Which size air compressor for DIY?

[Hako86]

There will be a 1.5hp 24 liter air compressor on sale for 55 euros (around $69). It's oil lubricated which I prefer.
My question is, is it big enough or do I need a 50 liter?
It will be used for DIY work, like taking flywheels and lawn mower blades off. I will also use it to do some light grinding and cutting work. I'm not planning to do any tough jobs with it.
I'm on a small budget and I don't want to spend a lot of money as I won't use it more than once or twice a week.
The 24 liter model will be on sale for 55 euros, the 50 liter model costs about 150 euros.

Any advise is appreciated

 

[Notgrownup]

It depends what is the CFM at certain flow .,, IE: Like 5.9 cfr at 90 psi.... Would be ok but not very strong.... It will be metric for you so somebody in Canada or Europe might chime in with a better choice....
If you can get a bit bigger and stronger , Do it. You will like the better oomph!

 

[Scsmith42]

An air impact wrench requires a lot of air volume. I think that you will find the tank size to be a bit limiting.

One thing that you can do to improve the usefulness of a small compressor is to add a second tank for additional storage. I have used inexpensive portable tanks sold for filling up tires to increase my tank storage. I have found these tanks on sale for $30.00, which isn't bad.

You can always go with the small compressor and add a tank later if needed.

What is the cfm, duty cycle and rated psi for the compressors that you are looking at?


Scott

 

[Tronyadorable]

I'm one of those guys that says a 140 amp anything aint a welder and any6thing under 3 horse aint a compressor. Just us a shop vac set on blow or 2 part epoxy(welder).
3 hp 100 liter. MINIMUM. Or don't waste your time.

 

[tvtaurus]

Air drills, die grinders, and air sanders such as DA's all require massive amounts of air; even more than a impact wrench does. If you are really just doing diy work you really don't have to have an air compressor for anything other than filling up tires. The one that you described that you saw for sale wouldn't even supply enough air to remove more than 2 lug nuts or bolts if you're lucky. The thing to always remember when removing tight fasteners is the simple physics equation torque=force*lever arm. Breaker bars are rally all you need to remove stuck'tight fasteners. The longer the ratchet/breaker bar handle is the easier it is to beak loose a bolt. If you are on a tight budget your money would be better used on a breaker bar or an electric impact. I personally use hand tools and my craftsman professional 1/2 corded impact for just about everything because my compressor isn't big enough for my air tools. I have never not been able to remove a fastener without a breaker bar or an electric impact. Electric impacts can be bought online for next to nothing these days; i bought mine used on ebay for about the price of this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html

 

[wild cowboy]

having the bigger tank is nice, but the main thing I would look for is a real oil lubricated compressor - those oil-less teflon models are much more noisy and do not last long, whereas a compressor that requires you to change the oil can last for 20 or more years!

 

[e30bradley]

Thats really small.. Look on craigslist for something bigger. For your needs a 20 gallon compressor would probably be okay but forget about using an air grinder with it! CFM is more important than tank size but in your price range you won't get enough to run your tools continuously so get a bigger tank. 120v or 220v?

 

[theoldwizard1]

An air impact wrench requires a lot of air volume.

True, but it typically has a very ow duty cycle. (5-10 seconds of use followed by 30 or more seconds of rest.) If you run out of air, it is usually not a problem to wait for the com pressor to cathc up

Air drills, die grinders, and air sanders such as DA's all require massive amounts of air; ...

Add in cut of tools and sand blasters

These all are what I call "continuous use". Having to wait for the compressor to catch up is not acceptable.

 

[wild cowboy]

The 24 liter model will be on sale for 55 euros, the 50 liter model costs about 150 euros.

I think the price on the 24 liter (6 gallon) model is fine, but the price on the 50 liter (13 gallon) tank model seems much higher than here in USA - I think you should shop that size around harder.

I recently purchased with coupons and on special, an oil lubricated compressor with an 8 gallon tank for a friend just starting out - the price was $90 at Home Depot

 

[Hako86]

Thanks for all advise

I haven't got the money for a large 100+ liter compressor, so that's a no-go for me. And yeah, the prices here in Europe are a lot higher for most air compressors than in the USA I think.
I definately want an oil lubricated compressor for the same reason mentioned above.
I think I'll pass on this deal and look for future deals on the 50 liter models.

Thanks again for your replies, it's appreciated

 

[Hako86]

By the way, all air compressors I've seen are 230v

 

[Loscaldazar]

Buying an air compressor mostly depends on what you are using it for:

Impact wrenches: Large tank is the most important. CFM isn't as important, because an impact wrench isn't continuous use, and a large tank is perfect for intermittent use. You probably will never drain a large tank to completely empty with an impact wrench and thus you will never need a high CFM pump. CFM only comes into play when the tank is completely empty (for the most part).

Grinders/Painting/etc: Large tank and high CFM. You will drain the tank using these, and thus having a high CFM rating will mean you can keep going.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . sounds like that small compressor will meet your needs for now, AND, is priced at something you can afford - - - given fact you are in Netherlands.

I'd say go for the oil splash compressor you can afford.

Long-term, most people end up with 2 or more compressors anyway - - - small lightweight compressor that can be moved around, and eventually a large stationary compressor with some real ooooooommmph !!

Keep on lookout for great deal at garage sale, estate sales, etc on your long-term stationary compressor. Until then, use the small affordable one. Good luck.