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Air Compressor Recomendation

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ynotme2

Senior Member
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Hey Everyone,

I am thinking about buying a air compressor for my garage as I begin to work on my car. Any thoughts as to the size or brand? I will be using it for basic things nothing to exotic and want to run it on my average household electric current.

Thanks
 
The bigger the better...I'd say at least 20 gallon tank (If I had to do it all over again, I'd try for a 60 gallon 220 Volt).
And the "oilfree" compressors are not as good as the regular oil-type cast iron ones (I have both).
Don't bother with one of those little 2 gallon compressors or even the "pancake" type unless you need to have a very portable unit.

Here's a decent one that might fit your needs:

https://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47065
 
A compressor isn't and end in itself. It's just an inconvenient necessity when you want to run air tools. Choosing a compressor is really about choosing the tools you want to use and then picking a compressor that's up to the task.

A little hotdog or pancake oil-free compressor is fine if all you're doing is inflating tires occasionally, using a brad nailer or air-brushing. If you want to run an impact wrench you'll need the higher pressure and flow that comes with an oil-lubed, higher powered two-stage unit. Spray guns need lots of airflow. Very few guns will work with a compressor that runs off a 110VAC/15A wall plug.

It's highly advisable to spend some time looking at the tools you'd like to use and what their pressure/airflow requirements are before choosing a compressor.


PC. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hammer.gif
 
Also be VERY suspicious of claims regarding the output of compressors. Different makers rate their machines in different ways. CFM (cubic feet per minute) but what are we talking about - CFM of the input air at atmospheric pressure ? - of the output air ? - if so delivering at what pressure ? Makes a big difference if it's 10CFM delivered at 50 psi or 10CFM at 150 psi !
 
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Plus don't forget those blokes that rate their electric motors in Peak HP units instead of true Kilowatts---Keoke
 
I have 3 compressors in my shop a 15 hp 2 stage with a 100 gal tank, a 5 hp single stage with a 60 gal tank and a 5 hp single stage with a 30 gal tank. If I were limited to only one I would go with the 5 hp single stage with the 60 gal tank. Get a belt driven compressor with a cast iron compressor and a 220 volt motor with a good duty cycle. Mine has over 15 years of hard use from sandblasting to painting, running grinders, glass beading cabinet, and anything else you can imagine and I have never had to add oil or change a belt. Don`t go cheap but don`t spend more than you need. Mine is a Sanborn and I would get another one without a second thought. Skip
 
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Skip . Coleman bought out Sanborn. Whats the RPM Rating on the 5 HP motor's unit?-Keoke
 
Thanks Skip- I was given one and the PO put a 1800 RPM motor on it just would not keep up. I thought it should have a 3450 at about 5HP I will be at surplus tomorrow. Ho TO DEE DEE---Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
I agree get something you will grow into not out of. My large 2 stage is a Speedaire and only turns at 1650 rpm and makes plenty of wind but somehow I find myself using the 5 hp with the 60 gal vert tank much more than the others.
 
Definitely go with a 220v compressor if you can find one for your price range. I have a 6.5hp 60 gallon tank that is good for almost everything, except bead blasting and painting. Two very important components of restoration. I blasted all the suspension parts of my healey and it took approx 4 days. I was waiting for the compressor to re-cycle for about 2 of those days!
 
I have the larger craftsman 110 compressor and had to have a seperate outlet installed because it was tripping the circuit breaker. It works fine now. I run air tools eg impact gun but do not paint or sandblast.
 
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