OT: Compressor for air tools
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
OT: Compressor for air tools
I'm looking to get a compressor that can handle running air tools effectively. I want something that will stand up to things like cutoff wheels, grinders, and maybe even a small sandblaster unit. I figure if it can do those then impact and fasteners, etc are no big deal. How big does it need to be in order to do those things without stopping every 10 seconds?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,131
Likes: 45
From: Columbus, Oh
I've got a 68 gallon I believe (sorry it's at my brothers house) harbor freight standup 220v, now I know this isn't the greatest, but I got it for free and it does everything that you listed no problem.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 6
From: College Station, TX
Do you know the max psi and motor size by chance?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,121
Likes: 3
From: Orrville, Ohio
What you need to do is look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of the tools you intend to use and then get a compressor that will supply more air than the tools require. Bear in mind that while most compressors these days will operate at 125-135 PSI operating pressure those CFM ratings are generally taken at around 90PSI. The compressor should have the CFM rating listed as well as the pressure at which that rating was achieved. The little unit I have is a Campbell Hausfeld Upright 30 or so gallon unit that actually runs on a 120 outlet. It is more than sufficient for running standard tools, but if you start using a spray gun or sandblaster very much, you will probably want something larger and it will likely run off a 220 circuit as well. Good luck making your selection!
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
DO NOT GET OIL LESS! some will have success stories using them, i used one for dang near 7 years myself. they are crazy loud and just not very strong. i bought an IR SS5L5 about 3 years ago and have loved every second of it. it has a 100% duty cycle which means i can use it constantly. although typically the 60 gal tank has more than enough reserve for most small project (like zinging off 5 lug nuts or running a air ratchet real quick). i have heard IR has gone down in quality but for my DIY purposes i have NO complaints!
i do know that a lot of the older compressors with slower motors but larger pumps are much stonger, last longer, and much quieter. if you could find one on craigslist or ebay or better yet at a yard sale you will come out worlds ahead then getting a chinese made oilless!
-cutts-
i do know that a lot of the older compressors with slower motors but larger pumps are much stonger, last longer, and much quieter. if you could find one on craigslist or ebay or better yet at a yard sale you will come out worlds ahead then getting a chinese made oilless!
-cutts-
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
What you need to do is look at the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of the tools you intend to use and then get a compressor that will supply more air than the tools require. Bear in mind that while most compressors these days will operate at 125-135 PSI operating pressure those CFM ratings are generally taken at around 90PSI. The compressor should have the CFM rating listed as well as the pressure at which that rating was achieved. The little unit I have is a Campbell Hausfeld Upright 30 or so gallon unit that actually runs on a 120 outlet. It is more than sufficient for running standard tools, but if you start using a spray gun or sandblaster very much, you will probably want something larger and it will likely run off a 220 circuit as well. Good luck making your selection!
SCFM - what the heck it means...
SCFM; compressed air flow measurement
-cutts-
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
Since this thread is technically "OT" then I may as well throw it out there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,131
Likes: 45
From: Columbus, Oh
There were no actual motor size indications. Its a 60 gallon, 130 max psi, 208-230 volt compressor that pulls 16 amps. Not as nice as my bosses IR, but you can't beat free and it's done everything I've thrown at it up to this point. Cut off tools, sanders and we have even run a small sandblaster as well.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,131
Likes: 45
From: Columbus, Oh
Since this thread is technically "OT" then I may as well throw it out there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
I know people that have good luck with the ARB's, but they're pricey
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
Since this thread is technically "OT" then I may as well throw it out there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
There were no actual motor size indications. Its a 60 gallon, 130 max psi, 208-230 volt compressor that pulls 16 amps. Not as nice as my bosses IR, but you can't beat free and it's done everything I've thrown at it up to this point. Cut off tools, sanders and we have even run a small sandblaster as well.
actually as long as you run a cast iron pump you should be good. even the big boys will have to work to keep up with something like a sandblaster or paint sprayer
-cutts-
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 5,552
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Since this thread is technically "OT" then I may as well throw it out there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
Anyone know of any good small compact-ish air compressors that you can put up on your truck?
I am gunna do the Bronco 38 gallon rear tank and wanna put an air horn and compressor where the front tank is. Then ill have better-than-hand-tools on hand to rotate or change my tires with me! 8 lugs with a tire iron is a pita.
edit: Jim at Rosewood is where i got the idea/writeup from. figured id put that on there.
i have twin viair 480 compressors plumbed into two 3 gallon tanks. they supply enough air for the impact wrench to spin 8 lugnuts off and back on.
and i can blow the train horns all day long without loosing any noticable air pressure
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
it took some modifying esp since i have intercooler but it was well worth the effort. i mounted a york 210 under my hood and it was one of my fav mods. its so nice to be able to air up trailer tires on the side of the road or run an impact gun in a parking lot!
-cutts-
-cutts-
Pics if ya got em!
Im just debating on doing it that way because I liked how he had a gauge and a quick link adapter out of what was his old front tank filler cap. Kinda stylish IMHO
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 5,552
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
they are mounted in the bed on the driver side of my 02. one tank is in the front of the wheel hump, and the other is between the hump and the tailgate. the compressors are mounted on top of the rear tank, with an outlet to a 1/4 turn shutoff valve, and a quick connect on top of the valve. an air line comes off the front tank and goes forward, feeding the air horns and the in cab gauge.
i can still lay a sheet of plywood flat in the truck, because the tanks are the same size as the humps.
i can still lay a sheet of plywood flat in the truck, because the tanks are the same size as the humps.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
these are somewhat old as i have changed a few things but for the most part it is the same.
-cutts-