Posted: 4/30/2007 9:10:14 PM EDT
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Im looking at buying a compreser and a few air tool with some over time cash I got the tool I know what I want its the compreser Im not so sure about. Im looking at 3 compresers A 8 Gal tank 3.7cfm @ 90psi Max psi 125 $150.00 B 13 Gal tank 3.7cfm @ 90 psi Max psi 125 $200.00 C 17 Gal tank 3.8cfm @ 90 psi Max Psi 150 $225.00 A will get done what I ned done now but with only a 8 Gal tank will not last long with tools running 5 or 6 cfm at 90psi so Im thinking B or C but not sure if C is worth it. Thoughts?? This will mostly be for working on cars and filling tires. Rusty |
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Go for the largest you can afford. Don't buy oil free. None of those will be big enough for your needs. I'd go with at least a 20 gallon tank minimum. Air tools use a lot of air. As a matter of fact, if you plan to use a lot of air tools, you will need a MUCH larger compressor. Something like a 60 gallon tank with 220 volt power. Check out compressors like this one: www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_207226_207226 www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311705_200311705 www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311707_200311707 |
If you're tools are using 5 or 6 cfm, the none of those compressors will work. You need to up your budget to a larger 5 HP/60 gallon IR compressor. Better spend the money on more than you need rather than spend it on one you'll end up replacing anyway when you discover a small one doesn't work worth crap. Trust me on this. Merlin |
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I've been using a 5 gal, 2hp (probably 3cfs) for YEARS works fine won't work for things like sanders (that are constantly on) but works fine, hell, i even blow out sprinkler systems with it (which is really bad for oilless designs, but it's like 15 years old at this point and it still runs fine) runs roofing nailers, other nailers, impact wrenches, etc |
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I'm gonna get reamed by the safety cops, but so what... I had the same problem: a 2-3 gallon tank with an AC diaphragm pump. I also had a leaky water heater... with a 30 gallon tank... and heaters are pressure tested to over 300 PSI, and generally have a 125-150# relief valve, which is about the pressure I wanted to run... Hmmmm! I sealed the pinhole leak with a screw dipped in epoxy. I sealed all the inlet/outlet holes with galvanized plugs, put a pressure regulator for 120 PSI (available at the plumbing/heating stores that cater to professionals), and Viola! After about an afternoon's work I had a high-capacity tank... ... which took forever to fill with the diaphragm pump, but when starting a large job, I started the compressor before changing into my work clothes. This setup served me for about 8 years, with no safety problems. |
And as a ham, I hope you now know better. |