Air compressor
 

I need to start buying tools and working on my cars again. Is this enough of an air compressor for a bead blasting cabinet, impact wrench, a cutoff wheel for rust removal, and some light spraying equipment (panels, epoxy primer over the rust repairs) in the garage? Price is $429 new at the local Lowes. Is there anything better for the money out there?

TIA


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1305302837.jpg

Kobalt 1.6 HP 30-Gallon 155 PSI Electric Air Compressor

1.6 HP 30-Gallon 155 PSI Electric Air Compressor

Cast iron, V-twin cylinder, oil-lubricated pump features one-piece cast iron crankcase, thermally stable cast iron cylinder body, aluminum head and machined cast iron valve plate, automotive style ball bearings, and durable stainless steel reed valve.

Heavy duty induction motor for maximum performance and efficiency
Fully assembled 30-gallon ASME tank with pre-attached pneumatic wheels, quick-set regulator, tank and working pressure gauges, quick-connect air outlet and on/off switch for ease of use 155 PSI max pressure, 6.2 SCFM @ 40 PSI, 5.3 SCFM @ 90 PSI, 1.6 running HP

I would prefer double digit cfm at 90 psi. I recently bought the CH 60 gallon job at Orchard Supply - 11+ cfm at 90 psi. It was 20% off. I paid $380, which is quite a bit cheaper than the same compressor at Lowes.

I'm not vell versed in compressors, but you want the highest SCFM @ 90 PSI you can get. If it meets the minimum, you'll run out of air. Cut off wheels are air hogs and run a 60 gal compressor down in no time flat.

Check your tools, etc. to see what they require.

EDIT: I had one like this if IIRC. Even with a 5HP 60 gallon tank, it ran out of air with a zig wheel.

Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor — 5 HP, 18.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS5L5

FREE SHIPPING — Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor — 5 HP, 18.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS5L5 | 10 - 30 CFM | Northern Tool + Equipment

A two stage compressor is better than a one stage. However it is more $.

That thing is barely adequate for bicycle tire inflation

+1. If you want to do all that stuff, you need to look at a serious compressor.

Thanks guys. I checked the specs for the tools I was going to buy and you are right. I should go with a bigger unit. I may skip the air tools for now. I don't have anywhere to fit a compressor that big and don't have room in my breaker box for another dedicated 230V circuit. I need a real shop in my next house.

This is what I run, and is one of the best bang for your buck for a "real" compressor.


80 gallon tank, 175psi 2 stage compressor, almost 13 cfm at 90 psi. ~$1100

Husky 5 HP 80 Gal. 2 Stage Air Compressor - HS5181 at The Home Depot

you can never have too much air or too big a tank.

Depends on how often you want to do all that stuff. I have run my bead blasting cabinet with a 15gal? compressor. Little thing and it needs to fill often but you can do it. A once in a while cut off wheel, etc. all possible, but it tires quickly. It does inflate tires just fine. :) but, it will be the next tool I replace.

Okay, so a year later I have bought a 60 gallon 240V compressor. I just had an electrician wire up a dedicated circuit and a disconnect for it in the garage. Now I need to run some air pipe so I can start using it.

This is a ~400 sq.ft two car garage in a cookie cutter subdivision. I don't know how long I will stay in this house and I already have way too much invested in the garage. As much as I appreciate complete and total overkill I really don't need a lot of air drops or want an elaborate over engineered piping solution. I just need to get good dry air to a primer spray gun and a few other tools for now.

I am going to use 1/2" black iron since Lowes sells it already threaded in various lengths along with all of the fittings . How much pipe do I need to run before the filter and dryer to keep the air dry? Do I need a riser? How would you do this in a small garage?

TIA

Inclined with a drip leg and manual dump valve at the bottom of the leg.

Do not run air through PVC! It will explode in small shards at high velocity.

If you're going to be hooking that system up "permanently", it would be nice to have all elect/air lines with quick disconnects, in case you need to drag it to the street for service.
I bought a 50ft 10gauge extension cord for that purpose.

For painting, that compressor will be running constantly trying to keep that little tank filled.
Do not underestimate this.
A lot of moisture will be produced from that hot compressor cycling all the time.
Add an overhead leg, across, and then down to a low drain spigot.
Some people have even added coils running through a bucket of cold water to help the in-line moisture condense.

Take the supply air off of the middle of that, and add several inline filters/water traps.

I know many contractors....They can't get a new compressor to last a year....Lowe's, Home DeePot, Harbor Freight, you name it.....

Buy used and old from Craigslist......I bought a used Craftsman for $150 in 1977.....I knew I would really ruin it with painting and a nail gun when I built this house.......So, I bought another (220V) used craftsman for $100 that included 100 ft hose and 100 ft power extension cord to use when I was done building....Kept one at each house......Guess what: the first one never died and I have now both......

Totally agree. The CFM rating is a bit low for me and truthfully you need to "buy ahead" for what you will need, and not what you need today.

I have a Harbor Freight compressor and its 14 cfm @ 90 psi, and the only time I run out of air is extensive use with a sand blast cabinet.

Also if at all possible, try to get a 220 volt version. Really worth the hassle if you need to run conduit and much easier on the pocket book when the electrical bill comes.

5.3SCFM@90 is barely enuff to run any continous use tool like paint spray gun, media blaster, cutoff wheel, will seriously tax a compressor.

yer prob gonna be needing to look at at least 2hp units. shop used craigslist for garages closing up shop.

I was looking at the smaller compressor a little over a year ago when I started this thread. I made the decision to buy the bigger 60 gallon 240V unit based on the advice I got here back then.

Sorry for causing the confusion. I was trying to keep everything in one thread for reference. I can't edit the original thread now to clarify.

Here is what I need to plumb an air line for.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f...0/IMG_0550.JPG

Shuie,

I have almost the same compressor but believe my tank is a bit larger at 60 gallon.

We used a large size flex airline that then coupled with the hard lines around the garage. Its made out of a "aeroquip" like material with a stainless steel covering. Was not cheap, seem to remember about $45 but hell for stout and has lasted 5-6 years with no issue.

Can get you a pic if needed...

Joe A

Got it. Thanks, Joe. I'm looking for one locally now. Will call Grainger tomorrow.