Im on a budget and have limited space but I want to do some small painting. I am going to fix some small rust on the rear quarters of my bronco and a quarter panel on a miata. Im looking at an air compressor (3hp, 21 gal, 115psi) Im not going to be doing major body work in the future or running a shop with it. mostly this light painting, tire filling, some air tools like 3/8 and 1/2 impacts here and there. I know that DA sanders/Grinders need and use quite a bit of CFM 8-13, but ill be doing small panels.. will I be wasting my time on this or do I really need a bigger one? I was thinking ill get the smaller paint gun since im not spraying a entire car. Any Advice? Thanks!

Some specs on the compressor its a Chicago Pnumatic
7.0cfm @40PSI
4.9cfm @90PSI
4.3cfm @115PSI

 

21 gallon is not too bad you will get away with it.
4 cfm at 90 psi is really the minimum for any tools problem is you have to work in the duty cycle of the compressor and your really pushing the envelope with your plans.
even tho your not planning on running a body shop i would go with a bigger unit so it dst run full out.
the compressor will need a good rest between charging cycles so it can cool down,heat=moisture and alot of wet will kill everything fast including your prep job.

 

Sears has a 33 Gallon for 350.00 about the same for CFM ratings... Would that make much of a difference? Who makes the biggest/best 120V compressor? in in the 400.00 range but the cheaper the better..

 

this is what you need Craftsman upright professional air compressor
soon as you show your friends the results of your hard labor there going to want there cars done.

it going to cost you less pr hour to run at 220v.
just have an extention cord made and run it off the stove or dryer plug.
or even better have a 10/2 cable run out from the house and get wired up for a 220 v 30a plug.

your going to want a better welder with all the money you make fixing rocker panels

 

Unfortunately I'm in an apartment ( just moved to co) and will have to stay in one for a while till the mrs is done with her internship. So 120 is all I get to work with.

 

Limited to 110v you will have to make do with you find. Just get the one that puts out the most cfm at 90psi that you can afford. I would pick up a used one off Craigslist and not tie up any more money and just upgrade when you have a place to work.

 

Yep, thats what id be looking for.

 

Found one, going to check it out after work.

120 v
6 hp
6.4 @ 90psi
8.6 @ 40psi
33 gallon
Guy in town is selling it for 150 says it runs great and I can run it before I buy it.

Would this be able to keep up with a da sander? At least for a little bit?

 

Look up the air consumption for the sander you want. A lot depends on the duty cycle of the compressor, some are rated for continuous use. That said, it'll probably work for your limited use. If not a DA, a plain old jitterbug sander isn't all that bad and uses less air.

 

Check the plate on the motor of the compressor, some are 110/220, if so its just a matter of switching a couple wires inside the motor to match the diagram on the plate, good for use on down the road.
I have an older Craftsman that is this way, another way to increase capacity is to tie it together with a portable tank and they also come in real handy if you need air in a distant location (a low tire in an apartment parking lot ;>).