Whats a good all around air compressor

[GregWeld]

The sad part about 3 phase is -- it's actually there in the street -- but the power companies won't let you have it at a residence.

Phase convertors are "okay" but I wouldn't run one just to have a compressor that was 3 phase. If you're going to buy other machinery that uses 3 phase - then it's a consideration - since you could buy one convertor and run different stuff with it (if sized properly) but just to run an air compressor... I personally wouldn't bother with that.

Make sure you get at LEAST a 5 hp compressor --- and what's really the most important about a compressor is the VOLUME of AIR (CFM'S) that it will make at "X" PSI.... If you're going to run air tools --- some die grinders etc can use up enormous amounts of air in a big hurry. You don't want your compressor to not be able to keep up with them. That sucks and should only happen or be allowed to happen if you're on a really tight budget and just can't possibly spring for the proper version.

The other HUGE air user -- a blast cabinet! So think about what you're planning to do in the future -- and size the compressor accordingly.

Here's something many folks don't know!

If you plan on using an air tool on a continuous basis, it is a good idea to multiply the “Average CFM” x 4 to get a continuous CFM rating for the tool.

Most tools use about 90 psi... so you need a CFM # out of your compressor @ 90 psi for it to "keep up".

Figure a die grinder to use 4 to 6 CFM - so X's 4 = 16 to 20 CFM @ 90psi