110 V compressor options???

[Scotty Dive]

I have a 5 hp CH compressor with a 30 gallon tank that produces 6.3 CFM at 90psi. I don't use the compressor much, but when I do, I need it to provide CFM's that this can't do. Mostly impact wrench and sand blaster, but have some cut off saws and tools that need high amount of air.

The problem I have is that I am running out of room to add a new breaker. I have a 20 amp 110 in the garage for the compressor now and have a 220V 40 amp that is for the stick welder plasma cutter. I might be able to add another 20 amp 110v (would have to move some stuff in the breaker box) to use with the existing 20 amp 110 v circuit. But - it is a royal pain to run a new circuit out to the garage. I don't think I can use the same 220V 40 amp for both the plasma cutter AND a compressor especially since they would be running at the same time.

So, in my searching I do not see anything in the 110v range that will have over 10 cfm's - but wanted to ask here if someone knows of another solution.

If I added more storage, would that even get me close to what I want to do? I also read where some folks added another compressor and t'd them together to up the CFM's. Not sure if I want to go that route if that is not safe.

 

[RPW]

For what you want to do nothing beats having the correct size for a compressor. A couple of things you can do. If you have a dryer, wire a new compressor to that. Use the same outlet that your welder uses. Get an electrician to increase your breaker capacity.

 

[GPintheMitten]

You could see if cheater (half size) breakers are available for your subpanel in the shop to free up space for a 220.

 

[Scotty Dive]

A couple of things you can do. If you have a dryer, wire a new compressor to that.

Unfortunately, the dryer is 3 feet from my main panel and it would be incredibly difficult to run wire from my panel to the garage even if I had the room in the panel

Use the same outlet that your welder uses.

I thought of that, but the 220 out in the garage is 40 amp and it won't be enought for running the compressor and the plasma cutter and I would need to run both at the same time.

 

[radioman]

If you dont want to upgrade your panel or use cheater half breakers nor run another wire to garage properly , I guess your only other option is a gas air compressor.

 

[Soundguy]

i'd double up on the welder plug and just STOP plasma cutting during those 45 seconds the air comp is charging up.

get an upright 60g 3-5hp compressor.

consumer grade CH compressors can be had for 460$ at box stores. I picked up on last year.. can't believe I waited so long. runs 3/4" and 1" air tools mighty fine. and with that 60g storage.. it should run the air needs of the plasma cutter a decent time between cycles. plumb in the 30g tank for extra capacity..

 

[Scotty Dive]

i'd double up on the welder plug and just STOP plasma cutting during those 45 seconds the air comp is charging up.

Do you think it will trip the breaker when the compressor starts to run?

Also did you get a single stage or two stage?

 

[Soundguy]

doesn't trip my welder breaker.. I think I'm on a 40

depends on what comp you get. 2 stage

 

[Scotty Dive]

Soundguy...you got a two stage for $460????.

So far the best for me is the kobalt labeled CH from Lowe's but its a twin cylinder single stage

 

[Soundguy]

i did weeks of searching and comparisons... it isn't a 150 or 135 like I wanted.. I think it is a 125.. but it's cfm are like 13.5.. higher than the singles I was seeing at 135/150 / 10ish.

by the time tax hit it it was around 500$.

Not sure why.. but it was eoither sale or clearanced.

did not look like a return or damaged as all the aprts were there and bagged and electric looked like it had not been hooked yet.

perhaps last years model maybee? dunno.. but I didn't argue much.

i had been needing more shop air for a long time.

I had another upright that was single stage that I sold to work when their upright took a dump. figured I didn't need it anymore.. I still have a couple 110v comps hanging around for tire filling..e tc.

ps.. just so we are clear.. the new unit i got was a 220v model.. not 110v