Air compressor

[Maine Coon]

Hello I am in the market for a new air compressor, it will power spray gun and air tools (max two at the same time). What do you think it is a minimum requirement? Can a 60 gallon, 3 hp air compressor power two air tools at the same time continuously without power loss. Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Can a 60 gallon, 3 hp air compressor power two air tools at the same time continuously without power loss.

Nope, no way in 'ell it'll run 2 tools constantly,....

2 impact guns would probably need 10 hp to run constantly,.....

 

[theoldwizard1]

Nope, no way in 'ell it'll run 2 tools constantly,....

2 impact guns would probably need 10 hp to run constantly,.....

******** !!

First, impact guns do NOT run continuously ! They run is relatively short bursts. Even an air hammer/chisel/riveter runs in bursts. I have seen lug nuts removed with a 1/2 HP pancake compressor !

Spray gun is a different case. The infamous HF purple HVLP gun require 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, so check your specs. 1 gun, probably yes; 2 probably no.

You are not going to run a die grinder, cut off wheel, sander, grinder, or sand blaster on 3 HP. Even 5 HP might be marginal for the above tools and certainly not 2 at a time.

 

[DekeT]

Welcome to the forum Maine. If you use the search function you will find several dozens of threads on this very subject.

 

[jallyn]

What kind of spray gun do you have? If it is low-volume you might be OK, but I suspect it is high-volume in which case you are looking at needing more than 3 hp.

3 hp can run in impact gun at low duty just fine, but not continuous use.

 

[Contract_Pilot]

Spend a little more and get something built well and 2 stage.

Look at the Quincy QT-54 or QT-5.

I have a QT-54 and it preforms great and is rather quiet.

 

[redmondjp]

Welcome to the forum Maine. If you use the search function you will find several dozens of threads on this very subject.

Yup. Pretty much the same as going on BobIsTheOilGuy and asking what is the best oil for your car (then step back away from the keyboard and watch the internet explode). Searching here will provide hours and hours of reading on this topic and answer all of your questions.

Welcome to the forum! Brief advice: buy the biggest compressor that you can afford. If you are in the right area, you may be able to score a nice used one at pennies on the dollar. For new, and minimum cost and hassle, I'd suggest a 60-gallon unit from any box store for around $450.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

As a general rule, allow 4-5 cfm for your impacts (1/2" and below) and 12-15 cfm for grinding or painting.

Here is a page we put together on this very thing...How to Size a Compressor

 

[Maine Coon]

Thank you guys for all the answers! Do you think that internal corrosion of compressor tank can be an issue if buying used?

 

[gdocktor3]

Welcome to the forum Maine. If you use the search function you will find several dozens of threads on this very subject.

Amen. Most every subject for that matter. You need to do your homework and find what fits your needs/budget. Most questions like this are answered with personal preferences.

 

[bobcatdan]

You will want to go with an 80 gallon 7.5 HP compressor that can do 22- 24 cfm if you want continuious air. I had a 7.5 IR and it could do anything two of us needed and never flinch. I never sand blasted with it, but it could run two die grinders no problem. On the flip side, the last shop I worked was a 5 HP IR. If I was using a die grinder and it kicked on, I had to wait as it would never catch up. 7.5 HP would without us stopping. I wouldn't recommend a new IR, the new ones I have seen have terrible play dough looking Indian made pumps.

 

[Bondo]

Originally Posted by Bondo
Nope, no way in 'ell it'll run 2 tools constantly,....

2 impact guns would probably need 10 hp to run constantly,.....

******** !!

First, impact guns do NOT run continuously ! They run is relatively short bursts. Even an air hammer/chisel/riveter runs in bursts. I have seen lug nuts removed with a 1/2 HP pancake compressor !

Spray gun is a different case. The infamous HF purple HVLP gun require 6 CFM @ 40 PSI, so check your specs. 1 gun, probably yes; 2 probably no.

You are not going to run a die grinder, cut off wheel, sander, grinder, or sand blaster on 3 HP. Even 5 HP might be marginal for the above tools and certainly not 2 at a time.

Ayuh,..... Did you bother to READ the OP,..??

I'd guess not,....

 

[WhiffySpark]

Thank you guys for all the answers! Do you think that internal corrosion of compressor tank can be an issue if buying used?

That's exactly why I brought new. But people on here will tell you other wise

I didn't want to take a chance with a rusted pressure vessel. I'm not one of those people that believe because something is old it's automatically better