compressor size question

[gcan]

I've searched the forum and have a question - what size compressor do I really need to do minor car restoration?

I know nothing about compressors and have never used air tools but through my search saw some as big as the MG I'm restoring. What size would you really sugggest to meet my needs - I don't need a unit to work with full time and since my brother in law doesn't have one I don't need to out do
anybody

 

[gcan]

I've searched the forum and have a question - what size compressor do I really need to do minor car restoration?

I know nothing about compressors and have never used air tools but through my search saw some as big as the MG I'm restoring. What size would you really sugggest to meet my needs - I don't need a unit to work with full time and since my brother in law doesn't have one I don't need to out do
anybody

MOVED TRHEAD TO GENERAL FORUM

 

[Kid59]

From one new member of the forum to another here is what I have discovered in my search for a compressor.
Air tools like polishers grinders and sanders eat the air and if you plan on doing body work you want a decent size tank and motor.
Something about not waiting for air to catch up to your tools while you are working.
I laughed at your comments about your brother in law because mine gave me the advice when I went looking for a compressor for my garage.
My bother in law and his business partner are serious hot rodders and are in the tool business.
This is the criteria they gave me.
60 gallon tank
real 5hp motor
100 psi
Good luck.

 

[Junkman]

The only change in the specification that I would make is a 80 gallon tank instead of the 60 gallon tank. The cost difference shouldn't be that much, but the volume of air will be.

 

[FastGT94]

I don't know about proper but I can tell you that my 15 gallon is WAY too small to use a die grinder for more than a minute at a time. The engine runs just about constantly

 

[Raven1911]

Even my 33 gallon is too small. I did some body work on my 55 nomad and it hogged the air. Compressor was constantly running! I would recommend the biggest tank if you are planning on doing body work. If you are just using impact wrenches and tools for the motor and such you can get away with a 33 gallon tank. Mine is really loud too (oiless) I don't think I would ever buy an oiless tank again. Craftsman seem to be the most affordable that I have seen.

 

[bluesman2a]

Speaking as somebody who has suffered from "incrementalism". 33 gallon wasn't enough, neither was 60, a 2 stage 80 gallon seems about right.

A lot depends on what you want to do. I saw a response on this here the other day (can't remember the author, sorry):
buy the biggest you:
1) can afford
2) have space for
3) have electricity for

I think that's spot on. If you plan on things like sandblasting or using high cfm tools a lot, then your need will be greater.

General tips on what to look for:
1) oil lubricated -- these are quieter and last longer
2) cast iron pump -- can be rebuilt and last longer
3) 2 stage -- single stage will give you about 120 PSI, 2 stage goes up to 175, while you may not need the direct pressure, this also translates to additional capacity.

 

[kartracer55]

buy the biggest you:
1) can afford
2) have space for
3) have electricity for

Fixed it

That pretty much sums it up. 5hp is a good size for most people. I dont know anybody who has a compressor larger than 5hp in thier own garage (I know people with MUCH larger, but in commercial shops).

Look for a TRUE 5hp compressor with either a 60 or 80 gallon tank. In the 15+cfm range and you should be set. Single stage Vs two stage, tank size, brand, etc... thats all something to consider and everything has its pro's and cons.

If your going to be doing blasting or polishing, a large tank would be better, but for grinding, cutting, ratchets, impacts etc, a 60 gallon with a STRONG pump has worked out well. You shouldnt have a problem running most air tools on a compressor with 15+ cfm@90.

Jim

 

[JDHolmes]

Fixed it

I've been searching and looking into this for several months now and here's what I've decided after asking on several painting sites, car sites, etc.

I'm buying the 80 gal, 6 running hp, 2 stage from Sam's Club for $826.00. It puts out 18.6 scfm, 14 cfm at 100 psi and will run anything you want to run, including a good paint gun.

I've priced and looked at many other options. I was going to buy the 60 gallon Lowe's model for $499 with intentions of going bigger when I open my shop, but the Sam's one will do great even then.

You want oiled, 2 stage, 5 hp minimum. Single stages run higher rpm's which means more water in the air and causes other problems, including noise.

 

[kartracer55]

You want oiled, 2 stage, 5 hp minimum. Single stages run higher rpm's which means more water in the air and causes other problems, including noise.

Not true. I have a SINGLE stage 5hp compressor. It is a 5hp 1800 (aprox) motor turning a 7.5hp compressor pump. The larger pump means it is turned Very slow... somewhere around 650 RPMs.

That Delta you are looking at at Sams club, IIRC, is a rebadged Porter Cable compressor. I would shop around searching for the PC because You might be able to find it cheaper. Also, That is far from an heavy duty compressor. I would take a serious look at IR, CH, as well as Eaton. All make similarly rated compressors, at a similar price, but which appear to be higher quality. That doesnt look like an "industrial" motor on there, and Id imagine its turning the pump at a fairly high rate.

Id just look around at other brands...

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...ir+Compressors+&+Inflators&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
Campbell Huasfeld from sears... 899

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...ir+Compressors+&+Inflators&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
IR 18cfm 800$ from sears

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/172983.htm
901$

Jim

 

[JDHolmes]

Not true. I have a SINGLE stage 5hp compressor. It is a 5hp 1800 (aprox) motor turning a 7.5hp compressor pump. The larger pump means it is turned Very slow... somewhere around 650 RPMs.

thanks for the links. None of those you gave were as good as the Sam's. It's not Delta, it's Excell which is Devilbiss Air which is Porter retagged. If you read your link to the Eaton, it also says that high rpm is bad. Eaton is comparable but for $100 more plus shipping plus $15 for this and $15 for that and the Eaton is at 4.5 running hp instead of 6.
Single stage cannot put out as much air as two stage though it really makes little difference once the tank is full or unless you're going to use air above 100 psi (which the single stage is incapable of providing) so good luck withyours.

 

[pl_silverado]

I picked up the biggest Husky one at home depot, and have been happy with it. 7.5hp, 80 Gal tanks, 2 Stage