Air Compressor shopping... help needed.

[FRS FAN]

Hello all,

I'd like to get a compressor for the garage. I'd like to be able to inflate tires, and run an impact gun to change tires... basic stuff.

I have no idea what to shop for. The guns all seem to be 90psi... is this correct? I'd like it to be relatively compact... I hit a few stores and basically got showed their 4 foot tall compressors for hundreds of dollars.

A little help on getting a compressor that Is is good and for a good price would be helpful.
What size tank is good?

Thanks

 

[M6erfan]

Budget????

Have you considered a cordless impact?

 

[FRS FAN]

Budget????

Have you considered a cordless impact?

Hmm no I had not considered that lol. This adds to the equation now

 

[M6erfan]

I went trough this a couple years ago. I have a small compressor and considered getting a larger one to run air tools. I ended up going cordless 18v Bosch and never looked back, no moisture/lubrication issues and my small compressor lets me do everything around the house that I need. Just a thought...

 

[Warrenator]

Cambell Hausfield has a new line of quiet compressors.

http://www.mustangandfords.com/parts/1609-campbell-hausfelds-new-quiet-compressors-impress/

I would buy that, except for the small fact that I just moved and the shop building at the new place has a vintage Sears one that needs restoring, and I do love a project.

Air does more than blow up tires, you can run air tools, spray paint, sandblast, dust off projects, and scare cats.

 

[md21722]

2 HP nominal with a 25-30 gallon tank is about the smallest that will run an impact any good. Air tools are designed to run at 90 PSI but the regulator usually needs to be set around 115 PSI to allow for pressure drop through the hoses, couplers, etc. And the pressure switch usually needs to be adjusted to come on by then so ideally you want a compressor that's rated up to 150 PSI. Direct drive oil-free are very loud, belt driven lubricated units are quieter. Something like the HF 29 gallon unit for $329 would be OK. They are one of HF's better products.

 

[Trey T]

20gal 1.5-2hp oil pump ... that's more than sufficient for your use

 

[CompressorPros.com]

Depending on the size of the impact, it will take 4-5 CFM, so you will need a bit more than that so the compressor doesn't have to run constantly.

 

[cagullett1]

Majors MAC700 is your answer. It's my backup to my 60gallon 5hp when I need to take air somewhere or don't want to wind 200' of air hose around the house.

 

[Siteman25]

I have about a 15 year old craftsman oil-free, with 15 gallon tank that runs up to 150 psi, it is more than adequate to do brake jobs, rotate tires, & air tires, I run a cheap campbell hausfeld 1/2" impact & I might have to wait for the tank to fill 1 time (maybe 2 minutes to fill) in a brake job or tire rotation. I would like to move up to a 30 gallon vertical oil compressor, just to get something that is not so loud.

 

[MrGiggles]

One of these. You won't find more for your money. I've had it for over a year now, still working flawlessly. 149.99 with coupon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-25-hp-125-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61454.html

I can remove and install two tires with my IR 2135 before I have to wait for it to catch up. I think I could do all four with my Aircat 1055. It's a little easier on air.

I use my die grinder with a wire wheel or scotch brite quite a bit. I can go for a couple minutes before it needs to recharge. You can cut small stuff with a 3" cut-off, but it's less than ideal.