Need Air Compressor and Bench Grinder advice.

[jeffinsgf]

"Portable" is a relative term. I have a DeWalt/Emglo portable that is a real workhorse. I've run that thing hard and put it away wet, and it just keeps on delivering. However, you don't just pick it up and carry it anywhere you want. I also have a Rol-Air that is a lot more luggable, but it's electrics don't like to work on a long extension cord (it takes several seconds to start and sometimes trips its thermal).

I got one of these: Senco PC1010 Portable Electric Air Compressor in a package deal with a Senco stapler. In a moment of complete madness (and generosity) I gave it to my BIL that didn't have a compressor at all, when I had three. That little Senco was the handiest thing I've seen in a long time. It was perfect for taking through the house to use air tools on site. It didn't care how long an extension cord you used. You can carry it anywhere you want and it had enough power to air up big tractor tires and run pneumatic nailers of any type...but of course it fails on high air consumers. If you're in need of any kind of nailer, it's almost always packaged with pinners and nailers where the cost of the compressor is getting down in the $50 range. No, it isn't one you would want for your only compressor, but for real portability, you can't beat it.

 

[George2615]

I bought the Husky 80 gallon air compressor at HD a few years ago to replace a 25 years plus 60 gallon one in my garage. I waited for a sale and got it for a good price. I think it was around $750 with the sale price. Last month I bought a portable compressor (also at HD) on sale for $99. to run my Porter Cable air nailer. No problems with either one.
For a bench grinder I use a 6" 1/2 HP unit. I don't do any heavy grinding, mainly for sharpening drill bits with a fine stone on one side and a brass wire wheel on the other. For heavy grinding you should get an 8" with a 3/4 HP. I like the light on my grinder.

 

[JOE G]

I picked up the Craftsmen 8 Inch Grinder with a Light, Works well.

 

[JOE G]

Guys How Many amps does a 80 Gal 220 V 5 to 7.5 HP Air compressor usally use?

 

[joshuabardwell]

1 HP equals 746 watts. 8 HP is just under 6000 watts. 6000 / 240 = 25 amps. That's at 100% efficiency though, so actual draw will be higher. Let's say worst case is 50% efficiency, so actual draw should not exceed 50 amps. Not counting surge current, of course. Actual efficiency may be 70-90%.

 

[JOE G]

I am wiring everything up, And I don't have the Compressor narrowed down yet. SO I want to get a rough Idea,
This is what I have,
I have a 220 run with 12 2 or 12 3 Romex with a double 20 Amp Breaker
then I have a much larger 220 with a 50 Amp Breaker.
I am not a electrical guy someone ran this for me, one was sup to be for a compressor and one for a welder.

 

[Turbys_1700]

"Portable" is a relative term. I have a DeWalt/Emglo portable that is a real workhorse. I've run that thing hard and put it away wet, and it just keeps on delivering. However, you don't just pick it up and carry it anywhere you want. I also have a Rol-Air that is a lot more luggable, but it's electrics don't like to work on a long extension cord (it takes several seconds to start and sometimes trips its thermal).

I got one of these: Senco PC1010 Portable Electric Air Compressor in a package deal with a Senco stapler. In a moment of complete madness (and generosity) I gave it to my BIL that didn't have a compressor at all, when I had three. That little Senco was the handiest thing I've seen in a long time. It was perfect for taking through the house to use air tools on site. It didn't care how long an extension cord you used. You can carry it anywhere you want and it had enough power to air up big tractor tires and run pneumatic nailers of any type...but of course it fails on high air consumers. If you're in need of any kind of nailer, it's almost always packaged with pinners and nailers where the cost of the compressor is getting down in the $50 range. No, it isn't one you would want for your only compressor, but for real portability, you can't beat it.

About 25 years ago or so I won an Emglo portable that has two saddle tanks...
Probably about the same unit you have and that darn thing is absolutely indestructible...
I think I changed the oil in it 1 time just for funsies...
It is a heavy bugger and well built...
I guess it is the oiled compressor that gives it the longevity...

 

[JOE G]

I am looking at these two,

Craftsman 2 Stage Air Compressor: Get the Power to Push through Every Job with Sears

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

I am unsure on the wire size on the 50 amp circuit but i can find out.

 

[joshuabardwell]

I have a 220 run with 12 2 or 12 3 Romex with a double 20 Amp Breaker then I have a much larger 220 with a 50 Amp Breaker.
I am not a electrical guy someone ran this for me, one was sup to be for a compressor and one for a welder.

The 12-2 is good for 20 amps, hence the 20 amp breaker. My off-the-cuff math up there will get you in the ball park, but really, you need to look at the specs for the actual compressor you're considering. Still, if you're in the 5-8 amp range, I think you're pretty much guaranteed to exceed 20 amps.

For 50-amp service, you need at least 6-gauge wire, but if the circuit is dedicated to a welder, the NEC allows you to use a smaller-gauge wire, because it is known that the welder will not be run at 100% duty cycle. If the electrician took this into account, you may have smaller wire feeding the 50-amp receptacle, and it may not actually be good for 50 amps if you're running anything other than a welder. You really need to know the wire gauge that's feeding the 50-amp circuit, which should be printed on the wire sheathing.

I have done a little bit of web searching, and for a compressor that is rated in the 5-8 HP range, it seems like you would probably be okay with a 30-amp circuit.

 

[JOE G]

I think it is #6 Wire on the 50 Amp Circuit. I forgot to check today. I know he did not under size the wire.

I always thought 220 was 200, never thought about different amps.