Compressor questions

[jimmyj]

My old compressor finally bit the dust. I need to replace it, but don't know much about them. At first look, they sure are expensive but I don't want to get one that's too small. My old one looked to be about 20 gal size but didn't have any markings on it. It really was not strong enough to take off tough bolts with the airgun (my pal has a HUGE one and his takes the same bolts no problem). I have 120 in my shop for power, but that can be changed.

Can you please comment as to whether or not a 60 gal compressor would be enough to use auto repair air tools?

Here are the details on the 60 gal one
7 peak HP belt drive motor
Cast iron twin cylinder pump
155 PSI max pressure
Spread voltage motor allows unit to operate on 208-230V without any wiring changes
13.4 CFM at 40PSI, 11.5 CFM at 90 PSI
Two year manufacturer's warranty

Or, is a 20 gal enough as follows?
5 peak HP belt drive
Cast iron twin cylinder pump
155 max PSI
Pneumatic tires for maximum portability
Dual voltage motor is wired for standard 120V outlet and can be converted for 240 volt applications
7CFM at 40 PSI, 5.7CFM at 90 PSI
2-year manufacturer's warranty

Any comments would be much appreciated.

 

[oldnslo]

I have a unit very similar in description to the 20 gallon. It will not run a 1/2 impact for any length of time with out loosing pressure. Works good for short burst like removing mower blades, lug nuts etc.

My guess is that the 5 HP is actually a 1 1/2 HP motor which draws 16 amps 120 VAC

Roy

 

[Bird]

I have a unit very similar in description to the 20 gallon. It will not run a 1/2 impact for any length of time with out loosing pressure. Works good for short burst like removing mower blades, lug nuts etc.

My guess is that the 5 HP is actually a 1 1/2 HP motor which draws 16 amps 120 VAC

Roy

Good answers.

 

[tdjma]

Ive seen campbell hausefield 60gal 2 stage reconditioned for 379. yesterday with a 3 year warrenty! and for most airtools 60 to 90 gal is a huge improvement especially with the new media blaster that uses baking soda

 

[automech]

I have a big portable 110v unit at home and use it a lot for auto repairs. It is adequate for auto repair. It is belt driven, 2 cyl, cast iron, US made. It is 20 plus years old and still runs the same as it did when it was new. Once in a while if I lay on the impact on a very stubborn nut (we're talking 30 seconds or more), I have to wait for the compressor to cycle. That doesnt happen too often though. If you have the room, wiring, and don't care about portabillity, I would get the 60 gal 220v. 5hp 220v would be nice for home use. Mine is a Big Red, and I think I paid 500 for it. They are making the Snap on compressors,and the still look like a nice unit, but are overpriced imho. I like the looks of the Ingersol portable 110v unit. Check these guys out too, they seem like a good outfit
Eaton Compressor & Fabrication Inc

 

[jimmyj]

Thanks guys. The prices in Canada are higher, the 60 is $650 right now.

I'll keep looking around. The Eaton units look great but that's pretty far away from me. I would like something US or Canadian made though.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Thanks guys. The prices in Canada are higher, the 60 is $650 right now.

I'll keep looking around. The Eaton units look great but that's pretty far away from me. I would like something US or Canadian made though.

I can't speak for all of the Eaton compressors, but I got their little 5 gallon unit a few years back, and I've really liked it. It seems well built.

 

[oldnslo]

Not sure how the economy is in your area but around here there are quite a few small industrial compressors available rather inexpensively. Some are single phase and some are three phase. They where used by the small job shops that have closed their doors. Might be an option in your area also.

Roy

 

[mrennie]

Princess Auto sells their own line of compressors. Here is the samllest one I would consider buying:

60 gallon 5 hp compressor | Electric | Compressors | Air | Princess Auto

Should be able to pick one up on sale at one of their Ontario stores if you are patient.

 

[kenmac]

I bought 1 of these several yrs ago for my shop. Professional quality air compressor, air compressors at discount prices It's the 7 th down the page 318 VL 7.5 hp. It has been a very good compressor. Prices have gone up a bit. I think I paid around $1200- $1300 delivered. It produces all the CFM'S that I've needed

 

[George2615]

My 60 gallon tank air compressor bit the dust a while ago. I replaced it with a Husky brand 80 gallon tank. Got it from Home Depot. For general garage use of air tools a 60 gallon tank compressor will get you by just fine. I used mine for about 30 years before the tank rusted out. I went with the 80 gallon unit to have a little more reserve when for using a sandblaster. The 60 gallon couldn't recover fast enough and had to stop often and let it build up pressure. You'll need the higher CFM unit for an impact gun.
Use 220V if possible, it will cost less to run. I have my pressure set for 140-150 and mine came with a built in regulator for reducing pressure to two ports. That is real handy for using my paint spray gun.