I am looking to get an air compressor for my small shop. Not for professional work, just my own mechanic & wood working. I need some advice. Craftsman Professional 27 gal. with 1.9 HP & scfm 7.2 or Ingersol Rand 20 gal. with 2.0 HP & scfm 5.5. Both are the same price and within my poor man budget! I rspect the advice given here. I am leaning toward the IR because of reputation even though smaller tank and less output.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Compressor advice
- Thread starter jveretto
- Start date
JCQuick
Well-known member
you need to think of what tools you will be using with this sander's DA's and such can use a lot of air my old 7.5scfm sears would not keep up with much without a long rest
pdham
Member
I would look at the type compressor as well, if it is an oil-less diaphragm type vs a piston type, I would go for the piston type for longevity. I have had the same piston type compressor for over 35 years, a basic dayton 2 cyl with a 2 hp motor and 30 gal tank. A buddy of mine has gone through 2 diaphragm type in 10 years. Another thing to remember is that if you need periodic shots of high volume air a second tank can be placed in line to help with the short term high volume use.
I get your point. I wold hate to see you buy a compressor that won't do what you need to do. That would be a huge waste of money. Like was said look at the SCFM rating for your air tools and see which needs the greatest amount of air. Also what tools do you run at only 40psi? Sure paint sprayers are run quite low but everything else are usually run at 100+psi. Look at the SCFM of those compressors @ 100+ psi. I'd bet it is super low, like below 5 SCFM which won't do you any good but fill tires.
Have you considered a used compressor? My back up compressor is an old (1970's) 120gal Quincy that I got for about $150 and IIRC it puts out 15 SCFM @120psi
Have you considered a used compressor? My back up compressor is an old (1970's) 120gal Quincy that I got for about $150 and IIRC it puts out 15 SCFM @120psi
Last edited:
rburke65
Well-known member
Compressor for your own work.....but that dose not tell us anything. Look at what the "small" tools require in compressed air.......it's amazing what some "small tools" require. Compressed air is not cheap!
Kevin C
Well-known member
Anything that will fill a 20 gallon tank to 120 PSI will run an impact wrench or an air ratchet. As others have pointed out, tools like a DA that get run continuously need a bit more. My experience is that 9 SCFM at 90 PSI will just get you by running a DA (pressure may drop a little if you run non stop). 10 to 12 SCFM keeps the pressure where you need it.
I have never used the HVLP guns, but I know my 30 year old 9 SCFM compressor never had a problem running a decent Devilibis automotive spray gun when painting cars.
I have never used the HVLP guns, but I know my 30 year old 9 SCFM compressor never had a problem running a decent Devilibis automotive spray gun when painting cars.
The Craftsman is about the best 120v compressor out there IMO
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871
It will do quite a bit except sand. Make sure you have a 20 amp line, I even upsized to 30 amp.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871
It will do quite a bit except sand. Make sure you have a 20 amp line, I even upsized to 30 amp.
I am looking to get an air compressor for my small shop. Not for professional work, just my own mechanic & wood working. I need some advice. Craftsman Professional 27 gal. with 1.9 HP & scfm 7.2 or Ingersol Rand 20 gal. with 2.0 HP & scfm 5.5. Both are the same price and within my poor man budget! I rspect the advice given here. I am leaning toward the IR because of reputation even though smaller tank and less output.
I think of the two I would go with the IR because they are probably more accurately rated. What tools are you planning on running? Die grinders & air drills are hogs & will keep my 5 hp, 20 cfm compressor running if used heavily. Air ratchets, air hammers & impacts draw a lot of air but aren't used for long periods so either should run them fine. Air staplers, brad nailers & such will run on about anything, even a pancake. I was looking at the IR you list before getting my Eaton. Main thing to stay away from is oiless compressors if you plan on using them much, they are LOUD and don't last long with regular use. A guy I used to work with rebuilt his twice before getting a oil lubed compressor & hasn't had a problem since.
Thank to everyone who responded. I think I will rethink my purchase. I will move up in size. This is why I hang around on GJ. I don't post often but always get super information when I do. Have a great New Years!
Look at Eaton compressors, they have several different models & if you get something around 15-20 cfm you will not run out of air in a home shop. Happy New Years!!