I have read that an air compressor is a valuable tool to have for gun cleaning. Seems like a good idea to blow out debris as well as cleaning fluids/oils.

Anyone have any recommendations? Also, wouldn't an appliance that creates a suction be good, like a shop vac? I'm thinking it might be good to suck this stuff up into a container, rather than blow it into the air.

I use compressed air with any gun cleaning job.
Been doing it this way for decades.

You can use a shop vac, and I'm sure it will help, but compressed air is quick, easy, and if the compressor tank is full, you don't need to run the compressor motor.

BTW: Good idea to wear eye protection when using compressed air.

I'm not so sure it would be a good idea to suck up and mix different solvents and oils (some flamable) into a closed container which would concentrate them, with an electrically powered shop vac.

I purchased a 6.5hp, 60 gal.,"Huskey" (home depot house brand) compressor approx. 5 years ago ($350.00?), I use it virtually every day with all the air tools available it's extremely versatile and has been trouble free with normal maintainence.

I have an ultra sonic cleaner for my hand guns which requires a water wash after the solvent, it is absolutely the best for removing water and drying completely.

There are right and wrong ways to use a compressor.
Just spraying a buch of solvent on a gun and blasting away with the air can just force the grime further into the action.
As part of a thorough disassembly/cleaning, it can be very useful.
Again, be careful about blowing some solvents into the air and breathing them.

Use a PC duster....

Unless your going to use it for automobile work or glass beading guns the real one won't be really needed.

Make sure that you have a good water seperator and keep it draiined so that you don't spray your guns with water.

quote:

Originally posted by 500 Magnum Nut:
Use a PC duster....

Unless your going to use it for automobile work or glass beading guns the real one won't be really needed.

Do you mean something like Dustoff, the compressed air in a can? Interesting that you say that, as that is what I just used. I thought it might be less expensive over time to use something else. Plus, I can always use a Shopvac for other things.

quote:

Originally posted by tobar8:

quote:

Originally posted by 500 Magnum Nut:
Use a PC duster....

Unless your going to use it for automobile work or glass beading guns the real one won't be really needed.

Do you mean something like Dustoff, the compressed air in a can? .

Yes exactly.

It's not just for computers. In the shop I have the real deal, but at home I clean and do minor tune ups with the dustoff. Who wants to hear that pop pop pop pop in the house anyways.

If the cans of air are $$ buy them in bulk or use them like a surgical strike, use them when you really need them like firing pin channels or the insides of the cylinders to blow out the bits of dirt that collect in there. Sometimes the air is the only way to clean out a hard to reach spot.