Air Compressor Help

[lowcountrygamecock]

I need some help on purchasing an air compressor. I'm building a shop now and want to run shop air for basic air tools, nothing fancy. The building footprint is 54' x 36' with one side being open bays and the closed in portion being 30' x 36'. My compressor will be in a closet on the back wall of the shop and I plan on having 3 - 4 drop points for the shop air. I bought the rapidair kit and another 100' of hose and plan to use that for the setup. Rapidair recommends a looped system which actually works out perfect with where I want to run my drops.
So basically picture a square looped system with the piping that's 42' x 30' with four drops around in the corners. I will be using mostly basic air tools, brad nailer, air ratchet and maybe occasionally using a spray gun, cut-off tool or impact wrench. What compressor size/type/brand do you recommend. Everyone always says bigger is better, but do I really need the 80 gallon? This thing will be light weekend use only. I just want to make sure i have enough cfm to push the tools. Compressor cycling isn't a big deal to me since it's going to be rarely used. I dont' want to go cheap because I want it to last but I also don't want to spend more than I have to. Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[financer83rs]

I have a 100gal Ingersol Rand from Tractor Supply. I paid $1000. I have the compressor in my basement next to the furnace and have it piped to two bays attached to the house and on 30'X26" unattached garage useing pex tubing underground and throughout. Works great.

 

[2fat2fly]

http://community.craftsman.com/Craf...cal-Air-Compressor-5-4-hp-reviews?tab=details

I have had one of these for the last 11-12 years (I bought one when they first became available). Has never let me down. I've used it for sandbating,painting, impact guns, etc....Worth every penny.

 

[lowcountrygamecock]

So other than cycling on and off less often is there any other advantage to the 80 gallon vs the 60 gallon compressors?

 

[Camper]

For lighter duty use I would think a 60 gal would be fine....I know for myself I would never buy another oil less compressor....just way too noisy...

 

[KenC]

For lighter duty use I would think a 60 gal would be fine....I know for myself I would never buy another oil less compressor....just way too noisy...

ME TOO! I picked one up back in the days of Sears surplus stores. New, but shipping damage, just scratch and dent stuff. Really noisy. And, I used it one day to blow some ceiling texture. It ran pretty much non-stop for 4-5 hours.

I had to put a new piston/cylinder kit in it after that. Very short life!

 

[01ssreda4]

I'm running a 60 gallon Husky from HD and it does well for my moderate use (above average) on days off. I'm not trying to run big blast cabinets and stuff either though. Price is good at around $450.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You can never have too much air!! The cut off tool is an air hog. Buy a compressor larger than you think you need, in a year or so, you will have thought of a dozen things that you could use it for if it produced more air CFM's.

Charles

 

[socapots]

bump for some more info for this guy.
I struggled with the same questions for myself. Still flip flop on what i think i should get. But then what i want to spend kicks in. lol.

 

[84scrambler]

Usually a home shop's highest CFM draw will be a sand blast cabinet. I have a 80 gallon Rand4000 (its around 17CFM @ 125psi or something close to that). I use my blast cabinet a lot and it keeps up with no problems. I would recommend a CFM rating around that if you plan on using a blast cabinet. If you want descent quality then go for a quincy, champion, or curtis compressor (probably others out there as well). Now if you are just running a few air tools (maybe the occasional DA sander) then a 60 gallon pushing 10-13 cfm will satisfy all your needs. Stay away from the oil-less compressors and go for one with a 220V electric motor .

 

[Sureshot]

http://www.eaglecompressor.com/air_compressor_model.php?recordID=200

This is what I have. Reasonable in price and been going over 10yrs. The first 6 with business use and now with personnal use. Runs daily.

 

[Hankdog1]

Sounds like you don't need anything great big 80-100 Gallon 2 stage should do the job. Lowes used to have pretty good prices on compressors in that range. I bought one years ago still runs good only thing I've ever had to do is change the oil and take the slack out of the belt. Can't think of the name brand but if you wish PM me and when I get back home i'll send it to you.

 

[gmein]

A two stage 60 or 80 gallon will do you, after having the middle of the road compressors, I went out for a used Quincy, certainly the last one I will be buying. Live and learn but it really depends on your needs. Even with me back in those days, it all depends on what you can afford. Remember, threaded steel pipe, no PVC

 

[SteveU]

Look at the Eaton compressors, they are quiet & seem to be high quality. I have the 2 cyl single stage & it runs any air tool I have hooked to it (3/8", 1/2", 3/4" impacts, 3/8" air drill, cutoffs, die grinder, air hammer, ratchets, etc) and is quiet enough to stand beside when it is running. Unless you like something noisy stay away from oiless compressors & get something belt driven. I tend to look at a compressor as a long term investment, something to buy once & if taken care of it will last a lifetime so wanted a good one the first time around. Ran around 1260 shipped to the house so wasn't much more than the box store compressors with pumps & motors that look like toys in comparison.