imported_crXtasy

What should I be looking for when shopping for an air compressor?

This would only be for personal usage, Id like to be able to use a paint gun, and have some decent power with air tools like wratchets and impact guns.

So, in terms of SCFM, PSI and HP, what should type of minimum specs should i consider for what i would like to do with it?

imported_94EG6HB

We could spec you the best but can you afford it.

Ballpark how much you wanna spend.

imported_crXtasy

sorry, i was thinking min requirements, like what would be required to do what im planning, in terms of the unit specs. So i know what to look for, and what wouldnt be good enough

but id like to keep it around 3-500

imported_crXtasy

Also, portability plays a factor. I dont want to have to bolt this thing down, as i do not have a garage.

kwikb16a2

what are you using it for? jus a brad nailer? or a sander? or impact gun?

imported_crXtasy

grinder, oribtal sander, impact gun, wratchet, and paint gun would be my primary needs

kwikb16a2

the sander, and paint gun need around 9scfm. So thats a pretty big compressor

imported_crXtasy

would something like this be adequate.

- 5 HP 20 gallons 125 psi max runs on 120 volt
- 7.5 scfm @ 40 psi
- 5 scfm @ 90 psi

imported_94EG6HB

[window]www.chpower.com/product_showcase/buyers_guide/Air_Compressors/buyguide_ac.asp#[/window]

imported_loudsubz

no it would not

your gonna need around 8-9 scfm to keep the sander and grinder going without having to stop and let the tank refil.

Trust me I have a 13 gallon 5 hp and I cannot use those tools very well, I just use it for my impact gun, air ratchet and air hammer, anything else and its reall no good with it.

Expect to spend more than $500 for a good setup with good tools

kwikb16a2

5scfm will barely run a impact gun

imported_loudsubz

untrue

5 is around the perfect mark to run one, you dont need more unless you get a hungry hog which will output like over 1000 ft/lbs.

For the avg 5 is perfect. You wont be running the impact like an air grinder or sander, because you only run them in bursts to free the stuck bolts, I use my impact all the time and have no complaints and mine does 5.5`

kwikb16a2

it depends on the gun, ive seen some guns that need alot

Gunmetalef

you cannot do much with a small one... if you could find somewhere to put it get a nice 40 gallon

i love mine

imported_crXtasy

that is the problem in my situation, i would love to get a nice big standup one, but i need it to be portable, no garage (

imported_loudsubz

just get the CH 5hp Oil Lubricated 20 gallon or 13 gallon (cant remember)

it should be wired for 120 or 240 (switchable)

so it can be portable or stay put if needed.

It should serve most of your needs, minus the grinder and orbital sander

imported_loudsubz

as far as impact wrenchs, unless your doing some serious duty work like taking off truck tires for a living, all you would need is something like the ingersoll rand thunder gun

http://www.houseoftools.com/product.htm?pid=18442

imported_crXtasy

what do you guys think of the mastercraft series of air tools? (paint gun ($60), impact wrench($70))

Would it be worth my while to by better quality stuff, but maybe used?

Keep in mind my budget is low, and this is only for hobby type work (on my own car).

imported_loudsubz

I have not used any of the mastercraft stuff, but it looks like any of the other brands out there... stay away from Coleman tools, they suck. I bought that kit from walmart and none of the tools work worth a damn, except the air chisel.

Do it right the first time, buy as big as your budget will allow and plan for more torque in an impact wrench then you think you will need. 800 ft/lbs + will do about everything.

Twin Hammer is nice to get as well. Buy better names like Ingersoll Rand, Chicago Pneumatic etc.

imported_crXtasy

well im scoping out my budget, and about all i can afford is 800 dollars for everything

The price range on these tools are astronomical. Like, you can easily pay 500+ USD on a impact wrench or paint gun.


Im picking up a used Devilbiss Portable Air Compressor for around 350, its a 20 gallon, 5hp model i spoke of eariler. So obvioussly its not a top of the line compressor, therefore i shouldnt need to match it with top of the line tools..