Air Compressor...How Big?

[skidoodoug]

Not sure how big of air compressor to buy, or what kind even. I am kinda limited with space. I wont be doing anything big with it like frame a house. Mainly will be used for small nailers, airing up tires, and light mechanical work. I am assuming that if I wanted to run some type of die grinder I would have to get a much larger one (?) I dont need the top of the line model, dont want to over kill it, but would like to get the best bang for the buck.

I have seen some at garage sales, but been hesitant with those also. Not sure what to look for in a used one.

Thanks
Doug

 

[indy_500]

From what it sounds like, a 10-20 gallon would suit you well. My 2 cents...

 

[skiroule]

I have a 6 hp/60 gal upright in my garage for the bigger needs but it's definitely not portable.

For doing the very things you mentioned, I bought a Tool Shop 2hp/8 gal and I use it a lot. It was very inexpensive and it's not flashy but it will run nailers and perform all sorts of other tasks all day long. I take it with me all the time for projects away from home. It doesn't have a lot of reserve capacity but I've even sprayed textured ceilings with it. However, that's really working it too hard.

If I were buying one with a little more of a reputation for quality and more capacity, I'd look for a 2 - 2.5 hp/15-20 gal Craftsman. I once had a 1.5 hp/15 gal Craftsman that I actually used to paint cars.

 

[anonomoose]

Ski is right....bigger means not portable. I have a big one and and small one and I use the small pancake unit far more often. It runs small nailers, is highly portable, has enough compressed air to fill a tractor tire away from electric, and is pretty cheap to buy and run.

If you never plan on moving it around and planting it somewhere then the bigger one is better for all around use....and has the power to drive some good sized tools. Of course they cost a bunch more and suck more juice which means that they will be more expensive to run.

It is my experience that the newer bigger but cheap units are made with really thin metal and therefore eventually will rust out on you anyway. Get the thickest metal tank you can find.

Food for thought!

 

[mjkaliszak]

I have a 30 gallon 2 hp sanborn on wheels. Electric motor is only drawback. burned it down ( LOL ) and had to rebuild the piston seal & cylinders 1 time. Tey get hot from constant running ( stud job in a track for example. I would get a 2 stage next time or if I had to do it over. I don't do much but anything less would be a waste of time.I fill up tubes, tires, stud jobs, air rachet small jobs....

 

[harvest1121]

I have the pancake one also does what ever I need around the house. I have used impact tools and did not have a problem. Its great you can put in a closet and bring out when needed.

 

[snow_monkey]

Not sure how big of air compressor to buy, or what kind even. I am kinda limited with space. I wont be doing anything big with it like frame a house. Mainly will be used for small nailers, airing up tires, and light mechanical work. I am assuming that if I wanted to run some type of die grinder I would have to get a much larger one (?) I dont need the top of the line model, dont want to over kill it, but would like to get the best bang for the buck.

I have seen some at garage sales, but been hesitant with those also. Not sure what to look for in a used one.

Thanks
Doug

Grinders consume alot of air. I have a 20 gallon compressor with with a cast iron pump. The unit works great for most needs and light grinding. I am about to upgrade and I will go a little bigger this time around. Some of the small pancake compressors are very impressive but can be a little pricey.

 

[scott_l]

the old saying "bigger is always"

But like others have pointed out if you plan to take it to other places frequently a smaller one would be nice.

I think the one I have is about 30-35 gal and it will do most things, but it struggles to keep a cutting tool or drill going for an extended period of time. It is also what I would call the minimum to blow out a sprinkler system. Others can correct me but you have to look at the CFM the unit can produce, just because it has a smaller tank does not mean it can't handle certain tools. With a smaller tank the motor will just run more.

Also on a personal note, I will not purchase another "large ticket item" like this from craftsmen. I have had problems with mine since day one and their customer service sucks.

good luck

 

[Skidooski]

I have a 3hp with a 15 gallon tank. This one is belt driven and is quiet. It is also on wheels and works well for everything that I do. I had the same size in a craftsman before but it was direct drive oiless and very loud. I didn't like it because of the noise but it worked OK. I studded many tracks using a air drill with them and other than having to wait for the compressor to catch up, it worked fine. Good reason for a beer break!

 

[frosty]

My vote would be an electric wheelbarrel type. I have all three, an 80 gallon, the the tool shop 8 gallon, and a honda 5 hp wheelbarrel. The wheelbarrel one would keep up with everything I own, except sandblasting, and its portable. My 2 cents. The only thing, good luck finding them. I think Home Depot might have eone version in their Rigid brand.

 

[scott_b]

If you are looking for a compressor that will be stationary most of the time I would suggest an oil lubricated pump, they tend to be much quieter and last longer. I have had this 25 gallon 1.9hp Craftsman compressor for about 3 years now and have been very happy with it. The best part about it is that when it is running you can have a conversation right next to it, very quiet... for an air compressor.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...rs+&+Air+Tools&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=L6