ISO: 30 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor

[DakotaMan]

I have a smallish two car garage that doubles as my "shop". Currently, I have an older 20 gallon craftsman air compressor under my work bench. Most of the time, it works just fine but when I'm using a blower or hard on the impact (like for spring compressors), it tends to use the air quickly. I'd like to upgrade to a 30 gallon. The problem I'm having is few of the big box stores carry a 30 gallon in a horizontal configuration that's also 220V.

In my space, I have to "choose" between a 60 gallon air compressor or a workbench. My current bench is about 42" wide and sits between my mower and my water heater. I'd like to have both, and kind of stuck with a sorta workbench and a sorta air compressor.

The only model I've seen that could work is the Campbell Hausfield model.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200377421_200377421

I'm afraid of that brand.

Any other suggestions? I could rewire the outlet to 110V and get the ingersol rand. I'd probably have to hire someone to change the outlet stuff though.:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200339041_200339041

 

[md21722]

I am not sure how 10 more gallons of air is going to significantly improve things for you, but if you are only adding 10 gallons, go to Harbor Freight/TSC/HD/Lowe's/Menards, and get a 10 gallon tank and change out the plumbing a little? Would be a lot cheaper unless you are looking to get a new compressor anyway. The CH in the first link is just a smaller horizontal version of what Home Depot/Lowe's sell as their 3.x HP 60 gallon vertical.

 

[DakotaMan]

I am not sure how 10 more gallons of air is going to significantly improve things for you, but if you are only adding 10 gallons, go to Harbor Freight/TSC/HD/Lowe's/Menards, and get a 10 gallon tank and change out the plumbing a little? Would be a lot cheaper unless you are looking to get a new compressor anyway. The CH in the first link is just a smaller horizontal version of what Home Depot/Lowe's sell as their 3.x HP 60 gallon vertical.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I'll figure it would help some. While conceptually, I understand 10 gallons...I am not sure what the equations are to determine how much more time that gets me or what benefit there is.

I unfortunately don't have the room to plum in a second tank. The primary tank could be a couple inches larger in diameter or length and accommodate 10 more gallons. A separate tank would need to be placed elsewhere.

 

[AJ1978]

What are you using this for? I know depending on your budget and with a smaller tank, you could get a HIGHER CFM output pump with the tank you are considering.

 

[md21722]

50% more air storage, so roughly 50% more time.

If your compressor kicks on after 15 seconds, it would on after 22 seconds. Refilling the tanks would take a bit more than 50% longer.

Without knowing how long you can run the impact before it kicks on, it is difficult to provide accurate numbers.

The basic formula is

time in seconds = (tank size in gallons) / 7.48 * (P1 - P2) / 14.7 * 1 / CFM * 60
P1 = starting pressure of tank, P2 = ending pressure of tank

When you are using big tools and have a small tank and pump you are going to have to deal with issues. If the tool is not very powerful to begin with and you're running the tank low on pressure, you are actually compounding the problem. For example, if you used an IR2235 it might use more air per second, but it finishes the job faster so you end up ahead. A better investment may be to buy a cordless impact, like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. Tons of power, no need for a compressor.

 

[454ragtop]

I just stumbled across the compressor you're looking for on Grainger. Not on wheels though, if that matters. Might catch a Zoro sale?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

What you need is a compressor with more VOLUME [CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute] not more volume [bigger tank].

 

[Jarhead0408]

Check out the Hot Deals section... HF has a 60 gallon for $160 plus shipping.

 

[DakotaMan]

I just stumbled across the compressor you're looking for on Grainger. Not on wheels though, if that matters. Might catch a Zoro sale?

Stationary is fine. Do you recall the model number?

What you need is a compressor with more VOLUME [CFM = Cubic Feet per Minute] not more volume [bigger tank].

Okay. I'll look for that in the specs. That puts me more in the price range of a Jenny. They sure are pricey but they have topline CFMs.

Sometimes theres other tanks the manufacturer makes which will work with your compressor motor and pump. My CH 20 gallon horizontal compressor rusted it's tank and I called them for a replacement. It wasn't available any longer although they did some checking and a 25 gallon would work. I ordered it and everything fit perfectly. It was a little cumbersome to move around due to the longer length so I made it into a stationary unit by pulling the handle,and wheels. Good luck.
Motoretro

Thanks for this suggestion. I looked into just buying a 30 gallon tank and use the same motor/pump configuration. I figure it wouldn't be too much more on the pump. The problem I'm having there is finding a local place that sells tanks. Sadly, shipping kills the deal.

 

[454ragtop]

Grainger #'s 4B237 and 4B234

 

[DakotaMan]

Grainger #'s 4B237 and 4B234

Help me understand, the 4B237 is 3 phase, which in my understanding, requires a different electrical setup than your standard residential house?

Thanks to another poster, I found the 4B234 at zoro and it will fit the bill. The way I understand, that company has 25-30% off sales from time to time so it will sit in my cart until that occurs.

 

[Denwad]

could you get a 60 or 80 and put it outside?

 

[454ragtop]

Help me understand, the 4B237 is 3 phase, which in my understanding, requires a different electrical setup than your standard residential house?

Thanks to another poster, I found the 4B234 at zoro and it will fit the bill. The way I understand, that company has 25-30% off sales from time to time so it will sit in my cart until that occurs.

Sorry, didn't catch the 3 phase, just saw the 30 gal. horizontal. Definitely don't want a 3 phase compressor if you don't have 3 phase power.

 

[DakotaMan]

could you get a 60 or 80 and put it outside?

Unfortunately, no. The HOA of my neighborhood does not allow outside structures.

 

[AnEv942]

What is your current compressor CFM? While a nice compressor that likely last you a lifetime, the Speedair 4B234 is only rated 4.9@135psi.
Even with larger tank that seems pretty low, especially given the price. Just curious...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Another option if you have room. Buy a second compressor and make an adapter to hook both to one airline. Then you can run one [light use] or both if you need more cfm. I've done this and it works.

 

[thatguysb]

What about the IR garagemate? its 30 gallons, uses 110v current and does some pretty good CFM. quite some coin but its 110v and portable. thats my main issue now, buy a big 60 gallon and wire it with 220v and plumb lines or the IR