Alternatives for Compressed air bottles?

[Mad_Hatter]

I was using compressed air for some old systems. Then I remembered that a bottle of air costs 5 bucks. Old retro consoles could cost as low as 20. It makes no sense. I'd rather save my air for my computer, which costs much more.

Is there any alternatives to compressed air that isn't too expensive (I can't afford those giant air tanks)? Maybe something more mechanical and electrical instead of gas based?
- I probably could have afforded one of those giant air machines with all the air bottles I bought.

I would just vacuum, but I know that can cause some static.

[Exhuminator]

I often use my Giottos Rocket Air Blaster for stuff like this. It's very reasonably priced off Amazon, and I suggest the large size. Here's a link.

[Hobie-wan]

You can also get a cheap red solder sucker bulb at Radio Shack and use it as a puffer.

[Exhuminator]

The thing about using a generic puffer is that it pulls in nearby air from the surface and then pushes it back out, thus it can suck in surface dust and blow the dust right back out again. However the Giottos I linked to includes a one-way valve to prevent it from breathing in surface dust and spreading it back to your equipment. http://www.giottosusa.com/rocket-blasters

[fastbilly1]

Nice find Exhuminator, I am going to order one tonight for my camera bag.

Honestly, ever since I got a big air compressor, my need for compress air cans has diminished. But those are not for everyone, since they are either big and noisy or stupidly expensive.

[Hazerd]

Im planning to get this:

$51.47
Metro Vacuum ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 0.75-HP Electric Duster 120-Volt

[Exhuminator]

I am going to order one tonight for my camera bag.

I have one in my camera bag as well. Although it is a smaller size (the Rocket Air Blasters come in S, M, and L). I keep the large one for video game related things such as blowing off discs before I put them into consoles because I'm just that crazy.

[fastbilly1]

I am going to order one tonight for my camera bag.

I have one in my camera bag as well. Although it is a smaller size (the Rocket Air Blasters come in S, M, and L). I keep the large one for video game related things such as blowing off discs before I put them into consoles because I'm just that crazy.

Well that is kinda crazy, but whatever floats your boat. On the side, what do you shoot?

[Exhuminator]

On the side, what do you shoot?

Naughty pictures of naughty people. Yes, yes I do.

[CRTGAMER]

Honestly, ever since I got a big air compressor, my need for compress air cans has diminished. But those are not for everyone, since they are either big and noisy or stupidly expensive.

I use a couple of different sizes of soft paint brush, works great on cooling fans. If real dusty, augment with air compressor nozzle or the Ridgid vac with the hose hooked up to the outlet end of the blower. Both machines are noisy so only use these when I buy something used that needs a good strip down.

@ sp957 - If you do invest in a compressor, as fast mentioned they are noisy. However it can stay in the garage and just run the hose. Make sure the pump is an oil model for durabilty, get something a little bigger then a pancake compressor so it can pull double duty as a car tire filler.