Compressors
 

10 gal, 5.30 CFM at 90 PSI, Maximun pressure - 125 PSI

or

15 gal, 5.0 CFM at 90 PSI, Maximum pressure - 200 PSI

or both just too small?

Not painting cars and not a pro... but my current 2.6CFM at 90 PSI out of 5.5 gal just doesn't cut it. Seems if I double that, that is a big step. Looking to stay pretty quiet and both above units are below 80 dBA.

Does the extra pressure / gallons really help much?

I'd consider this as a starting point: http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...sor/p5515.html

If you're planning on running any air grinders/sanders you need a larger tank. My Ingersoll-Rand 3.3hp 20 gal unit gets it butt kicked by a 2" Harbor Freight sander. I've yet to own a compressor for my garage that's had enough CFM or achieved the stated PSI rating. This or the 18.5 CFM unit is my plan.

Regarding dBA levels, the larger the tank the less they'll be running. :thumbsup:

was looking there as well. for a few hundred more, i could step up to 60 gal and 7.1 CFM @ 90PSI....

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...sor/p4786.html

Was hoping to use that few hundred elsewhere, but could go this way too.

Have you ever had a car with too much horsepower?

I've been researching this subject too long..........as a hobbiest spend $500 and still be disappointed, spend $800 and be OK, or spend $1000-$1500 and smile everytime you use it for the rest of your life. Sucks doesn't it. ;)

Okay -- here's the only way to MATE your compressor with your job requirements...


Go find your air tools you plan to use..... they will be "rated" with a minimum CFM (cubic foot per minute) at a specified PSI....


So if your die grinder needs 3 cfm at 90 psi..... then to buy a compressor with anything less than capable than that -- you'll be waiting for the SOB to make pressure --- and the thing will be running continuously.


My commercial Champion 5 hp with an 80 gal vertical tank will produce about 19 cfm at 125psi --- and will keep up with my hand tools... but anything much less would be a complete PITA.

Yeah, I've looked at that. Highest consumption right now is 5-5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI. Thinking the 7.1 @ 90 is enough especially with 60 gal.

Guys, I own a Fluid Power distribution company and deal with air systems for a living. Like Sieg said, speed $1500 and buy an industrial grade compressor and then forget about it for the rest of your life. Atlas Copco makes really nice compressors (we do not sell them) with 5hp Baldor industrial grade motors. These motors are about twice the size of the motors seen on the big box stores compressors (and the link) and are true rated motors. The Copco that we test all our equipment on is super quite and will push 19cfm at 125 psi as well. It is a 5hp model. We paid $1600 for it. Look around at some auto body supply shops, fluid power distributors etc. or an industrial compressor dealer. Ask them questions.

Darren

I think you missed Greg's key point........subconcious attempt to favor your budget? :D :thumbsup:

I'm a firm believer in buying good tools -- particularly the type that you'll buy ONCE and use forever... I consider these "investments". A good compressor is worth every dime you spend on it every time you use it -- and will be worth as much as you paid for it - 15 years from now.

It's like buying a Snap-On wrench -- you only buy it ONE TIME and use it 'til you die. I'm thinkin' that's a pretty good buy. :D

Greg - agreed. I don't want to buy twice. But, I also don't want to buy more than what I need. I'm willing to buy a good product and pay for it. I'm not willing to buy a $5,000 compressor that spits out huge CFM as that doesn't appear to be what I need. I haven't seen a tool that I would use that requires over about 6 CFM at 90 PSI. Most of those also won't run 100% of the time so as to not run into duty cycle problems.

Any experience with Quincy compressors? Seems I can step up CFM without stepping up noise or cost. 12.4 CFM and 50% duty cycle seems like it would cover my needs.....

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...9713_200479713