Looking for a compressor: Questions inside.

[mroneeyedboh]

So Im looking for a compressor. I dont see myself using it much at all but to change tires/rotate them and break suspension stuff apart when needed to. I typically always use hand tools when I can versus the powered alternatives.

Question:

1. I have Snap on air tools and the highest CFM consumption is 5.2.

2. The air compressors Im looking at are right there around 5.3cfm at 90psi. What does that mean if the tool is at that limit? Would it just continue to run? Would it be able to still work well with it? Granted that tool that is 5.2CFM wouldnt be used that often, just on STUCK bolts.

3. I would be running 3/8" air lines, does that alter the CFM available or anything like that? What I mean is, a larger line hurts the "re-up" of air into the line/whats available right?

4. The air compressors Im looking at are these portables. ( PC from TSC, the 30gal husky etc ) Reason being is its going in a large wooden shed, and IM afriad of the vibrations a larger unit would cause to the stone base. Also I have 12/2 ran to a dedicated circuit already. Hindsight I should have went larger. According to the wiring schematics I have to have at least 10ga wiring... The run is only MAX of 35'.


edited: From reading, the larger 240v stationary ones use the same amperage and from what Ive just calculated that wire size should be alright. The Larger unit takes in 15a as well as the stationary... Id be better off with the larger unit.


Here they are:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...belt-drive-air-compressor-60-gal?cm_vc=-10005

 

[Orange65]

The rating of the air compressor is the speed at which the compressor can supply air to the tank. If you are running a 5.2 SCFM tool while the compressor is running at 5.3 SCFM, it means that the tank is building up pressure corresponding to the extra .1 SCFM. The tool will work fine with that compressor. If you exceed the rating of the compressor (use a 6 SCFM tool on a 5.3 SCFM compressor), it just means that the compressor won't be able to keep up. You can use the tool until the pressure in the tank drops to whatever stops the tool from working and you have to wait for the compressor to build back up.

The 3/8" lines have no effect on the compressors rating. They do provide less restriction to the air flowing from the tank to the tool. Should work fine.

I just bought the one you have shown from TS. I am hooking it up and have not powered it up yet. Looks like a good compressor but we will see.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Either one should work for your needs. Seeing as they are almost identical in specs, just a matter of doing your due diligence and seeing what kind of experience people are having with them.....

All while knowing that internet reviews of products can be bought and paid for, whether positive or negative.... I still go by the AVERAGE of peoples opinions on the purchase reviews....

Look for common problems popping up in the reviews. I like that the PC A/C in made in the USA, but it seems more people are buying the Husky from HD. Roll of the dice really. May want to consider a CL unit ? Good Luck. JMO

http://lexington.craigslist.org/tls/5785901292.html

 

[SARG]

And ... give some thought to obtaining an electric impact wrench for the occasional tire changeovers. Much less hassle.

 

[Trey T]

Intermittent or continuous demand tools?

If intermittent, such as 1/2" impact 700ft-lbs, you can use one smaller than that. The CFM of pump is not the primary factor for intermittent tools, it's the tank size. What i'm recommending is for home. Currently, I run an commercial/industrial style pump (Champion PL-15a) and I came from a 5cfm speedaire (CH pump) 20gal tank 10yrs ago. The speedaire one was great for my 1/2" impact to pop off Honda crank bolts. My body tools struggled a lot and I painted three cars (not entire car) with it.

Either one would definitely work.

 

[mroneeyedboh]

Yeah gotcha... It just seems like a better deal to get the larger one. Same wiring etc.

I'll just have to hardwire per-se the larger ,60 gal unit.


Also I was thinking about going to an electric impact but the diesel I have can have some hardware that so be tough snd the more power from the air components would be best.

Unless the Milwaukee fuel unit is the same as the SO mg725 ...