There are two things you should do on a regular basis to keep up on compressor care: First, check the oil level (this is just as important as with your car) and take a look at your motor belt to make sure there are no signs of a possible breakage. Second, on a much more regular basis, you need to drain your compressor to evacuate any moisture accumulating in the bottom of your tank. The higher your humidity level is, the more often you should drain your compressor.
Often glass etchers are more concerned with extracting moisture out of the air stream that flows into the pressure pot, while completely ignoring the accumulation of water inside of the compressor’s tank. All compressors have a drain valve at the bottom of the tank, and, depending on the humidity level in your climate, you need to establish a schedule for regularly draining the compressor tank.
-Ruth Dobbins, EtchMaster
