A GOOD compressor for a beginner?
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Junior User
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A GOOD compressor for a beginner?
ok i see you guys like the big compressors but those are big bucks right?..ok i need a compressor for working on my truck and maybe fixing my lawn mower and things like that.never owned one before went to sears the guy tryed to talk me into buying a small one that about 200 bucks it was 3hp 150 psi 6 gallons i think.it was round with no wheels.they had a bigger on sale for 200 with but then he told me its to big for working on cars and will brake bolts...grrrr...ok ive used compressors a few times at my buddys shop cant you just set it to 90 psi and be fine with it for working on a truck?..it was pretty big 6 hp....now this may sound dumb but im not gonna ask the sears guy this he knows less then me and thats just wrong for a sears worker.lol...Is a 6hp and a 3 hp both at 90 psi putting out the same amount of power?...and do you think that small 3hp compressor is good enough for working on a truck maybe once or maybe 2 times a month?....thank god for this board cause at sears they are just no help..thanks any info will help...
Last edited by fordfla; Oct 5, 2004 at 02:01 AM.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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You may have read all of the information in the other thread here at the moment:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=290434
There are many more threads on air compressors and shop air systems also that can be found with a search. Some of the threads are in the archives.
Whatever you do, -do NOT get a direct drive air compressor, get a belt drive unit. The compressors use fake HP numbers so you can't really compare compressors that way. For the occasional tire, nut or bolt a small belt drive unit will do. If you worked with air tools every day you would want to get a larger unit. On the other hand get as large a unit as you can afford because your air tool collection will "grow" now...
btw- that guy at Sears was full of something. A compressor does not break bolts.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=290434
There are many more threads on air compressors and shop air systems also that can be found with a search. Some of the threads are in the archives.
Whatever you do, -do NOT get a direct drive air compressor, get a belt drive unit. The compressors use fake HP numbers so you can't really compare compressors that way. For the occasional tire, nut or bolt a small belt drive unit will do. If you worked with air tools every day you would want to get a larger unit. On the other hand get as large a unit as you can afford because your air tool collection will "grow" now...
btw- that guy at Sears was full of something. A compressor does not break bolts.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Long island NY
I tried using a small pancake compressor with a big IR impact gun, and the pipe on the compresser going to the regulator was too small( 1/4") and it couldnt flow the air enough so it felt less powerfull, and it turned on to fill up after one lugnut was off.
get a big one! ( no comment on single vs 2 stage from me now!)
get a big one! ( no comment on single vs 2 stage from me now!)
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: fayetteville, ar
i agree with torque1st, that guy at sears was tweekin'...i bought a 6hp/60gal. standup at a cut-rate tool place for $150 (thats rite, $150) and it works great with my variable drive 1/2 in. impact. you know what you need & that salesman knows what he wants to sell... 'nuff said. :-)
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Junior User
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Yeah I think he was trying to sell me a discontinued model.I think ill go check out some other places like some other tool shops.150 bucks id spend that for one ,sounds like you got a good deal since its 6hp/60gal.so a belt drice it better i didnt know that at all.thanks
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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The direct drive units will rattle the windows in the entire neighborhood, at the very least they will wake the dead. 
Plus they wear out very quickly. Don't believe that 6 HP rating for a minute. A 6HP motor is HUGE! 
Just to give you an idea... A 5HP 230VAC single phase motor weighs ~100 pounds and costs ~$400-500.
Plus they wear out very quickly. Don't believe that 6 HP rating for a minute. A 6HP motor is HUGE! Just to give you an idea... A 5HP 230VAC single phase motor weighs ~100 pounds and costs ~$400-500.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Broussard USA
HP means squat make sure you look at CFM. Figure out what tools you will use and how much air they say it takes then get a compressor a little larger. Both lie, the compresor and tool makers. EX. I have a 7 cfm @ 90psi compressor and a die grinder and drill that say they will run on 6cfm @ 90 psi so I'm good right? NOPE! the compressor can not keep up so keep that in mind.
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Senior User
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D. All of the above.
I have a Coleman Powermate 5hp, 20 gal. direct drive compressor, and I HATE it.
If I had actually paid for it, (it was a gift from my in-laws) I'd really hate it.
It's too damn loud. Even with ear protectors, it's too loud. It's so loud that I hesitate to use it, inside my 36x24 workshop, on Sundays so to not disturb my neighbors, each 500' away.
It won't keep up with a small die grinder and the water drain is located so its a pain to open it.
I'd sell it in a heartbeat if I could afford an upright belt drive unit.
That said, if I leave it outside and run the hose into the shop or house, it does the job for a pneumatic nailer or HPLV spray gun.
I have a Coleman Powermate 5hp, 20 gal. direct drive compressor, and I HATE it.
If I had actually paid for it, (it was a gift from my in-laws) I'd really hate it.
It's too damn loud. Even with ear protectors, it's too loud. It's so loud that I hesitate to use it, inside my 36x24 workshop, on Sundays so to not disturb my neighbors, each 500' away.
It won't keep up with a small die grinder and the water drain is located so its a pain to open it.
I'd sell it in a heartbeat if I could afford an upright belt drive unit.
That said, if I leave it outside and run the hose into the shop or house, it does the job for a pneumatic nailer or HPLV spray gun.
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
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and a die grinder and drill that say they will run on 6cfm @ 90 psi so I'm good right?
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
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The way its worded is avg consumption not actual. What it means is in a plant with 100 men working with air tools that the compression system needs to be big enough to run a 1/3 of them at once. It is misleading for sure.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Keweenaw Bay, MI
I found that getting a big one to start with is your best bet. If you start with a small capacity air compressor, and later on you might want to use tools that require more air than the small one can handle, you are out of luck. I have one that gives me 10 cfm @ 90 psi, and I can operate a sand blasting cabinet or anything I want to. You will not regret it. I got a Coleman from Northern Tool and have had it for four years and have been very happy with it. If I remember correctly it was around $350.00.
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Junior User
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im going to take everyones word and get a big one that can do more.then i wont have any problems.my friend bought the pancake compressor the one i listed at the top and the inpact wrench would stop turning when we tryed to take a bolt of his truck and it was set to 90 psi.Im not really sure why he brought it back.someone told be because his air tank was to small?..but any way i will look for a big one and take my time and look around. 
New User
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For intermittent use like an impact wrench a smaller compressor will be ok. You need a bigger 30 gal tank, 1/2” min pipe or hose, a short whip line to the tool, regulator at the last convent point, not on the compressor unless you are close to the compressor. 3/8” whip hose to the tool less than 15 feet.
These little pancake compressors are for nail guns that need a little bit of high pressure air intermittently.
Also get an oil lubed compressor.
For die grinders, air spray painting, small sand blasting, and continuous operations you need more than a little compressor.
I figure 1200 watts of electric in gives 4cfm at 100 lbs of air.
These little pancake compressors are for nail guns that need a little bit of high pressure air intermittently.
Also get an oil lubed compressor.
For die grinders, air spray painting, small sand blasting, and continuous operations you need more than a little compressor.
I figure 1200 watts of electric in gives 4cfm at 100 lbs of air.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2004
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the rule of thumb when it comes to air power is "as big as your wallet allows". seriously.
if your not running the unit everyday and you can stand the noise an oiless might be ok for you. they are usually cheaper when it comes to the size/$ ratio. the problem with oiless compressors are the noise and the fact that it's just a teflon ring that's letting the piton slide smoothly.it's gonna wear out. but again, if it's not everyday use..no worries.
25-30gal tank min
3/8 inch line
at least 5hp(or claimed hp)
those would be my minimums to run an impact/air wrench/air chisel
if your not running the unit everyday and you can stand the noise an oiless might be ok for you. they are usually cheaper when it comes to the size/$ ratio. the problem with oiless compressors are the noise and the fact that it's just a teflon ring that's letting the piton slide smoothly.it's gonna wear out. but again, if it's not everyday use..no worries.
25-30gal tank min
3/8 inch line
at least 5hp(or claimed hp)
those would be my minimums to run an impact/air wrench/air chisel
Last edited by corpsedub; Oct 13, 2004 at 12:59 PM.
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