compressor for airbearing table


Any suggestions on air compressor for Maplenoll ariadne table? I am new to this type of system and looking for advice from others who have ventured into air bearing equipment. I noticed Pluto uses Jun-Air compressors but have not found a US supplier. Other models or brands that are "quiet"?
oilmanmojo

Showing 3 responses by oilmanmojo

I have not seen any of the aquarium pumps that deliver pressure above 10 psig. The lower pressure will work for the arm but the maplenoll has a 50# platter resting on the top part of the air bearing. I find when my supply pressure falls below 20 psig, the system starts struggling. I do love the quietness however with the design of the aquarium pumps and am looking for a similar "quiet" pump that can deliver approx 30-40 psig. Anyone ever use airbrush compressor?
Piedpiper--Thanks for the note. I will followup on the platter issue. I cleaned the bearing surface after I first hooked it up and it was not spinning easily without the platter on it. Once I cleaned it, it moved freely. I assumed the platter required more pressure due to weight of the platter. I am currently running with my shop vac (ran a line from it) but its a little too noisy because my media room is above my garage. I noticed as I reduced the pressure on my surge tank to approx 20 psig the sound started getting muddled and at approx 15 psig, skipping occurred indicating the arm was sticking. I did not have a strobe so I assumed the muddled sound was from a slower platter. In any case, I am looking for a compressor that can handle up to 40 psig since a tank pressure at approx 30 psig worked well.
My Ariadne is the reference and not the signature. The pump was not part of the sale so I am assuming the pump was broken or the person is keeping it. I have (and will use) a large surge bottle along with a couple of walker plenums between the table and the compressor. I saw your pics of your table and will be working to optimize mine in a similar fashion. I have just set up to see what the table can do as is. Any thoughts on further tweaks would be much appreciated
I really appreciate these suggestions. My table is supposed to the the reference but I now am not sure. The table plinth is white (appears to be corian like substance). The platter is solid lead and not the "filled" platter. The clamp I am not sure if it is lead but its pretty heavy and has the maplenoll insignia on it. The motor mount (where it screws into the bracket appears to be lead. The arm i am not certain of its vintage. The seller did describe it as the reference model. I have found a "quiet" pump that i will purchase. It is a silentaire scorpion 2 which can put up to 50 PSIG and is oiless. The specs show about 50 decibels versus a typical shop pump around 70-80. It is an airbrush compressor that i will hook up to my surge tank (which i have a pressure regulator to dampen the pulsations) I also have the plenums which are walker plenums (foam filled) that will also dampen the pulsations. I have approx 200 ft of vinyl tubing with a laboratory grade filter to remove all particulates. The compressor also has a filter and water trap. It should be in early next week so i am excited to see how it performs. I will shoot some pics of the table as well as my system to post. It is not as attractive (yet) as your table but it definately has potential. I also have carefully leveled the table and the arm (when supplied with the right pressure) moves freely. The arm does not drift so i feel the table is pretty level. I am very impressed with the airbearing arm. you literally can blow on it lightly and it will move. The soundstage with the zyx cartridge is tremendous. I still need to finish my VTA and VTF tweaks and start using the oil trough. Then i will enjoy the music for a few weeks before i try to remove the motor like you did. Thanks again for your advice.