Air Compressor help

[ksjh1316]

Ok Ive decided I need an air compressor and some air tools my arms are getting sore. I have a few questions. What is the min CFM at 90 RPM that will let me be able to use most of the tools I will need and what is the min tank size to get. I don't want to spend a fortune but I want this to work well and it is only for monkeying around on my truck. Thanks for the help

[truckdude239]

go with something like this this should do about everything u need

[Bus Ted Knuckle]

Get as much CFM as you can afford. You can have the biggest tank money can buy, but if you don't have enough CFM, you will still have to wait for the compressor to catch up. In the average hobby type garage, you would probably be real happy with a 15 CFM compressor on an 80 or 100 gallon tank.

The compressors that are truely suitable for demanding work are going to be expensive though! I have never been able to afford enough air compressor, maybe someday I will

[TennesseeZ]

Did you read the reviews on that compressor? Not good!

[502tripower]

Originally Posted by TennesseeZ

Did you read the reviews on that compressor? Not good!

Like anything else if you try and get by with a cheap product you will end up spending more in the long run.

[Blue82Chev]

I have this one for two years now and love it...
http://www2.northerntool.com/product/158284.htm

[streetstar]

Get the biggest, most capable compressor you can afford if you want to run a sander or paint sprayer someday ---- i bought one 5 years ago (a 6hp Porter Cable for $350), I burned it up in 3 weeks running a DA sander.
It sat for a while before i got around to using it, so by the time i burned it up it was out of warranty and i was told a replacement GE motor was $300.

I currently have a DeWalt compact air compressor (like roofers and carpenters use) -- it works great for everything else (impact wrenches, air hammers, and other things that dont require a big continuous load) ---

The next compressor i get is going to be as big as a water heater and run on 220v --- the small stuff is just too limiting

[bobthecop]

I bought an IR 5hp 80 gal tank 18.5 cfm at 90 psi fron Tractor Supply and I love it. Runs a cut-off wheel and air sander great, the tank pumps up while using the air tool, my old 25 gal craftsman caused me to take a lot of breaks. Like has been previously posted, get the biggest hp you can afford, then you will not have to worry about what you need to do with it. I had to wire 220 to the garage and anchor it, and put a longer drain tube in, but it was well worth it.

[fastwillie 696969]

Originally Posted by 502tripower

Like anything else if you try and get by with a cheap product you will end up spending more in the long run.

i agree cheap is expensive

[Dads 68 GMC]

2 stage, 5 horse 80 gallon tank will do you just fine. IR from tractor supply or similar should be adequate for a hobby user. If you think you might use it alot later, you might want to check out Curtis or Kellog or something hope this helps you

[ksjh1316]

Thanks for the help I just wanted to make sure I didn't screw this up as it is something I don't want to have to repurchase later. Just to make sure I got it right CFM>HP>Tank size

[502tripower]

Originally Posted by Dads 68 GMC

2 stage, 5 horse 80 gallon tank will do you just fine. IR from tractor supply or similar should be adequate for a hobby user. If you think you might use it alot later, you might want to check out Curtis or Kellog or something hope this helps you

I have a Kellog cast iron 2-stage pump 5-HP 80-gallon tank. I have had it for about 25 years now. I replaced the valves in 2005 for about 150.00 and it will go for the rest of my life. I use it in a small cabinet shop but have it plumbed into my shop for building Cars, Trucks, Boats and, Bikes. If you are planning a lot of use spend the extra. I have seen lots of guys buy the Home Depot or other general public type brands with the aluminum single stage pumps and then try and run a shop, DA, glass bead cabinet. Not a good idea. After about 3-years their looking to replace it. Good Luck Dan