Buying air compressor just because it's cool?

[SamHandyman]

I'm a weekend warrior, I have done many repairs in my garage, from dropping ****** for clutch replacement to shocks replacement and many others. I have been fine with cordless tools so far. As for the impact, I'm using a Dewalt DCF899 with 1200ft-lbs of breakaway torque and have not had a bolt where I couldn't remove. However it is big but in tighter places I can get away with wrenches or breaker bar. I know air tools are usually a lot smaller and it's just cool that many air tools are available and they aren't too expensive.

I've been thinking of getting an air compressor in the 30 gallon to 60 gallon range just because I feel like I can start buying some air tools. I like buying tools by the way. For example, air ratchet would be a good purchase. I don't think I'll be doing any painting or anything. I just think it completes my garage by having an air compressor. Also 30 gallon tanks usually come with wheels for portability and it's nice so I can move it around. But I'm thinking 30 gallon might not be enough.

I'll probably be buying an impact, air ratchet, grinding tool, cut off tool and tire inflator.

I have been looking at Sanborn. Husky and Kobalt. 60 gallon tank seems much more capable than a 120v 30 gallon tank but requires 220V connection which I have to pay someone to wire it.

Not sure if i really need an air compressor that's my question...

Also I haven't research much about the safety of these things but I think they're fine. Wife was like is that thing going to explode?


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[jumbojak]

I like having mine. If the only air tools I had were a blow gun and a tire chuck it'd be worth it.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Not sure if i really need an air compressor that's my question...

What?... Did your wife make you ask that? Of course you NEED a compressor, that's just crazy talk man.

 

[jessesandy]

It's not going to explode, but blowing high pressure air at/into certain places of the body is very dangerous.

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

I kinda went through the same phase. I really don't use air tools much anymore other than the impact to change my winter rims and the use of a blow gun. I got thinking do I really need a bigger high end compressor. I know I could probably get by with a china compressor or a portable unit. But I couldn't get myself to buy a cheap unit. So I ended finding a good heavy duty used one, bought it, and Im glad I did. just my thoughts
bcd

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have the 60 gallon husky. Everyone is going to tell you you need a $1500 2 stage compressor dryer etc.

The husky works fine for me. I was a mechanic and work on my own stuff now.

 

[SamHandyman]

I have the 60 gallon husky. Everyone is going to tell you you need a $1500 2 stage compressor dryer etc.

The husky works fine for me. I was a mechanic and work on my own stuff now.

So you had to get a 220v line in your garage?


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[theoldwizard1]

... Not sure if i really need an air compressor that's my question ...

I have been a shade tree mechanic for over 50 years. I bought a 2hp 20 gallon Craftsman compressor about 40 years ago. It is a portable, so I have to move it to use it. Realistically, I hardly ever use it. If I had a permanent setup in the garage (no 240V in the garage) I would probably use it more.

Recently I got an Astro straight and a 90° die grinders, some Astro carbide bits and a Roloc with Scotch discs. I will definitely use my compressor more now !

But, most of what I work on now is lawn equipment. My Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" impact get way more use than my old Chicago Pneumatic (CP) 1/2" impact.

The compressor did get a good work out a couple of weeks ago. My son was replacing a tile floor in his kitchen. The tiles came off easy, but the thinset was like WELDED to the cement floor underneath. I made a temporary 240V hookup at his place and got out my CP air hammer that hasn't been used in years. With a wide blade for removing thinset, he got that floor perfectly clean in under 6 hours. It would have been days by hand !


Bottom line is, how are you going to use it ? If you think you would use a blasting cabinet, then you need 5HP+ and a 60 gallon tank. If you are just going to use it for rotating tires, then it is WAY OVERKILL ! Spend the money on some GOOD battery operated tools.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So I ended finding a good heavy duty used one, bought it, and Im glad I did. just my thoughts

Good solution !

The problem around here is the compressors on CL are either beat to death or oil-less which are not going to last.

 

[WhiffySpark]

So you had to get a 220v line in your garage?


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Brother is an electrician. We had a 220 plug that was never used that we changed. He put a motor rated switch in place of the plug on the wall hardwired it to that. On my previous compressor the one and off switch broke so was trying to avoid that this time.

 

[SamHandyman]

I have been a shade tree mechanic for over 50 years. I bought a 2hp 20 gallon Craftsman compressor about 40 years ago. It is a portable, so I have to move it to use it. Realistically, I hardly ever use it. If I had a permanent setup in the garage (no 240V in the garage) I would probably use it more.



Recently I got an Astro straight and a 90° die grinders, some Astro carbide bits and a Roloc with Scotch discs. I will definitely use my compressor more now !



But, most of what I work on now is lawn equipment. My Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3/8" impact get way more use than my old Chicago Pneumatic (CP) 1/2" impact.



The compressor did get a good work out a couple of weeks ago. My son was replacing a tile floor in his kitchen. The tiles came off easy, but the thinset was like WELDED to the cement floor underneath. I made a temporary 240V hookup at his place and got out my CP air hammer that hasn't been used in years. With a wide blade for removing thinset, he got that floor perfectly clean in under 6 hours. It would have been days by hand !





Bottom line is, how are you going to use it ? If you think you would use a blasting cabinet, then you need 5HP+ and a 60 gallon tank. If you are just going to use it for rotating tires, then it is WAY OVERKILL ! Spend the money on some GOOD battery operated tools.

Mostly for impact wrench, air ratchet, cut off tool(rarely), tire inflation.


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[FigureItOut]

Someone said that just an air chuck and blow gun make it worth it, that's pretty accurate. I use mine on occasion for an impact or air hammer, but yes cordless does cover us quite well now. The one thing I end up being really glad I have it for was not really what I expected though, and that's nailers. I never would have bought a cordless nailer, but it sure is nice to have a couple mid grade nailers around for little repairs and such.

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[Codejack]

I was in your situation, and had a compressor; I let my brother use it after I sold my house, and he forgot to drain it, so it rusted out. I still have the air tools, though.

I'm buying cordless impacts; I'll just buy a small 3/8" one and either a 3/8" or 1/4" ratchet, in addition to the big 1/2".

 

[JohnDeere1]

I have a 20 gallon 110/120v and run my 2 snap on mg725s,air hammer,die grinder,and 2 1/4 air ratchets just fine. With my 1/2 impacts I can take all 4 tires off without having to wait for the compressor and will take off any bolts I'd ever need. It don't last a long time with a die grinder none do but you should get by with a wheeled model just fine and power any tool you throw at it and it's nice to be able to work outside. Using a blow gun to clean the garage out and projects off is also nice I gotta add.

 

[stevengarage]

Every person with a garage needs a air compressor , I recommend go ahead and get a 60 gallon compressor. My first compressor was a 20 gallon and then I started do more and regretted buying the small compressor. I now have a 60 gallon myself

 

[hangfirew8]

It is cool having a compressor, when it's 95F and it's gotta get fixed, that blast of cold air coming off the impact is really cooling.

Seriously, cordless and air tools both have their strengths and weaknesses. You can get some really small and powerful air tools for less than equivalent cordless, reasonably quiet ones as well. Combine an Astro Nano Max with their new extra short sockets and you have a low of power in a very small space. However there's no air powered flashlight.

Besides inflating tires, you need air if you paint, sandblast, and has been pointed out, need to clean up stuff by blowing it out. Is there even a cordless equivalent to an air hammer? I've seen a 10.8v hammer but it was a toy. Also air is priceless for me fixing up older computers clogged with dust. There's really no substitute, buying canned air gets crazy expensive real fast.

 

[SamHandyman]

Ok. Looks like I'll wait for the 60 gallon one to go on sale again. Not sure how much work is involve in getting a 220v in the garage though


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[md21722]

I have the 60 gallon husky. Everyone is going to tell you you need a $1500 2 stage compressor dryer etc.

The husky works fine for me. I was a mechanic and work on my own stuff now.

Yup, I had a Husky 3.x HP 60 gallon single stage and never cared for it. By the time you put a swivel on your air ratchet and the compressor kicks on at 90 PSI you are running like 50 PSI at the tool and it won't remove what it did when the compressor tank was at 135 PSI. Been there, done that. I felt it was no more capable than a 2 HP 26 gallon because they both operated at the same pressures. I concluded the 60 gallon Husky does nothing more than look nice in the garage.

 

[jumbojak]

Good solution !

The problem around here is the compressors on CL are either beat to death or oil-less which are not going to last.

My brother has an old CH oil less compressor. He has had it for almost twenty years and never a bit of trouble aside from a blown compression fitting to the tank last year. If your needs are small then oilless is a viable option.

 

[87Pomona]

Buy the biggest you can afford and don't look back! You can wire the 220v yourself, Youtube is your friend.

 

[slip knot]

I started out with a Campbell Hausfeld 20 gallon portable, single stage 120V. That did everything I needed to do for years. When I built my shop I bought a IR 60 gallon 2stage. but I kept the little CH because I can load it up and take it with me.

I cant imagine not having air in the shop.

 

[T45]

I was in your situation, and had a compressor; I let my brother use it after I sold my house, and he forgot to drain it, so it rusted out. I still have the air tools, though.

I'm buying cordless impacts; I'll just buy a small 3/8" one and either a 3/8" or 1/4" ratchet, in addition to the big 1/2".

you're gonna need air to do basic stuff like blowing dirt out from sparkplugs, for cleaning and keeping swarf off of machined parts, and compression/leadown testing...not to mention tires and what not.\

etc

its really indispensible if working around machined ICE motors.

Doesnot need to be $1500 2 stage, but lots of stuff just cannot be done with li-ion tools.

 

[Moparman390]

Seriously, how many "don't do it" answers did you think you were going to get here?

 

[thatguysb]

IR shopmate, powers most airtools any one person could use at a time.
20 gallon, 110v, portable. High duty cycle. belt driven ect ect

 

[Diesel Mercedes]

20 gallon should be enough for removing fasteners on a DIY basis.

 

[themiller]

I've used my Dewalt 200psi portable unit http://www.dewalt.com/products/gear...ontinuous-200-psi-45-gallon-compressor/d55146 way more than anticipated. Filling up tires and such sure, but it also does a great job detailing the interior of the car very quickly. I've had an IR SS5L5 https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Ingersoll-Rand-SS5L5-Air-Compressor/p689.html for ~1yr now and haven't taken the time to hook it up. I'm sure I'll love it, and the neighbors will probably appreciate it being quieter, but, the little guy has done a ton of work for me thus far and looking back I wouldn't/shouldn't have bought the big one.

The little one has a 4.5 gallon tank that holds a LOT of air (because it's 200PSI vs. 135 or similar) for a single user, and plenty of burst CFM/PSI/whatever to take off stubborn crank bolts and such. I can get off all the lugs on a single car without it cycling, the truck it cycles once usually.

If I had the opportunity to buy again - I'd probably snag this one: http://www.dewalt.com/products/gear...-200-psi-15-gallon-workshop-compressor/d55168 because it has 15 gallons at 200PSI vs. the current (and adequate) 4.5. Of course then I'd probably complain about the long recovery times.

FWIW

 

[Matt Matt]

Keep your eye out for a used one. Sometimes they just need something small fixed, and they go for next to nothing.

Half of North America just wants to buy stuff the other half likes to fix it. I personally like to fix or make from scratch.

Just be free and do whatever you want. I'll support you!

 

[Ray916MN]

I've been using a 2 gal. CH wall hanger that used to be the tire and ball inflator that hung in my car garage. Built my shop and wired a location with 220V for a compressor. Took the CH to use temporarily in the workshop. That was 5 years ago. Electric impacts meet my needs and for the number of times, a large compressor would make a significant difference to me, the space and maintenance made me think I didn't want to bother. Was even offered a virtually new 30 gal 5hp compressor for free and turned it down.

I suppose I should turn in my man card.....

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I've been using a 2 gal. CH wall hanger that used to be the tire and ball inflator that hung in my car garage. Built my shop and wired a location with 220V for a compressor. Took the CH to use temporarily in the workshop. That was 5 years ago. Electric impacts meet my needs and for the number of times, a large compressor would make a significant difference to me, the space and maintenance made me think I didn't want to bother. Was even offered a virtually new 30 gal 5hp compressor for free and turned it down.

I suppose I should turn in my man card.....

Yes, please hand it over.

 

[chicken89]

when i moved into my last house, my first purchase was an 80 gallon compressor. at the time, i didn't have many air tools (just some basic stuff i had from an old 10 gallon one). my brother in law came over and criticized me for getting such a big compressor, and "why would you need something that big, you don't use your tools now". my wife chimed in before i had the chance, "WE will be using it to paint things, and i will be using it to clean stuff to paint"... i guess she remembered what a sand blaster did that i mentioned to her months prior, and she was excited that she wouldn't have to use spray paints again. I was a proud husband that day! of course, when she said "WE", she really meant that i would be doing the painting and cleaning, but hey, my wife was on board with the purchase and i didn't have to ask
since then, i have purchased a few nailers- roofing, framing, air hammer. these have made building my car port much easier and faster. also purchased many paint sprayers to cut down the down time on things wife wanted me to paint

 

[anndel]

I have a 30 gallon Husky and it runs my die grinders, a Snap On MG725 and a PT850 plus the Astro air ratchet and Nanos (3/8" and 1/2"). I still have it but only use it to fill tires a 10 gallon California Air Tools 1020 and it powered the MG725 with no problems.

 

[bsaint]

If you have to ask, you dont need one.

 

[Codejack]

you're gonna need air to do basic stuff like blowing dirt out from sparkplugs, for cleaning and keeping swarf off of machined parts, and compression/leadown testing...not to mention tires and what not.\

Sure, but I don't need a big unit for that, a little pancake compressor will do fine, for now.

I probably will get a decent unit at some point, just because I do have the air tools, and some stuff you can't get in electric (air hammer!).

I'm looking at this unit:

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html

It's $360, but it's 150 psi and 5.9 CFM @ 90 PSI, 7.3 CFM @ 40 PSI. Oh, and it runs on 110v

Unless I start a real shop, first, in which case it will be this one, or something better:

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

$800 for 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI, 165 psi max. 5hp, 2 stage, 220v.

 

[bushmechanic]

95% of the tools mentioned on this forum were bought out of want, rather than need. If you want an air compressor, and you have the money to spare...

...get out there and buy an air compressor that looks as cool as you like.

 

[Citation]

Yes, get a compressor. If you aren't sure then get a 120v used for around $60-100. You an try it then sell it if you decide you need bigger. Something like the California Air Tools 5.5 gallon is nice because it's quiet. It will do tires and impact wrench bursts. It's not good for continuous work or tools that need a lot of air... But it's really quiet (and wrecks the theory that oil free =noisy). Other options are the various oil lubed hotdog compressors in the 8-10 gallon range. Typically 4cfm @90 psi*.

Menards had a 20 gallon belt drive 120v for $266 after a store credit rebate. It was the cheapest I've seen a tradition belt drive compressor new.

Generally a bigger tank is better. On place where smaller is nice is if you keep the tank empty. My 4 gallon Emglo/Dewalt goes from 0 to 120 psi in just over 1 minute. My 20 gallon belt drive takes closer to 4. If you just need to quickly air up a bike tire smaller isn't always bad.

*I would generally assume the of brands are inflating specs a little bit and HF probably more than others.

 

[R_einan]

I survived for years without one, but I decided that the additional capability of a big compressor was worth the cost and the space. I have had an impact, air ratchet, die grinder and cut off wheel lingering in my tool box since my school days, now they are being used again. Just recently, I applied a stain and water treatment to the deck I built with an hvlp gun in an hour and a half; easily saved me 4-6 hrs of brush work. I've also recently got into furniture building and the large compressor will be very useful to start spraying finish. My vote is a large enough compressor that you won't outgrow immediately. My 60g 3.7hp single stage was only $500, plus some electrical components to install it.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

I like having mine. If the only air tools I had were a blow gun and a tire chuck it'd be worth it.

Every person with a garage needs a air compressor

It is cool having a compressor

Buy the biggest you can afford and don't look back! You can wire the 220v yourself, Youtube is your friend.

I cant imagine not having air in the shop.

Seriously, how many "don't do it" answers did you think you were going to get here?

...get out there and buy an air compressor that looks as cool as you like.

Condensed version. Majority rules.

 

[toyotadriver]

Ok. Looks like I'll wait for the 60 gallon one to go on sale again. Not sure how much work is involve in getting a 220v in the garage though


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What kind of electrical service do you have out there now? Subpanel? Do you already have 240 volts out there?

I got by for years with a 21 gallon Chinese compressor. It was way better than nothing but it would have to run a lot to keep up.

8 years ago or so, I bought a 60 gallon CH compressor. It's been great and I've never run out of air. Every so often I stop and drool at the 80 gallon compressors but I know I don't NEED one. The 21 gallon compressor did 90% of what I needed so of course, the 60 gallon does 100% of what I need.

I also own a small oil free portable compressor that I use to run small air nailers and such. I also have a 21 gallon 120 volt compressor in my house garage. I only use it occasionally for blowing something off and for adding air to tires but it's awesome to have right there in the house garage.

If you can't tell, I love having compressed air! I had a pathetic excuse for a compressor when I was a kid and I always wished I had more. Now that I have plenty, I would never go back to not having a compressor.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Home Depot has a bunch of small compressor- maybe 20gallon for $123. On clearance. It would run an impact, Air up your tires etc. Try something like that on 120v so you don’t need an electrician. If you find your self thinking damn this is handy and start running out of air , then go bigger and sell the smaller one.

I have a 80 gallon 2 stage champion I have approximately 75 bucks invested into. Maybe 100. It doesn’t do much more than fill up tires these days. But I have started using a spray gun for wood work. And that is the way to get paint down and never ever have to worry about running out of air. Start reasonable.

 

[Josh Hex]

Someone mentioned it already; but a decent die grinder(90 degree or straight!) And some roloc discs will really change how you view an air compressor. I didn't have access to really good CFM compressors until I started working in a shop environment. Of course we have huge compressors so our tools are probably overpowered a bit. But my previous experiences was a black max compressor from the 90s most likely set up with undersized hose.
So you should still have success with a 30 or 60 gallon with properly set up hoses.

I started using a die grinder and rolocs to clean gasket mating surfaces and i'll never look back. It takes 1/5th of the time of using a gasket scraper or emery cloth, and does a better job. Also get some cut off wheels and a good arbor, and you have a compact cutting system that can go where no grinder can. Very useful for me in the rust belt for body sectional repair.

And don't forget a good air hammer with a good tip set. It's one of those tools that you have no idea how useful it is until you have it on hand.