Anyone have info about using compressed air with fiber ...

If you're using roughly 6 cfm, a solid 3Hp compressor should be adequate. It’s crucial to ensure the air is dry, preferably with a refrigerant dryer. Working with carbon steels, especially higher carbon than mild steel, can pose a risk of hydrogen embrittlement, making parts more susceptible to cracking. You might consider using oxygen instead; a couple of bottles can provide ample cutting time, especially with the smallest nozzle and minimal pressure. Oxygen typically cuts with less pressure than nitrogen.

The main challenge with air cutting is edge quality. Expect more adhered slag and nitrogen settings won’t quite fit. It will require some experimentation, as the 20% oxygen in air could lead to losing sharp corners and increased burning. Additionally, anticipate more fine smoke, necessitating efficient extraction.

In terms of cutting speed, while you might program 11 meters a minute, the actual gantry movement and cut distance greatly influence real speed. Often, more acceleration is more beneficial than maximum speed for CNC cutting systems. Many fail to account for this aspect of machine motion, which can lead to significant time savings.

Properly sizing driers based on compressor output is also important. Arrange the system as compressor, dryer, then storage; placing the dryer after storage means sizing it for peak demand, which can be costly. Keeping tank pressure around 150-175 psi is sufficient, excessive pressure merely increases your electric costs.

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I recently ordered the California Air Tools 8010, available at Lowes and Amazon for $155.19. Home Depot matched this price through an online chat. Harbor Freight’s Fortress models, although advertised at 60db, appear louder based on video reviews.

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From my initial research, while HF’s 1-gallon model at $110 offers great value, the 2-gallon model at $150 or an 8-gallon Cal Air Tools model might be better. The HF 2-gallon has 1.2 HP compared to Cal Air's 1.0 HP. Time will tell how they compare in performance.

I am curious if one of these compressors could handle multiple machines. I own several K40’s, including a K40D and a typical 50W Blue and White, which is yet to be set up.

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