New Garage..Newbie help Air Compressor

[dondb]

Just built a garage 28X32, 12 foot ceilings. I have been wrenching on my cars (69 and 02 camaros) in the home garage on jack stands for years. I'm getting old and tired of the jack stands (not working on the cars) so I bought a Benpak 4 post lift for the new garage. All my current tools are 18 volt electric or plain manual wrenches, currently own no air tools. The lift will require an air compressor to unlock the safety catches. So my question for help is......what size air compressor should i buy....and will i want air tools going forward?? No big body work projects in the future, just suspension and engine work. Don't know if i left any information out to get help...but if i did fire away and i'll get it for you!

 

[zkling]

Try doing a search the compressor recommendation has been beaten to death on here. We really need a air compressor sticky.

My opinion. A minimum of a 60gal, ~12cfm @90psi, 220v, 3+(real) HP compressor. Belt driven, oil lubed (pressure oil lubed, even better). The biggest as in CFM output compressor you can afford/find/power/able to move is best.

My most used air tools, I'm a diy guy,
Blow gun
Tire inflater
1/2" impact wrench
paint spray gun

Things like grinders, air drills and, saws are typically not economical for DIY guys as electrical tools can typically be purchased and ran cheaper than air tools. Also depends on what you plan to do. Some folks do lots of body work, so sanders and body tools are their main air tools. Quite a few folks like having blast cabinets for media blasting. These can typically consume lots of air.

I always suggest looking for a used industrial compressor. Quincy, Ingersoll rand, kellog, champion, even campbell hausfield industrial series are nice. Something that runs slow and chugs the air out.

 

[thdewey]

We really need a air compressor sticky.

+1,000,000

You can say that again brother! What a great idea.

 

[dondb]

Thank you ZKling! I'll take your suggestion and start looking on CL.

Picture of the new pad:

 

[ejm1961Tbird]

Here is the one I got:
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Quincy-2V41C60VC-Air-Compressor/p855.html

 

[devoncoolman]

Honestly if your gonna bit the bullet and buy one just get a big compressor. I would buy an 80gal 5hp 12cfm or higher. Big low rpm compressors can be had reasonable off CL.