air compressor and air tools...need help
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 26,563
Likes: 29
From: Northridge California
St. Jude Donor '14
air compressor and air tools...need help
i'd like to get some air tools and a compressor, but space is a big concern...i need to get the smallest air compressor possible that can drive an impact wrench, air ratchet...small sandblasting projects etc...what should i get?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (eleven79)
5 HP, 20 gallon -- that's about the smallest you can get away with. Too small a tank and you'll only get very short bursts of usage before you have to wait for the tank to fill up again :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (eleven79)
Think CFM.. (cubic feet per minute) when comparing compressors. Also beware that the new oilless or diaphram type are VERY VERY noisey. They will drive you crazy in a comfined area.You need at least the amount of cfm that you tool uses or you will outrun the compressor.
[Modified by silvervetteman, 5:17 PM 4/11/2003]
[Modified by silvervetteman, 5:17 PM 4/11/2003]
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Okeechobee Florida
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (eleven79)
i bought this one and love it...
it came with an air ratchet and an impact wrench...
i even caught it on sale and save a few bucks there too... :) http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00916554000
it came with an air ratchet and an impact wrench...
i even caught it on sale and save a few bucks there too... :) http://www.sears.com/sr/product/summ...id=00916554000
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (SIGNGUY)
Get the largest tank you have room for, the smaller the tank the more the compressor runs the hotter it gets the more moisture. I have a 2hp 20 gal tank with lots of moisture in the air. I also have a 5hp 80 gal tank no moisture problems and can run 2 inpacts at the same time.
Steve :steering:
Steve :steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
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From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (SIGNGUY)
SIGNGUY....
A 6HP-33gal compressor w/ 150 Max PSI should do just about anything you want to do. Thinking I paid just about the same price 15 years ago for my Sears 3HP-20gal 120 Max PSI compressor. I've never once had a problem with it even though it may not be started up for years on end. I am limited to what I can do though as I have some good Ingersall-Rand 1/2" impact tools that can drain it in the matter of 10-15 seconds and I have to wait for things to build back up. Still better than good 'ol *Manuel*. :yesnod:
A 6HP-33gal compressor w/ 150 Max PSI should do just about anything you want to do. Thinking I paid just about the same price 15 years ago for my Sears 3HP-20gal 120 Max PSI compressor. I've never once had a problem with it even though it may not be started up for years on end. I am limited to what I can do though as I have some good Ingersall-Rand 1/2" impact tools that can drain it in the matter of 10-15 seconds and I have to wait for things to build back up. Still better than good 'ol *Manuel*. :yesnod:
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,461
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (eleven79)
1) do NOT buy an oil-free. these are absolutely throw away machines.
2) get the biggest tank you can fit. if you can find room for a 20, you can probably find room for a 60 vertical tank.
3) look at the husky 60gallon sold in home depot. it's a cambell hausfeld compressor. it'll work pretty well for you.
4) air tools, stay away from the harbor freight specials. as much as i hate to say it, the I/R stuff is pretty darn good. craftsman stuff is good too since it's made by other reputable manufacturers.
5) air tools like paint guns, sandblasters and DA sanders use massive amounts of air, see rule 2.
BTW, if your wondering, i own a company that services and repairs air compressors. if you have any questions, you can e-mail me directly or post here. i will answer anyones questions about this subject to the best of my ability.
[Modified by clutchdust, 11:49 PM 4/11/2003]
2) get the biggest tank you can fit. if you can find room for a 20, you can probably find room for a 60 vertical tank.
3) look at the husky 60gallon sold in home depot. it's a cambell hausfeld compressor. it'll work pretty well for you.
4) air tools, stay away from the harbor freight specials. as much as i hate to say it, the I/R stuff is pretty darn good. craftsman stuff is good too since it's made by other reputable manufacturers.
5) air tools like paint guns, sandblasters and DA sanders use massive amounts of air, see rule 2.
BTW, if your wondering, i own a company that services and repairs air compressors. if you have any questions, you can e-mail me directly or post here. i will answer anyones questions about this subject to the best of my ability.
[Modified by clutchdust, 11:49 PM 4/11/2003]
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (clutchdust)
Where are you at in Vegas Clutchdust? I may be down there the first weekend of May. I just got back from there and I would have stopped by if I knew ya had a business! :)
David
David
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 162
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From: Niagara Falls Ontario
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (clutchdust)
I have been looking around also for a compressor ,my garage only has 120 volts and the larger tank units seem to need 220 .Is there a 60 or 80 gallon system that will run on 120. :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (74BBcherryred)
Most electric motors of that size have provisions for wiring them either 220v or 110v. 220v is more efficient and usually cheaper. You may need to put the compressor on its own circuit even if you get one made for 110v. Compressors don't like to start up when you have them on extension cord either.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (clutchdust)
I agree with clutchdust.
I would not touch a oil less nor a 110 volt unit. You can get get 2 horse from 110Volts. YOu get what they call equivalent by running the pi?? out of the compressor.
I also find that verticals are cheaper then horizontals.
I started with a 60 gallon, 5 horse twin 220 but moved up to a 80 gallon triple 7.5 horse.
Running a power sander and you still hear the compressor running alot.
I would not touch a oil less nor a 110 volt unit. You can get get 2 horse from 110Volts. YOu get what they call equivalent by running the pi?? out of the compressor.
I also find that verticals are cheaper then horizontals.
I started with a 60 gallon, 5 horse twin 220 but moved up to a 80 gallon triple 7.5 horse.
Running a power sander and you still hear the compressor running alot.
Abby Normal
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,461
Likes: 92
From: Press "2" for English
Re: air compressor and air tools...need help (88'Cubka)
cubka, i'm all mobile. want to get a shop but not enough consistant good months yet for the expense. i'm still using my garage and other stuff as storage for inventory, etc. drop me a line if you make it down here, maybe we can get together and do some bench racing and 'octane testing'
:jester :cheers:
:jester :cheers: