What are you guys using for an air compressor

[knied1]

I`m looking to upgrade my air compressor.
currently I have a 5 gallon Husky from home depot, I would like to start using die grinders and items of that nature in my garage, and am wondering what others out there are using.

I no longer have the manuals for my die grinders, so looking up CFM is not possible.

Thanks for your inputs.

 

[AJ1978]

How hard are you going to be running these die grinders? Some die grinders so use a lot of CFM's and others are not too bad. A lot of it depends on the duration of use.
Another factor is noise and moisture? How much noise can you or your family withstand specifically if you are in an attached garage.

I use a Saylor Beall VT 735-80 5 Hp industrial motor, 845 Pump Rpms about 19 CFM
I also have a Champion Vrv 5-8 5 Hp Industrial motor, 734 Pump Rpms about 18 CFM
My old back-up is down awaiting a rebuild which is a Kellogg American 331 5 HP

Of the above the Kellogg is the quietest, followed by the Champion and then the Saylor Beall.

 

[zmotorsports]

I am using a 60-gallon Quincy 5hp dual stage compressor that I bought new in 1995 when I built my last shop. I took it with me when I moved and will use it in my new shop when completed. It puts out approx. 15CFM and has done a great job for me over the past 22 years. It has the cast iron pump and has been very reliable and low maintenance. I change the oil once a year and added a large compressed air cooler to aid in keeping the condensation in check. It was a bit costly up front at over $1k but overall cost of ownership has been very low.

Mike.

 

[Kenskip1]

Back around 2000 I wanted to purchase a compressor. Sears had a 33 gallon on a special for a price that I could not resist. Anyway it is still working fine.It builds 150lbs of pressure.Noisy yes, but it does the job.All my air tools work so what more could I ask?BTY I payed under $300 for it, Ken

 

[Eric29]

I use an old 25 gallon Sears oil less compressor, 175 PSI.

I know that oil less compressors are maligned, but this has lasted several years and was the only thing that I could afford at the time. It runs impacts and air chisels fine and doesn't get used every day.

The higher pressure gives me a higher volume of air in the tank. The output claims to be 6.1 scfm but I have a question for the group. Wouldn't the compressor give me as much cfm as I need at 90 PSI until the pressure dropped below 90 PSI in the tank? So if I needed 10 cfm, I assume I'd get that until the pressure in the tank dropped below my needs (in this case 90 PSI)?

 

[dnschmidt]

Quincy 5HP dual stage 17CFM at 100 PSIG. Mostly adequate but not able to keep up all day long if I'm sanding or grinding are using my SATA spray guns to paint an entire car. In a commercial shop you need 7.5 and 23 CFM if you're doing anything serious. Wish I would have spent the extra money. Even the 7.5 and 23 CFM will not keep up with a sand blaster so don't even think about it.

 

[knied1]

Thanks for everyone's input.
if I`m understanding the replies properly. as a rule of thumb I should be looking for a 5HP with at least 30 gallon tank.

Thanks again

 

[sberry]

I use an old 25 gallon Sears oil less compressor, 175 PSI.

I know that oil less compressors are maligned, but this has lasted several years and was the only thing that I could afford at the time. It runs impacts and air chisels fine and doesn't get used every day.

The higher pressure gives me a higher volume of air in the tank. The output claims to be 6.1 scfm but I have a question for the group. Wouldn't the compressor give me as much cfm as I need at 90 PSI until the pressure dropped below 90 PSI in the tank? So if I needed 10 cfm, I assume I'd get that until the pressure in the tank dropped below my needs (in this case 90 PSI)?

You are already significantly below the tools operating threshold at 90 and this is before it leaves the tank. That is not delivery pressure but static, not sure of the exact math but 1/2 the stored energy and the line loss increases as the pressure drops. A 175 comp should be turning on about 130 or so, already depleated at 90.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Die grinders, sanders and sand blasting require A LOT OF AIR ! My 2 hp, 20 gallon, oil lubed compressor runs out of air with my cheap cut off wheel.

5 hp, 50 gallon tank, 150 psi.

 

[md21722]

I`m looking to upgrade my air compressor.
currently I have a 5 gallon Husky from home depot, I would like to start using die grinders and items of that nature in my garage, and am wondering what others out there are using.

I no longer have the manuals for my die grinders, so looking up CFM is not possible.

Thanks for your inputs.

The most frugal die grinders are rated around 14 CFM. Most are 18-25 CFM. 5 HP works for the most part, but for long continuous use ideally you'd get a 7.5 HP with after cooler.

I have dual 5 HP air compressors like AJ1978. I have 240 gallons total across three tanks. I don't have after coolers on my compressors so I use the third tank as a collector/air drier. It takes a lot of moisture out of the air. My coalescing filter is usually dry and no moisture at the tools either no matter how long I run them.

 

[Eric29]

Thanks for the response. I run the gun at about 125. I should probably look at running it a little higher.

You are already significantly below the tools operating threshold at 90 and this is before it leaves the tank. That is not delivery pressure but static, not sure of the exact math but 1/2 the stored energy and the line loss increases as the pressure drops. A 175 comp should be turning on about 130 or so, already depleated at 90.

 

[md21722]

Thanks for the response. I run the gun at about 125. I should probably look at running it a little higher.

There are too many variables to say for sure what the regulator should be set at. Fittings, regulator size, length of hose, gun itself, ... best is to put a gauge at the tool if you really want to know. 125 is probably close enough. You can get too complex trying to figure out this stuff. My regulator is set around 110. If I put a gauge at my impact and pull the trigger free speed it will get down to about 78, but when I put it on a bolt to remove, its more like 90... I am using a 25' hose & hi flow fittings.

As far as your other question, air in the tank is stored air available at whatever CFM is allowed through the port, regulator, hose, and fittings. Standard 1/4" I/M fittings are limited to about 40 CFM. The pump CFM of 6.1 is what the pump can produce to refill the tank.

Your standard 1/2" impact uses around 25-37 CFM at free speed. This CFM number is less under load.

You can more clearly see the effects of pressure drop by hooking up a second 50' air hose to your existing one. That's like adding another 20 psi of pressure drop.

 

[AJ1978]

What are you using these die grinders for?
If you have the space and financial means, go to a nice 80 gallon 5 HP industrial machine, stay away from the ingersol rands at TSC and other places, Champion, Saylor Beall, Quincy are the way to go Especially from a noise and operation stand point.

When my Saylor Beall went down, before putting in a 2nd unit I powered my porter cable compressor to the line set. I shut down the tanks, but we could still pull tires if we paused.. Do not recommend it but it worked.. Kept the waste oil furnace up and running.

 

[moriboy]

I have a Quincy 5HP 80 gallon 2 stage. Its really a great compressor.


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[phred]

For the wood shop I have an old craftsman 1 hp 20 gallon with a 60 gallon storage tank that runs all my small stuff. For the mental fab shop I've got a Air Force 5 hp 80 gal single stage. Runs all my air tools and the blast cabinet.


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[niferous]

Champion R15B with a 80 gallon tank and a 6 HP motor turning at 1740 RPM. Right now I'm at 175 PSI and 15 CFM according to the manual.

 

[anndel]

I have a Husky 5 HP 30 gall vertical and when using a angle grinder to sand off rust on hub assemblies, it runs out of air after just 1 wheel. You'll need at least 60 gallons.

 

[Marcm157]

I have a 60 Gal Husky from Home Depot. I use die grinders with 3M bristle discs all the time. I am a home user so I don't mind waiting for air to replenish. I get roughly 1 - 2 minutes before I have to stop and wait for air to catch up and that's only if I start with a full tank. With less consuming tools Like my impact gun etc. I can do all 4 truck tires without the compressor starting up...

 

[fastbike02]

I have the 60 gal porter cable from tractor supply and its worked flawless for the last 3 years

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I no longer have the manuals for my die grinders, so looking up CFM is not possible.

Post the manufacturer and model of your die grinders, or even a picture.
I am sure someone here will know what CFM they need. Hell, some people here may even be able to tell you family history of the technician who made the grinder!!

Also, you need ti figure how you will use the compressor in the foreseeable future, what tools you may have an interest in, etc.

 

[-Brent-]

I've got an older Quincy QT-5 (5hp - 80 gallon)

The new units are listed at:

CFM at 175 PSI 17.2
CFM at 100 PSI 17.7
CFM at 90 PSI 18.6

Like Mike mentioned above, I think mine also has a bit less output.

It will keep up with a 12k die grinder. A 20k unit it will have trouble keeping up at full load.

 

[Finky198]

We have the 7.5hp 80 IR from TSC and there is nothing wrong with their newer units are they us made no, but its still a solid machine. A Weg motor and Ir cast pump from India. I have know doubt it will be the last compressor I will ever need. But not the last one I'll ever buy. I'd like to add a second and have 48 cfm on demand for heavy air tools grinders and such. And ultimately I'd like a tow behind or somthing on a skid.

It all depends on what you need, but at the same time not buying small and losing your hat to multiple upgrades... because you didnt think this thru. I'd highly recommend taking your time and looking for used or good deals locally. Before looking at the new market. If you do go new I would avoid paying full price most place will take coupons or negotiate on large purchases. It never hurts to ask both Lowes, HD and TSC have all given me 10% off of major purchases.

 

[bsaint]

You need a 75hp Sullair.

 

[Citation]

Knied1,
I like how people jumped to the monster compressors in no time. It's possible you don't have 240v power so clearly you need to get one of those diesel powered compressors the construction guys are always hanging from cranes. I think they are in the 100 cfm range.

Perhaps we should ask do you have 240v in your garage? Are you limited to 120v models. How much can you spend? My father does a lot of die grinder and sander work when welding thin wall tubes. He was using a frankenpressor with a 30 gallon tank, 3hp motor but only 2 hp older Speedaire pump. That setup was just slightly more powerful than a good 120v compressor. I've done relatively light cut off wheel work with my 20 gallon, 5.5 cfm compressor. So it's not unthinkable that a top of the line 120v compressor could do it for you. A compressor like mine (made by Campbell Hausfeld) runs around $400. If you have a 240v supply on the garage then the same money buys a 3hp 60gal with about twice the flow rate. It seems unlikely you would even try using your 5 gallon for the grinder if the thing actually needs a 5hp, 80 gallon compressor.

 

[Zeke]

Die grinders, sanders and sand blasting require A LOT OF AIR ! My 2 hp, 20 gallon, oil lubed compressor runs out of air with my cheap cut off wheel.

5 hp, 50 gallon tank, 150 psi.

This^^^^^

 

[2jz4me]

I just use my air compressor for an air compressor.

 

[Revelations]

My Peterbuilt is my air compressor.

Sent from a Galaxy far far away.

 

[pepi]

x2
I use a compressor for my compressor.

 

[bagged150]

I use the Husky 30 gallon 175 psi from Home Depot.

 

[yamaha0343]

I use the Husky 30 gallon 175 psi from Home Depot.

same here

 

[JohnnyK8]

60 gallon 2 stage from harbor Freight works great.

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[dnschmidt]

Try spray painting without a compressor. Most cars don't look that good when shot with an Airless. HVLP turbines ain't never going to make me give up my SATAS.

 

[Crasen]

I have an old Ingersol Rand 90 degree die grinder that will run continuously on my Husky 8 gallon horizontal air compressor. I am not sure if the current oil free version would keep up or not though.
If you already have a compressor, you could purchase a new one and plumb it along with the old one. You could adjust the pressure switch on the old one to only kick on when the new one can not keep up.

 

[Git]

Try spray painting without a compressor. Most cars don't look that good when shot with an Airless. HVLP turbines ain't never going to make me give up my SATAS.

I would think that for most DIYers - by the time you bought the monster compressor, SATA type gun, the dryers, filters, air hose, 240v circuit, yada yada yada, you could just about pay for a decent paint job by a pro.... just sayin

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I've got a 26 gallon horizontal Craftsman oil-less that my dad gave me to free up room in his garage. Super loud, while I'm out jogging I can hear it kick on from at least a few houses away, and it's inside the garage. But the oilless compressors are cheap and easy to rebuild if necessary. I rarely use it unless I have a roofing or framing project going on around the house or garage. Most of the tools I use are electric - corded or cordless. I do plan on getting a Senco PC1010 soon to use with my small nail guns for installing trim and build small projects.

If I hadn't been given the 26gal compressor, I wouldn't have bought one.

 

[byoungblood]

60 gallon Husky (Campbell Hausfeld) I bought back in 2004. It think it is in the 11-12 cfm range at 90 psi without going out to look at it.

I've run a mini die grinder off of it, and it kept up with it well enough for my purposes. Usually I could run it for a couple of minutes before the pump would kick in. Another 20-30 seconds or so of full speed use, then it would still run at a lower (but usable) speed for light duty work., ie., sanding and light grinding. Put a cutter on it and you have to either run it in bursts or wait for the tank to pump back up.

I can run it with my airbrush for quite some time before the pump kicks on. When this happens, I stop painting and wait for it to finish filling back up and then crack the drain to get the water out of it. I can use my cheap HF HVLP gun on it long enough to do what I need to do with it (I use it to paint model rockets) without it having to run the pump.

Other air tools like impacts, air ratchets, etc., no problem with them. For many jobs they just run straight off the tank and the pump never kicks in.

 

[md21722]

I've got an older Quincy QT-5 (5hp - 80 gallon)

The new units are listed at:

CFM at 175 PSI 17.2
CFM at 100 PSI 17.7
CFM at 90 PSI 18.6

Like Mike mentioned above, I think mine also has a bit less output.

It will keep up with a 12k die grinder. A 20k unit it will have trouble keeping up at full load.

Since you're in SLC, the higher altitude cuts into performance. We have the same thing here.

 

[knied1]

Thanks for all the replies guys,

I have a bunch of air tools from when I was a welder, and quite honestly would like to start using them again......
I currently have a Husky 20 gallon 1.7 HP compressor and it is obviously not enough.

I guess its time I started searching CL for a 80 gallon 5 hp and see what I can find.

I do have 240 in the barn, so I would prefer one that operates on 240


thanks again

 

[Roberts210]

I picked up this little cutie at a compressor repair shop. It had been left by a previous owner for installation of new wheels and the guy never came back to collect it. It sat at the repair shop for a year. I paid $140 for it.

 

[hemifalcon]

Anyone who says battery power tools are antiquating the air compressors are ignorant.. The world is large folks.. Not all tools needed in the world are covered by battery power-nor does anyone want to stock a dozen batteries to keep up on a long job, or buy new ones all the time as they have an obvious life cycle.. People who have REAL air compressors have then for their purpose..

To answer the thread question I have a 30gal Sanborn from Menards-and a REAL compressor being a 1972 Kellogg American 80 gallon vertical unit..


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