Air power questions
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, Virginia
Air power questions
Looking at compressors today. The brand is Cambell Hausefield, is it decent? What is the reason for having a big tank? One I looked at was 5hp, 28 gallon, around 6.8 cfm I think. When does how much air your pushing come into effect? Thinking of running normal power tools off it, maybe be able to paint from it too. I can't afford the big boys, saw an Ingersolland, thought I was gonna faint at the price. Any ideas what to look for, I will be using at my place for light to medium usage I think. Thanks, BLair 
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 2
From: Northwest Fl
Air power questions
Blair,
I would look at the CFM requirements of the air tools you will be using, The new HVLP paint guns start out around 11 CFM and go up, if you stick with conventional spray guns, you could need only 5-8 CFM. The larger tanks are more for reserve air capacity, I have a 60 gal tank with a 220v, 6.5 HP motor and single stage pump. So far it has handled all kinds of air tools and painting with relative ease. Only the sand blasting has realy strained the unit.
If the compressor is too small it will run constantly and stay hot, this will increase the water in the system and create further problems, especially in painting.
As far as name brands, I don't think there is a lot of difference in any of the lower dollar units from Lowes, Home Depot or Sears as long as your comparing apples to apples. Aluminium pumps tend to run cooler but the cast iron pumps seam to last longer. I am sure others will have opinions but CFM is what matters.
Good luck in your search.
I would look at the CFM requirements of the air tools you will be using, The new HVLP paint guns start out around 11 CFM and go up, if you stick with conventional spray guns, you could need only 5-8 CFM. The larger tanks are more for reserve air capacity, I have a 60 gal tank with a 220v, 6.5 HP motor and single stage pump. So far it has handled all kinds of air tools and painting with relative ease. Only the sand blasting has realy strained the unit.
If the compressor is too small it will run constantly and stay hot, this will increase the water in the system and create further problems, especially in painting.
As far as name brands, I don't think there is a lot of difference in any of the lower dollar units from Lowes, Home Depot or Sears as long as your comparing apples to apples. Aluminium pumps tend to run cooler but the cast iron pumps seam to last longer. I am sure others will have opinions but CFM is what matters.
Good luck in your search.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Air power questions
Do a <SEARCH> in this forum, there is lots of info on compressors, shop air plumbing, and air tools. JUST DON'T USE PLASTIC PIPE!
Good luck shopping!
Good luck shopping!
Last edited by Torque1st; Feb 28, 2003 at 07:21 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Air power questions
$269 a Coleman from Northern Tools.com. About 6-7 at 90 psi. Will run most tools decently except a grinder/cutter. Only thing I ever used that was able to run that all the time was a diesel tag along air compressor for jack hammers.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, Virginia
Air power questions
Cool thread on the shop plumbing TK. Saved and printed for when garage is done! I stopped and looked again today, the one I'm looking at supposedly runs at 6.8 cfm at 90 psi. Wouldn't mind finding a unit with a little more air flow, some are rated up over 7.5 cfm. 28 gallon tank on this unit also. Need to look at some of the tools for their ratings. Thanks for the input guys. Blair
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Rochester US
Air power questions
I have a porter cable 6hp w/25-30gal tank(don't remember) It works fine for running ratchets and such but is pretty poor for body tools, sanders, die grinders, etc. It works good but when it is running all the time it will pop a breaker on start up, overheats I would imagine. It is also very loud (single stage oiless) My dad bought a cheap two stage with simialar performance and it is much quieter. I plan on only using this one until I move (get my shop) then a big two stage.
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Windsor CA
Air power questions
For some general buying tips see
[https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID75/432.html]
Tom.
[https://www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID75/432.html]
Tom.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Air power questions
The only thing I would suggest is make sure it is oil lube unit. They Run quiter,Cooler,and last forever. Sears compressors are made by devillbis (sorry for the spelling I work there so I should know how to spell it.) and have aluminum tanks that will last a long time. Also if you sign up for the Craftsman club (free to join) you can save 10% on it
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Air power questions
The larger your tank, the longer you can run a tool without the unit kicking on. This saves energy as well as wear and tear on the commpresser. As someone else mentioned the more the unit runs the more moisture you create. The plumbing layout will help offset this.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Air power questions
One of the nice "extra's" if you are running jobs that take a lot of air is to run a compressor with head unloaders like mine that keeps the motor running continually while cycling the compressor itself on and off as required. It is very smooth and holds the air pressure better. It is also a lot easier on the motor. You can push a motor compressor harder with this setup. You can get some compressors set up with head unloaders. Mine is a Quincy compressor.
Last edited by Torque1st; Feb 28, 2003 at 07:20 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: pa
Air power questions
i got a sears 6 hp with the 30 gallon tank,and the oiless compressor,had it for 6 yrs now,no problems so far.i have 1/2" pve schedual 40 pipe for air lines with drpo drains at all fittings where air hoses hook into it.i also have a 30 gallon extra storage tank along with 3 tanks off a semi plumbed into the system for added capacity.the new compressors are setup with a lower pressure setting on the switch.i turned mine up to 140psi off.
the unloader style is easier on starup since the motor isnt starting under pressure.ingersol rand is the brand we use at the shop i work in,since we use air operated drills,sanders,grinders and air hammers.it keeps up wih our usage.
the unloader style is easier on starup since the motor isnt starting under pressure.ingersol rand is the brand we use at the shop i work in,since we use air operated drills,sanders,grinders and air hammers.it keeps up wih our usage.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: tennessee
Air power questions
Hey guys
I anm thinking about doing my own painting,and I need some
recommendations on which brand and type of air compressor
would be the best to get? I don't have a lot of money,but i do have a lot of time so speed is of no concern. Mostly will be doing general type mechanic work(I.E. no air tools) and would like to have a good general purpose source of air.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jim
I anm thinking about doing my own painting,and I need some
recommendations on which brand and type of air compressor
would be the best to get? I don't have a lot of money,but i do have a lot of time so speed is of no concern. Mostly will be doing general type mechanic work(I.E. no air tools) and would like to have a good general purpose source of air.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jim
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 339
Likes: 1
Air power questions
I am currently using a Cambell 5hp, 50 gal. tank, it's an older model ( 17 year's old) and it is holding up real good. I did install plactic (pvc) around my garage, with hose port's at 10 foot intervel's. I found out the hard way that you must install water seperater's when using plastic. But the system work's for me.