Hello. I’ve never used canned air but I got a dirty reflector and thought I should buy some. Then I saw these electric jobbys and thought that it would be a better option from a waste and cost POV. Consensus seems to agree. I’m wondering though if there are things to consider and how much they might play into the overall quality and function. Vipon has a couple that are under $30 and I was gonna go that route but I wanted to know if the hive-mind here has any helpful tips or recommendations. Thanks!
If you have an air compressor just put a inline water filter ( for paint guns ) It works the best
I have one of those little blow-guns. Works well enough for blowing out the innards of my desktop computer but you definitely don’t have to hang on with both hands while using it. Might have expected a little more from it since it’s powered by a 6000 mah 18650 battery. No really, it says right on it. 
That’s a great option I did not think of. Thanks.
I bought an air compressor about 10 years ago and it’s been a great tool. Besides blowing dust off of reflectors, it’s mostly used for maintaining car tires. But with “free” pressurized air, it’s amazing how useful it is around the house. And you can choose how much pressure you need depending on the job.
I can’t recall the brand now but got to play with one that was out a few years back, cost closer to $100 I think, and claimed to give the same pressure/oomph as canned air. It didn’t, not by a long shot. I think for blowing light looser dust it’d be fine and actually that might be better for reflectors (and no risk of liquid if you tilt a can the wrong way). The electric rig wasn’t suited for that guy’s bench use but he used it for some things before it died.
If you have a compressor, yeah, definitely go that route if it’s convenient enough. Regardless of the pump type, invest in a quality mini oil/water separator and use a mini inline water filter on the blow gun. Best to do it that way so you don’t risk fouling the reflector surface with either water or traces of oil mist. Glass can be cleaned but reflector surfaces will get ruined. The main separator is best when mounted a few feet off the compressor outlet but if you have to mount it right there it’ll still do a decent job, but downstream you can still get condensation in the line which is why you need that additional small filter at the tool…same as you do with paint guns. Probably set the regulator at 20psi or use a little inline regulator downstream. For this use, don’t forget to always pull the trigger a few times before you aim at the reflector, just in case.
Here’s a Milton mini…just an example…there are cheap import ones these days that are probably just fine, and you can sure spend triple if you want to. The type like this with the sintered bronze sleeve do a great job, not sure about the types with dessicant in them: Amazon.com
And these little jobbies do ok on the tool end…when it’s really humid you’ll have to keep an eye on them and drain frequently but they work. The disposable ones, also fine, either pleated paper or felt discs inside, and they tend to break sometimes if you drop the line…great with most tools but you can always add a whip if they get in the way: Amazon.com and https://www.amazon.com/Dianrui-Disposable-Filters-Standard-Threads/dp/B09ZQPHYRD/
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Yep, if you have a compressor; chops728 solution solves the problem. :+1:
Its not cheap, but I used Datavac products for years doing laser printer repair and they are built solid. Found this on Amazon and it works great. Blows more air than any can and doesn’t run out.
I have the same one, would definitely recommend. It’s powerful (first time I tested it out I accidentally blew a load of stuff off my desk), loud, and plugs into the wall (it also gets hot with extended use - it’s basically the D4S of air dusters), so not the most practical option, but if you’re only going to be cleaning stuff around power it’s unbelievably powerful and great for clearing dust out of small high airflow spaces (e.g. servers). Pays for itself within 1-2 years of canned air usage if you consider the convenience of never running out and how much faster it is to actually use as having a value as well (and overkill for fun is why I’m on this forum, after all…)