Air Compressor Dilemma
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2014
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Dave:
I agree with the 240V circuit if at all possible but another point that I didn't see mentioned was I would definitely purchase a two-stage compressor. If you're using a blasting cabinet it makes a huge difference in how much your compressor will run while bead blasting, which is "full-on" air as well as how long it takes to do your blasting as the compressor pressure runs down. The difference is usually about 50 PSI max pressure (175 vs. 125) depending on your unit. I've used both with a small blasting cabinet and the single-stage just doesn't cut it. I've had a few Campbell-Hausfeld compressors and they have worked fine...two purchased from Harbor Freight. You don't want to go shopping too soon so remember, sanders, grinders and blasters use a ton of air quickly...so you don't want your compressor running continually.
I agree with the 240V circuit if at all possible but another point that I didn't see mentioned was I would definitely purchase a two-stage compressor. If you're using a blasting cabinet it makes a huge difference in how much your compressor will run while bead blasting, which is "full-on" air as well as how long it takes to do your blasting as the compressor pressure runs down. The difference is usually about 50 PSI max pressure (175 vs. 125) depending on your unit. I've used both with a small blasting cabinet and the single-stage just doesn't cut it. I've had a few Campbell-Hausfeld compressors and they have worked fine...two purchased from Harbor Freight. You don't want to go shopping too soon so remember, sanders, grinders and blasters use a ton of air quickly...so you don't want your compressor running continually.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Dave:
I agree with the 240V circuit if at all possible but another point that I didn't see mentioned was I would definitely purchase a two-stage compressor. If you're using a blasting cabinet it makes a huge difference in how much your compressor will run while bead blasting, which is "full-on" air as well as how long it takes to do your blasting as the compressor pressure runs down. The difference is usually about 50 PSI max pressure (175 vs. 125) depending on your unit. I've used both with a small blasting cabinet and the single-stage just doesn't cut it. I've had a few Campbell-Hausfeld compressors and they have worked fine...two purchased from Harbor Freight. You don't want to go shopping too soon so remember, sanders, grinders and blasters use a ton of air quickly...so you don't want your compressor running continually.
I agree with the 240V circuit if at all possible but another point that I didn't see mentioned was I would definitely purchase a two-stage compressor. If you're using a blasting cabinet it makes a huge difference in how much your compressor will run while bead blasting, which is "full-on" air as well as how long it takes to do your blasting as the compressor pressure runs down. The difference is usually about 50 PSI max pressure (175 vs. 125) depending on your unit. I've used both with a small blasting cabinet and the single-stage just doesn't cut it. I've had a few Campbell-Hausfeld compressors and they have worked fine...two purchased from Harbor Freight. You don't want to go shopping too soon so remember, sanders, grinders and blasters use a ton of air quickly...so you don't want your compressor running continually.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
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In this case I would just go to Home Depot and get some #10 SOOW and make a 240V extension cord for temporary use and lay it on top of the ground. Given that you are going to be shopping for a new place with plenty of power to run it, I wouldn't want to be stuck with less compressor than I needed later because of a short term electrical issue at your current place. Even if you don't need the cord at the new place it could be used to make some really heavy duty extension cords for working around the yard.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
plus an extra tank never hurts. the larger the air capacity the longer the compressor gets to rest between cycles.
a 60 gallon 5 hp compressor with an extra 30 gallon tank in the system will only run about half the time it would if the 30 gallon tank was not in the line.
a 60 gallon 5 hp compressor with an extra 30 gallon tank in the system will only run about half the time it would if the 30 gallon tank was not in the line.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,464
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From: Staten Island, NY
plus an extra tank never hurts. the larger the air capacity the longer the compressor gets to rest between cycles.
a 60 gallon 5 hp compressor with an extra 30 gallon tank in the system will only run about half the time it would if the 30 gallon tank was not in the line.
a 60 gallon 5 hp compressor with an extra 30 gallon tank in the system will only run about half the time it would if the 30 gallon tank was not in the line.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
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Originally Posted by PupnDuck
But won't it just run for a longer period of time when it does run? The compressor has a specific cubic foot per minute output at a given head pressure. Bigger storage capacity = longer run time to fill, no?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,958
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From: Houston
get the most CFM you can from my understanding the higher the CFM the rating is the quicker the tank will fill up.
I have been looking at a 13 CFM @90 psi I.R. 60 gallon compressor myself. I currently have a 7CFM that I wished I would have known about the whole CFM thing cause that compressor is useless for anything other than airing up tires or using a nail gun.
I have been looking at a 13 CFM @90 psi I.R. 60 gallon compressor myself. I currently have a 7CFM that I wished I would have known about the whole CFM thing cause that compressor is useless for anything other than airing up tires or using a nail gun.
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