Air Compressor Question?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
& setting the E rated truck tires at 66 psi on the diesel, and setting the front tire at 40 psi on the sporty, and setting the wife's tires at whatever psi she wants, and knocking the dust off the truck wheels.......
I don't have any air tools, and can't see spending the money for any in the future; my limited tools that I already own do each job I need them to, and if/when I need additional, I'll go buy that one tool I need to accomplish the new task.
I don't have a leafblower, I don't worry about leaves, and use a broom in the garage.
I don't even want a leaf blower. I'm not going to use that thing to dry the Sportster any way, I might blow some dirt/gravel off it from hard to reach places, that's about it.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: California
A 20 gallon is what I have and use. It works good on tools, tires, and I do use it to blow off the dust off the bike and get the bulk of the water off after a wash.
I'm curious as to those that are saying not to use the compressor to blow dry a bike. It's worked well for me. The only problem I could see is if someone really bared down and had the nozzle way up close and somehow managed to get under a crack in the paint or a seal or something, but as long as you are operating it within reasonable distance from the surface, I'm not sure where the concern would be.
I'm curious as to those that are saying not to use the compressor to blow dry a bike. It's worked well for me. The only problem I could see is if someone really bared down and had the nozzle way up close and somehow managed to get under a crack in the paint or a seal or something, but as long as you are operating it within reasonable distance from the surface, I'm not sure where the concern would be.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 9
From: MA
If you are going to go with a Craftsman, take a look at the 25 gal vertical 2 stage. It is much quieter than the single stage oil free ones and gives on plenty of power to run just about anything. Only thing you won't be able to use is body work tools. This particular unit also is on wheels, so it's very easy to move around. Also, because it's a 2 stage, it can get to 175psi, which will give you about the same output as a 35 gal tank at 150psi. I've had mine for about 5 years now, with no issues.
As others have mentioned, you will end up with more than 1 if you buy too small. This is only 25 gal. and I have 3 compressors now before I got this one.
As others have mentioned, you will end up with more than 1 if you buy too small. This is only 25 gal. and I have 3 compressors now before I got this one.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 3
From: Stamford, CT
An oil less will be good for blowing the bike dry but they don't last as long as the oil type compressors. oil types could potentially blow oil mist all over your bike although I haven't heard anyone complain of that recently.
Get at least a 20gal tank. You'll need the volume for the light air tool stuff.
All that said I would recommend a leaf blower over the compressor for drying duties.
Get at least a 20gal tank. You'll need the volume for the light air tool stuff.
All that said I would recommend a leaf blower over the compressor for drying duties.
A 20 gallon is what I have and use. It works good on tools, tires, and I do use it to blow off the dust off the bike and get the bulk of the water off after a wash.
I'm curious as to those that are saying not to use the compressor to blow dry a bike. It's worked well for me. The only problem I could see is if someone really bared down and had the nozzle way up close and somehow managed to get under a crack in the paint or a seal or something, but as long as you are operating it within reasonable distance from the surface, I'm not sure where the concern would be.
I'm curious as to those that are saying not to use the compressor to blow dry a bike. It's worked well for me. The only problem I could see is if someone really bared down and had the nozzle way up close and somehow managed to get under a crack in the paint or a seal or something, but as long as you are operating it within reasonable distance from the surface, I'm not sure where the concern would be.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 44
From: Back woods of Maine
Dude!!! I have a 150 psi 15 gallon tank Craftsman Compressor!!!! It ain't nearly large enough!!! I have several tools, including a small grinder and an impact wrench. The guy at Sears told me that it would handle all of my tool needs----- It don't!!! My next compressor will have a much larger tank, or I won't buy it!!!!!!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,208
Likes: 374
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
In a shop, running a wide variety of tools, get the largest compressor you an find.
Check out the CFM at HF for the type of tools you may want. I'm not recommendig that you buy the tools but for sizing a compressor HF tools are generally air hogs, the higher quality tools generally use less air.
Even the smallest compressors are fine for airing up tires and running some tools, like nail guns or riveters.
It would be a lot of work to move an 80 gallon compressor from my shop up to the garage or in to the house when I'm working on a project.
Check out the CFM at HF for the type of tools you may want. I'm not recommendig that you buy the tools but for sizing a compressor HF tools are generally air hogs, the higher quality tools generally use less air.
Even the smallest compressors are fine for airing up tires and running some tools, like nail guns or riveters.
It would be a lot of work to move an 80 gallon compressor from my shop up to the garage or in to the house when I'm working on a project.
