Compressor selection

[98ssuck]

I am looking for a compressor for my father. Primarily it will be used to run a trim nailer and fill up water inflatables. He’s not old but at 55 he’s not getting any younger. So I was looking at sub 30lb portable units. But he has a few impact wrenches and air ratchets. Would a 1 or 2 gallon tank have enough energy to run a 1/2” impact to loosen a lug nut on a 1/2 ton truck?

 

[JHuston]

Short answer, no; impacts, D/A sanders, die grinders and the like have very high air demands, whereas pneumatic fasteners, even framing nailers, don't require as much CFM.For the best power/weight ratio, you'll want an oiless compressor with a 4-6 gal tank, but it 'll still be hard pressed to give more than a few taps with the impact before it's pumping back up.
-James Huston

 

[Hdonly0]

I just bought one of these. Can I pick it up and carry it? Yes Will it run an impact? Yes, but you will spend most of your time waiting. You have to balance what you want to do with how far you want to carry it. This was $99 You really want one much larger if doing much shop work.

Ultra quiet - only 56 dB
Oil-free pump reduces maintenance and costs
Lightweight for easy transporting - 29.5 lbs.
1.0 Gal. steel tank
Powerful 0.6 HP (rated/running)
1.60 CFM at 40 PSI and 1.20 CFM at 90 PSI
Maximum pressure - 120 PSI
Low amp draw - 4.5 Amp
Extra-large single piston pump for increased compression
Less time to fill the tank - only 50 seconds
2 pressure control gauges
Includes 1/4 in. universal quick connector
Extra-long pump life of over 3000 hours before wear
Oil-free pump allows you to use in different temperatures and terrains
Thermal overload protector
Less heat - dissipates heat more efficiently
Low vibration - motor speed of 1680 RPM
1-year limited warranty

 

[Kenskip1]

At 55 years old he should not have to wait for air pressure to build up.I'm 63 and I won't. Get him a 30 gallon tank HF unit.Spend the extra $$ for his birthday. He will be happy for the extra air capacity. Ken

https://www.harborfreight.com/21-ga...iMTQ5Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p ZCI6IjEwMzQ3In0=

 

[Citation]

Consider a CAT 5510A. It's the aluminum tank 5.5 gallon model. It weighs 35 lb. It can do a 1/2” impact in bursts. I can get about 4 lug nuts before it cycles. Basically it doesn't slow me down. You will need a 3/8” hose. It will not do air ratchets or cutoff wheels since those are typically continuous loads vs short bursts.

 

[98ssuck]

Thanks for all the knowledge. A cordless impact wrench is in his future but it sounds like the small compressor will meet his needs in the mean time.

 

[6PTsocket]

I bought the compressor first without much forethought, a CH iffy 4cfm @ 90, oil lubed double hotdog.Later I decided I wanted an impact wrench. I got the original HF 1/2" Earthquake. The pump kicks in a lot but I really do not spend a lot of time waiting for it. I do lug nuts and suspension stuff all the time. I would never go this small today but t
You can definitely get away with what I have as a bare minimum. I will eventually get a 5hp 2 stage on a 60 or 80 when the right deal comes along. On one hand you find more things you can do with more air and on the other, cordless tools are a good alternative for more jobs all the time.

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