his own, good luck!

California Air Tools CAT-6310 Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 Hp 6.3-Gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor is best brand known to me so far.It is lightweight for easy transporting... Compressor is very quiet. While if this compressor is running, you can actually have a normal conversation standing right next to it.

I also use my central vac and the crevace attachment. To get the dust out of the heat sink on the CPU I remove the fan because if I dont I cant get all of the dust off.

Keep smiling
Tug

What I use to clean out my Computer and Airbrush , and I use a Paache and Cresendo and an Iwata !!

I have a great Big Compressor too I use for my Automotive Air Tools too,,,

You can buy this compressor at Harbor Freight for a mere $60.00 , and then figure about another $20.00 for an Air hose and about 15.00 more for a Nozzle package.

Sears Craftsman has one just like too think their about $80.00 to $110.00

These panacake compressor are also great for Air up Car tires fairly Quickly too and blowing stuff off lawn mowers and weed eaters and appliances and many other Gadgets and Gizmos !!

Air Compressors come in very handy all the time when you need them,, just plug in air up and good to go.

Well worth money spent !!! no more than they cost !!

Heres a Harbor Freight Link : http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=panacake+compressor

Theres Harbor Freight

SEARS

HOME DEPOT

LOWES

CLARK TOOLS

or - Mid Night Auto Supply

and the 5 Finger Discount Club available too

Gonna need more than a can of AIR for some of these Computers !!!!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGRxlSjEFq8[/youtube]



[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEBp6zq11DA[/youtube]

I usually remove the side of the case then lay the computer on its side on a piece of cardboard just outside the garage door or patio and then get out the trusty leaf blower. It has a low setting and a high setting. Then I remove the cooling fans and brush the blades with a paint brush in front of the vacuum cleaner hose. Been doing this for years on mine, my Sons, and Daughters computers with no problems. I built all of them the right way.

I have always used a vacuum cleaner. I find the blowing the dust just moves it about......

Matt