First air compressor

[Dirtautoguy]

I'm Thinkin about buying my first air compressor I would use it with an impact wrench and tools like that. I also am Thinkin about doin my own spray in bed liners and maybe some minor painting projects but I'm not sure what it would require I'm looking at this right now.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/25-horsepower-21-gal-125-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-67847.html

 

Cheap but it would just be something to start with would this work for what I want? I don't have alot of experience with air compressors but I know they can make life alot easier.

[cyclepuck]

If you will be using a lot of air tools I would recommend going to a 2 stage compressor. Most air tools run at 90-100 psi. A single stage like the one you posted maxes at 125 will run down to 75-85 before it kicks back on. You'll have to wait for it to build up to get the most of of the tool. A 2 stage will max around 175 then kick back on at 125 so you'll always have the proper psi for the tool being used.

[Chris]

I agree with the previous statement. I have a Craftsman 15 gallon single stage that I use my Snap On MG725 impact with and also a Snap On die grinder. At times I have ran out of air to use either tool and it sucks to delay a job because of it. On the bright side it does give you time to grab a cold one.

 

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[Prokopchuk_9]

Ya if ur runnin air tools you need a dual stage.

[Dirtautoguy]

Well I wouldn't be using them all the time probably just for a minute or two at a time with an impact wrench or ratchet. The longest I would be using it is if I sprayed bed liner in.

[Chris]

I suggest get a compressor with a tank larger than 15 gallons if you don't go dual stage. I cant really complain, I got my compressor free

 

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[Dirtautoguy]

Not I'm looking at this air compressor it has a little bigger tank but a smaller motor. I read somewhere that anything over 2 hp will need a 220 plug and I don't have a 220 plug

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/18-horsepower-26-gallon-150-psi-oilless-air-compressor-68067.html

[Dirtautoguy]

I'm also looking at this spray gun for bed liner and things like that

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/paint/texture-paint-spray-gun-66103.html

[8.1HD/ALLISON]

I would definately stay away from any compressor that is not oil lubricated. You just need to do some research on the CFM consumption of the tools you want to use and find a compressor to match. And always remember, you get what you pay for.

[brantjs]

I have run nailers and impacts on a pancake, even demoed a bathroom with an air chisel using it. Eventually it died because it was always running because it couldn't keep up with anything other than nailers. It was replaced with a 60 gallon eaton 5 hp 2-stage that puts out something like 19 cfm at 100psi. Even with that it cycles frequently with tools like die grinders, air ratchets, and HVLP guns. A buddy of mine bought the 80 gal 7.5 hp eaton and he has to set that on continuous run for blasting in his cabinet. If you don't have the money for a stationary, at least try for the largest tank size and an oil lubricated pump. Good name brand compressors will last longer and have parts more available in case of breakdown.

[kstruckcountry]

As far as tools go, see if you can find some used BluePoints for a decent price. Even if they cost the same as a new lower quality one they are worth it IMO.

[GasHog369]

I agree with all the info in above posts..

My first compressor I bought was / is (since it is still running strong) a porter cable 6 gal pancake compressor. Ive ran this for many years on multiple jobs running a framer / finish / etc.. I even used it for running a impact.. And after the first time I did, I found it met its match and could not keep up. Since then, I looked for a low budget alternative and bought a used 17 gal tank on ebay. Got it shipped for around $25!

Now I have a 23 gal supply of air between the 2. Main drawback is the pancake motor is not meant for refilling 23 gal, so it takes quite a while once pressure switch drops below 110. I will eventually replace this with a larger reserve unit that is meant for thirsty air tools.

[ATMINF]

I have a craftsman 33 gal that I bought about 10 years ago. It's good for the small stuff I do, but you have to think about what is the max you would put it through and how often, an then buy the best you can afford. I liked that my take was a devilbiss tank that was made in the USA.

[brainpause]

Don't go cheap on an air compressor. I did, and kept burning them up. And that was before air tools.

 

I currently use a single stage oil-cooled 5(?) gallon Ingersoll-Rand purchased at Tractor Supply.

 

I reiterate: Don't go cheap on your air compressor. Save for the better one. I'd have an even better one I hadn't burned others up.

[Portdriver]

I have an older version of the first link you posted for the HF 21 gal. I've been using it regularly at home for 7 years and never had any problem. However I've never used it where regular continuous use, like spray in bed liners, would require. The hardest use it's seen was using a whiz wheel to cut terracotta sewer lines. It didn't kept up.