Air compressor gurus

[Splat]

Ok so here's the deal. I need to buy a new air compressor. I'm tired of having to run over my folks house every time I need one.

I've been looking them over lately, and have come to a bit of a kunadrum. I would really like to stick with a portable model, either a double stack or pancake style.

(I'm trying to remember these stats off the top of my head, they ar close if not exzact to what the manufacturer claims.)
About the highest cfm I can find is a Dewalt(emglow) with 5.2cfm at 90psi, on I believe a 6 gallon tank. They claim recovery to 150psi in under 15 seconds.

My primary use for a compressor is tire inflation and running a framing nailer/crown stapler. However there are times when I need to run a impact gun for removing a tire, or removing blades on the lawnmower. Also the occasional use of a angle grinder and air ratchet will prolly happen. Most tools I have found are rated for 4cfm@30psi consumption.

In a perfect world, with all things(manufacturers advertisements) being true Is it unrealistic for me to expect this compressor to maintain these tools for occasional use. Can I cover small tank size, with high output volume
.


Appreciate your opinions on this one.
Bill

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Air compressor gurus

I have a 5cfm 6 gallon tank compressor, and it works very well to air up tires and would work well with an air nailer. But it can not keep up with an impact gun or an air ratchet. You need to look at what CFM those tools use at 90psi, cause that's where you will be using them. A larger capacity tank would probably help, but then the word "portable" becomes debatable!
Good luck

 

[gcboat]

Re: Air compressor gurus

If this will be used and stored in your garage then I would definately take a look at something a tad bit larger. I bought one from Sears - a 26 gallon 2 stage with the oil free motor and pump. Good investment and the oil free motor is very quiet ( compared to the others ). It was their Commercial model - black in color - . The cost was about $500.00 or so. I use that a LOT and so far zero complaints after five years.
Just an option for you.

 

[Nobody]

Re: Air compressor gurus

Not exactly what you're looking for but you can swing it I would recommend something like a 30 gallon vertical belt drive compressor. Belt drive compressors can be a bit more maintenance intensive but if you start getting into grinders, sanders and other high air flow tools you'll appreciate the higher duty cycle - this from personally hurting several 'oil free' compressors by running them too long on recovery.

CL usually has a good selection of contractor style pancake and double stack compressors so you might be able to save some coin going down that road over buying brand new.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Air compressor gurus

I have a Sears craftsman 5HP 25gallon compressor I got back in 96 and I still use on a regular basis. I it just now coming to where it has issues going over 110PSI, which really isn't an issue, since 99% of tools run at less than that, but it no longer shuts off automatically as a result (the auto cut-off kicks in at 120PSI). Not bad considering its age. It also has wheels and a handle and fits in the back seat of my Neon, so that technically makes it portable. I mainly just keep it in my garage and have 300feet of air hose, so I nearly never need to move it, even for inside house work.

A pancake or smaller compressor will never run and constant air tools (impact guns, grinders, sanders). They just can't compress fast enough. Heck, even my 5HP can barely keep up with an air grinder.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Air compressor gurus

Whatever you do, don't get an oil-less compressor. Make sure you get the oil lubricated one. Your ears will thank you!

 

[Splat]

Re: Air compressor gurus

Yea ok guys, thanks. I was pretty sure I'd have to go with a larger one like 20-30gallons, would just be nice to have one to throw in the back of the envoy when I have to go help a buddy fix something.

I still think the portable I'm looking at would run the tools, according to specs the compressor puts out more volume at the pump than the tool would use, but I just think I'd kill it quick with the duty cycle.

Sears has a verticle unit that I think would prolly be ok for space. Not very portable tho, I can't remember if its oiless or not.


Bill

 

[JustJason]

Re: Air compressor gurus

ive got 2 compressors. A 6HP 80 gallon in the basement that I have plumbed up to the garage, and A small 1HP 3 gallon that I travel with. The small 1 is good for about a 3 second blast with an impact then its done. Other than that its only use is for leakdown testing and quick blows of air.
The big one does pretty good, it would do better if it was a dual stage, even my DA will suck the air out of that one.

Buy the biggest compressor you can afford. Nobody ever complains that they have to much air. If you go new the home depot husky brand (repainted campbell hausfields i think) are a pretty good value.

 

[WizeOne]

Re: Air compressor gurus

Yea ok guys, thanks. I was pretty sure I'd have to go with a larger one like 20-30gallons, would just be nice to have one to throw in the back of the envoy when I have to go help a buddy fix something.

I still think the portable I'm looking at would run the tools, according to specs the compressor puts out more volume at the pump than the tool would use, but I just think I'd kill it quick with the duty cycle.

Sears has a verticle unit that I think would prolly be ok for space. Not very portable tho, I can't remember if its oiless or not.


Bill

Yep, IMHO, you need one of each.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: Air compressor gurus

Does Chuck Homier, the tent sale junk tool peddlers, come to your town?

I bought one of these compressors about 5 years ago and have used the crap out of it with no problems:

http://wholesale.homier.com/detail.asp?SessionKey=0&dpt=&cat=&sku=03939

It was 139 bucks.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Air compressor gurus

That's a crazy good deal for $139. I wish my compressor was oiled. At least sears still sells rebuild kits for mine. Going to fetch one tomorrow. It'll be nice to have a fully ..compressing.. compressor again.

I'd be interested in what the 80gallon twin cylinder compressor goes for. That is my dream compressor right there. I used to work in an engine shop with one of those and it was nice and quiet and could keep up with any tool. Had to have been 40 years old to boot.

 

[Rickairmedic]

Re: Air compressor gurus

I have a 60 gallon 5 Hp compressor and it fights to keep up with my DA, Air grinders etc. it has 13 CFM at 90 psi . I would say your best bet if you want to remain portable and yet still be able to run just about any AIR tool you could toss at it is a Nitrogen tank . I carry a small one on my service truck and 1500 PSI will do just about anything you want to do if you regulate it down to say 90-100 PSI .


Rick

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Air compressor gurus

I have exactly what your looking for. Its available at Canada Tire here in Canada. Its a 5 gallon and will run an impact to remove a tire. But it will not keep up to a air grinder. One thing to keep in mind is better quality air tools require less air cfms to operat. A rule of thumb the bigest one you can afford is the one to go with as you can never have enugh air volume.

 

[redfury]

Re: Air compressor gurus

I will second the notion of getting a belt driven pump. I have the direct drive Craftsman 30 gallon Vertical tank compressor. It does a great job mind you, and doesn't take up much space and it is relatively portable depending on your description of portable. But noisy, yes it is! I was thinking of building an insulated cage to keep it in to deaden the noise. If I could get away with it right now, I'd keep it in my shed, but I don't have the amperage of service to run it efficiently out there.