OT air compressors

[Lanse]

I've thought about getting an air compressor ever since i got this tractor, but i dont know a thing about them. What should i be looking for in this?? I'd like to keep the cost low as possible, since my dad that usually pays part of my tools said enoughts enough, but then again i dont blame him, LOL, so im on my own here. I'm not gonna short change myself however, and ive found this model from sears that i kinda like, what do you think?? This thing will be used for mostally the occasional tire, some sort of a nozzle for it for cleaning out parts and such, and prehaps a rachet or a spray gun later on.
Untitled URL Link

 

[Anonymous-0]

Fine, but not for spraying. You'dd need about six of those for that.

 

[Lanse]

that really takes alot of power???

 

[Roy in georgia]

how much is that one I think you would be better served with one a little bigger. to run a impact gun or ratchet that one would not have enough volume.I always suggest that someone get one that is belt driven as they are quieter than the self contained oilless pumps. I think the 15 gal should be fine for your use.

 

[Larry59]

I had one from sears. Had trouble trying to use just simple air tools. Painting is just about out of the question to.
If you can .. buy a used one. Stand up is the best with large tank under it. Depending on what you are going to do with. You may need a dryer with it and regualtor to control air pressure on certain equiptement you are using.
Not fosr sure lanse where you live. But a new compressor from sears would cost you about the price of a good use one with more power and size.
I made the mistake once of buying like that. Won't do it again. Couldn't even get my money back on it cause it was used and no one wanted to pay me even close what I spent for it. Have a good day.

 

[hillbillyOH]

Spray-painting takes quite a bit of steady pressure. You won't get that from a small tank.

The bigger the better, I think, when it comes to air compressors.

 

[Gary from Muleshoe]

Lanse
If this is something you are not going to need to use a lot, take a look at what Harbor Freight has to offer. I know not a lot of people on here think they have good quality merchandise but for us po-folk they beat paying the really high prices. I have bought lots of things from HF and have not been disappointed yet. Granted I would spend the extra money on better quality if it was something i plan to make a living with but for a hobby they do fine.

 

[flashback]

That really true about bigger is better but it is the CFM, not the pressure that determines its usefulness. I struggle along with a 4HP 20 gal tank and with the new lowpressure sparay apparatus it does fine. So far in 18 years it has only failed at one job and that was sand blasting where a continuous CFM is critical Even did sandblast some small peices but have gone into electrolysis for that stuff, Much better. LANSE ,Sears has some good ones and so do Lowes Unless you are running it hours at a time the oiless ones are ok and be rebuilt in an hour or two. Make sure you get one that tops out at 175 PSI and preference should try for 30 gals. HTH Jack

 

[Anonymous-0]

Though 175 is nice we'dd be talking 2 stage. Major bucks. I sense a lack of commitment for that outlay.

 

[Mark - IN.]

Lanse, if you're going to run tools with it, its going to need a sufficient air supply/reserve (tank) or else you'll run the pump to death and you'll never maintain a constant or even flow of pressure to your tools. The same holds true even more so if you're going to be painting with it. Also, you need to be concerned with house wiring and current draw...house wiring gets hot, and so does the pump if it hasn't got sufficient current flow. First figue out what your service is to the outlet you'll be using (10amp, 20amp, 30amp?) before you decide on anything. Once you know that, figure out how often or what you'll be using it for, and go from there.

I once inherited a compressor that had two 2HP heads, drier, and 100 gallon tank. It was 208 3-phase which is hardly residential or ag. It was nice too, but no use to me. I put wheels on it, rolled it to the road and put a sign on it that read "Free for the taking, I'll help you load it, don't bring it back". It was free to me, so I figure that I'd let someone else have it to ponder over...away from me. Now I've got a 5HP 220VAC unit on a 30amp double pole breaker in the barn with a 60 gallon tank and a smaller portable 11 gallon 6.3/3.6 CFM Coleman in the garage that draws 15amps on 110. As I recall, the Coleman cost me about $300 and the bigger Sears was about $1,000. They both have their places for their jobs. Somewhere I've got a tiny 2 gallon Cambell Housefeld that I bought from Walmart for like $100 for recharging the well tank so I didn't have to drag a house through the house, but after I saw "Made in China" on it, never used it again...dragged the hose through the house until finally went deep well. Maybe I threw it out too, I don't recall or know where anything is in the house...people keep moving and hiding stuff on me.

Good luck.

 

[Joe Pro]

What is your price range? I considered that one a long time ago, but researched it and chose not to , I have an old 20 gallon horz tank that does all I nee, but also have a 8 gallon husky, it was cheap and has help up well and puts out good air presure. For your needs I wouldn't even consider a compressor under 4cfm @ 90 psi.

 

[Joe Pro]

Maybe consider one of these to get you stated

HD used to have a husky that had about a 20 gallon tank for 199 would have been perfect for you but i dont see it, I would try to stay away from craftsman compressors as they have low air output.
Air compressor

 

[Leland]

shop around with spring coming they are going to be on sale so watch the farm stores and big box building stores you can get more compresser for you money

 

[Joe Pro]

You can get on of these at WM for under 200 bucks with all kind of tools and it holds up well.
Compressor

 

[chvet73]

You will not be able to do the things your talking about unless you get a larger machine. I have a 20 gal tank machine that does just about everything you mentioned. I also have one that size like your picture. It good for small jobs but would never run a paint gun.
Find a used one with a at least a 20 gal tank and you will be better off.

 

[Steven f/AZ]

Minimum you will want to run any air tool is around 20 to 25 gallon tank.

Myself, I prefer the old belt driven pumps with pistons and oil. Keep the air filter clean and change the oil now and then and they will run a long, long time. Dad had one last for 20 years on the farm, and the one he put in after that has been there around 15 years now and still pumps like new. A decent (oil type) compressor will run from $300 and up, I would have went with something bigger, but 220 volt takes away portability.

I have a 28 gallon stand-up at the farm and this 30 gallon stand-up here in AZ (Kobalt from Lowe's) for around $400:

This would be a good starter compressor as well:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...oductId=100063473&N=10000003+90006+527575

 

[Bob Huntress]

I'll share what works for me. I have an Army surplus 5hp two stage compressor on an 80 gallon tank. I don't know what my cfm's are since the data plate is worn away, though I'ld quess it is around 5 or 6. It doesn't have an automatic condensate drain valve. I don't paint, and I only sand on occasion. I usually fill tires and power impact wrenches and air ratchets. It works great. A couple of times, I have even done small sandblasting jobs. If I had to do much sanding, or painting, I would want a slightly larger air pump, and a much larger tank. The smaller the tank, the more often the compresser will start. Since the compressor most overcome inertia each time it starts, as opposed to simply running a little longer to fill a larger tank. This is called "Lock Rotor Amps" or "Start Amps", and can be as much as 6x as high as "Run Amps". I realize that capacitors, and start windings in the motor help to minimize this, but nonetheless. Some compressors have "Unloaders" some do not. Those that do not have unloaders start, not only against the initial inertia, but against the air pressure remaining in the tank, You can see how it is better to have a longer run time filling a larger tank, than more frequent starts with the smaller tank. It is not an issue with my needs, since I don't have the constant demand of sanding, or painting, but if you intend to do much painting and body work, you'll want the largest tank you can get.

 

[super99]

Lanse, here is my offering. For what you are going to do, I would forget about air tools for now. You want to fill tires, clean off parts, and paint. Look at what ever paint gun you think you can afford to get when the time comes and see how many cfm's it reguires at recommended pressure and then look for a compressor to match it. WAIT FOR A SALE TO BUY. Sears, Menards, Home Depot, Farm & Fleet, etc have sales on a regular basis, watch the fliers for what you want. Check out Harbor Freight, Cummins,etc for tools. Your cash is limited, instead of buying one that will last for 30 years, get what you need to get by right now, and you can always upgrade later. I have a 4hp Sears oilless with 25gal tank that will barely keep up with air tools. Went to F&F last fall and bought a electric impact for under $50, does what I need to do. Good luck on deciding what to buy. Chris

 

[MarkB_MI]

Lanse,

You've received a lot of good advice here. The bottom line is that if you want to do anything much more than airing up tires, you'll need a serious air compressor. That doesn't mean you need to spend an arm and a leg, though.

A big factor in your decision is whether or not you have 240V power available. If you can't get 240, then you'll be limited to pretty puny compressors. Certainly a lot of folks get by with the smaller units, but the leap to 240 gets you into units that will do serious work. Even the smaller 240V units will handle most of your needs.

Be leery of used compressors. There are a lot of good deals out there, but some older units will have rotted-out tanks because they weren't drained regularly.

 

[jose bagge]

Lanse, an air compressor was the very first "big tool" I ever bought... it was a 3HP sears that I bought in 1974 when I was 14 years old. I build and painted a lot of cars with that thing- still have it, still use it. Unlike the cars that will come and go, a compressor will be around for a long time with even minimum care ( mine sat outside for 20 years because I didn't have a garage, and was wired to mom's dryer with romex).Get the best one you can afford now, 3hp or more 220 volt, and you will have it for a long time.
My next purchase, at 15, was a WARDS buzz box welder- still have that rascal too! built my first oval track car with that- and my first trailer, sheet metal brake, and.......>
Once you get a compressor, a welder and a torch, you can make any damn thing else you will ever need.

 

[flashback]

Saw 2 110 single stage 20 gal compressors in the last few weeks that all touted 175 PSI> When I get well ennough to get in town I will report. Jack

 

[Mark-Mi]

Lanse,I have a bone to pick with your father.I have two sons ages 19 and 21.Both are bookworms in college,they don't care for mechanical things.I am ok with that.I tell them both learn how to work on your own stuff or figure to make alot of money and pay someone else to.But if I had a son or daughter that was interested in mechanical things and had the gumption to go out and work on them rather than sit in the house and play video games I would buy them all the tools needed so they could continue to learn.Quality tools last a lifetime and are a good investment in your future.Bought my first Craftsmen tools when I was 12 years old,bought more yesterday.I'll get off my stump now,got to go out to the shop and help my son put new front rotors and calipers on his car.He's home for the weekend.
Lance,do not buy a oilless diaphram pump air compresser they are extremely loud.Now see if your Father will spring for a good one,it would be a benifit to him to around the homestead.
Keep up the good work Lanse you are learning alot.MArk

 

[Lanse]

Thanks!! I too have lately got alot of craftsmans. I'm not your kid, but i'd love an offer like that, oh well I'm not gonna chase it, after 2 new tractors and a bench grinder and some wrenches, and a drill, plus some implements, i dont want to push it, all i can do is to thank him, LOL

 

[Lanse]

duely noted

 

[Lanse]

i know. All we have here is 120 volt, the standerd outlet like what this computor is plugged into.

 

[jose bagge]

you've got 220- it's what your mom's dryer plugs into! lots of romex wire and a Home Depot plug will get ya going! You'll need it for your welder too.

another option- gas power. I just bought a 6hp Honda powered Emglo at auction for $50....I use it at the barn,in the feilds and tote it around in golf cart to fix fences with an air framer- something like that would be kick-a in a barn w/o 220

 

[Anonymous-0]

You need at least 6cfm at 90lbs for an impact wrench. A spray gun needs around 40lbs. That compresser just wont do it. Look at the tools you want to run see their needs at pressure and cubic feet minute or cfm. If you must buy from SEARS go to a store and look at them as they us ually have a list of what models will run what. You sure dont need 175 lbs anything that has around 100 lbs will do its CFM.

 

[Steven f/AZ]

Better pic of my compressor:

I have done several painting jobs with a compressor of this size. You just need an HVLP gun to make it work well.

The little coil air hose is only good for airing up tires - not enough air gets through it to run an impact or ratchet. Have to get the bigger hose down for those jobs.

I don't think you need a 220v compressor at this time. I am quite happy with my 120v and it is infinitely portable and will work anywhere that there is a standard outlet. It's easy to take it to friends houses if I need to work on their cars, etc. A 220v would just be stuck next to my 220v outlet in the garage...

 

[MarkB_MI]

Lanse,

Before I got my shop built, I ran a dedicated 240V line into my garage to run my MIG welder and my compresser. It will cost around 100 bucks to do it yourself, depending on how far the garage is from the house circuit breaker panel. That's assuming that you have a couple of spaces open in your panel. I'm not going to say much more than that, becuase the Code Nazis will jump all over me if I give you the step-by-step instructions. I'll just leave it that it can be done, and that it should probably be done by a professional.

 

[Dick L]

It seems as every body has money to buy just about anything.
My first air compressor was a belt driven refrigeration compressor. I found a gas water heater at the dump and removed the tank. I installed a pressure switch and used an air hose to connect the compressor to the tank. My cost was the air hoses, fittings and the pressure switch. It was slow but I painted cars for extra money using it as well as anything else I needed to do except sand blast. I am back to 1960 here but I used it until 1976 when I started my factory and bought larger machinery.

 

[Alex-41JDb]

Yea steven i got that same one for $220 at HD with a full set of air tools around christmas.

 

[papafoutz]

At your age get a good one. It will last you a long time. I just bought a 60 gal. from TSC to replace a sears that I had since 1985. The tank on the craftsman got a hole in it so I thought I would replace it. I took my parts list to the store with the number of the tank, and they said they dont stock it anymore. Too old!
Well the heck with them
So get a campbell Hausfeld that is sold by a lot of places. The one I have is build by them

your neighbor
papafoutz
Oxford

 

[RandyB(MI)]

Exactly the same as my first compressor. Used it for 7 or 8 yrs till it finally puked. 1981 sold a Trans-Am that I built from a total,used the profit ($1700) to buy a new Ingersol Rand 5hp/80 gal 2stage industrial (type 30 pump). Used it to make a living for a lot of yrs. Havn't had to do anything but routine maint. in all these yrs. Best investment I ever made. Still have AND use the first spray gun I ever owned (Binks 69) only rebuilt once. Same story with National Detroit DA sander , air board sander and B/D 10amp 3000 rpm buffer. What really bothers me is the steady stream of gas price complainers turning into and spending their "gas" money at the "Native American" casino 2 miles from me in central MI. Maybe the indians aren't as mentally challenged as we thought. They are buying back 1000,s of acres of white man land useing white man money dropped into a slot in a stupid machine with a computer chip that says "you loose" 80% of the time. So you see it isn't only the foriegners buying out our country , the very people us smart "white people" stole the land from in the first place are useing our very own money to buy it back. IN OTHER WORDS WE ARE GIVING OUR LAND TO THEM!!!!!

 

[Anonymous-0]

What goes around comes around