Air compressors

diesel lover · Feb 5, 2014

Hey there. I'm a heavy truck technician. I'm trying to buy a house in the near future and was wondering what kind of air compressors/Cfm/ hose size you guys were wondering. At my last job we had screw type compressors like a engine supercharger that filled 500 gallon propane tank sized air tanks. They kept at a constant 125 psi. The air pressure was there and the Cfm was there as well to support a 1 inch air impact gun for most uses. The 3/8 air line was at times restrictive. So what do you guys have set up for your workshop? My friends garage has a 26 or 30 gallon air compressor with 1/4 fittings that has plenty of power for my air tools when it comes to repairs on my pickup truck. All my air tools have 3/8 fittings installed. I would like to know your set up. For most of my experience under 5 Cfm won't supply a lot of air tool power

Western · Feb 5, 2014

I have bought 2 of the Inger-sol Rands from different dealers. I believe they are the T-30 model. About 1k and will run most any shop tool and then some, even light siphon sand blasting. They last along time, my 1st one is still going strong after 15 years.

Last one I got a year ago when I got a 15% off promo from tractor supply, 1k -15% 15.8 CFM

Here it is with description, I think it's the best you can do for the $$ and work great for what you're going to do.

Ingersoll Rand® 5HP Air Compressor, 80 gal. - Tractor Supply Co.

Had to Edit: has a 1/2" pipe thread for air service discharge. 2 stage for not much more than a single, unless you get a coupon and at times they go on sale.

diesel lover · Feb 5, 2014

Very good. I got tired of not being able to air up my own tires so I bought a new in box air compressor for 45$. It's great for tires. It's 2 gallon and portable and was 100$ new. All the air pumps at gas stations went down in the cold weather. I told a friend I was thinking of buying an air compressor because I was so tired of not being able to take care of my own tires as needed and he had this compressor he sold me. Yes it would be nice to have something large enough to power all my air tools. But I will wait till I find the perfect deal, and I'm able to afford it. I don't figure personally anything under 26 gallon would be worth it for my air tools so the compressor I have now is great till that time comes. I am still trying to buy a house and would like a heated garage before a large air compressor

diesel lover · Feb 5, 2014

Just as well my air compressor is oil- less. Wouldn't an oiled air compressor last more years than an oil-less? I'm not familiar with household air compressors only comercial, larger air compressors.

deerseeker001 · Feb 5, 2014

I have one large compressor and one mobile 5 hp.It is nice to have the air you need for air tools.

diesel lover · Feb 5, 2014

deerseeker001 said:
I have one large compressor and one mobile 5 hp.It is nice to have the air you need for air tools.

you mentioned the mobile air compressor being 5 horse power that reminded me, we had two liquid propane powered air compressors at work. They had 20 gallon tanks both IR brand with Koehler engines. They kept up well as needed. Although they were only 20 gallon they had a cutoff air pressure of 200 psi

grsthegreat · Feb 5, 2014

I have a 60 gallon dual stage compressor i got from Lowes about 6 years ago. works flawlessly. Oil bath type.

I run mine thru a harbor freight refrigerated line cooler that gets rid of 99% of the moisture, and have an additional dry paper filter after that. Ive never had to replace the dry filter in all these years. I need absolutely dry air for my plasma bench. I believe (if memory isnt failing) i have 12 CFM @ 90PSI.

The scroll type compressors are best, but a good one will set you back 3 grand or up to 6 grand if you want the air dryer package (i just installed one in cabinet shop last month - $5,900 )

On my shop i ran type L copper 3/4" lines throughout shop and have 50 foot self retract reels at both ends. I have air wherever i need it.

bdog · Feb 5, 2014

You definitely want an oiled compressor. Oil less are loud and don't last as long.

Bigger is better especially if you are going to use it. Get a 2 stage which will get you 175 psi. Go with at least a 60 gallon tank, and preferably a true 7.5 hp motor but at least a 5hp. Mine is 80 gallon, 7.5 hp and around 24 CFM and it works nice. I have it regulated down to 110 or so psi in my shop but the compressor and tank are set to 175 so I always have a reserve. The only time I have ever ran out of air was sandblasting and for that I use my diesel 210 CFM rotary screw. The compressor runs everything else fine including 1" impacts, DA sanders, etc. A good brand to check out and a place to do some reading is Air Compressor Parts : Variable Frequency Drive : Variable Speed Drives : Piston Air Compressors : EatonCompressor.com

Larry Caldwell · Feb 5, 2014

Air is like water, the longer the run the less you will get through the hose. If you are setting up a shop, hang 3/4" black iron around the perimeter or overhead, and install connectors on T's. You can get a lot of air through a 3/8" hose if it's only 20 feet long.

For real air tool use, including air sanders that run continually, a 5 hp single stage compressor is about minimum.