does anyone have a air assist working for a laser or and chip clearing, what is needed how big a compressor and tubing tips
I have one of these http://amzn.to/2i6oXJ5 on a bigger laser and I can say this is over kill by far. I’m not sure what to recommend but this could easily be fine with 1/2 the volume or probably much less. it is also loud. But air assist really does help.
Here I though that I needed some huge compressor when a aquarium pump will do .
What do you use for a nozzle? is it just the hose or more directed than that? Will that pump work for blowing chips for router also or with a router and wood just use a vacuum?
I wondered if one of those pumps would work…and how loud the were 
I’ve used my main air compressor rigged through an airbrush line and inflation nozzle to provide air assist on my 2.8w laser:
[attachment file=46734]
Not sure what kind of pressure I’m using though since I throttle it with that little valve. It definitely makes a HUGE difference in both cutting ability and how clean of a cut or engraving you can get.
I haven’t done anything to attach it to the laser yet though since running it off my big compressor is such a pain. I just hold it and follow the laser around manually. I’d love to come up with a cheap air source that isn’t obnoxiously loud I can keep in my shop to power it. I had hoped those aquarium pumps would be quieter 
I’m tempted to try a smaller aquarium pump but hate to spend the money on something that may not deliver enough air.
Just a few samples of the difference it can make:
[attachment file=46735]
Same gcode, just with and without air assist.
[attachment file=46736]
Again same gcode just with air on the right and without it on the left. Each line was done at a different speed getting progressively slower. When I cut the board the air assist lines were also deeper as well as cleaner than their equivalent non-assisted lines.
Did you ever find a good setup you could share?
This video shows some interesting tips about this topic:
*Amazon link to pump he mentions:
*Amazon link to similar pump, but different brand, cheaper, and comes with 1/4" air hose:
*affiliate links
Loudness factor
Some reviews for the Vivosun pump say it’s quite loud, others say not so bad. Same for the other pump, some say loud, some say not. Overall, way more reviews say they’re loud than say they’re not.
One reviewer on the first pump wrote, “pretty loud. I went with an Alita pump and its super quiet. the vivosun style ones can be heard through walls.”
However, three thoughts there: (1) the guy in the above video runs the pump on camera and it does not seem that loud. (2) The cheapest Alita pump I found on Amazon was over $100. (3) if this is running for chip clearing while a router is running, you’re probably wearing hearing protection. ??
Another video I found interesting on this topic:
1 Like
*This listing says it’s “super” quiet but also mentions running it in “low” mode for quietness:
Pawfly Commercial Aquarium Air Pump Oxygen Aerator Pump Kit for Pond Water Garden Reservoirs
Stats from the listing:
- Lots of Air: Deliver 254 gallon per hour air for fish breath or root growth with 7-watt low power consumption. Max Pressure: 0.025 MPa
- Super Silent: Extremely quiet operation with multi-level internal muffler. Shockproof rubber pads help reduce noise and keep it steady. Please put the pump in a cabinet or under a proctective cover when used outdoors.
- Running 24/7: High/Low switch to choose from. Low air flow with minimal noise, allow you to run it in the living room 24/7 without annoying sound.
- Durability: Special artificial rubber diaphragm ensures longer operation life and steady air flow output with minimal vibration.
- 4 Outlet Port: Includes 4 outlet divider to manually control the air flow, perfect for aerate 4 of sponge filters or air stones at once
I’m ordering this one, 35W instead of 58W, in hopes that it is powerful enough and not as loud.
Simple Deluxe Air Pump 18-120W 602/1030/1189/1744 GPH 38-110L/min with Adjustable Air Flow Outlets for Aquarium, Pond, Hydroponics Systems, Silver
I’m not an electrician, but I think that 35 watts, at 120 volts current, is less than 3 amps. ??
If you have the option, setting up a compressor(or a pump of course) in a neighboring room is very neat! Running a copper pipe through the wall is not very complicated.
1 Like
This is my (makeshift) setup. Not very graceful, but works like a charm!
My only issue is that the compressor is in a non-insulated room. The shed is not insulated, exepect for my little corner workspace. When I use the laser alot during winter (-10c degrees) the condensation freezes and the vents starts to leak. I actually had a blow-out once, the vent got loose, and the ball-valve didn’t close. A full open release is quite loud!!
1 Like
@turbinbjorn Cool. What diameter hose are you using for the “last mile”?
9 mm OD. I think I have a remix of @dkj4linux s neje40460 air adapter somewhere for 9mm, but there’s quite a few different sizes cluttered all over the forum and threads here 
1 Like
Cool. I was going to ask if you are using this for chip clearing or laser, but I see it’s laser.
1 Like
It could easily be modified for chip clearing, cooling or even mist cooling(with some extra peripherals). Using M08 to enable/disable air is very nice. The wall mounted air regulator would make it quite easy to adjust to different usages.
1 Like