Air compressor

Daniel_110 · #1 05-11-2016, 05:53 AM

I'm looking to purchase a new compressor, I've had a craftsman 30 gallon for 17 years or so and its never been big enough to run air tools that great. What are your thoughts size, brand, CFM and HP? I'm trying to be smart and shop this one out rather than buy and be sorry after.

R Bedell · #2 05-11-2016, 06:18 AM

From all your Air Tools, take note of the CFM rating(s) needed to run that device at a given pressure. IF.... you plan on running more than one device, take the sum of these devices. From that total CFM, that is the minimum size of air compressor you need, for your needs. The size of the tank is up to you, it is just a storage tank. The amount of CFM you feel you need, will determine the HP of the electric motor.

ol'George · #3 05-11-2016, 07:37 AM

I have never heard a man say:
I have too much money,
too big a barn, or too big an air compressor.
Well there are other things too, but I'll leave it there.

Sugarmaker · #4 05-11-2016, 08:11 AM

I like the Lowes Kobalt brand upright, was around $500 and has preformed real well! I think its a 3 hp., 60 gal tank, 230v. Had pretty good reviews also. Seemed like a good value.
Regards,
Chris

Mike McKown · #5 05-11-2016, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel_110

I'm looking to purchase a new compressor, I've had a craftsman 30 gallon for 17 years or so and its never been big enough to run air tools that great. What are your thoughts size, brand, CFM and HP? I'm trying to be smart and shop this one out rather than buy and be sorry after.

I bought one of those Craftman 2 hp air compressors at least 35 years ago. I used it as is until maybe ten years ago. Like you, I sometimes had to stop and wait on air pressure. I bought a used 60 gal. vertical tank from a Campbell Hausfield rebuild shop, mounted my motor, compressor, pressure switch on the new tank and now I'm in business. Total cost was $30 for the tank.

I can run 1/2" drive impact, die grinder, right angle grinder, cutoff tool, blow gun, and other air uses without having to wait on air. I can also power my blast cabinet but can't run it continuously. That's one way out and it works for me. Actually, I have two compressors set up that way.

Here is a link you should study if you decide to purchase new. It might same you some heartache if you find out your "new" five horse compressor doesn't put out any more air than your old Craftsman.

http://www.truetex.com/aircompressors.htm

Daniel_110 · #6 05-12-2016, 05:34 AM

Thank you all, I appreciate the input

OldSkull · #7 05-14-2016, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

http://www.truetex.com/aircompressors.htm

Good link

You can build one but if you decide to buy one the best bang for the buck for a home user is a 2 stages 5 Hp 220V 60 or 80 Gal unit. Stay with brand like Quincy, Jenny, Champion just to name a few, some big name like IR use Chinese motor and pump on some model so check carefully before you purchase.

Here a selection: http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/quick_search.php

jaynjeep · #8 05-14-2016, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ol'George

I have never heard a man say:
I have too much money,
too big a barn, or too big an air compressor.
Well there are other things too, but I'll leave it there.

Good point George!!

jaynjeep · #9 05-14-2016, 11:38 PM

Buy the largest compressor you have room for and power to run..

I like the 60 or 80 gal tanks for the reserve capacity

zippy1 · #10 05-15-2016, 12:23 AM

I've had the Ingersoll Rand upright for something like six years, and it's got the 60 gallon tank. Very happy with it, but it does run more frequently while using the sandblaster...
Don't know it's model # off the top of my head, but I bought it at Sears, while on sale, plus I had $200 worth of gift cards.