Quick tool question
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I have a Craftsman 33 gal 125 compressor; works great for everything I've used it for so far (10 years). I have found that cheap tools use a lot of air; it is often worth spending a little more to get a better quality tools that are more efficient.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 0
From: South of Raleigh, and west of the coast, NC.
I have one like this in the shop. It does well for most of my pneumatic tools like impact gun, hand grinders, shears, air ratchets,...ect......http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...5170_200365170
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
It is impossible to buy too much compressor. Avoid the oil-less versions (NOISY diaphram pumps) and look for volume. I bought a 60 gal Ingersol Rand twin cylinder single stage that moves about 15 cfm at 90 psi. I have yet to wait for air after the initial fill - my cheap air-hungry tools only run the compressor about 30% of the time. Max psi on a single stage is ~130, but it moves more air volume. A two-stage gives 150+ psi, but less volume. Expect to pay ~ $750 for a quality unit that your grandson will still be using.
I used a Sears 5hp, 25 gallon compressor for my impact wrench with no problem. Impacts don't run continuous like a grinder or sander. Last summer I purchased an Ingersoll-Rand, 240v, 5hp, single stage compressor with a 60 gallon tank rated at 18gpm @ 90psi. It was just under $900, out-the-door at Tractor Supply. Runs everything I need very well, very quite and can run continuous job cycle using synthetic lubricant in the pump. Many guys will say to go with the two stage units when you shop for a compressor of that size but there is usually a considerable difference in cost. Unless you'll be using sanders and grinders or doing a lot of spraying, the one you have should do fine.
My $0.02
My $0.02
Last edited by nchogfan; Dec 18, 2009 at 02:32 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
I used a Sears 5hp, 25 gallon compressor for my impact wrench with no problem. Impacts don't run continuous like a grinder or sander. Last summer I purchased an Ingersoll-Rand, 240v, 5hp, single stage compressor with a 60 gallon tank rated at 18gpm @ 90psi. It was just under $900, out-the-door at Tractor Supply. Runs everything I need very well, very quite and can run continuous job cycle using synthetic lubricant in the pump. Many guys will say to go with the two stage units when you shop for a compressor of that size but there is usually a considerable difference in cost. Unless you'll be using sanders and grinders or doing a lot of spraying, the one you have should do fine.
My $0.02
My $0.02
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I have a 27 yr old sears that I have used on even the big semi trucks. 5 gal. still use it in the mc shop- takes up a lot less room and is easy to roll outside and wherever it is needed.
If ya need an impact - don't be cheap there, get a top dollar one.
If ya need an impact - don't be cheap there, get a top dollar one.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 1
From: Waynesboro, Va
I have the sears compressor you mention, it will run my pneumatic impact wrench but other air tools require more constant volume or CFM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 1
From: SC
This is close to what I have in my shop and I can run every air tool I have. You can look around that site and check out other compressors to help you decide.
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...6620_200396620
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...6620_200396620
