Published on December 4, 2023
Good compressors that can fill cylinders to 300 bar? Well, they do exist, but there are only a few. The cheap 1- and 2-cylinder compressors that are so popular really can’t fill cylinders without serious consequences. How do I know that? Because I’ve done it myself :-)...
With large tanks of cooling water, an aquarium pump, etc. By the way, we still have quite a few spare parts for those lying around. The problems vary somewhat due to all sorts of causes: Excessive RPM puts a heavy strain on the internal mechanics, and the air being drawn in isn’t pre-cooled and passes through the (too-small) “moisture separator” while warm to hot.... Result: Moist air enters your airgun/carbon dioxide cylinder, which isn’t good for the sensitive internal components of airguns and cylinders. O-rings dry out, and steel and brass parts rust.
So: Take good care of those little compressors, and above all, don't let them run for too long.
So what are some good compressor brands for this purpose? Bauer and Coltri, of course... The problem: It’s a hefty investment, and in these tough times for hobbyists, that’s a major issue for most people. It’s understandable, because the seven good years are already a thing of the past. We’re struggling to make ends meet, and you can see that in everything.
Still, we have a few very, very good air-cooled compressors in stock that can easily fill a cylinder with air quickly. That’s exactly what they’re built for. No, they don’t have a little coupling so you can fill your air rifle. That’s a feature you’ll never find on a “real compressor.” No, it comes with a sturdy “filling nozzle” that you can only screw into the neck of a 300-bar cylinder. Cooling works just like with Bauer and Coltri, with vanes directed at the cooling fins. And between the various stages, there’s intermediate cooling that cools the air even further before it passes through a generously sized moisture separator and finally through a Bauer filter (clone). Incidentally, you can also use the original Bauer cartridges in these holders. So: Ultimately, dry and clean air enters your filling cylinder. Well, we used to have a Bauer Junior II, but it’s been replaced by the Carette V33, and we’re not sorry about that… It’s also quite a few decibels quieter and saves a lot of money…