There's a lot of options out there. I know I'll get at least a 5-h.p./26 gal. system. Some use oil-less compressors, some require oil. I suspect that 240-volt is more efficient than 110-volt. Is two-stage worth it? I will most likely just be using standard impact gun, a blast-cabinet down the road and I'll probably try paintint this summer. I'd appreciate any comments and/or experience.

thanks,
:seeya

 

Frank,

You can probably do a search and find some pretty good threads. IMHO, you can't go wrong with all of the big name brands, IR, Craftsman, CH...Think of all of the accessories you will run, as you mentioned above, and come up with a few more for future additions (b/c you'll always get 'em). Then, think of the biggest compressor you can handle in terms of cfm delivery, tank size, financially, etc. After you've done all of that, buy the next biggest model. :smash:

Trust me, you will be glad you did. The biggest mistake to make is buy on price, or what you can afford and hope that it meets your needs. Esp with thinking of running a paint gun, which means you'll be running a DA sander. Two stage is not absolutely necessary unless you will run several pieces at once. The two stage will typically ive you more psi, which you may not need. I bought my Craftsman and have been happy with it. It was a clearance model that came with attachments, 3/8 air ratchet, spray gun and hoses. It's a 25gallon, 6hp and runs everything fairly well. Sometimes I'd wish for the larger two stage when running my sandblaster, but it works fine. More important than the compressor itself is piping your garage (shop) and putting the proper H2O seperators and filters in. :yesnod:

 

Assuming at least moderate load usage, the 220V models are generally more efficient. Also, I personally do not like the "oil-free/maintenance-free" models because they have a limited life and can not be repaired or upgraded like those with the traditional air-cooled, oil-lubricated cylinder with maintenance provisions. Just my preference. If you don't use it much, the oil-free/maintenance free models will last you a while and do work just fine.

I have a Craftsman 5hp/20gal 220V for regular use and a Sanborn commercial (now Coleman) 6hp/60gal 220V for heavy use. Both are the traditional style (not oil-free or maintenance-free).

 

I got the Sears Craftsman Proffesional 2 stage, very nice unit, 175 psi and 20 gallon keeps up with the sandblasting and runs my 650 ft-lb impact gun great.

It is the oiless kind but it is also not too noisy I have used it in my basement with no aggravation from the noise, Sears says it is quieter, I believe them.
I can hold a normal conversation right beside it :eek:


[Modified by MotorHead, 11:32 AM 2/15/2002]

 

here's a thread to a whole lot of opinions:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=189055

My computer shot craps right after my post and I used the money for a new computer, printer and scanner. My wife just reapproved a compressor, paint gun and filter system purchase so I revisiting a compressor right now.

 

Another opinion... I would buy the biggest that you can afford and have room for. Undersizing is common and very frustrating when you need more air. Also the oil less (diaphram) are extremely noisey and will get on your nerves in a short time If you are in a closed area with them . Get a standard type and a good water seperator. ;)

 

Yes I was going to mention about those damn reed valve things...they are noisey as hell, hate them, friend has one, every time he hits the switch, I need earplugs....the noise frequency is irritating as hell....not that any of them are quiet....need build a soundproof shed for it...but with air circulation enough to cool the thing too....complicated issue...

GENE

 

As long as we are talking about noise I might add something. I replaced the filters on mine with much bigger ones. I had to rig them up to fit. This will really help on the noise level. My compressor is in a storage room and I cannot hear it unless it comes on at night. OOPS! :jester :sleep:

 

As said before get the biggest you can afford, and get the best tools you can afford, miniimum of profeesional series( my cheap impact won't even take off torqued on wheel lugs most of the time).

I'd say get a 60 gal, with around 10cfm output minimum, that should keep you running for a long time.

 

Thanks for your input guys (plus the link.) Is oil leakage into the air line really something to worry about, also what about freezing? It gets cold up here sometimes and this unit will be in my garage.

thanks



[Modified by Frank75, 6:38 AM 2/15/2002]

 

I have a 5 HP 30 gal, that I was using last night, as long a you keep the water drained out of the tank there should be no freezing problem. As for oil in the air, depends on what you are going to be doing with the compressor. Oil in the line is good, it lubricates your tools. oil in a line that you use a spray gun is very bad. you need a water/oil seperator on a line that you are going to use a spray gun( a very good water/oi seperator).

 

Just looked at the piping diagram referenced in the link given above:
http://www.tptools.com/StaticText/piping_diagram.pdf

This looks to be great stuff and IMO worth showing here again. Looks like I should be OK on the freezing issue as long as I install the system correctly.

 

that brings to mind another pet peeve i have had with every compressor setup I ever owned....
the drain plugs being up and under the damn things on bottom, inaccessible for draining water from tank....take a piece of plumbing pipe and maybe a ball valve or something that's easy to turn and drain tank out, makes things a whole lot easier....

GENE

 

I would never get the 5 HP 110 volt units. You can not get 5 HP from 110 volts. Only go with the 220volt systems and get the big 60 gallon tank. I also like the belt drivin units and not the oil less ones.
I started with the 5HP 60 gallon unit and when given a chance moved up to 7.5 horse triple.
Don't scrimp on this. Buy as big as possible and it will last. While painting or anything else the compressor should be able to shut down.
The small 110 units can not keep up and will wear themselves out. They run them so fast as to equal a bigger slower 5 HP unit.

 

frank, look at signature after you read this!
220-240vac cast iron pump. do NOT buy aluminum or oil free model unless you just have $$ to burn. with any real usage, they will only last a couple of years. try going to home depot and buying their husky (made by campbell-hausfeld) cast iron compressor. it's 60 gal. tank, cast iron pump, 220vac capacitive start motor. i don't even remember if it is single or dual stage, for a home garage, it won't make that big a difference. at my local home depot, it listed for $398.00. it's on my shopping list.
gary dion, president
air compressor services
henderson, nv

 

Thank you Gary - you've convinced me.

I think it's a single-stage 10.2 cfm @ 90 psig and actually it's my #1 choice to date. The only reason I didn't bring one home yesterday is that I can't lay it down and have to take the cap off of my in-laws truck.

It's very reassuring to have a pro give it his OK!

Frank

 

glad to hear it. let me know if there is anything else air related you need help with. you can e-mail me directly if you like, e-mail is on my profile.

 

Frank,

I just bought a Campell Hausfeld 7hp 60gal 135psi vertical compressor on sale at Harbor Freight for 379.00. Also bought a filter from Central Pneumatics for 29.00. Check this thread for pictures:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=233561

Works GREAT!!