I would like to get an air compressor for my shop so I can work on the vette and use it as a power washer, nailer, etc etc..my question is, what size tank would be adequate? I have my eye on a 4.5 HP 15 gallon tank compressor at Lowe's that is priced well, but I don't know if that is an adequate size for medium duty work.

If I were to need more capacity down the road, are there "expansion" tanks that can be bought to add additional capacity to the compressor? Thanks in advance! :cheers:

 

If you intend to use air grinders or sanders 15gal won't do the job, you need more air volume. I would suggest a min of 30 gal but larger if you could afford it. Hope this helps :cheers:

 

If you really want an air compressor, buy one with a large tank, preferrably around 30 gallon or more. Check out the air CFM requirements of the tools you are going to use and compare with the output of the compressor.

My recommendation, based on the items you want to use with the compressor, is to buy the 80 gallon, 2-stage unit Lowe's has on sale now at $700. Sounds pricey, but it will do everything you want it ti do.

If you just want a small unit for general work, email me. I have a Sears 220V 20 gallon unit that I have used with some air tools, spray painting and a sand blaster which has been very productive for me. I've now outgrown it and need more volume for my heavy equipment needs.

 

I have a 4 HP, single stage, 2 cylinder compressor with a 20 gallon tank. It is rated about 5.6 cfm at 90 psi. I have found it to be completely adequate for all the normal air tools and paint spraying. Two stage is only necessary if you need pressures over 120 psi or so but adds a lot to the cost. Mine cost about $350. Mine is 120 volt and compressors that are much larger require 220 volts.

 

The oiless ones are noisey (if you are looking at those). Buy a good two stage, oil splash compressor with the separate motor and belt drive with a 175 PSI 60 gallon vertical tank. It will last you a lifetime and do all you want it to do. The more you get into air tools the more you will want what is described above. Yes it is a 220V unit. You should be able to find one for $800 or less on sale. Air tools suck air bigtime. One thing I hate to do is skimp on a tool just to have to spend for the right one 4 years later. I have a 30 year old sears true 2HP, 220V, 150 PSI that is still running fine today. It can't quite keep up with continuous use of the die grinders or the plasma cutter (heh, heh) and it won't die so I can buy what I recommended above.

The air nailer is another story though. Any 110V, 8 gallon, $250 special will run them. Got one of them too for the air nailer(s) but it can't provide the volume for the air tools (well maybe the small 3/8 ratchet).

Watch those horse power ratings too. a true HP is about 750 watts (about 7 amps at 110V and that doesn't include start current) Those 'developed' numbers they quote are meaningless as far as I'm concerned and mislead people.

The bigger compressor will also stop your buddys from borrowing it. :D

 

I just bought one about 3 weeks ago. It was a single stage 6.5 Hp and 35 gal compressor. Came with a 1/4" ratchet and impact for 319.00 from Western Auto (sears). I used the air tool, and it works very well.

i would recommend it to anyone. The only thing is its a little loud, but you could do what I plan in doing. Since its portable, and easy to move. I just wheel it outside the garage door and close the door on the air line. Instantly quiet again! :cheers:

 

My girlfriend is getting me one for Christmas. I believe it is the Craftsman that is for sale at Sears for $299 (regularly $329). It is a 6HP, 33 gallon, 150 psi unit if I'm not mistaken. I believe is has 6.5 SCFM at 90 psi. It also comes with a 3/8" ratchet and impact wrench too.

I am going to have to buy a 1/2" impact wrench for it (plus some other tools) in order to take my wheels off but I am hoping this unit can do the job...

Mike


[Modified by luvmy92, 9:27 AM 12/23/2002]

 

The Craftsman at Sears ($299) is good for what you need. 6.5hp, 150psi, and 33 gal tank will keep up with any tool you can put on it. You don't need any more than this unless your going to be running two tools at one time.


[Modified by Blue88, 8:43 AM 12/23/2002]

 

I am a full time Deicer mechanic for American Airlines and I have the Craftsman 33 gal 6.5 HP compressor at home and if you do any DA sanding or body work you just barely have enough here. I also shoot paint and HVLP will not work with this setup. I think the 60 gal upright tank with the belt drive cast iron compressor is the best way to go if you are serious about using air tools. Also an air dryer and filter is nice to help your tools last and with the 60 gal you won't have as much noise as the Craftsman Direct Drive Unit. Just my .02


[Modified by weracemo, 2:55 PM 12/23/2002]

 

Lots of good advice.

Pneumatic grinders, polishers, body files, large Dual Action (DA) sanders etc require a two stage, 220 volt compressor, 80 gallon tank. Consder this body shop quality. The 60 gallon tanks can be used if space limited. These larger units may require an additional electrical service disconnect, as in a 30 amp or better line. By running the right cable, you can wire up for an electrical welder. The electrical work could be significant if you go big. Better units will feature all cast iron compressors, US made electrcal motor. With larger units, can install filters and water speparators, etc.

On the medium side is the often mentioned Sears. If you grind or sand once a month, maybe, a marginal set up for larger air tools. For 3/8, 1/2, impact tools, air blower nozzles, drilling, etc, well within capabilities.

Light duty would be impulse air. Note however some units lower pressure (compressor on at 80 psi and compressor off at around 100) limits drop out of framing nailer service supply requirements. Namely, can drop to around 80 psi before compressor on. Typical nail guns need 90 psi to around 120. High pressure low volume. Have had this problem. These smaller units, good for supply air for nozzles, air chucks, impulse guns. Buying extra tanks, hookups, connectors, takes up a lot space and money.

Good luck.

dlmeyers 90 coupe zf 6 3 speed shocks




[Modified by dlmeyers, 10:01 AM 12/23/2002]

 

Good advice! I just bought the same compressor from Lowe's and am in the process of hooking it up. I have screwed around with small compressors for 30 years waiting for the things to catch up with whatever tool I am using. One thing for sure, if you work on cars you will be using more air tools rather than less and the new ones will consume more air than less. You will have this thing for a long time so why have something that you swear at every time you run it out of air?

 

I've got this unit, does everything I need to do with it. Only complaint? Its pretty noisy.


[Modified by Jim-K, 2:21 PM 12/23/2002]