So im looking for a compressor on craigslist

[JORGIE95961]

IHAVE no idea how big i need or how small .. hp cfms gallons.. i need.. id like to be able to run a da and a paint gun.. but i have a feeling it takes a big one to run tools.. what can i get away with to run a primer gun?.. im looking for cheap cheap....

[Tx Firefighter]

A DA is an air hog. You need a good 80 gallon 2 stage unit, at a minimum, to efficiently run one for very long stretches.

If you're shopping used (smart man) Quincy, Champion and Speedaire are some top of the line brands. A majority of the others like Ingersoll Rand, Husky, Cambpell Hausfeld and the like are Chinese made nowadays and won't give the long term service as one of the premium brands.

[Dunenutt]

5 HP minimum to run a DA for any length of time. Get one with a cast iron pump,oil lubed, belt driven. All of the above brands are good. Stay far away from anything that is close coupled (motor and pump are attached together).

[Lee H]

All compressors have a delivery rating of xx scfm (standard cubic feet per minute) at xx PSI. You need to look at all the tools you'll likely be using and get a compressor that will deliver at least the scfms @ PSI needed, more would be better as the compressor will cycle less. It's tough to work in a garage that has the compressor running all the time. You can look on-line at various tool suppliers for air tools and ratings for each.

[MARKDTN]

You need a 10-12cfm or better unit for air-heavy applications.

Ingersoll-Rand has 2 different levels. The basic Home Depot level may not be much, but the commercial ones will run with anything out there. That's what I have and I am very impressed with it.