I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for setting up an air compressor in a new shop I am doing. I have always used "portable" type compressors with 150-200psi capacity. I do not know a lot about compressors but do have need to be able to fill up large tractor and front end loader type tires with air. I also use "a lot" of air to blow out swather heads and other debris from equipment after field work and my existing compressors run out of air faster than I need so I have to wait for the tank to re fill. Other than that, the smaller portable type compressors usually do fine. What is the difference between two stage compressors and any other advise or experience would be welcomed. I am thinking I would pipe some outlets throughout the shop to be able to hook into different areas with hoses depending on where I am working on the equipment. Not long runs, but maybe 50 feet or so. Thanks in advance for advise.
Compressor for a shop
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jthibodeau89
Gold Member
The 5hp 10cfm with 60 gal tank is what i consider minimum for a shop. 2 stage for 175psi. Plumb in an air header with 6-10 drops depending on shop layout. Do NOT use PVC pipe, only black iron or the new plug and play aluminum or PEX kits. Also hang a 50' or 100' hose reel near the roll up door. You may want to include a trans cooler heat exhanger and water separator between pump and tank. Be sure to consider how you plan to drain water from tank
I have a 1" header loop around the perimeter of the shop with 10 drops and a 100' hose reel.. Some drops are dedicated for a blaster cabinet, parts washer, plasma cutter, lathe and mill, etc. Header is fed by a 7.5hp, 20cfm compressor with 80 gal tank with after cooler and water separator. Compressor is outside shop in a small leanto shed on back wall. Leanto contains compressor, cooler, and RPC. Intent is to keep noise outside.
I have a 1" header loop around the perimeter of the shop with 10 drops and a 100' hose reel.. Some drops are dedicated for a blaster cabinet, parts washer, plasma cutter, lathe and mill, etc. Header is fed by a 7.5hp, 20cfm compressor with 80 gal tank with after cooler and water separator. Compressor is outside shop in a small leanto shed on back wall. Leanto contains compressor, cooler, and RPC. Intent is to keep noise outside.
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ultrarunner
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Noise is important if you have to.be around it all day...
Fallon
Super Member
Use copper, iron, or PEX pipe. Never use PVC pipe for air line. It fragments like a grenade when it breaks & is brittle.
Only set the compressor for the pressure you need. Don't get something compressing to 175psi if you only need 100psi. Lots of wasted energy & CFM doing unnecessary work.
Not all 5hp compressors are equal. Many are way over rated. When comparing, look at the CFM they deliver at a standard pressure. To some degree you can also compare amp ratings. Most motors are similar efficiency, so more amps means more power.
I got a good 5hp Quincy with an 80 gallon tank. Cost a fair bit more than a 5hp Quincy at the farm store, but has more power & what not. In all fairness most of the "5hp" 60 or 80 gallon units are good for a lot of home shops & a good deal.
Only set the compressor for the pressure you need. Don't get something compressing to 175psi if you only need 100psi. Lots of wasted energy & CFM doing unnecessary work.
Not all 5hp compressors are equal. Many are way over rated. When comparing, look at the CFM they deliver at a standard pressure. To some degree you can also compare amp ratings. Most motors are similar efficiency, so more amps means more power.
I got a good 5hp Quincy with an 80 gallon tank. Cost a fair bit more than a 5hp Quincy at the farm store, but has more power & what not. In all fairness most of the "5hp" 60 or 80 gallon units are good for a lot of home shops & a good deal.
grsthegreat
Super Star Member
Mine is 80 gallon upright, copper piped thru shop. I also have a refrigerated water separator and inline filter to protect my cnc plasma cutter. Have a 50’ self roll hose at each side of shop.
only thingni wish is that i had installed compressor outside shop, but i had to prevent freezing during winter. The noise sucks.
only thingni wish is that i had installed compressor outside shop, but i had to prevent freezing during winter. The noise sucks.
jigs_n_fixtures
Veteran Member
Only thing to add, is that you might consider an auto drain system. The one I put in the shop at work, opens the tank drain at least once a day for one minute to dump the condensate. It has a timer clock, set to do it once for every hour of operation, or once per day.
The one we installed came from the local NAPA.
The one we installed came from the local NAPA.
The pressure operation is important, but more important is the cubic feet of air needed to operate tools. Tools such as a rotery cuttoff tool (we always called a whizzer) and other rotory cutting tools can take a lot of cfm.
fatjay
Veteran Member
I've had a half dozen compressors. Until I bought my jenny compressor, only 10 gallons but it fills up quick, and most importantly, it's whisper quiet. Supplies my air tools just fine with 2 hoses off the outlet and 2 guns running guns. Sure with low capacity it runs a good deal. But you could stand next to it and have a conversation with someone at normal volumes.
bdhsfz6
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A lot of good comments above. The only thing I can add is use at least 1/2" hose / pipe for your remote runs to maintain PSI & CFM.
pokey1416
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I bought this one last year when on sale for $329 or $349. It runs what I need ok and when the big garage interior is finished I’ll move it there and have my son (sprinkler pipe fitter) plumb it in. It is amazingly quiet. I debated between this one and Harbor Freight quiet model.
