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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 11:15 PM
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another compressor question

ok, i priced out the #8-3 wire and it would cost almost 300 bucks, just for the wire i need. so i'm abandoning the 220 in the garage idea.

my question is; i have a 26 gallon compressor, and if i get another 26 gallon compressor and plumb them together in addition to incraesing my capacity will it also increase the cfm output?

i'm hoping for about 9 cfm @ 90 psi. that should be more than enough to run anything id need. plus id have about 50 gallons of researve.

i can get a 26-30 gallon compressor for about 100 bucks maybee less and not have to drive far to get it. im just not sure if i should look for a working compressor or just another tank for the capacity im after.
 
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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 11:59 PM
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An extra receiver does nothing to cause your compressor to keep up better. Once it is full it will take longer to empty it but on the other hand it will also take longer to refill it. Do not choose your compressor based on receiver size. Consider only the CFM rating and compare that to the CFM you are going to use. Consult the instruction manual that came with your tool to determind how many CFM it consumes at 90 PSIG and select your compressor to provide ample reserve.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 12:08 AM
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well what i mean is, if i have 2 working compressors hooked together at the same time will that increase the cfm? if not i'm just going to get another tank so i have more researve.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 04:53 AM
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A Second compressor?

You made a statement about wire being too expensive to wire one compressor. How do you expect to run two compressors? They both need electricity.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 06:12 AM
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The answer to your question is yes, if you combine two compressors, you will increase the CFM. What you will then have to consider is the increase in draw on your electrical supply. If they both kick in together they will put a heavy amperage load on your system.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by DanielC
You made a statement about wire being too expensive to wire one compressor. How do you expect to run two compressors? They both need electricity.
its too expensive to run 220V.

Originally Posted by AndrewHR
The answer to your question is yes, if you combine two compressors, you will increase the CFM. What you will then have to consider is the increase in draw on your electrical supply. If they both kick in together they will put a heavy amperage load on your system.
i dont think it would be any different than haveing two window a/c units going at the same time. i have 3 different 110V circuts to choose from so i dont have to worry about overloading the circut. thats for your help.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 11:37 AM
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You might already have 220

You said you have three different 110 outlets. If one of the three outlets is on a different leg of the power coming to your house, you have 220 in your garage, or shop.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 11:43 AM
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Hi 77F250

Just curious .... what 220V compressor were you going to install that needed #8 wire?
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by ironmine
Hi 77F250

Just curious .... what 220V compressor were you going to install that needed #8 wire?
i was told id need #8-3 wire and a 50 amp breaker, the same run would double as welder power. why is that not right? the run id have to make is about 100 feet.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 08:31 PM
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If you're going to twin two (or more) compressors you'll need to do a little work on the controls. You'll need a single pressure switch controlling a couple of relays which then control both compressor motors. One of the relays should be a time delay relay so both compressor motors don't start at the same time.

If you just pipe two compressors together the one with the highest cut in pressure will start first. If you're not using enough air at that moment to cause the system pressure to continue to drop the second compressor will never run.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 10:08 PM
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right now i think im going to just look for an extra tank so i get more run time.

one question i have is this, the cfm rating, is the rating of the pump correct? the same amout of air comes out of a 5 gallon tank at 90 psi as an 80 gallon tank at 90 psi right?

the reason i ask is i've never had a problem running any air tool with my compressor other than having to stop for the compressor to catch up. which is really only a problem with highspeed tools, like sanders and grinders.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 10:27 PM
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Most compressors 220 compressors i've seen will only draw 12-20 amps tops. But you did say welder as well, so I can see why you would want a 50 amp line
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 04:45 AM
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The initial start up load will be 2-3 times that which is why the heavier wire and breaker would be required.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 05:01 AM
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Originally Posted by 77f2504by4
right now i think im going to just look for an extra tank so i get more run time.

one question i have is this, the cfm rating, is the rating of the pump correct? the same amout of air comes out of a 5 gallon tank at 90 psi as an 80 gallon tank at 90 psi right?

the reason i ask is i've never had a problem running any air tool with my compressor other than having to stop for the compressor to catch up. which is really only a problem with highspeed tools, like sanders and grinders.
The number of cfm at the tool is dependent on the pressure, of course, but also on the hose diameter, length and even more so, on the hose fitting diameter. Most inexpensive 3/8" air hose has 1/4" fittings. That will reduce the available flow rate.

Yes, the 5 gallon tank and the 80 gallon tank will both deliver the same volume of air at a given pressure. However the 5 gallon tank won't deliver it for a useable period of time. That's why larger industrial compressors have 150-300 gallon tanks.

The other thing to watch out for is the fact that some inexpensive compressors will advertise the cfm output at a lower pressure. For example: 4.0 cfm @ 45 psi. As the pressure in the tank rises, the compressor head delivers less volume. A compressor head that will deliver 4.0 cfm @ 45 psi may only deliver 1.8 cfm @ 100 psi. That may not be an issue for keeping up with a paint gun but it certainly is for an impact wrench.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 05:45 AM
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Originally Posted by AndrewHR
The initial start up load will be 2-3 times that which is why the heavier wire and breaker would be required.
You shouldn't have to worry about startup current, since that only lasts for about 1.5 seconds or less. Yes it should be taken into consideration, but every motor I have has wire rated slightly over the maximum running current, not the startup current.
 
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