What is a good size compressor?

[M4]

Running on 220v uses half the starting amps as 120v.

[M4]

I bought this Champion 5hp 3 phase for $99, wired it up to my RPC and runs great.

[unknown force]

found this one on craigslist for $100, craftsman

[M4]

I have a Craftsman oilless at it very loud, beware. Can you hear it run?

[jcannon]

Six months ago I bought a Quincy compressor. Belt driven, 2 stage, 4 cylinder, made in the USA. It is very close to the model John Henry describes earlier in this thread. I'd never heard of the brand before buying it.

My only regret is I did not buy it ten years ago. I'd tried a lot of solutions, like ganging two compressors together. The new Quincy is so much better -- it will recharge and shut off while I'm using my air tools. It is so much quieter.

When I read the specs it didn't appear to be worth 2X what the compressors in the big box stores cost. Once I used it, all I can say is wow! It is worth every penny.

[mark tucker]

[Dauz]

What's a DA?

What's a TLA?

[busmania]

Anybody use this compressor? Seems like a decent choice for the $$$. 2 stage, 17cfm at 100 psi and 15.8cfm at 175psi. Would this be a good choice as a hobbyist? Do you think it would keep up with a cabinent style sand blaster as well as some body tools? Ive been shopping for a compressor for a while and it is all a little overwhelming. Thank you.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_222050-14989-LV5248069_0__...compressor

[busmania]

Anyone have any thoughts on this compressor? It will only be used maybe 5 hours/week with an occasional 20-30hours of work per week (once a year maybe). Thank you.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_222050-14989-LV5248069_0__...compressor

[Chubber]

Whatever kind of compressor you buy, there are two simple things you can do to help it work it's best.

1) The copper pipe that runs from the compressor head to the tank is usually very short and direct. Mine used compression fittings. I took off the 1 foot pipe and replaced it with a 8 foot coil of copper pipe. I bent it around and placed it in the airflow from the cooling fan. When running non-stop I get much lower tank air temps, increasing my effective CFM.

2) I got a 120V biscuit fan from some surplus electronics and wired it in parallel with the engine. I direct that right at the compressor cylinder head. Most of the pulley fans blow air over the crankcase, but it's the head that makes the heat. Again, my head temps fell and my air temps fell. I put a second fan on the electric motor, but it doesn't seem to help as much, it already has a pretty effective internal fan.

Lastly, my experience is that a lot of people complain that their compressor can't run big impact wrenches or saws or other high-use tools. But I see a lot of them with 4, 5 or even a dozen quick connectors in the airstream on the way to the tool. Every one of those will cut your flow downstream. Use a single large hose if you can. Or, put a surge tank at the end of your run. A 20 lb propane tank with a T adapter on top will be filled from the main line, but give you a surge that you can use for impact wrenches and the like. Just move it close to your work.

Lastly: Drain your compressor and change your oil. You know you have been putting it off
_________________
Chubber
'71 Deluxe 7 Passenger Bus (Resto thread)
'72 Fastback
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[vws-microcars4jim]

[eshan2]

You can't go wrong with a Quincy.I have a 7 hp 80 gal tank.They run at half the rpms of others and are a lot quieter.Mine delivers 25 cfm @90 psi.So it will cycle on and off like it should and not run its self to death.Don't forget a good quality high flowing regulator either.DeVilbiss or something similar.This may run another 100 bucks or so.
_________________
I love the smell of nitro in the morning.
1963 Beetle currently under reconstruction.
Ernest.

[JerryMCarter1]

You need 12 Cubic feet per minute to DA and to paint without the compressor getting to hot

When compressors get hot they tend to deposit water vapor in the line -- not good for paint

All the other information means nothing !

Harbor freight has several

[busmania]

Interesting, jerry. I think I see what you are getting at. However, I want to run a cabinet sand blaster so I think I need more air. I am going with an 80 gallon and harbor freight only has as high as a 60 gallon. I also dont ever want to buy a compressor again so I am taking my time with my decision.

[JerryMCarter1]

gallons have absolutely nothing to do with it

the storage tank wil eventually run out

If you run consistantly you need 12 Cubic feet per minute of replentish air

I have owned 1/2 dozen compressors and painted hundreds of cars and semi trucks

good luck

[busmania]

OK, I am still shopping for the right compressor. Let me know what you all think.

My biggest concern is being able to run a cabinent style sandblaster. I am kind of lookign at this one, but I need the compressor first. This says air consumption is 7-15cfm. So, I assume 15is a closer, more accurate number for what it really needs.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200103074_200103074

So, I have about $1300 to spend, maybe $1500 but I would rather spend the extra $200 on accessories like air hoses, cut off tools etc. I would like a minimum of 15cfm at 90psi. Is this acheivable in my budget? What would you all recommend? Have any links? Im thinking an 80 gallon tank would be my minimum as far as tank size goes.

This has been the longest I have ever shopped for a tool, or anything for that matter, (going on over a year) but I am ready to make the leap. I just dont want to spend that kind of cash and then be dissapointed in its performance. I plan on sandblasting a lot (not commercially though, so not every day, probably like 1-4 times/month).

Thank you.

edit, This one still looks like a great bang for your buck deal, but I am hoping to hear from those that have used it.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_222050-14989-LV5248069_0__...compressor

one more edit: i have read this post 3-4 times and I still feel like Im spinning my wheels trying to find the right compressor.

[JerryMCarter1]

Each sandblaster has its own requirements - I know nothing about sandblasters - because I take my stuff and have it done. Are you real certain you want one of those things? You can get silicone in your lungs they are a messy dirty waste. And missing the fine dust around pain-- hope you have an outhouse somewhere.
Saving money on Paint is great and you will earn lots of $ dollars but you will save noting on blasting - a trunk load cost a $100--
For painting you need a 60 gallon at about 115 PSI with around 12 CF per minute- this will also run a DA- and a good copper coil for air cooling.
And make sure and get one from CRaig's list-- guys buy this stuff = use it a few times and then it is for sale at half price-- Lot of divorces and guys that have lost there job.
You need to spend about $500 on the above - offer much less than what they want-- they are ready to send it off to ST Vinnies

[oldvolkz]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tls/2367277590.html


this just came up on CL. Is it a good deal for 90.00??
thanks
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"if you want peace, you must work for justice"

[JerryMCarter1]

It looks a little small --You need at least 90 PSI but you must have at least 12 Cubic Feet of Volume or CFM -- to paint and run a DA and blast
_________________
Experience always triumphs over hearsay and You get to select which theory to believe

[oldvolkz]

thanks Jerry
_________________
"if you want peace, you must work for justice"