Need some air compressor (garage) info

B

BrentNClemson

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Greenville, SC
Hey guys, I'm starting to look for an air compressor to use in the garage. I'd like to be able to use an impact wrench, ratchet, drill, and cut-off tool. It will only be used occasionally, whenever I do any major work on the Jeep.

I've looked into it some and know that the oiled, belt-driven units are quieter, last a lot longer, and generally have a higher airflow. While this all sounds good, I'm not ready to spend a ton on the compressor. I'd rather spend $175 on an oiless unit that I can use for the next year or so, and then buy a better one after graduating college. But I don't wanna buy one if it won't even do what I want it to.

I need to know what size compressor will get the job done w/ these tools. Do I have to spend $1000 for a 25cfm compressor to run a $20 cut-off tool or drill?? Also, would a 21 gallon 3.5cfm compressor or a 10 gallon 6cfm work better...should I be looking for more air capacity or air flow?? Any suggestions are welcome.
 
Im actually glad someone stole mine(20gal/4.5-5cfm/oiless),it not only wouldnt drive my high cfm tools but was the loudest d@mm thing you ever heard,and since it ran all the time!
 
I have a 20 gal, 5HP, 7.1 CFM@90 psi, oil cooled, and it works great for cut-offs and die grinders. I have the done lifts on both my Jeeps and used it hard. I would not go any smaller. Oil free are LOUD as he!! and very slow to catch-up when you are using lots of air. Your CFM's have to exceed the rating of the tool you are going to use the most or you will be waiting. Sorta like welding with a 30% duty cycle. Weld some, wait some, ............
 
I have a 20 gal horizontal oil free craftsman(made by devilbiss) and can run most tools at short bursts. If I could do it all over again I would get a vertical belt driven compressor. Less noise, and smaller footprint.

Just my .02

John
 
Tim_MN said:
I have a 20 gal, 5HP, 7.1 CFM@90 psi, oil cooled, and it works great for cut-offs and die grinders. I have the done lifts on both my Jeeps and used it hard.QUOTE]

Thanks for the info, guys. Tim, could I get some more info on your compressor? Make, model, where you got it, how much you paid....thanks!
Click to expand...
 
Better ask how that 5 hp motor works with the rated volts/amps in your house too ... my guess is it requires 220-230V w/30A breaker. Just don't go down and buy something, drag it home and expect it to run.

BrentNClemson said:
Tim_MN said:
I have a 20 gal, 5HP, 7.1 CFM@90 psi, oil cooled, and it works great for cut-offs and die grinders. I have the done lifts on both my Jeeps and used it hard.QUOTE]

Thanks for the info, guys. Tim, could I get some more info on your compressor? Make, model, where you got it, how much you paid....thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Nice link to Sears ... and while you're at it take a look at the IR compressor. Both these units draw 15A continuous.... I know because I own an IR Garage Mate. What they fail to disclose is how many amps it takes for startup... I would guess approximately 18 amps.

I have a 120V-20A dedicated circuit and every so often my compressor still trips the breaker on startup.... therefore, if you have one circuit for the entire garage don't plan on using anything else on that circuit, including the hair dryer and other household appliances that may share the same circuit.

I have one 120V-15A circuit running the garage lights; two 120V-20A dedicated circuits for other electrical; and one 220/30A dedicated circuit for whatever else comes along...

IMO you better find out how your garage is wired, first and foremost.

If I was gonna get a compressor today I would get this one.

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...=00916778000&subcat=Portable+Tank+Compressors
Click to expand...
 
Listen to GI-John and go vertical. I have a horizontal 25 gallon 6 hp 135 psi porter-cable jetstream that I love, tires even have air in 'em, but in a single car garage there's way too much c#$p to work comfortable around the xj.

I'm actually going to suspend it (and anything else I can) against the wall from the floor joists to make more room. A horizontal I'd probably leave on the floor. I've have another pc (made by Emglo) that's a true portable, so I don't care the semi-permanent mounting of the 25 gallon.

Also, get some kind of reel to store the hose. If I was smarter, I'd of bought those one piece hose/reel combos. Now I'm rigging something up from an old garden hose reel. Ugh...

Good Luck...

Mike
NAXJA # 300
 
GI-John said:
I have a 20 gal horizontal oil free craftsman(made by devilbiss) and can run most tools at short bursts. If I could do it all over again I would get a vertical belt driven compressor. Less noise, and smaller footprint.

Just my .02

John
Click to expand...

Who makes a good belt driven setup? I live in an apartment and my neighbors don't appreciate the compressor to much. I wouldn't mind having something quiter in the garage............... :wierd:
 
I am getting a compressor put together right now using an industrial compressor on a 6hp motor and a 60 gal tank - not sure the cfm's but for 2 bills what can you expect?

If I were to get a horizontal (mine will be vertical) I would suspend it from the rafters and pipe it with pvc and several "drops" for shorter hose lengths and move the hose around the vehicle or to the bench or whatever.

Just a thought.


JC95
 
PVC is not good for compressor runs.

Even though the pipe itself is rated high enough, most can't make the connections correctly to get the rattings on the joints. PVC has a tendancy to blow fittings off expecially when HOT!

Go with copper, Galv or black pipe, or if the big bucks are OK go with the new aluminum air system pipe. It has lots of neat fittings and connections for all kinds of stuff. BUT HUGE dollars!


hinkley
 
i went looking and got a WWII surplus. it weighs about 800lbs and is pretty loud, but the GE motor runs the compressor and it works killer. got it for 70 bucks. just a thought if you want to go on the cheap...of course it takes up half the garage...i have it connected to copper tubing with quick disco in/outs every 10'. so if limited space go with vert. if money issue look for old used military tanks..cheap!
hope you find what you are looking for because air makes tings alot easier (and faster).
 
Mark Hinkley said:
PVC is not good for compressor runs.

Even though the pipe itself is rated high enough, most can't make the connections correctly to get the rattings on the joints. PVC has a tendancy to blow fittings off expecially when HOT!

Go with copper, Galv or black pipe, or if the big bucks are OK go with the new aluminum air system pipe. It has lots of neat fittings and connections for all kinds of stuff. BUT HUGE dollars!


hinkley
Click to expand...

We piped our entire service shop at the bike dealership with PVC over two years ago, no problems...
 
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