Compressor sizing assistance.

[bedn0009]

I need much less capacity than the rest of you, but I know nothing about compressors.

Here is what I'll use one for:

• Woodworking (nailers)
• Paint spraying (small projects)
• Impact wrench occiassionally

Any suggestions? 20/40 gallons seems appropriate to me.

 

[jdub63]

Get the biggest one you can afford and have space for. It's like lighting you can never have to much ��. Tank size is one thing but you should be looking at CFM.

 

[raddksn]

In my experance if you get just enough to get by, it won't be long before you want bigger!

Kind of like the 3' itch some boaters get!

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Woodworking, nailers. Get a small light, quiet, portable. I have a Rolair JC10 that is nice and quiet. My BIL has a Senco PC1010 that is easier to carry.

Paint spraying, small projects. Get an air brush, and a small compressor.

Impact wrench. These days I'd say go cordless. But I also have never found much use for a pneumatic impact other than changing tires. Even for that I found a 4 way works just fine. No compressor to wait on, listen to, no hose to mess with.

 

[jvitez]

I've got two Porter Cable branded compressors, a 6 gal pancake and a 25 gal oil free upright.

In my experience, for workbench type woodworking projects and airbrushing the 6 gal pancake compressor is just fine. If you're talking repetitive firing of framing nailers then no. Occasional impact wrench use? The 25 gal is fine. It'll recharge a few times if you're removing 4 wheels from a truck but that's no issue for occasional use.

Honestly, you can even use a pancake compressor with a 1/2 inch impact wrench, you'll just have to go slow and wait for multiple recharges, but that's OK if you're doing that a couple of times a year. If you want one compressor to do it all in a shop that will combine woodworking and vehicle repair, here's a couple of examples:

Cheap:

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...0-gallon-air-compressor/p-1442773-c-12910.htm

Much better quality, USA made:

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...portable-air-compressor/p-1655325-c-12910.htm

 

[Cyberbear]

I agree with all the input from others. It will often come down to space on the floor and in the budget, but don't skimp on quality and performance. And, yes, prepare for unforeseen future needs.

 

[38Chevy454]

Larger tank just gets you more capacity storage. The CFM rating is the capacity to keep up. So a larger capacity CFM is better. A larger CFM will charge up faster, regardless of tank size.

You can probably get by with a 120 volt model around 3 hp rating for all you want to do. Painting can use a bunch of air, but a larger tank will help that as well as larger CFM rating. Seeing a trend here on CFM rating?

 

[bedn0009]

Thanks for all the informative replies. What should I be targeting for CFM? The Sanborn listed about is approx 6 CFM, then I looked at saw this one and some others on Craigslist for significantly less cash, but more CFM.

https://www.k-bid.com/auction/8000/item/3

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/5078023571.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/5140669614.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/5137816195.html

 

[atthebeach]

I use a Porter-Cable pancake compressor (2 hp, 6 gallon, 2.7 cfm @ 90 psi). Over the years I have never come up short for air capacity. I run framing, finish, and pin nailers, and I have an impact wrench for tire service. I do this in my home shop....I am not in a hurry trying to earning a living. When I take off a tire, I usually inspect the brakes and suspension before moving on to the next tire. For small painting jobs I have a Graco 3900 hvlp paint gun that does not require an external compressed air source.

Like most things, bigger is usually better. However, a larger compressor is obviously more expensive, generally louder, and less mobile. I move my compressor around the shop, outside to the driveway, or out to the backyard depending on where I am working. Bigger may also require the availability of 220 volt power in your shop. If you are considering installing a lift in your shop someday, however, you will find this compressor too small for some lifts.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It will often come down to space on the floor and in the budget, but don't skimp on quality and performance.

It is hard to tell "quality"/"durability" in small "pancake" or 2-8 gallon tanks compressor. Even the name brand oil-less one don't seem to have a long life.

Check out this thread : Portable Compressors : Husky TA-2530B vs. California Air Tools 263DLH ????

Both are cast iron oil lubed compressors, which is a great start and the price is reasonable ($130-$150). They will easily handle you stated tasks. (Forget grinder, polisher, sanders, cut off wheels and sand blasters.)

 

[CarlB]

The tools you want to use will give you a CFM rating, and state the pressure needed for the tool. You should get a compressor that can generate more CFM at the needed pressure for your tools. You need more CFM because compressors have a duty cycle. Most lite duty compressors are rated to run less than half time. A example would be run 5 minutes out of 15.

 

[Gary Anderson]

The "oilless" ones are ****!

I see you are in Hudson, WI..

Look at
www.hoffonlineauctions.com
www.bid-2-buy.com

Also try to get one with about 10 SCFM at minimum.
You will NOT be sorry.
220V if you can single phase.
30 gallon minumum to 60 gallon.
Upright takes up less room in the shop.

They fill faster, last longer (working less), and are all around better.

Just like was mentioned, the bigger, the better.

Like building a garage...
ALWAYS build BIGGER than you figure, you WILL use it!

Got a 100 gallon, 7.5 HP, two stage, upright, single phase, in February.
We are working on getting it installed.
Major production.
Have a chilled air dryer and using all 1.00" aluminum tubing for the lines.

Switching out a 60 gallon, upright, single stage.
We HAD a 30 gallon auxiliary tank in series.
That thing's tongue was hanging out....

We can use a lot of air when we use the air tools or paint.
I WAS a automotive/custom painter for 40 plus years, retired now.

Your Pal, Gary

 

[99LeCouch]

I have a 30 gallon oiled 120v Porter Cable compressor. It does all that stuff fine if I'm patient. I recently used it to spray Fluid Film onto a compact car's underside. It kept up okay since I wasn't rushing.

The biggest thing was to ditch the junky OEM quick-connect for Milton V-style fittings all around. Anything that sprays will thank you.