how big an air compressor do I need?

[larry_g]

How about this for basic automotive work? Not a pro mechanic working all day long, but for doing a weekend repair for an afternoon, once in a while.

Here are some oil-lubed vertical ones:


27 gallon $479
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...ortable-air-compressor/p-00916474000P?prdNo=6

I have the one above and it gets the job done. I've had it some 5-6 years and its still working with infrequent use. It is not my main compressor. Be aware that it takes a GOOD 20a circuit. Add some line length to the electrical wire, an additional load on the circuit or a marginal circuit breaker and it will not work. Its also hard to start when cold.


lg
no neat sig line

 

[ez-duzit]

How about this for basic automotive work?...

27 gallon $479
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...ortable-air-compressor/p-00916474000P?prdNo=6

For $20 more this is twice the compressor:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916476000P

 

[EOC_Jason]

Most oil-lubed single stage are 120 PSI, while two-stage are 175 PSI. Most air tools don't want higher than 90 PSI, so also consider a regulator (those are cheap though).

For the price difference, I would look for 3HP minimum. You can still run a 3HP motor on a regular 120V plug. Anything larger and you are looking at a dedicated 220V.

Have you looked on your local craigslist? If you are patient people usually sell barely used compressors for 1/2 to 1/3 the original price (or less!)....

This is exactly the type of basic AUTO work I might use it for.
Just to get at a few stubborn bolts on a suspension or exhaust.

It sounds like I need to look for:

• 30-80 gallon. (I need compact, so I will err on smaller)
• Oil lubed for quiet.
• Even 1HP motor is adequate

What is the minimum PSI I'd want?

 

[GETRIDAONE]

I was looking for a long time to get a larger compressor. I had a 5 HP that hardly would run an air tool. I made do with it but just kept watching CL
I got a 7.5HP 24CFM for $200.00 from a company that was going to restore & powder coat office furniture. I guess it didn't work out and closed up that warehouse when things got bad a few years back. It was like brand new, changed the oil that wasn't even dirty and it runs great. Keep looking for that deal, it will come sooner or later.