Sharpe filters

[jamie392]

I was wondering about the reusable filters in the sharpe air filters. How long do they last for, are they something that can be cleaned and last for many years?

Jamie

[Len]

If you're talking about the bulb filters, that you use on the handle of your spray gun, then I'd say to throw it away and use a new one with every full paint job. With filters and filter regulators like the one below you drain them periodically but they keep on working. You can replace the filter once in a while if you have a really poor air quality that can contaminate the filter but most of the time it's just a draining process that keeps it working properly.

[Phil V]

A good filter element is made up of wrapped string or twine and in most hobby situations should last for years. I"ve had the same string element in my big Binks filter/water trap for close to ten years. I took it apart yesterday because the water bleeder on the bottom has a slight air leak from a bad rubber seal. The string filter was in surprisingly good condition so I put it back in for a few more years use. It was a lot faster for me to make a new bleeder seal out of a piece tire inner tube rubber than it would have been for me to get in the truck and drive 8 miles to the paint store to buy a new seal.
That setup should be good for several more years trouble free.