Just moved into my new house and am looking to set up a small shop in the garage. I don't know very much about air compressors and was hoping to get some help in picking one out.

I want one I can spray a car with and also run a DA without any problems. I probably won't use it frequently but don't want to upgrade down the road.

What am I looking for? How many gallons?, How much HP?, How much pressure?, Etc.


Thanks-
Craig

The general answer is:

>10cfm@90psi
60gal+ receiver
oil-lubed, belt driven compressor
135psi max pressure

But look at your tools' specs and work back from there. Do you want to use more than one tool at a time? Do you need pressures higher than 135psi for some reason?

The HP is irrelevant, most labels are a blatant lie. There are 746 watts per horsepower, period. If you want to figure out how much HP you actually have, go ahead. You're better off confirming that the air-delivery specs of the unit are actual or just trumped up.

What do you think is better - gas or electric?

Thanks-
Craig

Go with the biggest you can afford and DON'T skimp on your air hose dia. bigger is better.

Forget about any 110V compressors. To meet your needs, 220V only. Yea, ignore manufacturers horsepower rating .... I don't know how manufacturers like Campbell Hausfeld can get 5.5 HP from a 15 amp 110V circuit. Pay attention to CFM ratings of the compressor.

go electric

here is a good one for the money
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=767&R=767

Let us know the price range you are looking for and someone on here could help you find the right one

First off, try using the search. This topic comes up all the time. Good information here:

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000039

Forget about any 110V compressors. To meet your needs, 220V only. Yea, ignore manufacturers horsepower rating .... I don't know how manufacturers like Campbell Hausfeld can get 5.5 HP from a 15 amp 110V circuit. Pay attention to CFM ratings of the compressor.

Funky math.

Just to be fair, take a 20amp circuit running @ 115v (~what mine run).

115v * 20amp = ~2300watts
746 watts per HP
3.08 hp

Huh, must be startup power draw adding those extra 2.5hp. Apparently in their world power consumed = power delivered. Friction and inertia are for those uppity American manufacturers.

Forget about any 110V compressors. To meet your needs, 220V only. Yea, ignore manufacturers horsepower rating .... I don't know how manufacturers like Campbell Hausfeld can get 5.5 HP from a 15 amp 110V circuit. Pay attention to CFM ratings of the compressor.

They can't - and the class action lawsuit proves it... I have my free air tools on the way. :D

As stated in the other thread: Eaton Compressors (http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/504747/206949.htm)

5 HP, 2-Stage, 60-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor, 800rpm pump motor cast iron, 21.5 CFM displacement and 17 CFM free air @ 175 PSI

I have emailed them on freight costs but since I didn't receive a reply yet I guess they are on vacation until the New Years. I would prefer a smaller tank but since they don't make one a 60gallon will have to do.

Sounds like 60-80 gal is what your looking for. When it comes to compressors spend the cash if you want a quality product. If you have a Tractor supply close go look at there Ingersoll Rand stuff. IR is not the best but they make good stuff for the $$$$. If you want to spend more cash look at a Champion, or a Quincy. Stay away from junk like CH, Hunsky, Coleman and 110v. If you want something cheap pick you up a CH from Lowes when they are on sale.
Good luck.

You can pick up a decent 60 gal 220v for under 400 bucks , thats the way i go , anything smaller is a waste of time and money

You can pick up a decent 60 gal 220v for under 400 bucks , thats the way i go , anything smaller is a waste of time and money

Where? I need a decent tank with decent CFM but I will not be doing whole sanding jobs in an evening.. maybe spot stuff here and there. Under 500.00 is my target.

Thanks to all for the info!

In Frankenfab's link http://www.practicalmachinist.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=8;t=000039 the author of the main post says he uses electric sanders instead of air ones so he doesn't need such a large compressor for his shop (or use as much electricity). This seems to make sense but raises some questions for this air tool newby.

Do you guys think electric sanders compare to air for occasional use?

If I used electic sanders would I still want a large compressor for spraying a car and using impact wreches?
-If not what should I look for? I'd like to spend $1000- or less.


Thanks alot-
Craig