Portable Air Compressor Compromise

[rdagger]

I've read through the threads and people always say to go big for an air compressor, but I don't have much space so it really needs to be portable (wheels). I see that Porter Cable now has two 25 gallon vertical models:

Model C6110 and CPFC2TV3525VP

I plan on using it for running the following: a nailer, a powder coating gun, pressure casting and possibly some very light sand blasting.

I've never owned a compressor so I have a few questions:
1. What do you think about the above compressors?
2. What accessories do I need?
3. Should I get a rubber hose or a polyurethane hose?
4. Should I get a 1/4" or 3/8" hose?
5. Are the above compressors bad because they are oil-less?
6. What is an induction motor?

 

[eschoendorff]

Here's my opinion.... and take it just as that.

My parents bought me a 32 gallon Husky oil-less compressor for Christmas a couple years ago. I use it with an impact gun, small die grinder (not constant use) paint spray gun, etc. Basically anything that i can think of. I have put a silencer/filter on the intake and it cuts down on the noise a little. But I just run the thing and use my tools. Sometimes I have to wait for it to catch up. No biggie for me. When it dies, though, I will get a larger oiled unit. Just my preference. But for now, it does just fine for me.

You probably will not be able to do the sandblasting very well (if at all) with such a small machine, but for nail guns and powder coating, you should be fine. IMO.

BTW... you want 3/8" rubber hose. That poly **** is a real pain to use in the cold. Doesn't want to move. Go to Harbor Freight and find their 50' Goodyear 3/8" hose. It's made in the USA and regularly goes on sale for about $16. For connectors, get something a little more substatial that what Harbor Freight has in their bins. I have never had a problem with them, but other have... and for as little as they cost, it just wouldn't be worth any headaches.

-Ed

 

[wythors]

I have a 33-gallon Craftsman and wholeheartedly agree with everything Herr eschoendorff said.

 

[bmwpower]

Same Craftsman 33 gallon here. Just recently it's having issues starting up
(thread on here somewhere), but it's still running on occassion. I use it mainly for impacts, but recently starting using it for some more air hungry tools. I'm wondering if this more constant need for air has caused issues with the motor. Who knows. The point is these smaller units will last some time with regular use, but start using it with tools that need more air and there is a possibility of killing it.

 

[URTOAST]

Ok I have a question with the smaller units... I got a 33 Gal Craftsman for christmas, I just got a 3/8 50 ft hose reel for the wall on my garage. I have plans on putting it in my attic, and running about 15 ft of pipe down to a regulator/drier/ then up to the hose reel. The output on this compressor is 1/4 inch...eaks! I had planed on running 3/8's from the compressor to the hose and all, but my boss says I need atleast 1/2 inch?? Is it a waste? I know the unit is small, and some day I might get a little larger unit, but I will only use it for a impact, small hand held sandblaster, exc... nothing that big. should I run 1/2 or 3/8-- I just thought its a short run, and the hose is 3/8 any how??

Thanks

Brian

 

[kartracer55]

How much bigger are you thinking about going? This determines how big you should go, but definetly 1/2

http://www.airheads.net/tech/techinfo/airline.html

Jim

 

[ironroad 9c1]

hey ,just so you guys know i don't recommend oilless air compressors,but i have the same 33 gal craftsman and ran the weee out of it for about 3 years ,it finally got to where it wouldn't pump anymore ,and i really hated to throw it away and didn't want to sel it ,so i investigated(took apart)and found the little rubber/leather like piston ring was worn out ,got on from sears online for about 12 bucks plus some cash for the couple of various o rings. runs like brand new.

 

[l_bilyk]

I have put a silencer/filter on the intake and it cuts down on the noise a little.

A silencer/filter? Whats that?

 

[eschoendorff]

A silencer/filter? Whats that?

It's like an air filter with a pipe thread that screws into the air compressor intake. Sears used to sell them, but they've been clearancing them out.

 

[l_bilyk]

Your compressor didn't come with a filter? Or is this one supposed to be more quiet?

Mine is pretty loud because it's a small garage and I keep it inside... I was looking for something to muffle it

 

[eschoendorff]

Your compressor didn't come with a filter? Or is this one supposed to be more quiet?

Mine is pretty loud because it's a small garage and I keep it inside... I was looking for something to muffle it

The one I have is a sort of oversized unit. I'll post a pic if I can get my camera up and running...

 

[eschoendorff]

Sorry I didn't get these up sooner...


Here's my setup. The black muffler/filter thing is from Sears. It's simple but works pretty well: