Tool guys: What size compressor do I REALLY need?

[MichaelD]

Now, as fellow Tool Guys, we all know that we may only NEED a little hammer to get the job done, but what they heck; we always buy the biggest damn hammer in the store, right?

Well, I'm currently looking at air compressors and they are very expensive. Of course, I'd love to get the 175 PSI/10 HP Craftsman Professional version, but number one, I'm sure I don't need it and number two, it's out, waaaay out, of my price range.

I'm looking at one of the portable (on wheels) ones. Something along the lines of 150 PSI/5 HP or so.

I want to be able to run an 1/2 to 3/4", 450-600 ft/lbs torque impact wrench. I'll be doing some work on my truck soon and will be getting at least the compressor/impact wrench/hose...possibly a ratchet too if the price is right.

I have a little tiny "shop" compressor (the Campbell-Hausfield "turtle") that I use for my brad nailer, but obviously it's far too puny to run an impact wrench.

So, how much compressor do I really need? I know that once the tank is charged up to 150PSI, any tools connected to the compressor run off the charged-up air, and not the pump itself.

I don't want overkill (well, my WALLET doesn't want overkill) but I don't want to be underpowered for future endeavors, either.

Any ideas? Thanks guys.

 

[skyking]

A 5 horse compressor is tied to 220 volt single phase power. It won't run on 110, and that can really suck if you need to use it elsewhere. Unless you are running air sanders(bodywork) or taking apart diesel truck engines, you don't need a continuous source of high pressure air.
Buy a 2 horse that will run on either 220 or 110, ( without blowing breakers all the time), and get one with at least a 10 gallon tank. This will do what you want.

 

[MichaelD]

That's great info; thanks, Skyking. I've been reading all the materials I can get my hands on about "How to Choose The Compressor That's Right For You" type things.

Air Sanders are the one thing they mention that you need a professional grade compressor for. It's rated way higher in air usage than anything else...even a one-inch impact wrench!

Thanks for the info.

 

[slag]

bah.. I have a 6 hp, 33 gallon craftsman horizontal compressor on wheels that pumps up to 165 psi and works great. Most air impact wrenches work off 90-100 psi anyway, at least my 420 ft lb craftsman impact wrench works off 90 psi as does my cheap backup impact wrench My buddy has a snap on that says it needs 100 psi to work properly

Picked up my compressor for 120 bucks. it was a used model but came with full warranty. I can do everything with it.. remove tires, hub assemblies, suspension parts off our explorer, rusted 36 mm nut/bolt combos, etc.. EVERYTHING.. and it doesnt cycle too much either. If you have a 220 outlet in your garage, definitely get a 220 because it will draw less amperage.. I dont have that luxury yet and really dont want to run wire to my breakerbox at this point. I am running off 115 volt for now and it works fine.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: slag
bah.. I have a 6 hp, 33 gallon craftsman horizontal compressor on wheels that pumps up to 165 psi and works great. Most air impact wrenches work off 90-100 psi anyway, at least my 420 ft lb craftsman impact wrench works off 90 psi as does my cheap backup impact wrench My buddy has a snap on that says it needs 100 psi to work properly

Picked up my compressor for 120 bucks. it was a used model but came with full warranty. I can do everything with it.. remove tires, hub assemblies, suspension parts off our explorer, rusted 36 mm nut/bolt combos, etc.. EVERYTHING.. and it doesnt cycle too much either. If you have a 220 outlet in your garage, definitely get a 220 because it will draw less amperage.. I dont have that luxury yet and really dont want to run wire to my breakerbox at this point. I am running off 115 volt for now and it works fine.

Hey cool! I was looking at that one. I don't have a 220 outlet either. As a matter of fact, I don't even have a garage. I'd have the compressor on my balcony, plugged into a regular 120 outlet and I'd sling a 100-foot airhose over the edge, down to the parking lot below, where I'd be working on the truck.

Sears has a deal right now on a (I believe) 5 hp/20 gallon model. It comes with a 3/8's air ratchet, paint spraying gun, cheapie air hose and a few other nitnoids for $300. I'm debating on whether to get it or not. I don't need the paint sprayer, I already have the hose.

But the ratchet would be nice to have...I'd still need the compressor, though. *debating*

 

[TopGun]

Get a BIG TANK. The one I'm using right now sucks, it's 3hp with twin tanks, 4 gallons total. It'll run a bunch of nailers no problem, but when I break out the cutoff wheel, or drill it has to run the compressor non-stop. Spend the extra money on a nicer one, you'll regret a cheap pos. It's a real pain in the ass waiting for the compressor to catch up so I can use the tools again.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: TopGun
Get a BIG TANK. The one I'm using right now sucks, it's 3hp with twin tanks, 4 gallons total. It'll run a bunch of nailers no problem, but when I break out the cutoff wheel, or drill it has to run the compressor non-stop. Spend the extra money on a nicer one, you'll regret a cheap pos. It's a real pain in the ass waiting for the compressor to catch up so I can use the tools again.

Thanks for the tip. I was intending on getting one with at least a 20-gallon tank.

I'm undecided on which impact wrench to get though; Craftsman or Ingersoll-Rand. Given the same specs and prices, is there a difference b/t the two?

 

[d33pt]

haha you are going to work on your car in the apt parking lot? i hope they won't have anything against that.. no way in hell mine would let me work on my car.. that's why i hate living in apts

 

I am a Pro auto tech by trade,at home I have a 5.5 HP 60 gallon Cambell Hausfield,It runs my Snap On 1/2 in impact but it has trouble running my 3/4 Snap On. (Quickly runs out of air)

This compressor is the largest that can still run on 110 V,needs a dedicated 20 amp circuit.

Good Luck

 

[Quixfire]

MichaelD,
The most important factor in choosing an air compressor for automotive type work is SCFM ratings. This is the compressors ability to produce air continuously, the higher the rating the less your compressor will run. The next factor would be the tank, the larger the better. As for HP, 4 to 6 are good enough and will run on 120 volts. BTW, if you can afford it, the belt driven ones are quieter than direct drive units, and generally last longer.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Quixfire
MichaelD,
The most important factor in choosing an air compressor for automotive type work is SCFM ratings. This is the compressors ability to produce air continuously, the higher the rating the less your compressor will run. The next factor would be the tank, the larger the better. As for HP, 4 to 6 are good enough and will run on 120 volts. BTW, if you can afford it, the belt driven ones are quieter than direct drive units, and generally last longer.

Thanks for the tips. My GFs father has a belt-driven Campbell-Hausfield and it's 10x quieter than my little Ingersoll Turtle! That little things sounds like a jackhammer; I kid you not. It also produces next to no air at all. It'll do 100-psi though, and it runs my brad nailer just dandy.

I am a Pro auto tech by trade,at home I have a 5.5 HP 60 gallon Cambell Hausfield,It runs my Snap On 1/2 in impact but it has trouble running my 3/4 Snap On. (Quickly runs out of air)

Thanks Roger...if I got the same one you have (or at least the same ratings) would I be OK w/a 1/2" impact? I mean it won't be running CONTINUOUSLY...you know?

I'm going to Sears after work to check them out. I now feel more educated and able to make an informed decision. Thanks a lot, guys.