Researching air compressors

"Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig" (AndySheehan-StreetsideStig)
05/22/2015 at 13:34 • Filed to: None

I’m getting ready to buy an air compressor and air tools sometime near the end of June, so I thought I would ask what everyone uses. Obviously, the bigger, the better, and I’d love to have a compressor the size of a Nimitz class carrier in the corner of my garage, but I’m also pretty poor, so I’ll probably buy something used on Craigslist.

So when it’s just you working in your garage on a single car, what do you find sufficient in terms of tank size, PSI, etc? Any tips for a first time compressor buyer?

DISCUSSION (13)

crowmolly > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:42

Gotta define “working”.

For an impact gun/blow gun/air ratchet, a 20 gallon is probably fine.

For an HVLP gun it’s got to be a lot larger. You *can* spray with a 20 gallon (I do) but only for very small things. Same with media blasting.

I own a Husky 20 gallon. It is made by Campbell Hausfeld and rebranded as Husky.

shop-teacher > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:43

For the mild stuff I do, I get by with an 11 gallon tank, but it does run a lot when I’m usuing my impact gun. They’re all regulated to the same PSI, the spec you’re looking for is the one that puts out the highest CFM (cubic feet per minute). I prefer the older belt driven compressors. Mine is a belt driven Campbell-Hausfield from the mid 80’s. The 11 gallon tank is on the small side, big it puts out 9 CFM at 90 psi, which is way more than you’ll find on a newer oil-less compressor of similar size. I paid $90 for it about 15 years ago, and is still going strong. This reminds me, I need to change the oil in it.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:48

My tip is get bigger than you think you need, or just go nuts and buy a 60 gallon upright. I pittled around with a 5 gallon one and it cycled constantly, it was very annoying. So I said screw it and bought the 60. When I had it up and running it would only charge like once or twice a day. I can’t wait to get a house and get that thing back out!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:48

I have a little two gallon one I just got from Lowes. It came with a tire inflator, blower, and a nail gun. I ended up paying 88 bucks for it. I know its pretty small for big tool use but at most I might use an air rachet so its great for me.

Kinja'd!!!

Make sure the compressor can do the PSI rating the tools you are wanting to use. Other than that its based on what you can afford/room you have.

This video explains SCFM pretty good which is something you want to pay attention to.

Captain of the Enterprise > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:50

Make sure you have a wall outlet that can run it. Trust me

Phyrxes once again has a wagon! > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:50

Are you going to be using an air tool for a few seconds then putting it down, and letting the compressor keep up, or are you going to need continuous usage for even short periods of time.

Even a pneumatic rivet gun can cause issues with a small tank, especially if you line up the rivets in the holes ahead of time and just power down the seam.

Nisman > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 13:55

What are you using it for? If you're poor I reccomend electric tools. I have a Dewalt electric impact that I bought on Amazon for <$140 and it was able to loosen an axle nut with relative ease. Won't get much more heavy duty than that. Obviously if you're looking to paint you need air, but basic tools... Maybe not.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Nisman
05/22/2015 at 14:16

Mostly an air wrench/ratchet, but it would be cool to be able to paint, too.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Phyrxes once again has a wagon!
05/22/2015 at 14:18

Mostly just an impact/ratchet.

Nisman > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 14:24

In that case, do yourself a favor and pick one of these up while you’re still on a tight budget. I believe this is the one I have. Nothing but good things to say about it.

DEWALT DW292 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Impact Wrench with Detent Pin Anvil

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009HM5OI/…

Bandit > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 15:01

60 gallons works perfectly for everything I do (sand blasting, cut off tool, spray gun, etc). Got it used off craigslist for the price of a new 20 gallon tank.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > Bandit
05/22/2015 at 15:06

Yeah, I’m only looking at used. 60 gallons would be awesome, but they’re all pretty pricey in my area. I may start with a 20-30ish and move up as needed.

Bandit > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig
05/22/2015 at 15:07

Good idea, you also need 220V to run the 60 gallon ones (at least one like mine)