Garage Air Compressor

RJ Gilliam · 10-06-2002, 08:59 AM

Looking into buying an air compressor for the garage, not really to run air tools mainly for putting air in tires running a brad nailer and things to that nature. I see alot of advertising with different HP and SCFM, what would be ideal for my situation? Dont want to spend alot, but want to spend enough to get the job done.

Opinions?

cowtown · 10-06-2002, 09:11 AM

For those types of intermittent, light-use duties you can get away with a small, cheaper unit. Be warned, though, that air tools are addictive, and you WILL want to get more of them once you have the compressor!

I'd recomment getting one that uses oil (quieter than oilless) and at least 20 gallons or so for light to medium use. I have a 25 gallon Craftsman that's 20-something years old, and it runs almost constantly with a die grinder but almost never with a tire inflator or nailer.

If you get an upright tank, it really doesn't take that much space.

Good luck!

cowtown · 10-06-2002, 09:15 AM

Sorry, forgot to add that mine has a rating of 7.4SCFM @ 90psi, so that gives you an idea of the capacity, given what I said about using die grinders and such.

cowtown · 10-06-2002, 09:22 AM

Sorry, forgot to add that mine has a rating of 7.4SCFM @ 90psi, so that gives you an idea of the capacity, given what I said about using die grinders and such.

sammyg2 · 10-06-2002, 09:50 AM

I have a 2 hp 6 gallon 4 scfm @60 psi air compressor that I bought at harbor freight tools for $99.

It is big enough to inflate tires, run a bran nail gun, paint sprayer (intermitant) and an impact gun.

I can't realistically run a peanut grinder for very long without going over the duty cycle, but it would work for the stuff you describe. it also runs on 110 volts.

I could use a larger unit, but the price was right.

Jim T · 10-06-2002, 10:00 AM

If you just want to pump up tires, just get a little tiny pump.

But, if you want to get a compressor, DON'T get an "oilless" compressor. BTDT. They are really loud and not very durable.

pookie · 10-06-2002, 11:04 AM

I was thinking of the same quetion, but I was wondering what size compressor would be good for painting a car. I'm looking at a 6hp 33gal compressor with 8.6 SCFM at 40PSI and 6.4SCFM at 90PSI. Would this be large enough to paint my whole car not just touch up?
Thanks
Ryan

Early_S_Man · 10-06-2002, 01:30 PM

pookie,

Plenty of capacity, there! Even 2.5 hp and 30 gallons is adequate for a traditional non-bleeder spray gun from Binks, Devilbis, Craftsman, or Harbor Fright! Just make sure your supply hose is 3/8" or larger, and that you add water separator/filter unit inline near the air compressor and near your work area, if more than 35 feet from compressor. And, don't ever run an oil fogger for air tools through supply hose that you intend to use for paint gun.

My 2.5 hp 30 gallon Craftsman (by Devilbis) runs air drill, air ratchet, touch-up and regular spray gun ( a mini-regulator works great at the gun) ... painted the house a couple of times, too! Rotary and linear sanders, too, infrequently. Blows out carbs, various brake system parts, and inflates tires changed with hand tools, as well!

vesnyder · vesnyder's Garage

What has been your experience with the Harbor Freight compressor. I was curious for only $99?

scottb · 10-07-2002, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Be warned, though, that air tools are addictive, and you WILL want to get more of them once you have the compressor!

Ain't that the truth! Air tools are great fun, and make working in tight spaces much easier. I have a small 2 hp/4 gallon compressor that works just fine for tinkering in the garage. I wouldn't want to paint an entire car with it, but it works well for air ratchets and other air tools, as well as tire inflation, etc.

BradH · 10-07-2002, 11:29 AM

The advice that I got before I bought mine was:

-Buy one slightly bigger than what you think you need

-Cast iron is MUCH better than aluminum for the actual compressor--better longevity due to the heat dissipation

-Bigger tank=pump comes on less often (read much less loud)

I ended up with a Husky from Home Depot. It's a 30 gallon, cast iron, and can be run on 110 or 220v. It's made by Campbell Hausfield for Home Depot's private label. $275 on sale last year.

Brad
'83 SC Coupe

dtw · 10-07-2002, 11:40 AM

What about Campbell Hausfield, then? Harbor Fright has got an upright 80 gallon unit that I have been eyeing for about $400. It would fit quite nicely in the space in my garage that's currently occupied by an ugly stack of wheels and tires.

pookie · 10-07-2002, 11:48 AM

Early S Man
I just wanted to say thanks, the reason I asked (and for those of you who don't already know) Sears is having another huge sale this week. They have advertised a 6 Hp 33 Gallon Compressor for $299. Not too much savings I know, but when you purchase the compressor you get a 3/8 drive air ratchet and a 3/8 drive impact gun included. I just thought I would pass that on in case any one else is interested.
Ryan

sammyg2 · 10-07-2002, 01:01 PM

The $99 harbor freight compressor works great. Never a hick-up in over two years of service, and I've pushed it hard. Ran a 1/2" impact gun for hours (not continuously, but almost) when I was building a swing set/fort for my son (lag bolts, 3" long).

I've ran air chisels, grinders, paint sprayers, all kinds of tools with it. i wish it was a little bigger, but for the price I can't go wrong.

Enigma03 · 10-07-2002, 02:17 PM

I have a neat kit I might part with...find your own tank and use a VW engine kit...pumps on 2 cylinders and runs on 2

.
I forget the speed at which it pumps but its pretty fast heh...anyone ever seen one of these in action?...I just have the kit in a box and have no idea if I'll ever have a place to use it at...