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Post by 82bobber on Aug 25, 2006 5:37:46 GMT -5
Due to the change and nature of things, especially prices and different manufacturers I thought I'd just start a new thread on air compressors and where and what you guys think are probably the best buy at the moment....also please throw in the best capacity and hp for bike jobs and general maintenance, 110 vs 220 etc. Thanks I need a new compressor!
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Post by motormike on Aug 25, 2006 6:12:31 GMT -5
I had the standard Sears 20gal 110 unit. Worked well with the Handy cycle lift and powered any basic air tools. Wouldn't make a good paint gun unit. As with the garage itself....bigger is always better. Mike, MN
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Post by jetmechmarty on Aug 25, 2006 7:19:29 GMT -5
If you are a hobbyist and you don't want limitations, buy a cast iron pump and a 60 gallon tank. A single stage unit should be sufficient. 220V is required for anything worthwhile. A "V" pump will run a little cooler and give you more air. Expect to spend in the $700 range for a quality unit.
A good unit will last a lifetime if you take care of it.
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Post by powershouse on Aug 25, 2006 16:15:03 GMT -5
My teenage sons gave me an air compressor for Father's Day. How cool is that?! Affirmation that I'm raising them right.
Kevin
Proud Dad
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Post by crazypj22 on Aug 25, 2006 18:33:13 GMT -5
The tank size gives you a slight reserve before the compressor turns on but takes a while to build pressure.
IMHO, the only thing that really matters is the SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute, how much air it moves) which is what most 'hobby' compressors dont give you. Higher is better.
I had access to a 80 SCFM compressor and it was great, never had to wait for pressure to build and could run anything I had ( but I didnt have to pay the running costs ;D) It was total overkill for small air tools though
PJ
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Post by garyr on Aug 25, 2006 19:54:58 GMT -5
Well, I like Sears because they stand behind their tools more than a Home Depot and such. I recently did some research and almost bought a small Porter Cable unit. What I found out is the oiled compressors are quieter and last longer so Sears makes a professional line that are painted black. They are built to heavy duty standards for just slightly more cost. I have a 150 gal tank and Sears has a rating in the side to determine what they will operate. Mine is a 6 and will run almost all air tools. I use an air drill as well as a high speed grinder without any problems. Also runs my impact wrench's no problem. I bought a 150 foot hose real and a spare air bottle. I would also get a water separator, I needed one when I use it for bleeding brakes....the oil and water was getting on my bike from the bleeder air discharge. This is a 110 unit and you will need to run a separator circuit to make it run right. It's fine for garage use but not for all day professional use. www.uploadfile.info/uploads/ec28edded7.jpg |
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Post by 82bobber on Aug 26, 2006 4:44:04 GMT -5
I think the pro-unit is way outta my budget right now, and I don't plan on doing this as a living or painting bikes, all I need is something to run a drill and hand tools; grinders, impact wrench, air nozzle, etc. of course air up tires lol. I like Sears stuff, buy all their washers, dryers, good appliances (I know they are made somewhere else??) At any rate, garyr when ya say 6 is this the SCFM that PJ is talking about? Well, Christmas ain't too far off, time to start "brainwashing"the kids haha thanks alot guys, there's got to be more compressors, has anybody heard of Harbor Frieght stuff?
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Post by garyr on Aug 26, 2006 15:15:05 GMT -5
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jack
Junior Member
Posts: 99
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Post by jack on Aug 27, 2006 6:35:11 GMT -5
As with most products "You Get What You Paid For It" spend alittle extra cash and a buy a two stage compressor unit ( Look for used compressor that's been maintained) you'll need atleast a 3 to 5 hp motor with up to 15 scfm or less to do general work as most air tools consume alot of air and a rating of 15 to 17.5 scfm will allow continuous usage of tools with out stopping to permit the storage tank build up to proper psi and a larger tank does permit longer working periods but with a larger tank you'd need a larger air compressor too.
I have a 25 year old cast iron Curtis 11/2 to 3 hp compressor, that's served me well over the years,which I've had in my possession for the last 20 years and with the work cycles I've pushed it through,it'a a wonder it still pumps but it's well maintained.
Good luck on your choice...............Jack
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Post by 82bobber on Aug 28, 2006 5:28:59 GMT -5
thanks garyr the Craftsman 2hp/33gal looks like a good deal at $299 plus some free air tools, think I'll check out my local Sears store. jack the curtis sure looks like its been dependable and a workhorse, I may look into the possibilty of a used 2 stage compressor and see what I can get one for I'v got an auto body bud maybe he can find me something ...appreciate the help guys.
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orygun
Full Member
Franklin Oregon
Posts: 148
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Post by orygun on Sept 1, 2006 10:42:33 GMT -5
For normal 5scfm @ 90PSI shop tools I think you have to have a 5 HP or more. I prefer oil type myself to the high speed oil less type. I bought a 5hp, 2 cylinder single stage about 10 years ago. I change the oil every couple of years and have had no problems with it through numerous projects. If I'm using something with high air consumption, polishing with an air drill for example, it will run pretty much continuously but no problems so far.
I also ran 1" copper pipe through the shop with connections and drip legs so that I can work just about anywhere with one 20' piece of connector hose. I've found that helps with pressure drop, particularly if you're using an impact wrench.
I normally run it on 220 but by swapping a couple of wires it will run on 110, although you better not have anything else on the circuit when you do.
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Post by 82bobber on Sept 2, 2006 8:52:14 GMT -5
thanks for the heads up orygun. I don't know if I'll ever get into painting with the compressor, would this 5 hp be enough if I wanted? I do want to run some die grinders, cut-off wheels, polishing and impact wrenches for sure. 220 or 110 doesn't really matter, I worked as a certified tig welder , precious metals in air line industry so I may setup a tig station too, copper lines are a great way to get the air through the shop, do you have a proshop, commercial? thanks again. 82bobber
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Post by 82bobber on Sept 5, 2006 5:42:14 GMT -5
Okay....wife and I went to Lowes yesterday to pick up some wood and couldn't help myself went over to the tool department and looked at the compressors and found a nice'un its 31/2hp, 220v, 40 gal tank, cast iron, and sez 12scfm could this be right? The comp only costs 399 so it seems like a good buy...can't remember brand name. Anyone been to Lowes lately?
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Post by jetmechmarty on Sept 5, 2006 7:07:26 GMT -5
Before you buy anything, you need to decide what you're going to do with the compressor. Shop for tools. Look closely at the tools you're going to use and look closely at the CFM requirement and at what pressure. Make a list. Will the compressor run all of the tools?
High speed grinders and sanders use a lot of air. If you use most of the compressors capacity, it will generate plenty of heat. Heat means water.
One more thing to remember is that once you have air, you'll find more uses for it. Don't go overboard. but don't cut yourself short either. I good compressor should last a lifetime.
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orygun
Full Member
Franklin Oregon
Posts: 148
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Post by orygun on Sept 6, 2006 10:08:02 GMT -5
82bobber. My 5hp will run a spray gun fine. A friend painted my sister in laws Camaro a few years back in my shop. Using plastic sheeting and some fans we created a "paint booth" of sorts. Actually worked pretty good, although she owed me big for putting her Chevy in my shop.
It is true that once you have air you find a million ways to use it, I hardly ever use anything else tool-wise. BTW, first investment, buy a 1/4" drive air ratchet. It is perfect for working on bikes. It's smaller and fits into spaces a 3/8" won't and the torque is less so you don't over tighten bolts. Things like removing engine side covers become a 1 minute job.
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