In the market for an air compressor...what size?

**UKMyers** · 08-30-2007, 10:50 PM

Been looking at Craftsman Air compressors lately. I'm a newb to these things. What size would suffice for garage use and running basic air tools??? I don't want to go overkill. There's lots of good deals on craigslist I just need a model to search for.

89macrunner · 08-31-2007, 01:08 AM

depends on the kind of tools you are looking to use.

If you are looking to use an impact wrench/air rachet than you dont need a big thing.

If you are looking to use angle grinders, sanding tools, rotary cutters, paint guns, or anything else that uses a large volume of air you will need something 30gal plus imo.

I have a 30gal and it has to click on a good amount when using a rotary cutting tool but i never have to stop because im running out of air.

4Crawler · 09-01-2007, 10:54 AM

I have some compressor/tank sizing information on the web page below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tml#HowMuchAir

In short, size to match the anticipate tool requirements. I run a 12CFM.20 gallon Campbell Hausfield compressor, it is adequate for all the air tools I use, might be a bit small for sand blasting.

WATRD · 09-01-2007, 12:37 PM

Go as big as your budget allows. It will run less and you will find ways to use the air.

86tuning · 09-01-2007, 01:23 PM

A belt-drive compressor will be a lot quieter. oil-less, direct drive compressors will drive you nutz with the noise.

240v motors don't have to work as hard as 120v motors.

Bigger reservoir is better. I'd rather have a 60gal tank with a 5hp motor vs a 20gal tank with a 10hp motor.

Drain the moisture from the tank every time you use it. Dry air is better for your tools, and water in the bottom of the tank will rust it out.

At home I run an 80gal tank with a 18cfm@90psi belt-drive compressor. It is wired directly to the 240v in the sub-panel with BX wiring. Our tank sits at 125psi, and I run high-flow couplers, and top of the line professional air tools.

If you're doing serious mechanical work, consider getting a 3/4" impact wrench for removing the big rusty bolts.

HTH.

AlphaOffRoad · 09-04-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WATRD

Go as big as your budget allows. It will run less and you will find ways to use the air.

I completly agree... Bigger is almost always better for a compressor [volume]. Nothing is more irritating than waiting around for the compressor to regain pressure

**UKMyers** · 09-04-2007, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the input. I only plan on running an impact gun, air ratchet ect.

CJM · 09-04-2007, 10:13 AM

Home depot has a husky branded one I been looking at for awhile for about 350 bucks. Sometimes they run a deal and you get the tools with it too. Its a 5hp model with I think a 30 gallon tank.

hross14 · 09-04-2007, 11:10 AM

there is a problem though--most air ratchets do 6cfm at 90psi. Most 110v wont do this volume. Mine used to run short all the time--now i have upgraded to a 14.5 @ 90psi 220v from Harbor Freight (330$). Quiter and air to spare--use for lots of stuff now and have never had a problem with it.

Buy what you can--it always sucks to have to go back and upgrade--it has happend i cant tell you how many times.....

Just .02$

**rocket** · 09-09-2007, 02:52 AM

Does your compressor location have 220V or 110v?
Whats your max~ estimated budget?
Need more info...

08-31-2007, 01:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
89macrunner Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 2,067	depends on the kind of tools you are looking to use. If you are looking to use an impact wrench/air rachet than you dont need a big thing. If you are looking to use angle grinders, sanding tools, rotary cutters, paint guns, or anything else that uses a large volume of air you will need something 30gal plus imo. I have a 30gal and it has to click on a good amount when using a rotary cutting tool but i never have to stop because im running out of air. __________________ Daily Driver: 2007 Windsor "The Hour" Fixed Gear 250 miles Crouch Rocket 2005 Felt F80 1100mi (purchased new in Jan 2008) 2006 Mazda3 GT 2000 TRD Tacoma..Bought back and crushed 1988 4Runner SR5 V6 5 speed..sold

09-01-2007, 10:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,266	I have some compressor/tank sizing information on the web page below: - http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tml#HowMuchAir In short, size to match the anticipate tool requirements. I run a 12CFM.20 gallon Campbell Hausfield compressor, it is adequate for all the air tools I use, might be a bit small for sand blasting. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs. r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

09-01-2007, 12:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
WATRD Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Duvall, WA Posts: 5,125	Go as big as your budget allows. It will run less and you will find ways to use the air. __________________ -Rob Slightly Modified 2001 Tacoma - WATRD.COM WATTORA Prez Tread Lightly certified Tread Trainer I don't work here anymore... In fact, I seldom visit anymore. You can find me via the links in my signature.

09-01-2007, 01:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
86tuning Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 456	A belt-drive compressor will be a lot quieter. oil-less, direct drive compressors will drive you nutz with the noise. 240v motors don't have to work as hard as 120v motors. Bigger reservoir is better. I'd rather have a 60gal tank with a 5hp motor vs a 20gal tank with a 10hp motor. Drain the moisture from the tank every time you use it. Dry air is better for your tools, and water in the bottom of the tank will rust it out. At home I run an 80gal tank with a 18cfm@90psi belt-drive compressor. It is wired directly to the 240v in the sub-panel with BX wiring. Our tank sits at 125psi, and I run high-flow couplers, and top of the line professional air tools. If you're doing serious mechanical work, consider getting a 3/4" impact wrench for removing the big rusty bolts. HTH. __________________ - Brian

09-04-2007, 10:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Home depot has a husky branded one I been looking at for awhile for about 350 bucks. Sometimes they run a deal and you get the tools with it too. Its a 5hp model with I think a 30 gallon tank. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

09-04-2007, 11:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
hross14 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 819	there is a problem though--most air ratchets do 6cfm at 90psi. Most 110v wont do this volume. Mine used to run short all the time--now i have upgraded to a 14.5 @ 90psi 220v from Harbor Freight (330$). Quiter and air to spare--use for lots of stuff now and have never had a problem with it. Buy what you can--it always sucks to have to go back and upgrade--it has happend i cant tell you how many times..... Just .02$ __________________ Yes, I said "country." America really is a nation, but you couldn't convince those who lead the Democratic and Republican Parties of that. Both parties now see America as nothing more than an economy, a marketplace, and not a sovereign nation. They don't see you and me as citizens of this great nation; they see us as units of labor, consumers and taxpayers. Yes, I am here to collect my 238$ worth of stock from AIG. "What do you mean a free market economy doesnt apply to the rich?"

09-09-2007, 02:52 AM	#10 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,335	Does your compressor location have 220V or 110v? Whats your max~ estimated budget? Need more info... __________________ under construction: '96-'02 gone: '92

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