Air compressor question.... - Page 2

abl1111 · #11 03-17-2006, 08:01 PM

I guess this is as good as time as any to get some info I was wondering about:

I want to buy a compressor that will allow me to shoot paint, use a D/A, impact wrenches, etc as well as nailguns.

What are the requirements I need in a compressor ? Portability would be great too, but I think that is asking for a lot.

Thx

Bryan A. · #12 03-17-2006, 09:31 PM

Wart - What is the second ball valve for? I assume you have them t'd together somehow and open the valve to allow the old tank to fill, where does the second valve come in? Just wondering. I am doing exactly what you did only on a smaller scale, I am connecting them to my makeshift manifold with quick connectors and flexible hose because the two compressors are portable.

abl1111 - The short answer is the biggest you can afford. From what I gather you are basically looking at HP of the motor, capacity in gallons of the tank, Max PSI and most important CFM or cubic feet per minute. I am sure others will add to my list.

warthog5 · #13 03-17-2006, 11:22 PM

With the 2 valves it put's the 60gal tank in series with the 80gal and the main air line in the shop.

The air goes from the 80gal in the top of the 60gal and then out the side of the 60gal to the main line.

If I didn't have 2 valves the air would go in the main line from the 80gal and then backup into the 60gal tank.

This stuff is all stationary and hard plumbed.

I dialed down the regulator switch on the 80gal. It is designed for 175psi. I have it set at 150psi because the 60gal tank is not rated that high.

Bryan A. · #14 03-18-2006, 09:59 AM

I see.

alarie · #15 03-18-2006, 11:58 AM

For compressors, the DA sander is the air hog and is what you have to account for when buying a compressor. I think that 5HP is a bit small and will not keep up with constant sander use, but 7.5 HP and 80 gal will keep up just fine. We have a portable 5 HP gas compressor that will run 1 DA pretty well, but it is loud and you need a good air treatment set up as the pump gets very hot and the air gets real wet.

Otherwise you are going with a fixed unit. Get a 3 phase unit if you have that type of power, as a 7.5 hp 220v unit also hogs juice. The higer cost will soon be covered by reduced elec bills if you are going to use it a lot.

nestorpr · #16 03-18-2006, 07:34 PM

I also suggest you take a look at a quality compressor, I work for a subsidiary of Ingersoll-Rand, maker of one, if not, the best air compressors and air tools in the world. Take a look at their line in air.irco.com and let me know which model(s) you're interested in and I'll see what price I can get for you.

warthog5 · #17 03-18-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Get a 3 phase unit if you have that type of power

I have only known of one house in my life that had 3phase power.
That was because it had a full machine shop in the basement.

Pay attention to the advertised CFM and the actual CFM. That unit I have has the chart's for actual CFM non of the other's I looked at had that and I did a lot of reserch.

#18 03-18-2006, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Get a 3 phase unit if you have that type of power

Don't know about RI but down here in Texas our power company will not give you three phase at a residential location power unless you have a commercial application, even though repairing a classic seacraft could be considered one of the most important jobs in the world, I don't think any electrical provider would think that boat repair would warrant three phase service not only that but installing a three phase service from the meter loop on in is the responsiblity of the resident and is very costly. I would venture to say that he would be able to buy several compressors that would suite his application for the cost of a installing a three phase service.