WTB Air compressor

[Builtdesign]

I need some advise on what to look for in an air compressor. I just need to have one in the garage for things like: filling tires, un-torque bolts, sanding, grinding, and possibly some air brushing in the future.

Based on that I don't know that I need anything too big, but what do I know? I'm assuming a bigger tank makes for less work for the compressor when use is prolonged. At the same time I don't want to wait to compress a 30 gal tank just fill a tire.

Also should a good one have a regulator built-in? Is oilless the better type?

 

[bajabomber87]

You'll want a 30 gallon at a minimum. Also it doesn't take that long to pressurize a 30 gallon tank, nor does it need to be fully pressurized to fill a bike tire.

Oil-less is fine for your needs, go get a craftsmen from sears, Ive had mine for 6 years now and I've only needed to replace the regulator.

 

[RT Performance]

I like the oil compressors but my compressor take a ass whipping.
Sanding and grinding with air tools consume a ton of air.
Sears home depo and lowes have decant campbel hosfed single stage twin cylinders 60 gallon around 600 ish last a looked.
That will serve a great amount of use and abuse.
I ran my shop on one for about 10 year (mechanical not body)
I now have a big red machine 2 stage 60 gallon. around 2k from snap on but much quiter and more psi quicker recovery.


to some up.

Light use oiless 5 year small or meduim Most make 70-100 psi.

meduim use oil single stage 10 years 100-125 psi

2 stage oil last a life time. 150-175 psi
May need a re ring or a switch but there un destructable as long as you don't run them without oil.


Single stage two cylinder working togther.

two stage means the first cylinder make 1/2 pressure than that air is pushed to the next cylinder normally slightly smaller to make even higher pressure.

All compressors have a pressure switch regulator to run the motor .
Most small units have adjustable regulator is good for turning down to air brush or paint with.

As far as waiting to pump up a tire leave it full with a coupler or ball valve to shut the air off.

Anthing that make 100 psi is fine for impact and painting even a small pancake type would be fine.

But the sanding grinding will require a good size comprssor. Body shop have huge comprssor even screw dives to provide enough air.

 

[Builtdesign]

Thanks[up] That's just the info I needed!

As far as waiting to pump up a tire leave it full with a coupler or ball valve to shut the air off.

Can you explain this better? I had always heard that it was best to deflate the tank when not in use...?

 

[RT Performance]

You can leave them full all compressors have a let off valve.
The hiss noise when the pump shuts off it bleeds the air off the cylinder head.
The female couplers have a check valve in them if you disconnect the hose ( where most leaks occurs you will be fine.) I like gas ball valves just twist the handle and it's off.
You will need to drain the water off the bottom of the tank every month more if it's running alot I don't let all the air out for that either just crack the pepcock until it comes out dry.
If you do decide the do the coupler disconnect be sure you hold the hose.
It will whip around like a snake when the air comes out.

 

[Builtdesign]

cool, thanks again.