Compressor recomendation

I want to buy a compressor for everything from power tools to spray painting. Will one of the small pancake compressors do everything I want to do. Space is at a premium im my garage!

Any advice and recommendations appreciated. Thanks.


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Allan Broadribb
'70-911E, 2.2l with Webers

I don't think a pancake will do what you want. The CFM requirements of the tools are much too great for a pancake. They are typically for contractor's air nailers etc. You could get away with something like a craftsman stand up 6hp 30 gal ($330). They also have horizontal takes in this size as well. (around this size, at least), it is portable as well. Unfortunately, it is oil-free, therefore extremely loud. Without spending an arm and a leg, and provided you have enough space, I would get something like a Husky 60 gal stand-up. They require 240 v are relatively quiet, and will last forever. ($500+wiring and accessories)
Dante

Allan, If your wanting to spray paint and run pnumatic tools such as grinders, chisel, drill, air wratchet's (1/4, 3/8 or half for the lug nuts) that little guy isn't going to be worth the space its taking up now. I think a five inch grinder would make it about ten to fifteen seconds on one of those little guys. If you want to start to get serious, you need to start with a sixty gallon compressor. This will allow for storage of air at the push of your button.

Think of it as back up air. The compressor only runs when the tank is getting low, it takes a bit more for the large tank to get down very fast, so the comp can always keep up. The small one would constantly be running, and would never provide enough air.
The upright compressors don't take up that much room, (2.5 - 3ft diameter) and they don't cost a whole bunch. You could install it just outside the garage, and run the primary hose through the wall.

good luck

As people have said, you need a decent sized tank and CFM to do anything useful. Look for at least a 30 gallon tank and over 10 CFM in the specs. Better still is 60 gallons and 15 CFM. I have a Ingersoll Rand 60 gallon with 12 CFM and I have never been lacking for air, although the air grinder is pushing the limit of even that unit. Spend a little more money up front or you'll be sorry.

Agreed. 12cfm minimum. Air tools are like Porsche power: you will always want more.
Buy the biggest you can, spend more than you would like to. It's an investment in resources Allen. Same goes for Mig welders. Get one big enough to weld a Kenworth trailer but quality enough to butt-weld alluminium foil

Come to think of it, same goes for any piece of equipment you want to buy. I broke my cardinal rule last week when I needed to replace my trusty orbital sander of 12 years reliable service. The Mrs was reluctant to spend $$ (it was for house renovations, so wasn't strictly automotive) and I found myself going along with her logic and buying an ok one rather than my idea of a mammoth one.
OK one lasted exactly 15 mins before literally smoking itself to bits. Took me half a day of effort to replace it, this time with a decently $$ piece of kit. You will never regret doing this. Buy a BIG compressor. Bigger if you ever entertain thoughts of media blasting in your garage. Which you will..

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'72 911 TE

Make sure whatever compressor you choose is compatible with the power supply you have in your shop. Typically, you'll need a 230 Volt (single phase)15 Amp branch circuit. Stay away from 120 Volt motors unless the duty cycle is very light.

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Doug
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
members.home.net/zielke/911SC.htm

I can't believe it. Today my compressor stopped working. Did this thread jinx me or what?

Thanks for all the help. Now I know what to look for. My wife will get so excited whenI tell her I'm going to buy a compressor, that hand pump is breaking her back

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Allan Broadribb
'70-911E, 2.2l with Webers

Allan, you could try something a friend did , he needed a big compressor[60 gal] it wouldn't fit in any regular space in his garage so he built a rack in the cieling part and mounted the compressor there. its out of the way and works just fine up there, you just need 8 friends to help you get it up there jerry

When I asked the same question to one of my motor pool sergeants, he suggested something with a 2 cycle motor. He says it's so quiet that you can actually carry a conversation next to it when it's running. I'm planning to buy one too real soon. I will be media blasting(probably future thread!)!

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Jeff
1976 911S