Compressor for Air Tools?

[mato]

What would be a good 'starter model' compressor for using air tools, specifically a 1/2" impact wrench?

I would primarily be using this for tire removal and the only requirement would be an oil-free unit


Any minimum requirements on capacity, psi, hp?


I'm not looking to spend a ton of money right now, just need something that would work

 

[kams1973]

I would recommend going with an oil lubricated unit. My personnal opinion is that they last longer, and they are definately quieter. The 30gal verticle Kobalt unit from Lowes would be great for a starter compressor, however, if money is too tight, you may want to consider scanning craig's list.

 

[CLee0507]

I second that above. The Lowes 30 gallon model or the Husky 26 gallon one at Home Depot. I scored an old Husky one a couple months ago off Craigslist and it runs my 1/2" gun great.

 

[mato]

Thanks fellas, I've been looking on craigslist and all I have been finding is ****.

I need one by this weekend, I've been looking at the 26 gallon Husky. Glad to hear it's working well with the 1/2 impact

 

[CLee0507]

I am very impressed with how quiet it is. It's basically a Campbell Hausfeld VT6315 so very easy to find parts for. My buddy also has a Husky, turns out it is the exact one I found and he's had it for years with no problems. I rotated my dad's tires last weekend and it didn't even have to come on. If you are looking for a good wrench too, at Lowes they have an Ingersoll Rand 231g 1/2" impact and 170g 3/8" ratchet with a small set of SAE impact sockets for $149. Can't beat that price. I've used mine on a few jobs and it has no problem on my 76 K20 lugnuts.

 

[therealwormey]

I would recommend going with an oil lubricated unit. My personnal opinion is that they last longer, and they are definately quieter.

i would go with that if for no other reason than the noise,,,those oiless units are so loud i would rather shoot my 44 with no hearing protection as be around one of those air blasters

 

[golf_car_guy]

I work for an Ingersoll-Rand company, but not the air compressor group. One of my peers recommended the Garage Mate as it sounds like it would be running intermittent duty powering an impact wrench as opposed to continuous duty such as a sander. This compressor runs on single phase 120V.

Northern Tool carries the Garage Mate.

If you plan on heavier duty use, a two stage cast iron compressor Type 30 would be better suited. You need to have 240V in the garage to power this one.

The Type 30 is also available at Northern Tool.

Let me know if you have any questions and I will get you in contact with one of the compressor gurus.

 

[sstruckguy]

Here is a quick reference guide:

Please note the psi requirements. Very few, if any hand air tools require any more than 100 psi.

Next is flow. Aka cfm.(cubic feet per minute)

IMO, these two spec's make or break a decision

 

[89GLH]

LOL, Quincy. What requirements 'dose.' Spell check not available?

Seriously though, I have the bottom of the lineup Quincy and it's a rockstar. Quiter than my Husky was, and way more capable.

 

[GoodoleBoy]

I made alot of mistakes buying the wrong tool, and for the cost of portable 20-30 gallon tank belt drives a full size 60 gallon do everything you will need is the same price. +/- $50..Most guys here have a 60 gallon compressors or both sizes like me..But the little one is set up for airing up tires in the garage, not my backyard workshop.

 

[diesel research]

I think this is the first time EVER, I have heard someone stipulate the compressor must be oiless.

It is usually quite the opposite. For the simple reason they use nylon piston rings and once they get hot, they melt. Of course noisy as all get out. Burnt up 3 of them over the course of a summer.