Explain how to chose and air compressor.

[Jersey Drew]

I know there’s quite a few threads on whether air compressor a or B or C is good but foregoing brand how do I choose a good compressor? I have a 30 gallon husky now that for the most part gets the job done. I have problems with running my air grinder and also when blowing out my sprinkler system. Other than those two things the one i have is enough. I could use a compressor at a second location which really could be a pancake compressor just to fill tires, but I was thinking if I’m going to spend money I might as well get a better one for here and use this one for the other location.

 

[speed bump]

Biggest one I can afford and get power to. I have a 30 220v circuit so I looked until I found a 5 hp 80 gallon compressor for cheap. If I would have found a 7.5 hp compressor I would have pulled a new circuit.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Biggest I can find, worry about the details later.

 

[alcorelli]

Add up your load in CFM and multiply by 2.5.
Add enough electricity and steel air piping, shake well and serve.

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[allinon72]

For me it’s belt driven and 2 stage. Use air exclusively for blow guns and air chucks, so I got a 20 gallon IR.

 

[MushCreek]

For a shop, I like a big, low RPM rig. The sound is much more tolerable that high RPM units. I had an ancient Wayne that turned about 500 RPM. It sounded like the African Queen. I currently have a 5 hp Black Max and it's too noisy. I recently bought a small pancake rig for inflating tires and brad nailing in the house, and I use it a lot. We have a large property, so running hoses to reach everything isn't really practical.

 

[Ben Buck]

Buy the biggest compressor that you are able to., and have space for.

Air tools use quite a bit of air to properly work.

Make sure you have the electricycles to operate properly- DON'T USE EXTENSION CORDS !!!!

Take the air to the work site- not the compressor.

Just my 1 1/2 cents worth- YMMV

 

[930dreamer]

If you add your location it might help someone point out a compressor deal.

 

[Rinspeed]

How much do you want to spend and what pneumatic tools do you want to run or might want to run in the future.

 

[justanengineer]

Flow (cfm) is the important factor. Make sure you’re comparing flow at the same pressure (psi), some manufacturers spec at ~110 psi and others at 175. Beyond that, the other important factor is duty cycle. Multiply your cfm by duty cycle (percentage) to get reality. Many of the box store compressors are ~50% duty cycle so the tag might say 18 cfm but it’s really only capable of 9 cfm without damage. JMO but I’d want at least 12 cfm for a home shop.

As mentioned above, RPM = noise. Industrial compressors are usually <900 RPM and are fairly quiet.


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[pickmeup]

I need a portable air compressor to run some air tools including a sander and paint gun.
Novice car repairer working on rusty cars but living in a rental home with no garage so carport and driveway. No 3 phase available.
Like everyone else don't want to spend anymore than needs be but don't want to say in years time I shoulda....
What's your recommendations, links appreciated.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Pickmeup, that is going to be tough to fulfill. Sanders use a lot of air. For continuous run, you are looking at. 3.5hp (230 volt 15 amp) motor with a good pump at a minimum. You can get by with a 115 volt compressor, but it will be stop start. There are a few 30 gallon unites out there that would fit the bill off you are willing to be patient, let the compressor catch up and cool down once and a while.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

CFM is most important (too much is almost enough) and ease of portability if not a stationary application.
Pancake and other small tanks are nice for portability and can top off car tires but usually don't have a large enough tank for setting beads or filling an empty tire.