Ok gents i have a question about air compressors. What kind are you guys using? I would love a fancy stand up one but dont have the room and it has to be fairly portable anyway so I can get the truck into my garage in winter. What specs should i be looking for and what are the mins for getting fairly long run time on air tools without having to wait 10 mins for pressure to build again after 2 mins of use? Suggestions for my best bang for the buck please. Thanks
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hwystar
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Ok gents i have a question about air compressors. What kind are you guys using? I would love a fancy stand up one but dont have the room and it has to be fairly portable anyway so I can get the truck into my garage in winter. What specs should i be looking for and what are the mins for getting fairly long run time on air tools without having to wait 10 mins for pressure to build again after 2 mins of use? Suggestions for my best bang for the buck please. Thanks
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Stand up is by far your best bet for saving space. Most portables arn't very good unless you like waiting around for the tank to charge after only using it half a minute. When using an impact wrench or air chisel with a portable you are going to wish you got a stand up in a hurry. How small is your garage? Stand up ones only take up like what a 2'x2' square, not to much to make room for.
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Below is what I'm using. It's stats are: 25 gal, 120 volts, 60 Hz, Air delivery: 5.5 SCFM @ 40 PSI, 4.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI, and 3.7 SCFM @ 115 PSI. It's portable but far from being light weight. I can drain all the air from it and it'll fill in less than 2.5 min. I picked it up from HF several months ago and it suits my needs but I use it mostly for tire inflation. Cost me around $265 after taxes.
I'd suggest doing a little homework before you go shopping for a compressor and try to determine what type of work you'll be doing with it, then figure the amount of air delivery you'll need for the tools you're using and go from there.
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I'd suggest doing a little homework before you go shopping for a compressor and try to determine what type of work you'll be doing with it, then figure the amount of air delivery you'll need for the tools you're using and go from there.
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I haven't looked at new compressors in a while but I think you will have a really hard time finding a portable that will power air tools with enough capacity that you are not having to wait on it.
Two stage pump is mandatory for the volume you will need and likely a 208-220 volt motor also. Tank size really has nothing to do with the performance of a compressor, if the pump can not keep up the stored volume will only make a difference the first couple of minutes of use.
One of the problems with a undersized compressor is that it is running so much, getting so hot and creating so much moisture in your tank and lines.
Two stage pump is mandatory for the volume you will need and likely a 208-220 volt motor also. Tank size really has nothing to do with the performance of a compressor, if the pump can not keep up the stored volume will only make a difference the first couple of minutes of use.
One of the problems with a undersized compressor is that it is running so much, getting so hot and creating so much moisture in your tank and lines.
I believe you will be hard pressed to find a "portable" air compressor much bigger than 30-35 gallon. Most likely they will be an oilless design and won't provide much more than 5 scfm at 90 psi. These type are usually 110v.
To get closer to 8-10 scfm you will need to go to at least a 60 gallon with a 2 stage compressor. Most of these are 220v. When you get into 60 or bigger units the pumps are usually oil lubed. Just like a car engine. They also are intended to be permanently mounted. You could build a mobile base to set them in if needed though.
As far as for what I use. I have a Coleman 26 that seems to work just fine for my uses. Sure I need to stop and let it catch up but it depends on what I'm doing as to weather its an inconvenience or not. If I had 220 in my garage and had a chance to get a good deal on a 60 or bigger I'd have one of those.
To get closer to 8-10 scfm you will need to go to at least a 60 gallon with a 2 stage compressor. Most of these are 220v. When you get into 60 or bigger units the pumps are usually oil lubed. Just like a car engine. They also are intended to be permanently mounted. You could build a mobile base to set them in if needed though.
As far as for what I use. I have a Coleman 26 that seems to work just fine for my uses. Sure I need to stop and let it catch up but it depends on what I'm doing as to weather its an inconvenience or not. If I had 220 in my garage and had a chance to get a good deal on a 60 or bigger I'd have one of those.
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My lil' 25 gal compressor is oil filled.
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