Best air compressor for home shop

[Kainedogg]

Still reading up on air compressors but I would like to get a few recommendations from people who paint and wrench in their garage. I plan to use the compressor to run my plasma cutter, a mini paint booth on occasion, sand blast booth and power my air tools.

 

[msgross]

budget?

go big or go home with those tasks... Plus a good drying system if you plan to paint.

Don't waste your time with any craftsman basic little compressor...

240volt for sure, 60 gallon, 12-15CFM maybe?

Dual stage if you have deeper pockets...
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ric-air-compressors+10-20-cfm-air-compressors
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455341_200455341

 

[therickster]

I've been using my Belaire 318 VN 5-HP 80 gal tank for 10 yrs now . They get around $1600 shipped to your door. It runs my sand blast cabinet and all my other tools also.

 

[TomB19]

Don't waste your time with any craftsman basic little compressor...

240volt for sure, 60 gallon, 12-15CFM maybe?

Ditto.

I've painted several cars with a pair of small 110v compressors connected to blow in parallel and the results were fantastic but it was agony to wait 30~45 seconds for them to come backup up to pressure after 15 seconds of spraying.

I'd go 2 stage, for sure. If it was me, I'd want a vertical tank for space efficiency.

 

[redmondjp]

80-gallon 2-stage, minimum 15scfm. If you are planning on buying new, I'd budget $2K. If you want to go for less, there are plenty of existing compressor threads on here that address this issue. I'd start reading them.

Some of the brands that I would consider if you are buget-minded: Belaire/IMC, Puma, Eaton/Polar Air, the basic big-box store 2-stage 80-gallon, and believe it or not, Harbor Freight (made by Belaire or they used to be).

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 for 80 gal 2 stage 240volt based on your wants/needs.

Also, need to be planning airline system . . . .black pipe steel or copper.

These will give you best chance for dry air and lifetime system.

 

[shannonw]

Nice land! I'm over by the power plant, have water but no space! you got a nice setup there!

But you'll need a dryer, it's a given or maybe enough pipe to cool it off with some drops, also 2 stage will make less water. The humidity turns the compressor into a water hose....2 stage, higher compression = air holds less water, the less work you need to do. I had a single stage every tool i had was like a water hose in the summer here, lower pressure lots of heat as they compress in 1 stroke, no space for piping and drops so found a 2 stage and got a dryer...air stays good and dry now.

Just watch the motors when comparing brand,s that's 1/3 of the compressor cost when it goes at this HP...

I wouldn't bother with the small ones, 60g doesn't take up that much more space,...and with a 2 stage for a bit more space you have 3 times the capability. 80gallon even better though i run my sanders the compressor runs no matter what.

 

[shannonw]

I don't have any idea what cfm a plasma needs but of the one's you list the only one you'd need a good compressor for is sand blasting. Guy i got my 60g from did quite a hit (i don't though). If you're doing huge painting projects or lots of cars more air would be better though i've painted outboards on a small oiless as well as single stage 60g. 2stage 60g doesn't even run on those small of things.

Sanding though...whole different story, sanding, buffer, i use lots of air.

 

[930dreamer]

I use a Champion 5hp vertical setup about 18cfm.

 

[Kainedogg]

Thanks for the answers gents. I will scour Craigslist and maybe HF for a dual stage vertical compressor for under a thousand. I have a plain compressor now that does well for air tools, but I know it will not survive doing anything else. If I can source dryer and other attachments from HF then I would be in great shape.

For lines I plan to use PVC 4...just kidding...lol. A member here suggested Rapidair Nylon lines so that is my plan.

Thanks for the kind words Shannow, it is definitely my little slice of heaven. I am getting the barn wired for 240v in a few weeks to accommodate my lift install so I will have a sub box put in to accommodate my tig and compressor.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...n-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

HF has a sub $700 unit with two phase and large capacity, if you use a coupon.

 

[wild cowboy]

scour the harbor freight coupon thread in the hot deals section here a GJ for a coupon for that compressor - might save you $100

how much ya sell me that Buick fer?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Sand blasting is the real killer. It requires a lot of air. So do any type of sanders.

2 stage is NOT a requirement but 15+ CFM IS a requirement ! Probably at least 5 hp. Bigger tank is always better.

 

[FMC1959]

Thanks for the answers gents. I will scour Craigslist and maybe HF for a dual stage vertical compressor for under a thousand. I have a plain compressor now that does well for air tools, but I know it will not survive doing anything else. If I can source dryer and other attachments from HF then I would be in great shape.

For lines I plan to use PVC 4...just kidding...lol. A member here suggested Rapidair Nylon lines so that is my plan.

Thanks for the kind words Shannow, it is definitely my little slice of heaven. I am getting the barn wired for 240v in a few weeks to accommodate my lift install so I will have a sub box put in to accommodate my tig and compressor.

For new under a grand for 240v / 2 stage, IMO would be skimping. You have a nice place, nice wheels, it's your money but I wouldn't skimp.

Play around with the search and filters on this website, they have a good selection, decent prices and service. It will definitely give you a better idea on what's out there and for how much.
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/

Depending on your usage and your luck, the $800 HF could last you a lifetime, or not. Personally, I would look at the choices in the $1300-$1500 on that link.

 

[C96]

For $200 and you don’t mind a project, I would be all over this one

Probably not to far from you

Click image for info

 

[theoldwizard1]

For $200 and you don’t mind a project, I would be all over this one

So you are recommending a dead compressor with no clue on what is wrong with it ? Could be a rusted out tank or a cracked block/cylinder/head.

It also looks like could be 3 phase. I would not want to run a compressor off of a phase converter, so that would mean a new motor.

Worth investigating, but it will take $,$$$ or more to make it right !

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ Worth checking out the $200 IR T-30. CL ad says "Not Running" and also "Make A Grill" so the tank may have rust-out problems.

If compressor is repairable, and the electric motor is single phase, then just buy another tank and put together a nice setup. Once OP was done putting this together, he'd likely have a lifetime compressor.

 

[MFolks]

Whatever you get, do a daily blow down of accumulated water, and check the oil in the compressor, to prolong the life of your system.

 

[BUDSVTX]

The HF compressor is really spinning, 1368 is fast for an air compressor. I would look for a 2 stage, cast iron pump with an 80 gallon tank. I do the same things you are planning on doing. I have an Atlas 2 stage V twin compressor, 5 HP 220 volt motor with an 80 gallon tank, check valve in the tank and an unloader pressure switch. Last time I checked it had over 500 hrs on it without any issues.

BUD

 

[Kainedogg]

I will scour CL for a deal on a compressor with the things mentioned above to include a large tank, 240v and quality motor. I am in no rush, just doing my due diligence. My buddy is coming back from Afghanistan in 68 days so we will set everything up piece by piece until we are complete. I still have to fill one of the stables in, to convert it to my paint booth as well as the tack room for the vertical compressor storage and Tig. You have all equipped me with enough information to make an intelligent choice when opportunity affords it.

 

[Kainedogg]

Whatever you get, do a daily blow down of accumulated water, and check the oil in the compressor, to prolong the life of your system.

Thank you . I will keep that in mind.

Not selling the Skylark; she is actually all sanded down and waiting for some panels and an LS swap this summer.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

The sand blaster and plasma cutter take a lot of air. I would consider a 7.5HP unit.

 

[cashishift]

Quincy

 

[stg454]

My 60 gallon Campbell Hausfeld has served me very well

 

[Kainedogg]

Roger that gents. I am on my grind trying to find one now.