Air compressor suggestions

[Compact]

Now that I seem to have lighting figured out, now I need to decide on an air compressor. I don't even know exactly what tools I play to use with it, but I would like it to be versatile. It also needs to fit neatly in the upper recesses of my ceiling. I definitely am going to need it to operate the air locks on my lift (bendpak sp-7x), so let that help you. Based on the location I want to mount it, it would be ideal to have it longer than taller. Tall tanks will not work for this. Any thoughts?

In case I forgot, thanks for the help thus far.

 

[Chris Adams]

To be clear, you are mounting this thing, the compressor, otherwise known as the 'hot thing', way up in the air?


Do you live where it is very, very cold?

Just wondering as heat is what kills them down near the ground.

 

[Compact]

Do you live where it is very, very cold?

Haha, not exactly.

I did not know that heat was a real issue with compressors. My garage is going to be insulated, and when I am using it I will have an A/C unit running, but would this still be a problem?

I am kind of doing a crash course on this right now. Searching on here has brought up a TON of information, actually too much.

I wasn't expecting to need to make a choice for another couple of weeks, but the fact that we're doing the ceiling now means that I need to decide.

From what I am reading, it appears that I don't need a particularly large compressor. It will be mainly used for operating the safety locks on my lift, and probably to run a few air tools. Definitely not doing any sand blasting or heavy painting. Plus, if I ever do need to, I could always rent a big daddy for a big job.

Looks like some of the smaler makitas are supposed to be good. Still need to read a lot.

 

[Compact]

OK- I did a ton of reading and I found a guy "screen name G M" in an old thread who did exactly what I want to do- mounted a compressor in the attic space above the garage. This is EXACTLY how I want to do it, and I have the space up there (and precious little space in the 1-car garage below).

Here is the compressor I am considering:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-SS3L3-Air-Compressor/p688.html#reviews

And here is the picture of G M's awesome setup:

 

[MichaelP]

I can imagine the sound it transmits through the woodwork...

 

[CARS]

I have a compressor on a loft in my shop. If you crawl up to service it (which I actually do change the oil and filter twice a year ) in the summer, it is hotter than hell up there.

What are you really going to use it for?? You HAVE to know that before you shop for one..... or ask for advice.

An air drill, impact wrench, spray gun, etc are all air hogs. If you are blowing off wood shavings from your drill press it's a completely different animal.

Shop for tools first (yeah, I know that sounds backwards) and keep note of the tool's cfm usage at what pressure. Then I would buy a compressor slightly larger than your biggest air tool's rating.

If you are just filling tires, blowing off the work bench, etc., my advice is overkill. That is why I am asking you to pick the tools first.

 

[Compact]

I know that I am not choosing this at an ideal time (I don't have the tools yet), but if I want to mount it up and out of the way, then I need to decide now because I have contractors out there doing the ceiling.

Here is what I KNOW I will be using the compressor for:
1. Actuating safety locks on bendpak lift
2. Impact wrenches

I'm not sure if I will ever be trying to spraypaint or do a lot of sanding, which is why I am erring towards a larger capacity (although I am stopping short of the 2-stage units).

Again, the real issue is that I need it up and out of the way. It is a 1-car garage, and it will always be a 1-car garage, so every inch of floorspace matters. I have a lot of ceiling though, and I am trying to be ultra-efficient. I do understand that it would make more sense to wait and see what tools I end up using, but I need SOMETHING immediately for the lift, and thus I kind of feel like going a bit big.

Man, the last few days this project has not been fun- actually rather stressful. Hopefully once these wrinkles are out it will be fun again.

 

[Falcon67]

Just me - if I was mounting up in the rafters, I'd be looking at horizontal compressors. Frame up good under it and put it on some isolator mounts and it should be tolerable. Also, your choice is basically the same compressor you can get at HD (Husky) or TSC (Campbell) for around $430. IR has a decent rep, but I chose Campbell and it's been a fine unit. If the IR runs at a lower speed than the others, then for your mounting situation it may be worth the extra expense in potential noise reduction.

 

[MichaelP]

Choose the highest CFM you can afford. This should be the main parameter when you choose a compressor. Not 2-stage vs. single stage, but higher CFM vs. lower CFM.

If there's any possiblility you may use sandblasting in the future (even if you don't think so now), try to stay closer to 20 CFM or above.

Otherwise, visit a store or search the Net to find minimum CFM requirements for the tools you may use. Then multiply it by 1.5 or 2 to be safe.

Having something in the vicinity of 15 CFM would be a very versatile approach that will even permit a reasonable sandblasting for a home workshop (but then you're better choose a machine with 100% duty cycle).

That is if your requirements cannot be met with a portable compressor, of course.

 

[rickairmedic]

I will say for the money you are looking at spending on that IR compressor . You could have this 2 stage U.S. General compressor . I have the single stage version of this compressor and have had it for 5-6 years . I have been very happy with it and it has done everything I have asked it to do . I have even woken up in the morning ( once ) to find it running for who knows how long ( burst hose ) . I quickly added a 1/4 turn shut off to it and its been fine ever since and that was 3-4 years ago.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html



Rick

 

[TLCDino]

Choose the highest CFM you can afford. This should be the main parameter when you choose a compressor. Not 2-stage vs. single stage, but higher CFM vs. lower CFM.

If there's any possiblility you may use sandblasting in the future (even if you don't think so now), try to stay closer to 20 CFM or above.

Otherwise, visit a store or search the Net to find minimum CFM requirements for tools you may use. Then multiply it by 1.5 or 2 to be safe.

Having something in the vicinity of 15 CFM would be a very versatile approach that will even permit a reasonable sandblasting for a home workshop (but then you're better choose a machine with 100% duty cycle).

That is if your requirements cannot be met with a portable compressor, of course.

This really sound advice. Better to spend a little more now than be out of breath later....