buying/ installing air compressor

[yellowbox]

o.k. i admit it , i am a dumb *** when it comes to air compressors...
i am finally gonna put one in the garage
so what do i need? air hose? water seperator to keep moisture from tools?
do these things come with new compressor?
this compressor will run on existing 110 that is already in house/garage
the one i am looking at that fits the 500.00 budget is
u.s general
3.5 hp
60 gallon
130psi
12.8 cmf@90 psi
14.5 @40 psi
have looked over the sticky threads concerning compressors, seems cast iron pump is the preferred way to go ...
just trying to get an idea what else i need to buy to set up compressor
have never owned one so that is why i am asking the stupid/obvious questions
this is gonna be for my own use nothing to hard and heavy just for tires and air to power 3/8 ratchets and 3/8 and 1/2 air guns

 

[Lhorn]

I think the important thing is to consider what you want to do with it. The things you've mentioned (airing up tires, impact gun etc) can be done with the compressor you've listed or even a smaller one. Consider that you might want to do more in the future like running HVLP paint gun etc, when considering which compressor to buy.

Most compressors come with no accessories. Again depending on what you want to do, you may be able to get away with some hose, teflon tape to make connections and a few Milton fittings. A female end to go on the end of the hose and male ones to go on each tool. Get a bottle of tool oil and give your tools a few drops before each use to lubricate them. I think 50 feet of hose is good for most. 25 feet will be very limiting especialy if you get a nonmobile compressor. Get rubber hose. For an air chuck, impact wrench, cutoff tool, that'll be the basics that you need. For things that require dry,clean air like painting and same blasting, you'll probably need to spend some money on air filters/water separators etc. For running a die grinder, cutoff wheel, ratchets, impact guns I don't think an elaborate filtering system is needed.

Running piping makes it more convenient and often helps dry the air but is purely optional and probably unnecessary for your needs.

Drain your tank often and enjoy.

 

[Torque1st]

Check your compressor specs carefully. No 3.5 HP motor will run on a household 120V circuit. 1HP is about the limit on a 20A wall outlet, 3/4HP is my personal limit. "Consumer rated" compressor and tool manufacturer's make huge and obviously false power and capacity claims.

 

[Dragster Racer]

I am thinking you looked at Harbor Freight and saw that one, which may be the one I have. If so, it isn't 110V.
You can always start with a ball valve and a single hose, see where you need air most often, then plan/map a system.