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Air Hammer - Tank Size
- Thread starter alex123
- Start date
nadogail
Well-known member
IMHO, only for infrequent short bursts, air hammers in my opinion are "air hogs"
That's exactly what I'd like to avoid. What if I bought two 30 gallon (120v) compressors... Would that suffice? (240v tanks are not an option for me)IMHO, only for infrequent short bursts, air hammers in my opinion are "air hogs"
csp
Well-known member
How long at a time do you honestly think you'll be pulling the trigger.
I removed 200 sq ft of tile with an air hammer with an 8 gallon compressor that might have made 5 cfm if lucky and it worked.
I removed 200 sq ft of tile with an air hammer with an 8 gallon compressor that might have made 5 cfm if lucky and it worked.
If there's rust build up, seized bolts, or other stuck parts, it may require up to 30 consecutive seconds of pulling the trigger. Can a 30 gallon compressor provide that type of run time for a air hammer?How long at a time do you honestly think you'll be pulling the trigger.
I removed 200 sq ft of tile with an air hammer with an 8 gallon compressor that might have made 5 cfm if lucky and it worked.
jonesg
Well-known member
yes.If there's rust build up, seized bolts, or other stuck parts, it may require up to 30 consecutive seconds of pulling the trigger. Can a 30 gallon compressor provide that type of run time for a air hammer?
It works best in blips, holding the trigger makes it impossible to keep on target anyway due to bouncing around.
I use mine with 21 gal tank.
If you were to hold the trigger, what kind of run time do you think you would get on your tool from your 21 gallon tank before the pump kicked in again?yes.
It works best in blips, holding the trigger makes it impossible to keep on target anyway due to bouncing around.
I use mine with 21 gal tank.
demarpaint
Well-known member
It will work, but as always in the case of an air hammer and many other air tools a bigger air tank is always better.
What if I went 2x 30 gallon tanks on 120v? 240v is not an option for me. Would that be a large enough tank?It will work, but as always in the case of an air hammer and many other air tools a bigger air tank is always better.
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
It all depends on how often. I ran an air hammer on a 33 gallon compressor. It would do a 30 second burst but woud be pretty weak at the end (then take 2-3 minutes to rebuild pressure).
Wasn't too bad but I probably only used it 2-3 times per year.
Wasn't too bad but I probably only used it 2-3 times per year.
Thanks for sharing your experience... It puts things into context for me. These things are real air hogsIt all depends on how often. I ran an air hammer on a 33 gallon compressor. It would do a 30 second burst but woud be pretty weak at the end (then take 2-3 minutes to rebuild pressure).
Wasn't too bad but I probably only used it 2-3 times per year.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I couldn't give you an honest answer, my guess is it would help somewhat. I run my air hammer on a 60 gallon 240v compressor. I found my old 20 gallon craftsman compressor frustrating for rustproofing cars, the air hammer, an air saw, grinders, etc. I even borrowed a 30 gallon unit from a friend and decided if I wanted to take advantage of air tools I needed a bigger compressor.What if I went 2x 30 gallon tanks on 120v? 240v is not an option for me. Would that be a large enough tank?
I'd be surprised if an air hammer run on your thirty gallon wasn't effective 90 plus percent of the time. I have a 20 gallon compressor and do almost all of my own mechanical work and I can't think of the last time it was a concern. Now die grinders, sanders etc are a different story.
Torque Test Channel
Well-known member
If using .401 shank should be fine most of the time, and impact wrench is usually more thirsty than these hammers. >498 on the other hand, could be different
Have you had a chance to run a air hamner on your 20 gallon unit?I'd be surprised if an air hammer run on your thirty gallon wasn't effective 90 plus percent of the time. I have a 20 gallon compressor and do almost all of my own mechanical work and I can't think of the last time it was a concern. Now die grinders, sanders etc are a different story.
Thankfully my impact wrench is a M18 Fuel. I just can't find a good, compact, equivalent to the air hammer that's electricIf using .401 shank should be fine most of the time, and impact wrench is usually more thirsty than these hammers. >498 on the other hand, could be different
Yes, 60 gallon 240v would definitely be best, but my current situation won't allow that unfortunately.I couldn't give you an honest answer, my guess is it would help somewhat. I run my air hammer on a 60 gallon 240v compressor. I found my old 20 gallon craftsman compressor frustrating for rustproofing cars, the air hammer, an air saw, grinders, etc. I even borrowed a 30 gallon unit from a friend and decided if I wanted to take advantage of air tools I needed a bigger compressor.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I was in that boat too. When I moved and had the needed space I upgraded. If that's the case for you, you'll already have some air tools. Which is always a good thing!Yes, 60 gallon 240v would definitely be best, but my current situation won't allow that unfortunately.
^I couldn't give you an honest answer, my guess is it would help somewhat. I run my air hammer on a 60 gallon 240v compressor. I found my old 20 gallon craftsman compressor frustrating for rustproofing cars, the air hammer, an air saw, grinders, etc. I even borrowed a 30 gallon unit from a friend and decided if I wanted to take advantage of air tools I needed a bigger compressor.
Pretty much this. 30 gallon tank and 150psi will be pretty usable most of the time .
I run 2 5hp setup in my autoshop and at home in the barn got 2 30 gallons 120V 150psi units that can run together when needed but 80% the time just one fine .
Plenty good deals on lower cost 120V belt driven units and if stick with 150psi minimum pressure they half decent and 2 of them with simple plumbing and ball valve to join tanks and time delay relay to control send unit (or fine tune pressure switching) results in very usable output ability for very little cost off standard 120V setup .
Running 1 air tool for home repair scenarios is not that big of a deal but when you got space a dual 120V system can kick *** when needed for small bucks and will do it easier saving bit of time and frustration and allow for more tool options and run times .
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csp
Well-known member
Absolutely, and I think your frame of reference for the consumption vs volume available is a bit off. You're not going to drain a 30 gallon tank to the point of having no pressure in 30 seconds.If there's rust build up, seized bolts, or other stuck parts, it may require up to 30 consecutive seconds of pulling the trigger. Can a 30 gallon compressor provide that type of run time for a air hammer?
Will that 30 seconds of burst make the pump come on? Most likely, but unless you're doing these 30 second bursts non-stop for hours on end it shouldn't be a problem whatsoever.
As I said earlier, I used an air hammer with a chisel to remove 200sq ft of tile bonded to concrete using a compressor with an eight gallon tank and I worked in 30 second to 1 minute bursts non-stop for up to 1/2 hour at a time. The thing was running non-stop and I probably hurt the compressor, but it still works.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Two compressors (i.e. 2 motors, 2 tanks) will give you plenty of air. You have to make sure they are on two separate circuits, better if they are each on a different leg.What if I went 2x 30 gallon tanks on 120v? 240v is not an option for me. Would that be a large enough tank?
One will always start first and the second one will only start when pressure gets below it set point. Don't use them both if you don't need to.
(I loaned my 2 HP 20 gallon 240V compressor to my nephew to combine with a similar compressor for sandblasting. Worked great !)
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
My son did the same using a 2 HP 20 gallon compressor. He had to stop occasionally to let it catch up.As I said earlier, I used an air hammer with a chisel to remove 200sq ft of tile bonded to concrete using a compressor with an eight gallon tank and I worked in 30 second to 1 minute bursts non-stop for up to 1/2 hour at a time. The thing was running non-stop and I probably hurt the compressor, but it still works.
Jagmandave
Well-known member
What are you going to use it for?
Exactly! I don't mind investing in air tools because they do last a good whileI was in that boat too. When I moved and had the needed space I upgraded. If that's the case for you, you'll already have some air tools. Which is always a good thing!
For mw it would always be just one tool at a time. But even with that, I hear that a 30 gallon tank may or may jot be enough depending on the tool. I never plan on sand blasting. But having access to an air hammer is very important. A die grinder would be used sometimes as well... But mostly need this compressor for air hammer^
Pretty much this. 30 gallon tank and 150psi will be pretty usable most of the time .
I run 2 5hp setup in my autoshop and at home in the barn got 2 30 gallons 120V 150psi units that can run together when needed but 80% the time just one fine .
Plenty good deals on lower cost 120V belt driven units and if stick with 150psi minimum pressure they half decent and 2 of them with simple plumbing and ball valve to join tanks and time delay relay to control send unit (or fine tune pressure switching) results in very usable output ability for very little cost off standard 120V setup .
Running 1 air tool for home repair scenarios is not that big of a deal but when you got space a dual 120V system can kick *** when needed for small bucks and will do it easier saving bit of time and frustration and allow for more tool options and run times .
Definitely won't be doing it for hours on end. Max of 2x 30 second bursts is what I'm looking at. My use case would be to break away rust, and or get loose otherwise stuck parts in tight spaces. If 1x 30 gallon tanks suffices then great... I just don't want to be in the middle of a project to find out its not.Absolutely, and I think your frame of reference for the consumption vs volume available is a bit off. You're not going to drain a 30 gallon tank to the point of having no pressure in 30 seconds.
Will that 30 seconds of burst make the pump come on? Most likely, but unless you're doing these 30 second bursts non-stop for hours on end it shouldn't be a problem whatsoever.
As I said earlier, I used an air hammer with a chisel to remove 200sq ft of tile bonded to concrete using a compressor with an eight gallon tank and I worked in 30 second to 1 minute bursts non-stop for up to 1/2 hour at a time. The thing was running non-stop and I probably hurt the compressor, but it still works.
You mentioned a key point when you stated not to use two compressors unless I need to. I think right now, thats what I'm trying to figure out, whether one will be enough. I'm looking at a 27 gallon 150psi 5.1cfm compressor and am not sure if that alone will give me a 30 second burst on the air hammerTwo compressors (i.e. 2 motors, 2 tanks) will give you plenty of air. You have to make sure they are on two separate circuits, better if they are each on a different leg.
One will always start first and the second one will only start when pressure gets below it set point. Don't use them both if you don't need to.
(I loaned my 2 HP 20 gallon 240V compressor to my nephew to combine with a similar compressor for sandblasting. Worked great !)
Automotive use only. Rust removal, removing stuck parts, etc....What are you going to use it for?
die grinder for longer run times and sand blasting be your biggest air consumption.For mw it would always be just one tool at a time. But even with that, I hear that a 30 gallon tank may or may jot be enough depending on the tool. I never plan on sand blasting. But having access to an air hammer is very important. A die grinder would be used sometimes as well... But mostly need this compressor for air hammer
tandem compressor setup is great way go, use one for light jobs and switch to 2 only when needed .
Time delay relay is best way control second motor, lot of layout options you can do with 2 units to keep footprint small .
If you can see a good deal on 2 decent belt drive units buy um and get to work .
Jagmandave
Well-known member
Then you'll be using very short blasts, I think a smaller compressor and tank will do that just fine. I don't think you need the extra tank, but it never hurts to have more air available. Recharge times will take a lot longer of course.Automotive use only. Rust removal, removing stuck parts, etc....
Jswain
Well-known member
Use as short of a hose as you can 3/8" preferably under 25ft, hi flow fittings & set the regulator at at least 125psi. If it is lacking power setup like this the regulator may be restricting flow if it has a small one that comes on the compressor.
This will consume more air but it will make sure it is running at full power so hopefully the bursts will be nice and short.
If you **** around and set the regulator to 90psi, have a 50ft 3/8 hose and **** fittings your experience will likely be poor.
This will consume more air but it will make sure it is running at full power so hopefully the bursts will be nice and short.
If you **** around and set the regulator to 90psi, have a 50ft 3/8 hose and **** fittings your experience will likely be poor.
MrPink
Well-known member
I run my air hammer on my 21 gal Fini 155psi 4.3CFM@90psi, but I only use it in short bursts currently I have only used it to remove a rusted upper shock mount that is riveted to the frame of my silverado. It works but is not the ideal compressor for it. I may end up running a piggy back tank when I go to paint my truck, but I may also go to a friends house that has a bigger compressor.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Highly likely !You mentioned a key point when you stated not to use two compressors unless I need to. I think right now, thats what I'm trying to figure out, whether one will be enough. I'm looking at a 27 gallon 150psi 5.1cfm compressor and am not sure if that alone will give me a 30 second burst on the air hammer
Of course that assumes you are NOT running the hammer at 150 psi.
csp
Well-known member
How many times does it need to be said yes, it will work?I'm looking at a 27 gallon 150psi 5.1cfm compressor and am not sure if that alone will give me a 30 second burst on the air hammer
Seems like a case of information constipation
jonesg
Well-known member
analysis paralysis.
Run an air hammer constantly and it will damage your wrists, I couldn't pick anything up for 2 days when I over did it, the shock is transmitted directly to the wrist joint.
Run an air hammer constantly and it will damage your wrists, I couldn't pick anything up for 2 days when I over did it, the shock is transmitted directly to the wrist joint.
How about some cold hard math?
Assumptions:
- Air hammer actual consumption under load = 15 cfm (based on Ingersoll Rand 121 Super Duty Air Hammer
- Air hammer is attached to compressor with a 25' 3/8" hose
Maths:
According to the air flow pressure calculator on the Gates website, you're only losing 3.03 psi with a 50' 3/8" hose assuming a regulated pressure of 90CFM and a flow of 15 cfm. Assuming you will adjust your regulator to compensate for this and other losses, let's assume your regulator gauge will read 95 psi static pressure.
To calculate the volume of air you compressor will hold when at max pressure, we'll use Boyle's law. Specifically, we'll use the Boyle's law calculator from Omnicalculator. A 30 gallon compressor tank will hold 40.82 cubic feet of air at 150 psi. using the same calculation, we see the tank will hold about 25.85 cubic feet at 95 psi. That's a difference of about 15 cubic feet. It just so happens we're consuming air at 15 cubic feet per one minute, so you'll get almost exactly 1 minute before your tank drops below the regulated pressure. But that assumes the pump isn't running.
If we assume your compressor kicks in at 115 psi, we can calculate that the tank holds 31.29 cubic feet of air at 115 psi. So draining the tank from 150 psi to 115 psi would take 38 seconds. Then the pump kicks in and reduces your effective drain rate from 15 cfm to 10 cfm (since you pump makes about 5 cfm) so it would take an additional 32 seconds to drain the tank down to 95 psi.
So all in all, you're looking at 1 minute 10 seconds of hammering before you drop out of regulation and probably a good few more seconds before the efficacy of hammer really starts to decrease.
Cheers!
Assumptions:
- Air hammer actual consumption under load = 15 cfm (based on Ingersoll Rand 121 Super Duty Air Hammer
- Air hammer is attached to compressor with a 25' 3/8" hose
Maths:
According to the air flow pressure calculator on the Gates website, you're only losing 3.03 psi with a 50' 3/8" hose assuming a regulated pressure of 90CFM and a flow of 15 cfm. Assuming you will adjust your regulator to compensate for this and other losses, let's assume your regulator gauge will read 95 psi static pressure.
To calculate the volume of air you compressor will hold when at max pressure, we'll use Boyle's law. Specifically, we'll use the Boyle's law calculator from Omnicalculator. A 30 gallon compressor tank will hold 40.82 cubic feet of air at 150 psi. using the same calculation, we see the tank will hold about 25.85 cubic feet at 95 psi. That's a difference of about 15 cubic feet. It just so happens we're consuming air at 15 cubic feet per one minute, so you'll get almost exactly 1 minute before your tank drops below the regulated pressure. But that assumes the pump isn't running.
If we assume your compressor kicks in at 115 psi, we can calculate that the tank holds 31.29 cubic feet of air at 115 psi. So draining the tank from 150 psi to 115 psi would take 38 seconds. Then the pump kicks in and reduces your effective drain rate from 15 cfm to 10 cfm (since you pump makes about 5 cfm) so it would take an additional 32 seconds to drain the tank down to 95 psi.
So all in all, you're looking at 1 minute 10 seconds of hammering before you drop out of regulation and probably a good few more seconds before the efficacy of hammer really starts to decrease.
Cheers!
Schurkey
Well-known member
Hello,
Would a 30gallon (120v) suffice for a air hammer? I have mostly electric tools and need something to run a air hammer. The unit I'm looking at is 5.1cfm @90psi, 30 gallons, and 150 max psi. Will 30 gallons suffice?
Decades ago, I bought a 20 gallon/2 hp/120 psi compressor. Ran a CP air hammer trying to remove rivets holding ball joints on control arms.If you were to hold the trigger, what kind of run time do you think you would get on your tool from your 21 gallon tank before the pump kicked in again?
I got three seconds of hammering, and then I waited for the tank to recharge. Took all damn day to pop the ball joints out of the arms. Next purchase was an oxy-acetylene torch.
You've looking at a marginally larger tank, and additional air pressure. Both are good. For ME, that's not good enough. For you...maybe.
I would forget the maths, from real world experience you tend be 110 to 120psi static to have good 90 dynamic at tool and that on short hose and minimal fittings, start using hose reals and overlooking awful restrictive regulators on some compressors, poor or faulty hoe connectors and drop can get ridiculous .
I have used a 30 gallon 120V and it will run a decent air hammer pretty well .
If you want it more capable then the twin compressor setup is pretty cheap and effective way get usable air ability on common 120V supply .
Don't just add extra tank capacity, add the extra pump as that extra 5cfm is what will make the real difference .
You can do it dirt cheap with the direct drives but being selective on the belt driven options tends result in longer lasting and maintainable machines .
I had 2 out of HD sale and they more than good enough for medium+ home use ...
The twin setup really is quite impressive to cost and power supply simplicity for air performance you can get out of them .
I have used a 30 gallon 120V and it will run a decent air hammer pretty well .
If you want it more capable then the twin compressor setup is pretty cheap and effective way get usable air ability on common 120V supply .
Don't just add extra tank capacity, add the extra pump as that extra 5cfm is what will make the real difference .
You can do it dirt cheap with the direct drives but being selective on the belt driven options tends result in longer lasting and maintainable machines .
I had 2 out of HD sale and they more than good enough for medium+ home use ...
The twin setup really is quite impressive to cost and power supply simplicity for air performance you can get out of them .
Chief
Well-known member
I have a 33 gallon craftsman from 2005. CFM is similar to yours I removed a brick patio with an inexpensive IR air hammer from Lowes.
Nthill93
Well-known member
Decades ago, I bought a 20 gallon/2 hp/120 psi compressor. Ran a CP air hammer trying to remove rivets holding ball joints on control arms.
I got three seconds of hammering, and then I waited for the tank to recharge. Took all damn day to pop the ball joints out of the arms. Next purchase was an oxy-acetylene torch.
You've looking at a marginally larger tank, and additional air pressure. Both are good. For ME, that's not good enough. For you...maybe.
I cannot believe that.