Compressed Air or Leaf Blower?

SoCalZ · 03-19-2011, 08:49 PM

anyone use Compressed air compaired to the leaf blower? pros? cons?

Mike · 03-19-2011, 08:59 PM

compressed air comes out in a much smaller spray than a leaf blower, and can have some oil in the air if its not filtered.

I have this, but unfortunately, it draws too many amps and I can only use one of the two forced air heaters in it. One day I will replace the 15A breaker with a 20A one:

Air Force Master Blaster Car Dryer

Xan · 03-19-2011, 09:06 PM

You can use a masterblaster, but to me it's not worth the money, unless you wash a lot of motorcycles.

In my opinion you don't want to completely blow dry the car, just blow the water off, otherwise water residue will dry up on your paint.

An electric leaf blower works great after sheeting the water.
Blow all the water out of any holes and the main water from the paint.
Then wipe with a waffle weave MF towel and finish with some QD.

Pick up this one: Electric blower on sale at Lowes for $19.98

Junkman2008 · 03-20-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

You can use a masterblaster, but to me it's not worth the money, unless you wash a lot of motorcycles.

Or cars and dogs too. I can definitely appreciate your opinion about the price because the thing ain't cheap. However, it is way better than compressed air for the reasons that Mike brought up and for the fact that the air is heated and you move a lot more volume with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

In my opinion you don't want to completely blow dry the car, just blow the water off, otherwise water residue will dry up on your paint.

Absolutely not. You do want to completely dry your car with it as that is what it is for. If you have water drying on the car then that's an issue with your water, or the surface of your paint is not in the condition that it needs to be in. It also helps to dry your car in the shade. I have never experienced the water drying issue that you speak of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

An electric leaf blower works great after sheeting the water.
Blow all the water out of any holes and the main water from the paint.
Then wipe with a waffle weave MF towel and finish with some QD.

Pick up this one: Electric blower on sale at Lowes for $19.98

I agree. If finances are a issue, this is a major luxury item, especially if you are not using it as much as I do (2-3 times a week), or you are not trying to achieve flawless paint. It is not in everyone's financial budget but it is worth every penny. The Master Blaster delivers and I will be putting out a video of it soon. This is a car dryer of Ferrari proportions. Also as Mike pointed out, you need a heavy gauge outlet to use it. This sucker draws 18 amps when in use with both motors running. You need some juice to run this puppy full bore!

Xan · 03-20-2011, 11:47 AM

How did I know I was going to see you in this thread

I wasn't disputing that the blaster does a better job. I was just saying that at $309 vs $20 it's not worth the money to a lot of people.

Of course it's still to some, however I would say their goal for it is convenience while getting flawless paint. As I can guarantee that not using it can still get you flawless paint.

Quote:

Absolutely not. You do want to completely dry your car with it as that is what it is for. If you have water drying on the car then that's an issue with your water, or the surface of your paint is not in the condition that it needs to be in. It also helps to dry your car in the shade. I have never experienced the water drying issue that you speak of.

I think you're misunderstanding me, I probably didn't state it very clear..

I was saying you want to blow the water of your paint not make it evaporate (blow drying: for lack of a better explanation let's call it the hair dryer effect). As evaporation leaves behind residue... I didn't say you don't want to get your car completely dry..

I think to most people, finances aren't the issue, it's just not worth it to most. That's a difference...(to me at least)

kenchan · 03-20-2011, 11:57 AM

I use my shop vac in blower mode. Works great.

Junkman2008 · 03-20-2011, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

How did I know I was going to see you in this thread

Only because I can finally vouch for the Master Blaster. That thing is wicked!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

I wasn't disputing that the blaster does a better job. I was just saying that at $309 vs $20 it's not worth the money to a lot of people.

I agree with you 100%. The thing is a pricey luxury for most, but for those with showroom cars (or guys like me who hate drying by hand and want as close to flawless paint as one can have), it is a must.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

Of course it's still to some, however I would say their goal for it is convenience while getting flawless paint. As I can guarantee that not using it can still get you flawless paint.

Yes, a leaf blower will work just fine, it just takes a little longer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

I think you're misunderstanding me, I probably didn't state it very clear..

I was saying you want to blow the water of your paint not make it evaporate (blow drying: for lack of a better explanation let's call it the hair dryer effect). As evaporation leaves behind residue... I didn't say you don't want to get your car completely dry..

I think to most people, finances aren't the issue, it's just not worth it to most. That's a difference...(to me at least)

I can agree with that.

SoCalZ · 03-20-2011, 08:17 PM

Why not use a air compressor? I already have a very good one (used for woodwork nailing) and have different air nozzles that different in pressure.

Junkman2008 · 03-20-2011, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalZ

Why not use a air compressor? I already have a very good one (used for woodwork nailing) and have different air nozzles that different in pressure.

Because compressed air comes from a tank, which can contain substances that you do not want on your paint. Yes, you can filter the hell out of the air but let's face it, we all get a little lazy sometimes and allow our filters to go a little longer than they should. Also, you are not going to duplicate the heated air that a Master Blaster has. That really decreases the drying time. Plus, the Master Blaster moves A LOT of air. That thing draws 18 amps with both motors going!

SoCalZ · 03-21-2011, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman2008

Because compressed air comes from a tank, which can contain substances that you do not want on your paint. Yes, you can filter the hell out of the air but let's face it, we all get a little lazy sometimes and allow our filters to go a little longer than they should. Also, you are not going to duplicate the heated air that a Master Blaster has. That really decreases the drying time. Plus, the Master Blaster move A LOT of air. That thing draws 18 amps with both motors going!

Thanks, didnt think of that.

trixonik · 03-23-2011, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

You can use a masterblaster, but to me it's not worth the money, unless you wash a lot of motorcycles.

In my opinion you don't want to completely blow dry the car, just blow the water off, otherwise water residue will dry up on your paint.

An electric leaf blower works great after sheeting the water.
Blow all the water out of any holes and the main water from the paint.
Then wipe with a waffle weave MF towel and finish with some QD.

Pick up this one: Electric blower on sale at Lowes for $19.98

Thanks for the tip on the leaf blower for sale at Lowe's!

Xan · 03-23-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trixonik

Thanks for the tip on the leaf blower for sale at Lowe's!

YW, sale is over though, it's $25 now (still better than usually which would be $30, I believe)

Junkman2008 · 03-23-2011, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xan

YW, sale is over though, it's $25 now (still better than usually which would be $30, I believe)

That's a great price.

Xan · 03-23-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman2008

That's a great price.

The $19.98 was better though...

Junkman2008 · 03-23-2011, 09:28 PM

I agree!

03-19-2011, 08:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
SoCalZ Base Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 53 Drives: Build #3 40th Rep Power: 14	Compressed Air or Leaf Blower? anyone use Compressed air compaired to the leaf blower? pros? cons?

03-19-2011, 08:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	compressed air comes out in a much smaller spray than a leaf blower, and can have some oil in the air if its not filtered. I have this, but unfortunately, it draws too many amps and I can only use one of the two forced air heaters in it. One day I will replace the 15A breaker with a 20A one: Air Force Master Blaster Car Dryer __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

03-19-2011, 09:06 PM	#3 (permalink)
Xan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: MA Posts:99999999999999 Posts: 3,301 Drives: 370Z 40th Aniversary Rep Power: 24	You can use a masterblaster, but to me it's not worth the money, unless you wash a lot of motorcycles. In my opinion you don't want to completely blow dry the car, just blow the water off, otherwise water residue will dry up on your paint. An electric leaf blower works great after sheeting the water. Blow all the water out of any holes and the main water from the paint. Then wipe with a waffle weave MF towel and finish with some QD. Pick up this one: Electric blower on sale at Lowes for $19.98 __________________

03-23-2011, 09:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
Junkman2008 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,048 Drives: 2001 Corvette Coupe Rep Power: 10259	I agree! __________________ "Marines - Making the other guy die for his country for over 200 years."

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03-20-2011, 11:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141520	I use my shop vac in blower mode. Works great.

03-20-2011, 08:17 PM	#8 (permalink)
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