Air Compressors

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07:31 AM

Anyone know anything about air compressors?

I'm giving my Sears compressor that has worked great, though a little small, for several years to a friend. It's this one here: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916778000P

I need to get something that will safely operate a grinder, cut-off wheel and blast cabinet, as well as an HPLV spray gun.

I've found a few on CL, but like the idea of a warrantee, especially after seeing some of the reviews on Sears' larger models. I found this one here:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=138336-71025-KLA3706056&detail=cr&lpage=none

it's at the end of my budget, but it's new, and has a solid cfm for the work I need to do.

Thoughts?

found this one on CL, it's pretty much new. When I went to home depot to check it out, they've got 2 identical compressors, except one has vertical pistons and the other has a V piston arrangement. this one has vertical. is one better than the other?

BGCarrera32 · 11-08-2008, 06:20 PM

I have the vertical piston version of basically the same Husky unit you have in the picture. It will do everything you want. I can't tell you if one pump is better than the other, but when it comes to grinders and air tools bigger tank capacity is obviously better.

9dreizig · 11-08-2008, 06:25 PM

Shaun that is the same one I have ( Charles picked it up for me on Craigslist).. Darn I wish you were closer there's a smokin deal on a 200 gal one two stage out here...

Oracle · 11-08-2008, 06:30 PM

The difference is the motor manufacturer, i.e. Tecumesch vs. Honda vs. unknown.. If possible go back to the store and find out exactly then buy the better one, and for what I know nothing beats a Honda cause it has a a real crankshaft and also you can just replace the whole motor when you're done and everything will fit perfectly.

Those big tanks don't forget to release all pressure at the end of the day cause they get a lot more condensation than a small tank that will rust it faster and turn your expensive tools to garbarge... (you can run in-line driers and oilers too)

Shaun @ Tru6 · 11-09-2008, 05:10 AM

Thanks Guys, much appreciated.

Todd, check it on the flight out. I'll pick you up at the airport.

9dreizig · 11-09-2008, 07:14 AM

Shaun, why didn't you mention it before ? I'm flying Southwest and only get two check ins ? I'm already bringing an engine and a tranny back for Chris to rebuild!

rick-l · 11-09-2008, 07:38 AM

I would look at what HVLP gun you want for CFM requirements.

For some of the more popular models the compressors above are not big enough.

Something I've wondered about is on the painting forums they say the CFMs don't change for 40 or 30 psi because the pistons displace a constant volume. Is this true?

Zeke · 11-09-2008, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick-l

I would look at what HVLP gun you want for CFM requirements.

For some of the more popular models the compressors above are not big enough.

Something I've wondered about is on the painting forums they say the CFMs don't change for 40 or 30 psi because the pistons displace a constant volume. Is this true?

Interesting thought about psi and volume. I don't think the ratings are as important as tank size once you get big enough (say the biggest you can run one 120v). With the big tank, you have a lot of volume to bleed off at a regulated rate while the air pump tries to keep up. If the air pump were to always keep up with our needs, they would all have to be the rotary type like you see towed behind trucks. Unless you have the trigger open in the blast cabinet for 5 minutes straight each time,, I think the one above will work well. There is a point of practicality here otherwise we'd all have massive 440v 3-phase units in our home garage.

The most important thing for me is the noise factor. Most belt driven units are not too bad. Direct drive in not for me.

porsche4life · porsche4life's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle

The difference is the motor manufacturer, i.e. Tecumesch vs. Honda vs. unknown.. If possible go back to the store and find out exactly then buy the better one, and for what I know nothing beats a Honda cause it has a a real crankshaft and also you can just replace the whole motor when you're done and everything will fit perfectly.

Those big tanks don't forget to release all pressure at the end of the day cause they get a lot more condensation than a small tank that will rust it faster and turn your expensive tools to garbarge... (you can run in-line driers and oilers too)

UHH the whole Honda v. Tecumseh thing only comes into play with gas powered compressors.

Anyways you boys are amatuers. My dad just bought

this for his shop that I use for my p-car maintaining.

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

Several filters at line drops are a very good idea, but inline oilers create a mess and really not necessary for home use. Put a drop or two into each tool once a month and keep the air line dry.

Painting and blasting use a tremedous volume of air. Buy the biggest tank you can manage.

Zeke · 11-09-2008, 11:47 AM

Yes, I only oil locally and have a separate hose I use only for painting after the moisture trap. Running a steel line on the wall slightly downward away from the compressor will cool the air and condense the water vapor. Put a vertical pipe in a tee at the end with a ball valve at the bottom to purge the collected water. If you use a filter/moisture trap, use it after the pipe.