Small service vacuums and compressors.......

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Any suggestions for a small vacuum and compressor for typical service call cleanings on boilers?  I don't do any oil boilers, so mainly what I need to clean up is dust and rust.  The 3 1/2 gallon Sid Harvey Soot Master is simply too bulky and I am looking at equipping smaller vehicles for service work....no vans or pick ups.  I have a small hot dog compressor, but smaller and lighter would be better yet.

Charlie from wmass

For light clean up I like the

8 gallon shop vac from True Value hardware. It has a choice of fine filter bags and is large enough to clean a decent size mess. Small compressor I use a cheap one fron Harbor freight, it is a mini twin tank. The good oil-less compressors do not seem to take bouncing around in a truck. The one I have is oil lubed. I use a Tacoma with a cap for most work but I actually would really prefer having a cab forward with a plain box for the boiler work. My truck is fine 80% of the time. It is that 20% that is a drag.

rlaggren

Some people talking about compressors here...

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/item/11339/in-search-of-a-quiet-air-compressor



FWIW, before I found a deal I couldn't turn down I was figuring on the Senco.



Rufus

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Looking for smaller....

I have a 3 1/2 gallon Sid Harvey unit, but want something smaller.

World Plumber

Shopvac

Shop-vac makes a little 1 gallon unit. I like it for clean the gas boilers and small pickup jobs. I use my soot vac for oil. If I'm doing a job where I'll be making a mess. I put my 5 gallon Shop-Vac on the truck.

Glen

buy cheap

and shed no tears when they pack it in. I tried the soot master - poor track record and longevity. No oil? Regardless the fine dusts and aldehydes still kick the slats out of the vacuum motor and bearings.