infrequent use air compressor?

[redline9k]

I have a small rigid 4.5g twin stack for around the house,etc but I just purchased a small HVLP gun and after a small test project, I really need more volume.

The only problem is I probably wont be using the HVLP gun more than a few times a year. Id love to go out and get a nice 30g 5+hp, but i think its going to be a waste of valuable money since it will sit idle quite often.

Here are my ideas;

• Seperate large air tank to fill just for these HVLP projects ~50
• Cheapo 30g HF, etc (probably only 1.8 or 2.2HP) ~250
• just get it over w/ and get the nice 30g, etc ~450

Which way would you go?

 

[Bondo]

Here are my ideas;
Seperate large air tank to fill just for these HVLP projects ~50

Ayuh,.... I've got a couple of ole 100lb. propane tanks I daisy chain together when I need added volume...

 

[G_P]

Just add a bigger tank inline with the compressor for the added volume.

Be careful with old propane tanks though. If they have seen heavy use they will have an oily residue on the bottom that is the odorant they put in the gas so you can smell leaks.

Youll want to get that out of there or it could get in your paint and ruin the job or at a minimum it will make any air coming out the end smell like your spraying with propane!

 

[redline9k]

is there a specific place to go for decent tanks and connections, etc? Should I be looking for something air specific, or is a clean propane tank ok? It seems like some of the tanks im finding cost more than the cheapo 30g compressors!

 

[Davefr]

#3. I've never met anyone that regretted buying a little more compressor and a little higher quality unit then they currently need.

I like the 30 gallon, cast iron, belt driven units. They're big enough to do a lot of tasks but still portable (barely).

 

[G_P]

is there a specific place to go for decent tanks and connections, etc? Should I be looking for something air specific, or is a clean propane tank ok? It seems like some of the tanks im finding cost more than the cheapo 30g compressors!

A propane tank is fine. Just dont go too big on the extra tank. Small compressors wont like running for the long time it will take to fill up a large tank.


If you cant find a cheap/free tank get the HF 30gallon. you wont be able to buy a new compressor tank cheap.

 

[Outlawmws]

Watch CL for used tanks and broken compressors. heck I've picked up 3 20 gal tanks/compressors in the past year or so (and just recently passed on another)