Altaros compressor booster mini review

[KnifeMaker]

Mike, you have stated repeatedly that KnifeMaker has a two stage compressor. Well, I don't. It is also NOT a commercial compressor as you claimed. You've been pushing this stick for a while now. Why? 

It does Not run Full Time, and is Not overheating. And the fill times are substantially Faster than the Shoe Box. Period!!!

You also claim that you don't do or need to do any of the ritual I go thru when using a Shoe Box.  Which is fine for your personal use. But not for a long life for it. YOu are NOT following the recommended procedures put forth by Shoe Box company.

I can tell you right now. Keep skipping the lub recommendations in order to save time using your shoe box, and she is going to live a much shorter life.

And for the record, It is Tom Kay, (Maker of the Shoe Box Compressors) that is saying that you are not to use a non oilless compressor. If there is a problem with your not following company recommendations, it's on you. 

You totally missed how and where the problem can potentially occur.

Seems you will bend over backwards to prevent following instructions or common wisdom. Which I have no problem with what so ever. When used for your own personal purposes. But you continue to put out opinion and conjecture for all others to follow. With NO practical experience on the subject whatsoever.

Knife

[n2omike]

Mike, you have stated repeatedly that KnifeMaker has a two stage compressor. Well, I don't. It is also NOT a commercial compressor as you claimed. You've been pushing this stick for a while now. Why? 

It does Not run Full Time, and is Not overheating. And the fill times are substantially Faster than the Shoe Box. Period!!!

You also claim that you don't do or need to do any of the ritual I go thru when using a Shoe Box.  Which is fine for your personal use. But not for a long life for it. YOu are NOT following the recommended procedures put forth by Shoe Box company.

I can tell you right now. Keep skipping the lub recommendations in order to save time using your shoe box, and she is going to live a much shorter life.

And for the record, It is Tom Kay, (Maker of the Shoe Box Compressors) that is saying that you are not to use a non oilless compressor. If there is a problem with your not following company recommendations, it's on you. 

You totally missed how and where the problem can potentially occur.

Seems you will bend over backwards to prevent following instructions or common wisdom. Which I have no problem with what so ever. When used for your own personal purposes. But you continue to put out opinion and conjecture for all others to follow. With NO practical experience on the subject whatsoever.

Knife

Yours is a "Commercial Style" compressor...  as in 60-80 gallon tank and 240V motor. 
You have stated that your compressor operates at about a 50% run time.
With a commercial style compressor like yours, one would expect faster run times than a Shoebox.
When using a small compressor with an Altaros, it will be slower than a Shoebox, and there will be a lot more moisture to deal with, as it will want to run constantly, unless measures are taken to allow it to rest.

There is no ritual to using my Shoebox.  It has the wicks for the 1000cst (80W) Silicone oil.  I've also added reservoirs, as was detailed here.  Set it, and forget it.  You have an old chain drive unit that is exceptionally slow, and has no such features.  The Shoebox units have been upgraded many, many times since your model came out.

As for using an oil-less compressor with the Shoebox...  You, yourself have admitted to using a conventional (oil type pump) on a DAILY BASIS for years, ever since you've owned it. 
There is no difference between compressing air to 4500 psi with the Shoebox, or with the Altaros.  If you can use a conventional (oil based pump) with one, you can use it with the other. 
You will NEVER hear a story about one of these boosters exploding.  A diesel engine fires from the heat of compression.  It compresses the air (heating it) then fuel is injected, and it burns.  There is simply not enough oxygen in one stroke of either of these boosters to burn enough fuel to cause a problem.  If it WAS dieseling, you'd probably never even know it. 

When using a small, oil-less compressor, the Shoebox is a better fit if you can afford it.
When using a larger, commercial style compressor, the Altaros is another option.
People will find ways to make the Altaros work with a smaller first stage compressor.  It's just going to require coming up with a way to allow the compressor to rest enough, so it doesn't get hot...  and diligence will need to be provided in regards to moisture control. 
It IS possible to use a small compressor with the Altaros, but one has to do their homework.  Just keep in mind that the Altaros is motorless, so the first stage compressor needs to both supply the first stage air, AND drive the unit (which takes more air than the first stage does)...  so simple physics says it's going to require a larger compressor than a Shoebox. 

[Underwhelmed]

So I'd like to hear more from Dairyboy about his first-hand experiences with the Altaros, but it looks like he's gone.


Pretty sad, this thread is 11 pages long and it's mostly two guys arguing.

[drewciferpike]

For the sake of information-sharing, I think discussion of individual compressor setups should be limited to stating specs of complete setup (compressor, line lengths, filters, voodoo dolls, avg ambient temps and humidity, etc.), and associated fill-times and specifics of booster pumps used to fill tanks (tank size, start/stop psi, etc.).

There's some good information buried in the noise; maybe old posts in this thread should be cleaned out and edited to remove bickering?

So I'd like to hear more from Dairyboy about his first-hand experiences with the Altaros, but it looks like he's gone.


Pretty sad, this thread is 11 pages long and it's mostly two guys arguing.

[rsterne]

I just topped up my Great White (88 CF) tank tonight from 3100 psi to 4500 with my Freedom 8.... It took 2 hrs. 45 min. which works out to 500 psi / hr.... The shop compressor is a Porter Cable 6 gal. Oilless pancake, with the output regulator set to 120 psi.... Every 9 minutes it turns on for 30 seconds.... I have an additional 2 gal. tank mounted downstream of 25 ft. of coiled air hose and a water trap, and then two small dessicant filters between that and my ShoeBox.... The first dessicant, and half the second were pink at the end of the fill....

I know it's not an Altaros, but I thought you guys would like these numbers for comparison purposes....  HTHs....

Bob

[Bizill]

Thanks Bob.  It helps remind others there are always other options out there.  Still liking what's been said about the Altaros thus far.

[Scubajeeper]

That's pretty quick Bob, I wonder how much faster the F10 is.

[KnifeMaker]

I just topped up my Great White (88 CF) tank tonight from 3100 psi to 4500 with my Freedom 8.... It took 2 hrs. 45 min. which works out to 500 psi / hr.... The shop compressor is a Porter Cable 6 gal. Oilless pancake, with the output regulator set to 120 psi.... Every 9 minutes it turns on for 30 seconds.... I have an additional 2 gal. tank mounted downstream of 25 ft. of coiled air hose and a water trap, and then two small dessicant filters between that and my ShoeBox.... The first dessicant, and half the second were pink at the end of the fill....

I know it's not an Altaros, but I thought you guys would like these numbers for comparison purposes....  HTHs....

Bob

That's right on the Money Bob!  I know nothing about the latest F-10, or its numbers. But would like too. Any idea how it differs?

I'm getting apx 850 in the 88 scba with th4e Altaros now. I am extremely satisfied with it. 

Knife

[KnifeMaker]

I saw an up right at HF today with two cylinders, but was unable to find out at the time if it is a single or two stage compressor.

It had impressive numbers.  And with the typical 20% discount there, it comes in at $636.00.

Next time I'm there, I will make a point of getting the specs.

(I had just left day surgery a few minutes earlier, and was a hurry to get what I needed and head for home)!

Knife

[Scubajeeper]

If I'm not mistaken, you can't use the 20% coupon on compressors.

[Old Corps]

If I'm not mistaken, you can't use the 20% coupon on compressors.

+1
Yeah, it's in the fine print.

Ed

[KnifeMaker]

Well GRRRRR!  Was just a thought.
With the full cost of their three piston unit, or even the Campbell Hausfeld unit at Tractor supply, added to the Altaros, you have a pump system that is faster than the Omega, or any shoe Box, from slightly less cost, to not much more. Unless you simply have to have a portable unit, why in heck use a less efficient portable oilless. The uprights will perform much better with these units.

It is easier to rebuild than the shoe Box, and massively easier than the Omega, with a much longer time between builds. And can still be mated with a good upright for less than either. ( Shoe Box 10)

  Altaros is claiming an average time before first build to be apx. Two Years at my almost daily use when I talked to them. We'll see, but so far, very impressive. It's unreal how cool the Altaros runs. I was shocked that is was cooler than room temp the full time while pumping. Who of us have ever seen such a thing. And with NO fan on it! and with the box it is in, closed!

They have suggested that I remove the regulator on my compressor for using the Altaros, and letting the full pressure of the pump do its thing. so I will re plumb the compressor out jput today.

I have been getting over 800 psi per hour in to an 88 cf bottle, (closer to 900 psi per hour), using an old reg that has been on the compressor for years. What I didn't realise was that although I had it set higher, it was only reaching 90 psi. Without it, the fill will be starting at 135 psi, and if I can find the proper directions, I will try to raise the cut off to 145, and cut on from 90 to 110 cfm. This should push the Altaros to well over 1000 psi per hour.

My older Compressor is a 11.2 @ 90 psi unit. the same model now is 15 cfm at 90 psi. would be nice to have that one!!!   

Knife

Knife

[farmerjoe99]

How long did it take for you guys to receive your Altaros boosters
after ordering and which shipping method did you use?

[Dairyboy]

So I'd like to hear more from Dairyboy about his first-hand experiences with the Altaros, but it looks like he's gone.


Pretty sad, this thread is 11 pages long and it's mostly two guys arguing.

Hey there guys! Sorry yeah haven't been following it much as it's been mainly arguing. So I used it again a week or so ago and worked very well again. I love being able to have my own source of air when I want it. I do think I'm going to add an extra water separator and dessicant just to be safe but so far as I can tell it's dry air none of my guns have any form of moisture in them. Yes I would know I used to hand pump and regularly tore them down to clean them.

How long did it take for you guys to receive your Altaros boosters
after ordering and which shipping method did you use?

I got mine 6 days after ordering and I used the Czech Post $89 or something like that

[Scubajeeper]

Knife, I'm patiently waiting to see how it performs after you omit the reg. I have an older Husky upright 220 comp that is rated one cfm @ 90 under yours, mine would cut off at 135 and cut on at 90. I wanted to increase the cut on psi so I cranked down on the adjusting nut about 3 1/2 turns and it cuts on at 105 now but what surprised me is that it cuts off now at 150. I didn't adjust the cut off at all, go figure! I haven't ordered an Altaros yet but I'm close.

[DocMortal]

Mine took about 9 days to arrive

Scuba for you buying the Altaros is a no brainer you got a really nice compressor able to push the Altaros nicely. Even with 100 psi but full cfm you will get killer fill time.

Just plan out how you will dry your Air and golden.

[Scubajeeper]

Yeah, I think you're right. I've been shooting nitrogen, and I really like it, but the place where I get it from is making noise about the price going up. I really like the idea of being self sufficient. The scuba shop I use will only fill to 3000, so I'm thinking it's time. The Altaros really looks to be well made and all of you seem to be happy with yours. The design is ingenious and the price is really cheap for what you are getting.

[KnifeMaker]

Jeeper;

Altaros themselves suggest the cheaper Check Air Post, which is also the cheapest option. As stated, this option is 89. U.S.D.

I hope to play with the adjustments, and removing the reg Friday. I had minor back surgery Wed. and just haven't felt like doing the work yet. I'm a wussy, and don't like the pain!     

I do need to read up on the adjustments again. Sounds like a real winner with the Husky! Congrats!!!

Mine took three days to the U.S., one day in customs and one day in uspost. So 7 days to delivery. And I sweated it out each and every day! I could never be a Doctor. I have virtually no patients. LOL!!  But what a fantastic early Christmas!

We had one somewhat unhappy customer over on the TAG. He was wanting to send it back! LOL, he forgot to check the tightness of the fitting on the fill hose. gotta Love it as to how quickly one can panic when trying out a new toy for the first time. .

Dairyboy. Sorry for the childish banter. I will ignore any further issues. At least until it is at least someone who has actually seen an Altaros. LOL!!!

I Do apologise for you poor fellows who had to put up with it.
Your humble servant; 

Knife

[KnifeMaker]

I just topped up my Great White (88 CF) tank tonight from 3100 psi to 4500 with my Freedom 8.... It took 2 hrs. 45 min. which works out to 500 psi / hr.... The shop compressor is a Porter Cable 6 gal. Oilless pancake, with the output regulator set to 120 psi.... Every 9 minutes it turns on for 30 seconds.... I have an additional 2 gal. tank mounted downstream of 25 ft. of coiled air hose and a water trap, and then two small dessicant filters between that and my ShoeBox.... The first dessicant, and half the second were pink at the end of the fill....

I know it's not an Altaros, but I thought you guys would like these numbers for comparison purposes....  HTHs....

Bob

Thank you for the info Bob.
As you well know, that is one half of the equation though. The CFM at output pressure is the important part of the equation in this instance. Any Idea what it is?

As the Altaros requires volume for best performance. So we would love to compare.   

Once again, thank you for your input.

Knife

[rsterne]

I was not suggesting that the Porter Cable pancake is suitable for getting good fills with an Altaros.... I was merely giving numbers for a very typical Freedom 8 setup.... The fact that my shop compressor only runs about 5% of the time shows that the CFM rating is wayyyyyyyyyy more than it needs to be to run a Freedom 8.... It's nice not to have it hammering away all the time, though....

The Altaros' thirst for air is because it needs it to drive the booster.... You can see by how little my compressor runs how small a fraction of that ends up in your tank.... On the other hand, I have two electric motors instead of one....

I did find the specs on the Porter Cable.... It weighs 30 lbs., is oilless, costs $99, shuts off at 150 psi and starts the cycle from 120 psi.... It delivers 2.6 CFM @ 90 psi, so probably only about 2 CFM at 120, which is the pressure I use to feed my Freedom 8.... The "8", BTW means 8 CFH (cubic feet per hour) for the design fill rate of the ShoeBox.... but in fact it does more than that, it is closer to 10 CFH that it can actually deliver into my Great White at 4500 psi....

Bob