Need a big Air compressor 30g +

[Sdot]

Looking for air compressor advice ;

Got my first small 2.5 hf gallon one about a year ago - after long procrastination. Of course now / realizing how much I’m missing w/o a large unit (constantly refilling itself) even on simple tasks like refilling tires / using air gun to clean shop up etc etc.

So - that said ; which unit would you recommend that’s relatively cost effective- and can handle tasks like compression/leak down tests without refilling ; run pneumatic fluid suction tools , maybe even air tools.

Seems the way box stores advertise their air compressors capability is a bit deceptive .

Thanks guys!

 

[American Locomotive]

First, what is your budget?
Second, do you ever intend to use constant-draw air tools like pneumatic sanders or blasting cabinets where you may be using a sustained high amount of air for a long time?

 

[gamescastspencer]

And third, how much space do you have available for a larger unit, 110/220, need to be portable or not?

 

[GeoBruin]

And third, how much space do you have available for a larger unit, 110/220, need to be portable or not?

The 20/240 question is fundamental to this discussion. If you don't have 240 power available, you're limited to a 2(ish) horsepower compressor and that means about 7 CFM at 90 psi. If you need more than that, you're going to need 240, or else to daisychain two smaller compressors on separate circuits.

 

[Sdot]

First, what is your budget?
Second, do you ever intend to use constant-draw air tools like pneumatic sanders or blasting cabinets where you may be using a sustained high amount of air for a long time?

Give or take sub 600$ is like to keep it at. No real need for sustained usage - sanders / die grinders etc. I’ve got many of those in Milwaukee power tools covered.

And third, how much space do you have available for a larger unit, 110/220, need to be portable or not?

I have 110/220 available - I know not best situation but unit will be housed outdoors - and covered with an air compressor cover.

The 20/240 question is fundamental to this discussion. If you don't have 240 power available, you're limited to a 2(ish) horsepower compressor and that means about 7 CFM at 90 psi. If you need more than that, you're going to need 240, or else to daisychain two smaller compressors on separate circuits.

I’ve got 240 available - as I’ve got a lift running off 240 in my garage. Thank you for the valid question here in determining which unit will be best.

 

[Beerhippie]

Give or take sub 600$ is like to keep it at. No real need for sustained usage - sanders / die grinders etc. I’ve got many of those in Milwaukee power tools covered.

I have 110/220 available - I know not best situation but unit will be housed outdoors - and covered with an air compressor cover.

I’ve got 240 available - as I’ve got a lift running off 240 in my garage. Thank you for the valid question here in determining which unit will be best.

Now the electrical question is single phase or three phase?

If single, you're practically limited to about 5 hp.

Next, $600 means used.

Be sure the comp runs and builds pressure before buying, unless you enjoy an adventure.

Go for the largest reservoir you can. That keeps the motor from short-cycling, which is death to motors.

 

[American Locomotive]

If you don't have a need to run die grinders or sanders, then just about any 120v 30+ gallon compressor will do. Look for something belt driven or specifically listed as "quiet".

 

[u2slow]

Tank size is not the best measure of a 'big' compressor.

My 10cfm/3hp (240v) 20gal portable is nearly at 25 years use now. Running mainly a hefty impact gun, and misc other tools.

 

[mikedodge]

I got along for years with a 30gallon compressor. Sure it had to fill up quite a bit but it ran impacts, air ratchets, nibblers, spot blasters. Thats still my home compressor. When I got a bigger space I moved up to a 60 now an 80.

If you're not doing sandblasting and are into battery powered tools a typical store bought 30 gallon should do you and it's a lot more easier to get into then a bigger one.

 

[sparky 1971]

You could more than likely get by with a box store 30 gallon. I have the one below, sold by Menards under the Masterforce name, but it's pretty much the same as all the others, which might be the same compressor with different paint and stickers. Even though I have the 30 gallon connected to a 60 gallon, I mainly use the 30 gallon. The only time the larger, noisier compressor gets turned on is when I'm using a cutting wheel or die grinder for an extended period, in which case I use both since neither one can keep up by themselves.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/air-compressors/masterforce-reg-belt-drive-30-gallon-155-psi-portable-electric-vertical-air-compressor/mela1683066/p-1444439608275-c-12910.htm?exp=false

 

[MOS3522]

I'm a big fan of this Lowes 30 gallon, it's real quiet.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-QUIET-TECH-26-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1001014062

 

[Sumboodie]

I have 3. An 80, 17 cfm and 60, 9 cfm hooked together. One set 150-175. Other 130-150. And 3rd is a 25 that just used as a tank.... the underground line runs to it. so 165 gals total.

Rather have extra than not enough. 28 cfm is barely ok for sandblasting

 

[joe_padavano]

First of all, tank size is irrelevant. The spec that matters is SCFM, period. I went through a progression of compressors. Finally built my own frankepressor with a RolAir K30 pump that puts out 23.5 SCFM. What a joy to use now. I have a ton of pneumatic tools that use a lot of air, in addition to media blasting and painting. This compressor doesn't even breathe hard. I bought a brand new 7.5 HP Baldor single phase motor. I ran a dedicated 60A circuit for this. I've been using this setup for over ten year with zero issues.

 

[Citation]

I don't agree that tank size (or more importantly tank size + pressure) isn't relevant. Tank air, not pump flow rate, can be sufficient to operate an impact wrench even with a small compressor. I would certainly rather have a 20-30 gallon tank vs a 5 gallon tank even with the same pump.

Assuming the OP goes down the 120V route, I would suggest looking at some of the quiet compressors. They aren't as high flow but honestly, I think half the reason why I want a high flow compressor is so I don't have to listen to the damn thing run as long. For a bit I had a choice between my 5.5 gallon, 2.3CFM CAT 5510 compressor and a 4CFM, 4 gallon roofing compressor. The roofing compressor refilled a lot faster but given the noise level difference, I used the CAT more often. I would rather listen to 45 seconds of low noise vs 15 seconds of loud noise. But, if you use things like a die grinder or cut off wheel, you may find that no 120V is really satisfactory.

However, if you can get a 60-80 gallon 240V compressor, you will probably find that sufficient for most jobs and even passable for things like a small blast cabinet.

 

[NUTTSGT]

$600 give or take. I would suggest to keep looking, save more cash and possibly hold out till Black Friday. Many of the big box stores and farm stores put compressors on sale.

 

[Nutria]

I'm a big fan of this Lowes 30 gallon, it's real quiet.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-QUIET-TECH-26-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1001014062

I have that one. It's been ok for me. But the regulator really reduced air flow, so I had to replace the regulator with a different one.

 

[American Locomotive]

First of all, tank size is irrelevant. The spec that matters is SCFM, period. I went through a progression of compressors. Finally built my own frankepressor with a RolAir K30 pump that puts out 23.5 SCFM. What a joy to use now. I have a ton of pneumatic tools that use a lot of air, in addition to media blasting and painting. This compressor doesn't even breathe hard. I bought a brand new 7.5 HP Baldor single phase motor. I ran a dedicated 60A circuit for this. I've been using this setup for over ten year with zero issues.

SCFM/CFM only matters if you have sustained high-flow air tools like a media blaster or other high-draw pneumatic tools like sanders and die grinders. OP says he doesn't have any of that.

He just wants to be able to fill up some tires or dust off the work bench without running out of air or needing the compressor to run. In which case, a larger 30 gallon tank will do exactly that. A compressor like that Kobalt will fit the bill perfectly.

 

[MOS3522]

I have that one. It's been ok for me. But the regulator really reduced air flow, so I had to replace the regulator with a different one.

I thought I was imagining that. Interesting. But for my use - impact gun, die grinder, sander, tire filling, plasma cutter - it's been sufficient.

 

[mikedodge]

The whole tank size and cfm thing depends on who's reading it. When it's someone talking about blow guns and filling tires and stuff like that usually they're looking at box store compressors since that's what's what will normally suit them and they're pretty much all similar cfm ranges based on different tank sizes.

The big danger is once you have the shop space and a decent compressor you usually find more you can do with it so there's that fine line of trying to future proof but not overdo it at the same time. Unless you know you'll never get into stuff that needs more air.

 

[Casey66]

I used this compressor for years before I got the larger one I have now. It did everything I wanted no problem. Air tools, 1/4" die grinders,small sand blaster,painting. single phase 220v . single stage. Many people still make compressors in this configuration including Craftsman.

 

[Citation]

I used this compressor for years before I got the larger one I have now. It did everything I wanted no problem. Air tools, 1/4" die grinders,small sand blaster,painting. single phase 220v . single stage. Many people still make compressors in this configuration including Craftsman.

Based on the specs on the side that's basically the same pump setup as many of the "3hp" 60 gallon models. People might confuse it for a 120V model but it has about 2x the flow rate. For many that would be a very sufficient compressor!
For example, this model at Lowes has about the same pump rating

https://www.lowes.com/pd/MEGA-Compressor-60-Gallons-135-Psi-Vertical-Air-Compressor/5014405355

 

[Sdot]

Thank you everyone for the help, and thorough responses. It’s been very helpful.

I do want to point out - that compression/leakdown test ability & running pneumatic “suction” type tools is a high priority. The 1st I know you need a constant supply of air for accurate results.

Please continue to send recommendations

Thanks!

 

[johnre]

Many people still make compressors in this configuration [33 gallon, 5 HP, 10 SCFM @ 90 PSI, hot dog layout] including Craftsman.

I'm dealing with a limited space vertically for my compressor, and like the previous two posts, I go more for air delivery than tank size. If I had to replace my similar-spec Craftsman model, it would likely be one of these Campbell-Hausfeld models, as these are all I'm aware of that have these kind of air delivery specs for a 20-30 gallon hot dog layout, and are oil lubricated. I think all three are actually the same motor and pump:

VT6182, 10.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI, 20 gallons


VT6104, 10.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI, 30 gallons


VT6271, 10.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI, 30 gallons


UPDATE: Looks like Speedaire has models sold by Grainger that are exactly the same; I would guess that CH is building them for Grainger.

 

[mikedodge]

Thank you everyone for the help, and thorough responses. It’s been very helpful.

I do want to point out - that compression/leakdown test ability & running pneumatic “suction” type tools is a high priority. The 1st I know you need a constant supply of air for accurate results.

Please continue to send recommendations

Thanks!

The 1st might be constant but it's low cfm. You don't need much of a compressor to do either.