HF Air Compressor for IR 2135?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. I was wondering which harbor freight air compressor would run an Ingersoll rand 2135 qtimax. My current compressor is older than me and taps out quick. I'd like something that I can do a full tire rotation with, or at least 3/4 on a full tank, unless they fill up quick enough for that not to be a problem. Would this one be fine? http://www.harborfreight.com/29-gal-2-hp-150-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html

 

[jallyn]

Can't be certain, but I think it will do 3/4 of a tire rotation on a full tank, which would be fine for me. You could keep working as the compressor runs for that last set of lug nuts.

 

[Warrenator]

I think that one would be just adequate..... the tank is not huge so the pump will definitely cycle on during the work but it should be able to keep up. Ingersoll says the average air consumption of the ir2135 is 5.8 cfm, the harbor freight compressor specs say 5.9 cfm....

You can always use an undersized compressor, you just have to let it run and catch up. Depends on what you are doing. A bigger pump would cycle on less. For example, I have a 60 gallon Sanborn with a 5 hp compressor and it runs continuously and gets warm during sandblasting but will just cycle once or twice if I use an impact wrench.

 

[Citation]

So what type of tires are you rotating and do you mean the pump doesn't turn on or just that you don't have to slow down?

I have a compressor similar to the one you listed but with only a 20 gallon tank. Doing tire changes on smaller cars (ie 4-5 lugs that come off easily once broken) it never had an issue. It probably did cycle once or so during the job but I always had at least 90 psi at the tool. As a short term deal I'm using a small 4gallon 4CFM@90 psi compressor. It also really don't have an issue with tire changes. Yes, it generally cycles once per wheel. However, I'm just not pulling lug nuts so fast that it can't keep up. It also only takes 15 seconds to go from 100 (pump turns on) to 120 psi (full). If I were doing truck tires then the 4 gallon tank may not be enough to work without ever slowing down.

A big issue I see with the compressor you listed is it's just too close in price to a 3hp, 60 gallon, 240V model (Lowes has those starting around $450). At the same time, that compressor isn't much more powerful than the 8-10 gallon HF models like this one ($100+ cost of oil and other required accessories, coupon code came from following your link, coupon 51429128)
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2-HP-125-PSI-Oil-Lube-Air-Compressor-68740.html

Based on the specs and my experience using an IR 231 impact wrench, you should get about 8-10 lug nuts before the pump cycles. It should take about 30 seconds to refill the air. So unless you are moving between tires faster 30 seconds I would think that the $100 model would be sufficient for your needs.

The larger compressor should have no trouble.

 

[bcradio]

A bigger pump would cycle on less.

Please explain this?

Or do you mean a bigger tank will cycle less? Because a bigger pump will cycle the same number of times as a smaller one, it will just be a shorter cycle because it will fill the tank up quicker.

 

[MrGiggles]

I have the 21 gallon HF compressor and my 2135 does okay on it. I can loosen two wheels at a time before I need to give the compressor a minute to catch up. That is through 100' of 3/8 hose, it would work a lot better with a shorter run.

 

[JerryC]

I have an old Craftsman 20 gallon. It fills to 125psi. Last weekend I was rotating the tires on my BroncoII (5 lug, 95ft/lb). Using a HF Earthquake 1/2 impact I pulled three wheels and spun one back on (not fully tight) before the compressor kicked in. I had 50ft of 3/8" hose with Milton V style connectors.

From that, I'd think 29 gallons of 150psi would make it through all 4.

 

[McLean]

I bought that compressor about 1 yr ago and have been reasonably happy with it. Seems to put out about as much air as can be expected from a 110v compressor. Runs all my impact guns and air ratchets fine, even handles air/hydro jacks and HVLP reasonably well while cycling on/off quite a bit. It has the typical fit/finish you'd expect from HF, but seemed like a decent compromise since the name brand comparables are all $500+

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... 'bout any compressor that makes 120 psi will run an impact gun,....

The difference is how long before the compressor kicks on, 'n how long it takes to build back up to full pressure,.....

The impact gun will only hammer to full spec, at full air pressure,.....

 

[anndel]

I have the Husky 30 gallon 2 HP from Home Depot and a IR 2235 impact. I can remove almost 4 wheels, 6 lugs each before the compressor cycles on the 4th wheel, 4th nut. Good luck.

 

[md21722]

Air impacts often use 37 SCFM or more, anything less is average air consumption in 15 seconds so you just multiply by 4. 9 mean 36. The thing with impacts is that you don't run them for long periods of time, so you don't need a massive air compressor. It's not like running a die grinder, drill, or angle grinder for minutes or hours at a time where you need the compressor HP. With a 2HP 26 gallon you will be fine. I'm sure the HF linked will be fine with the 2135 impact. BT, DT.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Are there any other sub 500 compressors you all would recommend? I personally have the 2135 and an air ratchet. I will occasionally use a die grinder but most use is the impact. I can remember one occasion where I was thankful I had the W7150 cordless because the air compressor made my gun sound anemic

 

[Citation]

What kind of power options do you have available? 120? two 120 circuits? 240?
I mention the two 120 circuits because you could connect two of the HF 8 gallon models together then you would have ~8 gal/min for a price a bit over $200.

 

[Warrenator]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Warrenator
A bigger pump would cycle on less.
Please explain this?

Or do you mean a bigger tank will cycle less? Because a bigger pump will cycle the same number of times as a smaller one, it will just be a shorter cycle because it will fill the tank up quicker.
------------
Right, I meant to say a bigger pump will run less time, not cycle on less. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

What kind of power options do you have available? 120? two 120 circuits? 240?
I mention the two 120 circuits because you could connect two of the HF 8 gallon models together then you would have ~8 gal/min for a price a bit over $200.

I would like to keep it 120 as that's whats currently there but if there's a 240 for close to what the price of a 120v that's going to give me more performance, I can wire up 240, the breaker box is literally right under where the current compressor is in the garage.

 

[Citation]

I haven't used it but consider something like this for $450
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936

Then again, if an impact wrench is all you are trying to drive I think you would probably fine with the $100 8 gallon unit. But if you are planning on spending almost $400 I would go for the 240 model.