Air Compressor, Detailer's Friend?

[Gokite]

I just learned I can use an air compressor to clean/dry the pads. I am a total noob, what else can the air compressor be used for? (besides the obvious of filling tires, etc)...

I researched using it for a foam gun and it seems one really wants a pressure washer for that. But I'd like to use the air compressor as much as possible so I'd love any tips/tricks that people have discovered using it at their shop. Thanks so much...

[STPETEDALE]

For interiors, a compressor is a must have. I have a damp microfiber in one hand and a blow gun in the other. I would say it's probaly my most important tool for interiors. I'm not sure how others can detail without one.

[TundraPower]

I just learned I can use an air compressor to clean/dry the pads. I am a total noob, what else can the air compressor be used for? (besides the obvious of filling tires, etc)...I researched using it for a foam gun and it seems one really wants a pressure washer for that. But I'd like to use the air compressor as much as possible so I'd love any tips/tricks that people have discovered using it at their shop. Thanks so much...

They are certainly useful for running things like the Tornado cleaner and blowing out engine compartments. Good ones are seriously expensive so you have to decide what your return on investment would be.

[VP Mark]

Tornador, blowing out nooks and crannies of interiors, tight spots out after wash, drying engine bays after cleaning.

Great tool to have, but you can do fine without one.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using AG Online

[Gokite]

I have an air compressor already. Its about the nicest I would need for a home garage - I have air tools, etc also. I'll check out that tornador blowing tool...any other suggestions?

[FUNX650]

-Operation of pneumatic tools (home and auto projects)

-Balloon animals

-Airbrushing

-Drying vehicles

-Retrofitting expended fire extinguishers---makes for excellent "squirt guns"; and, pneumatic-powered dart guns.
(On second thought: These might have been conceived while under the influence when I was younger---so please disregard these uses)

-Never, ever, use compressed air on any part, of any human being's body...for any purposes!!
One exception (?):
If you take a pistol-type air-gun, that's been regulated down to ~20-30psi, place it between your fingers to make many different animal in distress sounds: Can scare the dickens out of annoying neighbors and children.

-Cleaning the shop/garage floor of dirt/dust/debris.

-You can get an air-horn assembly off of a truck at a junkyard.
Cautions:
•Don't honk indoors without use of proper PPE
•Don't honk near people that are working with sharp tools.
Otherwise: Its uses are only limited by a person's imagination!

-Inflating tires/sports equipment


I'm sure there are many, many more reasons to own an air compressor that I haven't yet listed.
Please stay tuned.


Bob

[Pureshine]

I'm not a fan of using for interior only because you blow crap everywhere. I do use mine for cleaning MF pads.

[lawrenceSA]

Blowing out water from hard to reach places like door jambs, crevices, engine bays

Blowing polish out of badges if you happen to get any in there accidentally (you should be taping up) but sometimes things happen.

Blowing dust off the car

[Eric]

They are certainly useful for running things like the Tornado cleaner and blowing out engine compartments. Good ones are seriously expensive so you have to decide what your return on investment would be.

The 21 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight (as low as $149 w/coupon) is a great compressor that can handle most tasks.

[bimmer325!]

Inflate my date...