Air compressor for IR 2135?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. Wondering what air compressor you would recommend that would be on the less expensive side of the offerings while being able to comfortable run the 2135. I know impacting nuts and bolts off isn't usually a long affair, but the compressor i have at home is maxed out and the gun runs very weak. Mostly would be air hammer and impact use on the compressor for the larger tools. Would HF have any offerings?

 

[md21722]

Any 2hp nominal compressor over 25 gallons would be fine. The HF one for about $329 will work. The key is to use a 3/8" hose as short as possible and set the regulator around 115psi. The regulator needs to be set high enough to account for pressure drop through the regulator, hose, and couplers. I made a T fitting with a gauge that plugs in at the tool so I could set the regulator so the tool sees 90. You can adjust the pressure switch on the compressor so it comes on before 90. Dual stage is best, but I been successful with single stages and impacts. Milton V style couplers and plugs flow about twice what I/M standard fittings do which helps out with pressure drop, particularly when using single stage air compressors because there is little margin.

 

[04chase]

find something used on craigslist . i founf a husky 80 gallon 7.5 hp dual stage with similar ratings as the i/r in the identical config for 500 about 20 minutes from my house. changed the oil and added a big *** cooler and its been great .

 

[sberry]

The reason they make 2 stage is to run air tools proper. Back in the day they made a 3 hp with 60 and 80 tanks just for mechanics. If a guy is doing real body work it takes a bit more poop and 5 hp is the ticket.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

What do the stages mean?

 

[sberry]

2 stage comes on at 130 or so and shuts off at 175 and can deliver constant 130 to a regulator to feed impact. A full size gun needs 90 in, running, this is about what it gets down 50 ft of 3/8 hose. An air gun will work from single but its really losing pressure once the trigger is pulled and only near full power when the comp is on top of its charge.

 

[65f100]

The earlier posters have given you good advice. A vintage or industrial compressor with a real 2 to 5 horsepower motor and a 60 gallon or larger tank is what you should find. Your dollar goes the farthest this way. Craigslist and auctions (don't forget government auctions) are where to find them.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I've got a 2hp/120v 25-30 gallon from Zoro, and it runs mine pretty well. I would've liked to go balls-out with a 240v 2-stage, but I didn't have the room, or the room in my panel to add an outlet... as it is I put 2 existing circuits on a tandem breaker and added a 2nd tandem to provide dedicated circuits to the compressor and the rest of my shed/shop. It's also about the most serious compressor that's easily portable, and it is head and shoulders better than a pancake or hotdog unit if I have to use it at a family member`s place.

I spent a few bucks fixing the airflow by replacing fittings also. Stock was a 3" 1/4NPT ****** to the switch, then the regulator. I used a 3/8 tee, added a valve and coupler at tank pressure, then a valve and coupler off the original regulator. It only hits 130psi, so I've never bothered with the regulated output, it even runs my air chisel competently like that. Not awesome, but nothing to complain about at home. The necessary fittings are probably <$40 from McMaster in forged steel.

 

[md21722]

With all the input we've provided, its begs to ask what kind of compressor do you have today? If its a pancake for a nailer, or even one of those double stacks, it ain't gonna cut it. Also, I suggested the 2hp $329 unit from HF. They do have cheaper ones, but they are direct drive/oilless and will be noisy as hell.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I'll have to get you all a picture tomorrow. I bet it's older than most of you lol, i know it's older than me.

 

[Skin]

A big tank will do most of the work. If you get a stubborn bolt and need the air hammer a lot or want to use a cut-off tool you really need 60-80gal that can put out a true ~10CFM at minimum.

You'll also be limited by your electrical since just about any "good" compressor will require 220.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

What do the stages mean?

If you want a little more info...

Single Stage vs Two Stage

 

[bsaint]

If its just you and your impact gun, you only need a 1-1/2hp air compressor. Forget 5hp or bigger. Its a waste of energy. While I was rebuilding my 5hp, my 3/4hp F pump Emglo worked fine for automotive repair work.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

If its just you and your impact gun, you only need a 1-1/2hp air compressor. Forget 5hp or bigger. Its a waste of energy. While I was rebuilding my 5hp, my 3/4hp F pump Emglo worked fine for automotive repair work.

Yes, most of my airtool use is a 3/8" air ratchet or my 1/2" IR 2135Qtimax. I have used an air hammer once in the last 10 years and used a die grinder a handful of times in the same amount of time. But my compressor doesn't push enough air to my gun to make it worth even turning on, so i have switched to cordless. I use an IR W7150, a milwaukee 2654 3/8" cordless impact and i have a 1/4" 12v and a 3/8" 20v IR cordless ratchet. So i have the bases covered but i miss using air tools and sometimes i need the air impact space wise.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

 

[bsaint]

Looks like itll work to me.

 

[sberry]

Yes, that should run an air gun fair, something is wrong? Someone stick a 1/4 hose on it?

 

[md21722]

Based on the amp draw, its a 2HP compressor which is good enough. When filling, at what pressure does the compressor pump stop? Should be around 120-135. Set your regulator around 115 psi and let us know.

 

[99LeCouch]

That should work fine. I have a 30 gallon 120v compressor that powers my cheapy 1/2" impact just fine. It does lug nuts and axle nuts on our cars well enough.

Like others have said, high-flow fittings are key to making smaller compressors work decently. Swapping every single fitting on the compressor, hose ends, and tools to Milton V-style or other high-flow fittings will make a noticeable difference in how that IR gun works.

 

[sberry]

Swapping every single fitting on the compressor, hose ends, and tools to Milton V-style or other high-flow fittings will make a noticeable difference in how that IR gun works.

There only really needs to be one connector, the rest can be screwed, Each one adds some and if 1 is bad several cant help. People have used cheap fittings for decades.