10 gal. Air Compressor

[BuickBoy]

Hi all,

I'm thinking about picking up a California Air Tools 10gal. 2HP air compressor that does 5.2CFM at 90psi.

I have a 20x20 garage. Very limited space. This compressor would only be used for occasional both breaking and home improvement projects.

I see a bunch of 450+ft. Lbs. Impacts that only require 5.5-5.9CFM. Take the Dewalt at Lowe's for example.

How short am I cutting myself going with a smaller compressor?

I will be doing trim work, tires, and other little jobs with it so I feel like the size is an OK compromise for the garage. I know it will run more and that could slow me down but I have two electric impacts too.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[sam.coll]

If you dont mind waiting for the compressor to keep up between small bursts with the impact I dont think you will have a problem, ideal for trim guns and the like tho.

 

[BuickBoy]

If you dont mind waiting for the compressor to keep up between small bursts with the impact I dont think you will have a problem, ideal for trim guns and the like tho.

I don't really mind the idea. I mean even if it breaks the tougher bolts loose o have corded and cordless impacts to finish them off. I just run into the occasional situation where I need an air hammer or cutoff wheel that the compressor would be helpful there. Inflating tires and such.

Just hope there isn't something I'm missing...

 

[wild cowboy]

you will appreciate the quietness, it's the quietest compressor there is, other than the 500 pump rpm $3000 models.

not sure about long term durability, this might be a very rare case where I would spring for the extended warranty!

 

[BuickBoy]

you will appreciate the quietness, it's the quietest compressor there is, other than the 500 pump rpm $3000 models.

not sure about long term durability, this might be a very rare case where I would spring for the extended warranty!

Being as small volume as it is, this was a big factor since it will run more often. Also, the garage being so small a louder compressor would be very annoying.

I agree, the warranty may indeed be with it!

 

[Kaane]

I have that same compressor and I love it. It is so quiet you can leave it on and not even worry about it when it cycles in a closed garage. I use it for automotive stuff, 1/2 impacts / air hammer / airing up tires, cut off tools. Works great. Best purchase in a while.

 

[Kev442]

10 gallon is plenty to remove 5-6 lugnuts at a time.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you dont mind waiting for the compressor to keep up between small bursts with the impact I dont think you will have a problem, ideal for trim guns and the like tho.

Don't worry about this !

I would shop for a better quality impact. Yes they cost more but produce more torque for less air (CFM) at the same pressure. You will have to spend more than $100. but you don;t have to buy the most expensive IR or Snap-on

Look for one that uses less than 5 CFM.


EDIT: That DeWalt impact at Lowes is a MONSTER ! The IR 2130 is about the same price and only uses 4.4 CFM. Yes, it only has 550 lb-ft of torque, but that should be plenty.

 

[SweetD]

I have that same compressor bought during the sale right before Christmas, and so far so good. I have a small garage (24'x24'x8' ceilings), and it really is quiet and runs very nicely so far. Definitely imported, but for the money, it's a huge upgrade for me from my PC pancake. Now I just need a hose reel and I will be golden.

Dave

 

[BuickBoy]

Don't worry about this !

I would shop for a better quality impact. Yes they cost more but produce more torque for less air (CFM) at the same pressure. You will have to spend more than $100. but you don;t have to buy the most expensive IR or Snap-on

Look for one that uses less than 5 CFM.


EDIT: That DeWalt impact at Lowes is a MONSTER ! The IR 2130 is about the same price and only uses 4.4 CFM. Yes, it only has 550 lb-ft of torque, but that should be plenty.

I wouldn't want to spend more than $200 on the impact. I've got my eye on that Dewalt. I'll look at the IR 2130.

Thank you for the confidence boost in my choice!

I have that same compressor bought during the sale right before Christmas, and so far so good. I have a small garage (24'x24'x8' ceilings), and it really is quiet and runs very nicely so far. Definitely imported, but for the money, it's a huge upgrade for me from my PC pancake. Now I just need a hose reel and I will be golden.

Dave

Great to hear! This is exactly the type of feedback I was looking for. What tools are you running with it?