Question on right air compressor for impact wrench

[comquat1]

I just bought the 1/2 inch harbor freight impact wrench that requires 6 scfm at 90psi to run to it's full potential. Currently I have the non-professional model 33 gallon craftsman that according to it's specs runs at 5.1 scfm at 90psi. My question is for anyone who may know, what difference will I see on my wrench in terms of performance not running a compressor that can match what the wrench is looking for?

I am leaning toward getting the craftsman pro 27 gal model as that will give me 5.8 at 90, not quite there but more managable to my budget as well as it's the best I see that will still run on 120 which is all I have in my garage unfortunately, otherwise I would have jumped on that 60 gal unit that was just on said for a great price. Hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to building your own home.... I'm really kicking myself for not putting a panel in my garage.

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

Im pretty sure you are quoting specs that would be required if the impact was being used non stop. You are using short bursts of air when running an impact so you are fine.

 

[kythri]

I have the 33-gallon Craftsman non-pro compressor (red, upright) and the HF Earthquake 1/2" impact wrench

I've had zero issues with it at all.

I wouldn't spend the money for the negligible upgrade, and save it instead for a "real" compressor - something that runs 5HP or more on 230V.

If you've got 110V in your garage, you've got the capability for 230V, unless there's something I'm missing - 230V is simply two 110V legs in the panel on a ganged breaker.

If the wiring is an issue, it shouldn't be that hard to install the proper wire to the receptacle location.

 

[signcrafter]

Your impact will run alright on what you have. The only time you will see any issues is if you have a stuck nut that you need to hammer on for a couple minutes. But most of the time an impact is used for 10-20 seconds and then a break for a little bit. So it gives the compressor a little time to catch up. Where you would have issues is with a cut off wheel or sander or paint gun that need constant air pressure for a longtime.

 

[kythri]

Wanted to add: Don't be afraid to shop around used for older compressors. I bought myself an 80-gallon CH unit, cast-iron tank, 7.5hp, 27.2CFM@90PSI for $650 a couple years ago.

Compressor shops may have something sitting around that they took in on trade for someone who needed something even bigger.

 

[kythri]

Where you would have issues is with a cut off wheel or sander or paint gun that need constant air pressure for a longtime.

Yup - exactly my issue.

For air wrenches and ratchets, that kind of thing - the 33-gallon unit works great.

 

[comquat1]

That's my problem, the wiring is the issue. For one, my current panel and subpanel in my basement are fully utiliized, and getting a wire to my garage from there isn't impossible, but I'd have to run outside first, go into the ground and then come in the side of the garage, something that isn't worth it for what I would really require. I'm not a full blown mechanic, just need to run an impact at times to break various bolts.

I am leaning towards getting another compressor, so I can move my current to my basement garage, and looking at getting a vertical unit. I was going to get the non-pro craftsman as it's on sale now for $300 and I think with coupons and shop discover 10% cash back I can get it down to about $240ish before tax. But then when I was looking at the wrench specs it had me second guessing. I'm guessing I don't need the pro model at this point and will be find with the non-pro 33 gal vertical.

 

[comquat1]

Thanks for the advice. I've got the 33 gal non pro craftsman down to $264 before doing shop discover which nets another 10% cash back. Plus there's a few more bucks there in shop your way rewards. Not a bad price considering what I paid for my horizontal 5 years ago.

Side question... is it possible to run two compressors in parallel into one hose? Or is there risk of damaging the compressors?

 

[larry_g]

Side question... is it possible to run two compressors in parallel into one hose? Or is there risk of damaging the compressors?

No problem to manifold two compressors together. Just make sure that you don't have a two stage compressor feeding a single stage that has a tank only rated for 150psi or so. two, three or more small compressors can be connected to teh same manifold to get the delivery flow you need. Do be concerned on the electrical side that you don't have all on the same circuit and overload the electrical side.

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