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Bike pump or compressor?

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 5:20 am
by Stolly32123
Can someone tell me the pressure an ordinary bike pump can get to? and what type of compressor can get the most psi?

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 5:30 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
An ordinary shop compressor typically goes to 110-150 psi, same for a good bike pump. Shock pumps will go to 300-400 psi but that's only useful for small volumes.

If you want to go to the 300-600 psi range with larger volumes, fridge and A/C compressors can be adapted.

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 9:24 am
by Ranger
A bike pump can go to 120 psi, but they were not designed to. I have gone through 3 bike pumps, every time the hose pops off the pump and there is now way to re-attach it.

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 9:29 am
by jackssmirkingrevenge
Ranger wrote:A bike pump can go to 120 psi, but they were not designed to. I have gone through 3 bike pumps, every time the hose pops off the pump and there is now way to re-attach it.
This one will go to 200, though the gauge only reads to 160.

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 12:08 pm
by al-xg
If the pump body is well built, then changing the hose (and gauge) can make a big improvement.

I've used my bike pump to just over 390psi and the original gauge read 160psi.
As long as the pump is well built, max pressure has more to do with technique and body mass to an extent.

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 12:34 pm
by deathbyDWV
This says it goes to 230... What do you think jsr?

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 12:39 pm
by jackssmirkingrevenge
Looks heavy duty enough...

Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2010 12:42 pm
by Technician1002
Pump or compressor depends mostly on the size and your need for portability or raw power. My Marshmallow cannon is best with a hand pump. Portable and use anywhere. The big 2 inch QDV is a workout, especially if you want to spend the afternoon launching pop cans into trees and other targets. 15 minutes of heavy pumping per shot is good for a group of 5 guys, it ensures each gets a turn.

With a compressor the larger sizes can be load and shoot simple.

Different pressure can be had with either hand pump or compressor. Volume of air delivered is the difference.