another air compressor recommendation

[Ben W]

First post on here and I'm sure that its been covered before, but I'm looking for an air compressor for mostly garage use and I need some recommendations.

I believe the controlling tool for me in regard to SCFM would be a paint gun. I don't have one yet, so I can't say what SCFM it would require. Otherwise, I want to run a sandblaster, air ratchets, impact gun, die grinder, nail guns, etc.

The two that I've been looking at are the Craftsman 26 gal., 1.6 hp, 160 psi, (http://http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916760000P?vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators) or the Dewalt 15 gal., 1.8 hp, 200 psi, (http://http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919253000P?vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators)

Are either of these able to run a paint gun? It would only be limited use, a couple times a year. Maybe paint a trailer or an axle.

Of the two of these which one would you recommend? Is Dewalt higher quality in air compressors? I like that these are relatively portable and light, they run on 120V, and reasonably priced. I could bring one inside to use a trim nail gun.

If neither of these are worth my time, what would you recommend?

 

[rsanter]

if you are going to be doing stuff in the garage for a number of more years then I would go right for one of the 60 gal upright units
the prices are not much more than the smaller units. get one with a seperate motor and compressor head and it will last the remainder of your life

bob

 

[LoneGunman]

There is no way either one of them is going to even come close to running a sandblaster or most paint guns, in my opinion you need to START at a REAL 5hp to even think about sandblasting unless you don't mind sitting there 70% of the time waiting for the compressor to come back up. I recently purchased a pump on Ebay by Eaton and a Baldor motor, 7.5 hp, I can blast to my hearts content and carry on a conversation standing in next to it do to the low RPMs. Eaton regularly lists on Ebay, search on here for other happy Eaton owners.

 

[Lyaec350]

I want to run a sandblaster, air ratchets, impact gun, die grinder, nail guns, etc.

These, along with the paint gun previously mentioned are some of the biggest air hogs out there. If you're serious about sandblasting or painting, even infrequently, you'll need a 5 hp 80 gallon upright that runs on 230v. The compressor I got was only $789 and does these jobs exceedingly well.

 

[arthur1920]

been there, bought the compressor. Best buy I could find HD 60 gallon, $428. I did not think it was worth buying a smaller one. However Lowes I think will be stocking better units. They had an 80 gal CH with like 15 SCFM for $870, vs HD's 80 gal unit at 12.5 SCFM for 960.

Where are you located?

 

[arthur1920]

couldn't use your link but I think I found the one at Sears. Don't buy an oilless unit-too dang noisy. They didn't list the SCFM which to me, is a sign it isn't enough. Why get a little 26 gal unit for 319, whenyou can get a 60 gal for 428? (80 gallons is better)

 

[Ben W]

Roughly what's a good SCFM for a paint gun? for a sand blaster? The Craftsman's at about 5.4 @ 40 psi, the Dewalt is a higher. I guess having a light mobile unit doesn't mix well with painting/sandblasting. What benefit does a larger tank have other than letting your motor rest more? If the compressor can keep up SCFM-wise, then is it necessary to have a 50 gal, 60 gal, or 80 gal?

I'm located in Syracuse, NY. What brand/model was the one for $428? Is it a quality compressor?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

For a "sandblaster", the sky is the limit. Depends on how large of a nozzle you want to use, how large and item you want to blast and how long you want to spend doing it and waiting on the compressor.

I have a Husky/CH 80 gal two stage, 7.5 hp and could use more to effectively run my blast cabinet. Doing something large, say a wheel, takes a very long time, and I stop occasionally to allow the compressor to cool. Probably not hurting it, just don't like it getting real hot, even with synthetic oil. Most items I do are small and no problem, however.

Charles

 

[MarkH]

Spraygunworld.com has some good hints on what guns to use with a smaller compressor. Review it and see if the compromises are worth it. Go to the help section also and see what they say about gun maintenance and air filtration requirements also.

Also the other problem with painting or most work with a smaller compressor is the air is not clean and is too hot. You need a distribution system with filters to cool the air down and remove, water, oil, etc to make painting work well and protect your air tools. The cost of doing all of this is a few 100 bills with copper and good filters even at ebay prices. So it makes thinking about a larger compressor easier since you have the stationary distribution system.

I usually figure it will take about what I spent on the air compressor to get the air cool and dry enough for painting, protect my air tools, and provide lubrication if needed.

There are many articles about assembling your air distribution system just log in and search.