hookah compressor

[Nightsky]

Hi All. Putting together a hookah system for the boat, primarily for bottom cleaning. Just wondering if the below linked compressor is suitable for the purpose.
https://www.californiaairtools.com/cat-1p1060sp/

Does it provide adequate pressure and cfm for shallow dives with 50' of 1/4" hose? This model only has 1 gallon tank compared to other similar priced oilless compressors that have 6 gallon tanks but are considerably noisier.
Thanks in advance.

[denverd0n]

Bad link. "Sorry, the page you requested does not exist anymore."


Maybe this is the one you meant?
https://www.californiaairtools.com/u...r/cat-1p1060s/


If so, I would say that is going to be very minimal. You're not going to be able to go very deep, or work very hard, with that.


I've done a lot of research on this, and my opinion is that you want at least a 3/4hp compressor, and 1 full hp would be better.


If you want to go 30' down, and do anything more than just drift very sedately, you need a compressor that can deliver 2 cfm at a pressure that is high enough to operate whatever 2nd stage you have. With a "standard" SCUBA 2nd stage that means more than 100 psi. If you get a 2nd stage that's been modified, or a specific-to-hookah 2nd stage, it may only need to be 60 psi or so. In any case, that compressor won't deliver that. You would be limited to very shallow dives, where you do nothing that would elevate your respiration.


I think this is a better compressor for hookah:
https://www.californiaairtools.com/u...ors/cat-2010a/

[Simi 60]

As a comparison, this is what I use to do our bottom.


https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-24...essor_p6290553

[Nightsky]

Thanks DenverdOn. The SP model has same specs but a little fancier with a roll cage and gauges.

[Nightsky]

Thanks Simi 60. Will definitely choose a compressor with more HP.

[carlosproa]

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Bad link. "Sorry, the page you requested does not exist anymore."


Maybe this is the one you meant?
https://www.californiaairtools.com/u...r/cat-1p1060s/


If so, I would say that is going to be very minimal. You're not going to be able to go very deep, or work very hard, with that.


I've done a lot of research on this, and my opinion is that you want at least a 3/4hp compressor, and 1 full hp would be better.


If you want to go 30' down, and do anything more than just drift very sedately, you need a compressor that can deliver 2 cfm at a pressure that is high enough to operate whatever 2nd stage you have. With a "standard" SCUBA 2nd stage that means more than 100 psi. If you get a 2nd stage that's been modified, or a specific-to-hookah 2nd stage, it may only need to be 60 psi or so. In any case, that compressor won't deliver that. You would be limited to very shallow dives, where you do nothing that would elevate your respiration.


I think this is a better compressor for hookah:
https://www.californiaairtools.com/u...ors/cat-2010a/

If you are out of range from AC electricity, how would you hook this up?

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by carlosproa

If you are out of range from AC electricity, how would you hook this up?

Longer power lead?

But maybe, like many of us do, he has an inverter and a decent charging source.

[Nightsky]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

Longer power lead?

But maybe, like many of us do, he has an inverter and a decent charging source.

Yes, the compressor remains on board, plugged in to wall outlet fed by inverter. This will be used for bottom cleaning, not for diving for my supper.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by Nightsky

Yes, the compressor remains on board, plugged in to wall outlet fed by inverter. This will be used for bottom cleaning, not for diving for my supper.

Would you use it to go down to the bottom to free the anchor or recover a dropped tool? In which case you need a more powerful unit.

[Nightsky]

Originally Posted by wingssail

Would you use it to go down to the bottom to free the anchor or recover a dropped tool? In which case you need a more powerful unit.

My hookah diving might evolve to include other activities but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Probably prudent to buy a bigger compressor now than have to replace later.

[tkeithlu]

One problem with the Campbell-Hausfeld and similar small oil-free compressors, of which I have owned several and own one now for small jobs on the boat:

The cylinder is aluminum with a gasketed piston, driven by an arm directly attached to the motor. That cylinder gets scored in any hostile (not so dirt-free) environment. Then, it leaks around the gasket and will not seal, so maximum compression rapidly drops. It's a $5 part, at most. C-H and every other source I've found WILL NOT SELL YOU A NEW CYLINDER. They sell the motor and cylinder as a module, at about new compressor ($90 or so) cost.

Please someone tell me that they have found a source. Trashing the entire compressor for a $5 part?

[mlydon]

is the air coming out of these things safe for human consumption?

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by mlydon

is the air coming out of these things safe for human consumption?

No, we die every time we use it.
I died 3 times before breakfast.

[Bill O]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

No, we die every time we use it.
I died 3 times before breakfast.

After you are reincarnated each time, do you come back a different person!

[mlydon]

Very helpful, Simi.....

It was really an leading question prompting folks to discuss what they've done real-world to ensure the air is indeed okay to breathe, as opposed to prompting for wise-ass, none-informative responses.

My first 2 searches for compressor air quality came up with discussions on coalescing filters, and an osha statement that goes:

Oxygen (O2) Level Control
Air compressors, including non-lubricated models, utilize some type of lubricating fluid. Many compressors contain either mineral or synthetic lubricants (e.g. oil). Even with particle, oil and odor filters, it is still possible for oil (e.g. aerosol mist or vapor) or fine particulates (e.g. dust, dirt, powders, wear particles, pollen, spores) to contaminate SCBA air if a mechanical malfunction occurs or there has been poor maintenance. The proper sampling of compressed air for oil mist/vapor and particulates is difficult because these contaminants are not evenly distributed in the air stream and can condense on tank walls or within regulators. Re-introduction of oil mist/vapor and particulates into the air stream can occur under the right conditions.

Personally, I wouldn't like a lung-full of oil vapor if the compressor blew a seal - what are folks using for filters/purifiers?

Matt