Air compressor question
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: north jersey
Air compressor question
I looked through the forum and couldn't find a better place to ask this question.
For those of you that have an air compressor at home or have experience with air compressors. I'm looking to purchase one this Christmas so i'm doing a little research.
I would only be using it for air tools while I work on my sled and my cars and also to operate a motorcycle lift (whenever I end up buying one.), grinders and tools of that nature.
My neighbor recommended the brand Campbell Hausfeld, I had never heard of it until he mentioned it. It's got some pretty good reviews and evidently it's built in the USA (which should help with the quality). Any of you guys have any experience with this brand?
My neighbor recommended 2 horse power motor and 20 gallons. For a few extra bucks I can go with 26 gallons or 30 gallons. What do you guys think? Which would be enough for what I plan on using it for?
Also I've seen 1 satge and 2 stage motors. not sure what that means.
I've also seen where different models advertise that they output 5.5 CFM @ 90 psi or 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi. I have no idea what that means. Can anyone help?
thanks guys.
For those of you that have an air compressor at home or have experience with air compressors. I'm looking to purchase one this Christmas so i'm doing a little research.
I would only be using it for air tools while I work on my sled and my cars and also to operate a motorcycle lift (whenever I end up buying one.), grinders and tools of that nature.
My neighbor recommended the brand Campbell Hausfeld, I had never heard of it until he mentioned it. It's got some pretty good reviews and evidently it's built in the USA (which should help with the quality). Any of you guys have any experience with this brand?
My neighbor recommended 2 horse power motor and 20 gallons. For a few extra bucks I can go with 26 gallons or 30 gallons. What do you guys think? Which would be enough for what I plan on using it for?
Also I've seen 1 satge and 2 stage motors. not sure what that means.
I've also seen where different models advertise that they output 5.5 CFM @ 90 psi or 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi. I have no idea what that means. Can anyone help?
thanks guys.
Last edited by Alain; Dec 10, 2013 at 02:05 PM.
Club Member
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From: Beyond Fucital
For the home, DIYer, 20gals is fine. Campbell Hausfeld, is a good brand, But you don't need to spend that kind of money, It's not justified for your usage. 5.5 CFM @ 90 psi or 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi, is recovery rate, more is better. Same with 1 or 2 stage, for your weekend projects 2 stage is overkill.
I waste money buying the higher rated stuff. So follow my advice not my example.
I waste money buying the higher rated stuff. So follow my advice not my example.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: north jersey
For the home, DIYer, 20gals is fine. Campbell Hausfeld, is a good brand, But you don't need to spend that kind of money, It's not justified for your usage. 5.5 CFM @ 90 psi or 10.2 CFM @ 90 psi, is recovery rate, more is better. Same with 1 or 2 stage, for your weekend projects 2 stage is overkill.
I waste money buying the higher rated stuff. So follow my advice not my example.
I waste money buying the higher rated stuff. So follow my advice not my example.
As far as the recovery rate goes, i'm not too clear on how exactly it works. I'm assuming that 10.2 CFM means that it takes less time for the tank to re-fill itself as opposed to the 5.5 CFM?
I know what you mean about buying the higher rated products. I do the same for the simple fact that I think of how annoyed I would be if I skimp out on a purchase now and then 3 years down the road my equipment craps out on me and then I have to spend more money fixing it (or buying the better equipment that I should have purchased to begin with).
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
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From: north jersey
Even if I'm using grinders (which require a constant use of air)?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,774
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From: san antonio
You didn't mention whether you had 120V or 240v power supply. If 120V you will be limited in capacity. I have a 175psi, oil less, 1.6HP, 25 gallon compressor which is barely adequate. It will operate basic air tools like a 3/8" and 1/2" drive air wrench and will operate my lift. However, if you ever need to use an air wrench for an extended period, or run an sort of rotary tool such as a die grinder or buffer, a 2HP, 20 gallon unit will not keep up. For instance, running a 1/2" drive impact wrench to remove lug nuts on four wheels will pull enough pressure from the tank that the compressor will kick in and you would have to wait, briefly, to move from one wheel to the next.
Single stage simply means that the air is compressed into the tank on a single stroke of the piston; a single stage could have one or two cylinders. Two stage means that the air is partially compressed and passé to the second cylinder to pressurize the tank; more efficient and easier on the moving parts than a single stage. All industrial type compressors are dual stage.
Then of course there is the matter of budget. Just like anything else; you get what you pay for. If you are OK with tool use being limited and possibly waiting for pressure from time to time, the 2HP/20G unit will probably satisfy your requirement. IMHO, a 240V, 3HP, 60 gallon unit may be over kill for the typical garage shop but if 240V power is available, Craftsman offers a couple of like compressors in the $500 range. I am about to replace my 120V, 1.6HP, 25 gallon unit with one of those.
Single stage simply means that the air is compressed into the tank on a single stroke of the piston; a single stage could have one or two cylinders. Two stage means that the air is partially compressed and passé to the second cylinder to pressurize the tank; more efficient and easier on the moving parts than a single stage. All industrial type compressors are dual stage.
Then of course there is the matter of budget. Just like anything else; you get what you pay for. If you are OK with tool use being limited and possibly waiting for pressure from time to time, the 2HP/20G unit will probably satisfy your requirement. IMHO, a 240V, 3HP, 60 gallon unit may be over kill for the typical garage shop but if 240V power is available, Craftsman offers a couple of like compressors in the $500 range. I am about to replace my 120V, 1.6HP, 25 gallon unit with one of those.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Forest Hill MD
A 20 gallon will be fine but as already indicated some times you have to pause for the tank to refill because your pressure will drop to low. Not really a problem with ratchets; impact guns and inflating things. When you try to start using grinders,DA's or any type of sander they burn through air pretty quick. I also have hooked mine up to a sand blaster and that uses the air up quick. Essentially your up time is less but it really isn't worth buying a giant compressor unless you plan on doing the highers air use items frequently for long periods of time.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Lula,GA
I agree with ranger but disagree at the same time. It really depends on your use. If you will occasionally use it 20gal "might" work but I doubt it. If you really plan on being pneumatic only... 20 won't do. You need at least 60 gal. I would go 80. If you're going to be grinding, cutting, sanding and such it will never keep up. Those tools suck a lot more than you think. Guy i work with has a 60 and told me to shoot for 80. I Plan to upgrade to 80 when I can spare the money. Lowes sells a husky 80gal for $850. That's the one I want for home use. Campbell is a good brand. Ingersol Rand is a good brand as well.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: north jersey
Thank you boys for the input. The place where I live now is only 120V (i'm only renting here). I plan on going 240V when I buy my own place. But who knows when that's gonna be.
I don't plan on doing too much grinding, or cutting but once in a while the job might pop up where I might need to. It's mainly going to be used for changing tires on the cars, operating impact guns and wrenches.
sounds like as long as I don't need the compressor to do any body work I should be ok. with 20 gallons.
I don't plan on doing too much grinding, or cutting but once in a while the job might pop up where I might need to. It's mainly going to be used for changing tires on the cars, operating impact guns and wrenches.
sounds like as long as I don't need the compressor to do any body work I should be ok. with 20 gallons.