I was looking to get an air compressor for my home use just for occasional use. I don't have 220v so it would have to be 110v. Is there anything out there worth getting for running an impact or air ratchet here and there? Home many gallons would be needed and hp?
Air compressor?
- Thread starter yfz 450
- Start date
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
If that is all you plan on running, then you can get away with a very small compressor. 1/2 hp 3 - 6 gallon tank. As long as the peak pressure is 100 psi, you are good.
This model is interesting in 2 ways. California Air 2050A It is extremely quiet and it has an aluminum tank for easy carrying and no concern about rust through.
The down sides are it is kind of pricey and it only has a 2 gallon tank (you might have to stop and let the compressor re-fill the tank when removing 5 or more lg nuts)
CompressorPros.com
Well-known member
Are you looking for portable or a stationary compressor? You should be able to run up to 1/2" impact with a compressor that size. The most are you are going to get would be somewhere around 6.5 - 7.1 cfm @ 100 psi with a compressor that is 110 Volt
boosteddsm92
Well-known member
Um, that one puts out a whopping 1.10 CFM@90psi. Most impacts require around 5cfm or so @90psi. Look for a larger 120v SpeedAire or something, they are on CL often.
I was looking at this - http://m.sears.com/Craftsman33-Gallon-Vertical-Air-Compressor-165-Max-PSI/p-00916572000P
That "quiet" air compressor puts out 56 decibals according to the site and which constitutes "moderately severe" hearing loss.https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=decibels+hearing+loss&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.state.mn.us%2Fdivs%2Fcfh%2Ftopic%2Fdiseasesconds%2Fhearing.cfm&ei=DJpKVIDBBYKqyATnvYDwDQ&bvm=bv.77880786,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNHUGblV3TaekGVyUHDynZEPchTX_Q&ust=1414261631130193 that whole site is pretty misleading.
This is what I also suggest, they sell for under 100 bucks on craigslist all the time. Campbell hausfeld still sells parts for these compressor heads.
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EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Look for those little 20-25 gallon portables, they usually have a 2-3HP motor and run 120v on a normal plug. I have an old sandborn that worked great for impact and every day use till the tank rusted out.
Look on CL for SpeedAire, Craftsman (especially Pro), Campbell Hausfeld, Sanborn, etc that are:
a) Oil splash compressor
b) Belt driven
c) 20 to 33 gal tank
d) bonus . . . ability for both 110v and 220v
Look hard enough and you'll find bargain in the $75 to $150 range. This could be the only compressor you ever need until moving up to 60 gal.
a) Oil splash compressor
b) Belt driven
c) 20 to 33 gal tank
d) bonus . . . ability for both 110v and 220v
Look hard enough and you'll find bargain in the $75 to $150 range. This could be the only compressor you ever need until moving up to 60 gal.
aka Larry
Well-known member
Don't get an oil-less unit unless you are hard of hearing or would like to be in the future.
I think on fellow GJ member said if he dug a 6' deep hole and buried one in his neigbors yard it would still be too loud!
I think on fellow GJ member said if he dug a 6' deep hole and buried one in his neigbors yard it would still be too loud!
Read young grasshopper . . . . READ . . . . . GJ is full of THOUSANDS, if not TENS OF THOUSANDS of posts of people comparing compressors.
If you're just buying ONE compressor for all your uses, why "settle" on oil-less Craftsman or other that will ruin your hearing and be miserable to work around??
My neighbor has upright 33 gal Craftsman oil-less, and it wakes me up 80 ft away when he cranks it up in morning !!
Belt driven compressors are easy way to ensure you're getting oil-splash compressor that will be oh so quiet compared to almost every other oil-less compressor.
In perfect world, you've have oil-splash compressor for garage PLUS you'd have portable oil-less compressor that you haul around for outdoor work like roofing, brad nailing, etc. Example would be DeWalt or Hitachi twin-tank oil-less that are commonly used by contractors. Smaller version of oil-less compressor might be "pancake" compressor that has small oval-shaped tank.
Likely you can't afford TWO compressors right now, so buying good medium sized belt-driven oilsplash compressor will get you by until need arises for 60 gallon for garage. You may never need oil-less compressor, unless specific needs require portability.
Below are examples of oil-splash compressors that will run on either 120v/240v:
. . . 2 HP Sanborn / 20 gallon
. . . 2 HP SpeedAire / 20 gallon
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Murphy4570
Well-known member
Get the biggest you can afford. At least 30+ gallon for home use. Preferably 80 gallon. Most mechanic shops use 80-200 gallon capacity compressors, in comparison.
Yfz450- how close is your breaker panel to the garage? If it is close why not make a 220v receptical? All you need is a breaker, wire, properly sided old work box, receptical ( if not hard wired)...in the end $50 and a couple hours you will be set long into the future.
If you are truly limited to 110v stay away from the dry systems, they will wake the dead.
If you are truly limited to 110v stay away from the dry systems, they will wake the dead.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
That is the EXACT compressor I have. It was a real work horse. If the price is right I would buy another one in a heart beat. I took mine apart but buying a new tank would cost more than finding a used one on CL...
My issue is I am not sure how long I will be at the home I am at. I rent and move time to time. I figure if I get a 110 it can go with me forever no matter where I end up there will always be at least 110. If I end up buying a he then I will make the changes as needed
I am in the same boat, that is why I bought a compressor with a motor that is swappable from 110 to 230 like the other guys are suggesting. Look for motors that have 2 humps\capacitors, for an easy give away that the motors do either or. There are some motors that dont have these I am learning but most recent motors have them.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
So how long are you going to hold the trigger wide open on a 1/2" impact wrench ? 1 second ? 2 seconds ? 10 seconds would be a LOOOONG time when it is only being used to remove some lug nuts !!
For what the OP wants to use it for, 1/2 hp is adequate. Plumb a tee and a portable air tank inline for extra storage. I DID say ...
Sure, it won't run a die grinder or a cutoff wheel or a DA. The OP did NOT LIST THAT AS A REQUIREMENT !
Why is everyone here so anxious to spend some one elses money on tools that they really don't need ?!!
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Now you say that !
That Sears/Craftsman model you listed has a nice tank but ...
Check into an IR Garagemate with a 20 gallon tank. Oil lubed, belt driven. Not cheap and overkill for your original requirements.