air compressor and hose length - considerations

[TortillaSoup]

I know air compressors are an enormous topic. For this posting, I'd like to focus on the use of an air compressor that is stationary (or too awkward to transport up two flights of stairs), and specifically about running a long length of hose for use at home on a second floor. diving in with a couple questions here:

* will rubber hose be essential (flexibility)
* how to decide to use 1/4" or 3/8" hose
* where would the air dryer attach - right before the tool? won't it be wobbly?
* are there limits to hose length (I hope I don't need more than 100 feet).
* air tanks - will these operate at the CFM of the compressor? Air tanks might be an entirely different topic

consider the use of an air sander, for instance (my immediate task -sanding - BTW/FWIW I already tried bringing a red 12 gallon Craftsman (4-ish CFM at 90 PSI - not sold any more) up the stairs for sanding, wasn't fun.

 

[engineer031]

Rubber hose will work fine for you
Use 3/8 hose 1/4 will restrict your flow
Yes you can use 100 feet of hose but if you are using a high consumption tool you may want to have a 1/2 hose for a long run
Your air tank holds the air your compressor pumped into it so whatever the cfm is of the pump that is what you have

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I would be more concerned with not using a long extension cord for the compressor than using a longer air hose... I agree with engineer031, 100 feet of 3/8" hose sounds good.
Note the fitting size on the inlet of your sander, and the outlet of your compressor.. They will most likely (hopefully) both be 1/4" pipe thread... This is also a common size used on a 3/8" air hose.. As long as your sander doesn't have a larger air demand than the compressor can continuously supply, You should be able to run the sander steady.. If the compressor is undersized, it will be necessary to stop sanding to allow the compressor to catch up... Have you tried running that sander with that compressor?

It is common to see air filters mounted on the compressor, but they can be placed closer to the point of use.. In your case, I would mount it on the compressor..

couplers have not been mentioned.. There are some air tools I will not use a coupler on without a whip hose or "leader"... Vibration is not kind to some couplers that are connected directly onto a vibrating air tool such as an impact wrench or air chisel. I would treat a sander the same way, and use a whip hose, or, thread the air hose fitting into the sander and eliminate the coupler all together.... My air nail guns are used this way with the light weight hoses they came with..

 

[TortillaSoup]

interesting comments - gotta do some thinking!

I would be more concerned with not using a long extension cord for the compressor than using a longer air hose...

This sounds like you are comparing a portable compressor + proper extension cord, vs. a stationary compressor with an equivalent length of proper air hose - yes?

... assuming thats true, then it sounds like an extension air hose is preferable to an extension electrical cord.... even though that assumes the portable compressor uses the 120V and the stationary is of course up there around 220V or so... perhaps another topic.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

interesting comments - gotta do some thinking!



This sounds like you are comparing a portable compressor + proper extension cord, vs. a stationary compressor with an equivalent length of proper air hose - yes?

... assuming thats true, then it sounds like an extension air hose is preferable to an extension electrical cord.... even though that assumes the portable compressor uses the 120V and the stationary is of course up there around 220V or so... perhaps another topic.

Skip the long cord and use a longer air hose, if possible, on your air compressor; whether 120 or 240 volt... Those motors don't like any added voltage drop that can result with a longer cord.... Also, with a longer hose, the compressor will be further from your sanding job, and thus will be in a less dusty environment.... Added benefits are you also don't have to lug the compressor up an back down the stairs,, and air hoses are less expensive than heavy duty extension cords..

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I use 50' of Goodyear heavy duty 3/8" rubber air hose. I wouldn't go smaller because you will restrict your air flow and not get the work out of an impact or sander that you should have. I've used this hose for over 25 years, so even if it's more expensive other brands, you will only have to buy it once. I also never run oil for my tools in the hose. I always oil the tools by hand before using them. I think that helped the longevity of the hoses.