Originally Posted by
George Summers
Maybe I'm lost but; why auto-drain?
Purely convenience for me...my system stays charged 100% of the time and I travel a lot on business. This keeps any moisture out of my tank and consequently out of my lines. Since my system is in the cyclone closet, I don't even hear it fire off. There is so little condensate in the system now, that I don't even need to bother with a bucket...
Why is this important to me? Because I've already ruined two finishes due to moisture, causing me much extra work and grief. If I just shot nail guns I almost wouldn't care. But the water bourne finishes I spray don't like even the smallest trace of water in the lines. The auto-drain combined with about four separate (and different) types of filters are worth it to me. The auto drain, however, as you point out quite well, is not required...there are less expensive ways.
BTW, the unit I'm using is an electically controled valve and is independent of the compressor, unlike the HFT unit. I scored it for $62.50 including shipping of "that auction site".
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...