Whats a good all around air compressor

[rwhite692]

In my case, the best all-around compressor is the one I built myself:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=42474

[orangevert]

Originally Posted by rwhite692

In my case, the best all-around compressor is the one I built myself:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=42474

Very nice compressor

Thanks guys..
Kirk

[dave96dcm]

Like mentioned above, good comPressors are at 1750rpm, get at least 15cfm at 90psi, so it will have a chance to catch up and stop even if you are sandblasting etc. I have a ingersol rand (sp?) and I love it, I got it through Grainger.com.

[Fluid Power]

we sell Atlas Copco's. With that being said, get a 3 phase motor and buy bigger than you think you need. 7.5hp and 80 gallon vertical's are nice and will run forever! **EDIT** 3 phase power is difficult to find in residential applications. If you find a compressor, take into consideration the cost of a converter if 3 phase power is not available at the compressor location.

Darren

[Sandbagger]

Originally Posted by Fluid Power

we sell Atlas Copco's. With that being said, get a 3 phase motor and buy bigger than you think you need. 7.5hp and 80 gallon vertical's are nice and will run forever!

Darren

Whats the differance between a single phase and a 3 phase .
I found a deal on a IR 7.5 HP but its wired for 230/460V 3 Phase motor (wired for 230V
Appreciate any help ..
Is this too much RPM ?

[Fluid Power]

3 phase motors are more efficient, they have a more simple design, they last longer and can produce more torque and HP than the comparable single phase motor. With that being said, most homes do not have 3 phase power. Than can be used, but a phase converter must be purchased in order to do so. A phase converter needs to be sized the HP rating of the motor. For the motor on that compressor, you would need a phase converter that would handle the 7.5hp. As far as RPMS go, that is not an issue. If you shop around, a converter for that size motor can be bought for under $250. Just factor that in to the 'deal' when shopping for a compressor. I will edit my post above to make a note about 3 phase power requirements for residential use.

Darren

[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