For you guys with all the tools, need some input!!

[softballnrd27]

I am starting to plan my next big garage purchase(tool wise) and I am leaning towards an air compressor. I want to be able to paint with it(little here and there) run a small blast cabinet(future purchase) and run all the air tools associated with working on vehicles. What brand do I need to look at and what size? I have looked at this one:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90026+527575
Is it too much? Is there better ones out there for the price?

[swb85]

Holy crap that thing is a monster! I've got a 33 gal that is more than enough to run anything I do automotive wise......haven't tried to paint with it yet but I think it'll do fine.

[softballnrd27]

That is what I need to hear!! I wanted people with experience with air compressors. If it is too big then it is too big but. What brand do you have?

[Cherub]

I have a Craftsman 26gal. vertical. It has handled everything so far although it cycles alot when running the air grinder. Looking back the 33 would be perfect for my use, but since i have limited space the 26 works for now. Picked mine up around fathers day, they were running specials.

[softballnrd27]

Is General Air a bad brand? They sell them at Harbor Freight.

[swb85]

Originally Posted by softballnrd27

That is what I need to hear!! I wanted people with experience with air compressors. If it is too big then it is too big but. What brand do you have?

Mine is a Craftsman upright 33 gal, 150max psi. The only thing I can think of that my compressor probably wouldn't like is running a D/A sander for extended periods (bodywork). It would probably do it, but would cycle a lot.

[jdurant]

I have a 33gal vertical craftsman. I have mixed feelings about it. Sometimes I wish I had gone bigger because it will cycle too much on certain things. But at the same time I often abuse it. I once spayed an entire small apartment complex with somewhat thinned latex and an HVLP at 100psi. That was definately the hard way. But I've had it since 2001 and was ubusing it this weekend and still works fine. I may have had to replace the starter a few years ago.
If you go any bigger though, they aren't very portable.

[87c10slammer]

wow seems like everyone like the craftsman 33 gal... same thing im runnin... it definitly serves its perpose.. i hate using sanders with it but other then that it works out great.. i have had it for about 10 years and i have sanded down 3 cars and painted them in my carport with it so i cant complain

[Restrorob]

Just remember, You can't have too much air but you can be hurt with too little. I started with a 26 gal. and found it would run continous using a impact, sand blaster or DA sander. This wears a compressor out quickly, I have since went to a IR 80 gal. 2 stage that keeps up with everything I throw at it. With less run time this compressor will probably out live me.

Good Luck

[softballnrd27]

Sounds like I am going to look at a craftsman 33 gal air compressor!!!

[7T7]

Bummer! Your link keeps coming up….The product you are trying to view is not currently available.

I can speak from experience that if you ever think about paint and body work I suggest 60gal 6hp system at minimum.
You can never have too much compressor.

[softballnrd27]

It is a Husky 7.5hp 80 gal compressor. I just saw it during lunch and it is a big SOB.

[S10Fan]

A blast cabinet goes through air like a woman goes through a check book. Bigger is better, keep it ventilated, oiled, and make sure the filter stays clean. Keep it drained (water) and make sure your garage electrical is up for the task.

Man I love helping other people spend money! LOL!

[James McClure]

I run 2 compressors in tandum. Both are 80 gallon. ! is a 5 horse 2 cyl 2 stage and the other is a 5 horse 3 cyl 2 stage. Even with both running, die grinders pull them both down pretty quick. D/A's and other air tools and spray guns work just fine. I got one at Home Depot and the other at Tractor supply. I have a 200 gallon reserve tank I have to plumb in. If I ever get rid of these I'll be buying an IR 10 horse on a 200 gallon tank. jim

[grinch4om]

60 gal develbiss with a V twin 5 horse and I run out of air using the air file or whizz wheel

[68 short step]

i like my 80 gal IR.....its perfect for the mechanical air tools (impacts, air ratchets, cut off wheel, etc) and its great for body work too, DAs air saw, and paint guns.....IMO 60 gal would be the min. i get if i planed on useing a cut off wheel..

[1984 swb chevy]

I have both 33 and 60 gallon. I like the 60 gallon much better . If you can afford to get a bigger one and have a use for it you should get the bigger one.

[arkracing]

I agree with the guys who are saying to go bigger. A Blast cab. will use air like crazy. DA Sanders, CutOff tools, and Spray equip. all demand a lot of air. 60 gal min and you want to try to get a 2 stage if possible.

Head on over to www.garagejournal.com and get into the forum area. Tons of discussion on air compressors. Reviews etc. etc.

[merca]

i have a craftsman 30 gal, but i have the horizontal one. its about 10 years old and has a 5.5hp motor.hopefully nobody minds,but while we are talking air compressors i have question. i was just looking at the same compressor new and it only had a 1.5hp motor.will it work as good?

[Traction]

One more vote for the bigger 60 or 80 gallon size. I have a smaller 30 gallon 110volt and to be honest it is a toy compared to my big Devilbiss. In fact I only use it for putting air in my tires now.

[72lb4x4]

Don't take those horsepower ratings too seriously... These calculations aren't that accurate because of the simplistic power equations but...

1HP=746Watts
5HP=5*746=3730W
Power measured in Watts=Volts*Amps
At 120V Current is 3750/120=31.1Amps on a 20A circuit which will work for a few milliseconds.
At 240V Current is 3750/230=16.2Amps on a 20A circuit which is fine.

Since many if not most decent size compressors are rated at 5HP peak, the people who make them are lying, or my use of a simple power formula is too inaccurate.

I'd guess that many 220/240V compressor motors are also rated high in HP.

The point is that when buying low end CH, Husky, Craftsman, etc. compressors, the HP rating is pretty meaningless. Look at the CFM at some PSI and duty rating percentage when available.

Just another point of view...

[busman]

IMHO 60 gal. min. if you plan on running any type of blast cabinet. most cabinets require 9cfm continuos min. and the smaller compressors just can't meet the demand.
They will wear out very quickly and you will be buying another compressor. the home depot husky and lowes kobalt compressors are exactly the same all built bye the same manufacturer just diff. paint!

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Originally Posted by busman

IMHO 60 gal. min. if you plan on running any type of blast cabinet. most cabinets require 9cfm continuous min. and the smaller compressors just can't meet the demand.
They will wear out very quickly and you will be buying another compressor.

x2 I gotta totally agree I wish the one that I have access to was bigger then it is its a craftsman 33 gal. one. It works great but once we start pushing it hard it likes to cycle a lot! Its good and has done a good job but if I want to get into bodywork defiantly would get like a 60 gal. one minimum for sure!

[TROYLV]

"there isn't any free lunches" you will need about 8 cfm@125psi with a 60 gal tank min. to do what you want. unless you want to wait on your compressor all day. and then it will be slow running a blast cabinet.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by merca

.... i was just looking at the same compressor new and it only had a 1.5hp motor.will it work as good?

No, it won't. Guys it doesn't matter about the tank. Yes, it's better to have a larger tank, but useless if it has a small motor. You want as big of a tank AND as large and efficient a motor as you can afford. DO NOT cut corners on a compressor or you will regret it later.

Big tank, big efficient motor...