Educate me: Air Compressors

[Gberg888]

Hey guys,

I will be doing light automotive work most of the time and some occasional heavy stuff like parting out a car which entails stripping it to its shell. But mostly, tire changes, brake work, and some other minor stuff. No serious mechanic, just a car enthusiast.

I am looking to get a compressor and have pretty much no size constraints, price is more a limiting factor. I do not want to spend much more than $175-200 dollars.

Desires and additional information:
1) I would love to have multiple inputs so I can run 2 or more hoses.
- Impact gun would be the main tool, but other air tools should be usable.
2) The compressor will be mounted in the 2nd floor of my garage (it is 2 stories)
3) I plan on building an enclosure around it to help with noise as I live in a residential neighborhood and this is going in my personal garage. Are there any ventilation concerns or air flow I need to be aware of?
4) What sort of PSI should I look for?
5) What size fits my needs, I'd rather not have it running all of the time like my current 3 gallon is
6) What sort of electronics are needed if I do not plan on going up stairs to turn her on and off and empty her all the time? Is it bad to leave her under pressure for long periods of time?
7) The garage is not heated, barely insulated currently. (That may change) but she will see some serious temperature fluctuations. Anything I need to worry about or be aware of?
8) What brands are best? Maintenance?

 

[cg81]

If you have been using a 3 gallon compressor just about anything will be an upgrade. I have a 33 gallon craftsman oilless compressor. When I bought it I heard that style is noisy, but I thought all compressor's are noisy. Let me tell you, it is crazy loud, I would avoid this type all together. It is set up for a maximum 150 psi in the tank. It runs an impact pretty good but using my 1/4 and 3/8" air ratchet it seems to run all the time. If you expect to use this type of tool very often you should look to a 60-80 gallon unit. I would look for one that has 150-175 psi tank pressure for extra reserve. The last thing is your budget of $200. That will get you a used one similar to mine, and that will get you by just fine. I would save up some more money and look for a good used larger unit. They will require 220volt power.

 

[Davefr]

Your budget won't get you much, Maybe something like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Californ...nk-Air-Compressor-6310/202977399?N=5yc1vZc9pn

I doubt it would run an impact gun at any reasonable duty cycle. That means you'll constantly have to wait for the compressor to catch up.

Deteremine the CFM required for the tools you want to use and then pick a compressor that will power them. Tools with low duty cycles can get by with less. High duty cycle tools should really be used with a compressor that can keep them powered.

 

[Gberg888]

I completely forgot about the oil verse oil free. Advantages to either? How often would I have to do an oil service for one that requires oil and what does it entail?

I can move on the budget some if its really going to open up doors for me. What do people suggest? Lets keep it under $500.

 

[Davefr]

I can move on the budget some if its really going to open up doors for me. What do people suggest? Lets keep it under $500.

I'd up your budget some more and get this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

It's made in the USA and get's really good reviews. You'll be much happier with it then using these little "toy" compressors.

 

[Gberg888]

That seems like a good option, but I think its a little overkill. Correct me if I am wrong, but would a 20 gallon-150 psi unit suit me pretty well?

 

[Askme42]

How bout a battery powered impact. That's all it seems like you need.

 

[Gberg888]

I have a smaller one of those, but having the compressor also allows me to run a plethora of other tools. Plus, sometimes the impact isnt strong enough and unless I drop 500 on the snap-on big boy impact, ill still have that issue. Air just seems like a better option.

 

[MrGiggles]

Oiled compressors are far superior than oil-less when it comes to service life.

The 21 gallon units from Harbor Freight aren't horrible.. They make just enough CFM to run impacts and such sporadically. They are 169.99 with coupon. I have one, it's very loud, but does what I need it to, which is pretty close to what you do. It's 110v too, unlike the bigger units. If you get it, change the oil after running it with the drain open for 20 or 30 minutes, then again after 1 hour. There will be a lot of **** in the oil.

You might be able to find something pretty good used for 3-400 bucks.

 

[Gberg888]

I haven't googled or searched but can someone inform me on what the basic CFM is that I need to run a high quality impact gun is?

 

[Askme42]

I haven't googled or searched but can someone inform me on what the basic CFM is that I need to run a high quality impact gun is?

Depends.

 

[RECox286]

You should honestly reevaluate your budget constraints, or

look for a well used machine. Hobbies aren't all that inexpensive,

no matter what your fancy.

Uncle Bob

 

[kythri]

Buy the biggest compressor you can buy. You always need more air.

 

[Gberg888]

Uncle Bob,

What would you suggest for a compressor? Price being no object.