Air Compressor Question?
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I've had a 20gal with real pistons, not the diaphragm type for 30 some yrs...
It will handle air power tools with its 6.7 CFP at 90psi,
A smaller one just won't keep up with most air powered tools.
It will handle air power tools with its 6.7 CFP at 90psi,
A smaller one just won't keep up with most air powered tools.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 12
From: by Chesapeake Bay
I have a 240V, 80 Gal, 5hp, 2-stage unit. Craftsman Professional. I'm not an expert, but I did a fair amount of research before I bought it and found several folks who stated that the oil-less kind are not a good choice. That may only apply to larger units, and it may be that all of the smaller units are oil-less, but I wanted to let you know. Craftsman makes nice compressors, among many others. CFM is the big number to look for, generally speaking, if you may run tools with it.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
I have an industrial 3 phase unit that I converted over to 14HP gas engine...
It has an 80gal tank, with 1.25" outlet. This is a BEAST! Don't remember the CFMs, but you could push your MC across the street with it! That is overkill, for most DIY'ers...
I also have a small pancake compressor I bought as a kit, with 3 nail guns, made by Porter-Cable. You can get these at most Home Depot or other building supply. (Harbor Freight has a copy with 150psi). I believe the out put is around 12cfm, 135psi, 3gal tank. I use this one almost exclusively working in my shop. Runnin air ratchets, impact guns, and air hammer. The low cfm and volume insists that I wait for it to build up now and then, but it isn't that inconvenient. I even remove my compensator nut/mainshaft pully with it. The output is not sufficient to blowdry the bike. I use my 5hp shop vac (in reversed mode) for that..
It all depends on YOUR needs. Easy to say you'd be better off doin this or that, but if you'll never be doin production work, many of the smaller units may serve you well...
It has an 80gal tank, with 1.25" outlet. This is a BEAST! Don't remember the CFMs, but you could push your MC across the street with it! That is overkill, for most DIY'ers...
I also have a small pancake compressor I bought as a kit, with 3 nail guns, made by Porter-Cable. You can get these at most Home Depot or other building supply. (Harbor Freight has a copy with 150psi). I believe the out put is around 12cfm, 135psi, 3gal tank. I use this one almost exclusively working in my shop. Runnin air ratchets, impact guns, and air hammer. The low cfm and volume insists that I wait for it to build up now and then, but it isn't that inconvenient. I even remove my compensator nut/mainshaft pully with it. The output is not sufficient to blowdry the bike. I use my 5hp shop vac (in reversed mode) for that..
It all depends on YOUR needs. Easy to say you'd be better off doin this or that, but if you'll never be doin production work, many of the smaller units may serve you well...
Banned
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 1
+1 on the pawn shops i got lucky got mine at base it was on sale with all the tools and lines for 350
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 793
Likes: 1
From: Mt. Clemens, Mi
I have a Craftsman 30 gal, oilless. I use it a couple times a week, wrenching on cars, blowing the garage out. Wouldnt use it for drying the bike. Use a shop vac on reverse. If you're lively hood relies on it, go big. If its just tinkering, check craigslist or pawn for a Craftsman or Harbor frieght.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,890
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