Air Tools and Compressor

[Khamburg]

I am looking into getting an air compressor and air tools. I have to admit I don't know a whole lot about them but I want something that I can use to work on the car, and use for airbrushing. I am looking to get the best bang for the buck. If I try to spend more than lets say $500 I am going to get a big veto from the wife. I am looking to get the compressor and a few air tools first and then later add more air tools as needed. I want as much power as I can afford and something that is not extremely noisy. I'm sure that some of you have purchased these things and may have some good do's and don'ts that you have learned along the way. I am partial to craftsman but have a Lowe's very close by and would appreciate any info that any of you might have. Thanks

[Squid]

I've been using this 5HP 20 Gallon Coleman for 7 years now I'm happy with it. It's portable and runs all my air tools including my HVLP paint gun. (you'll need a moisture filter/trap) I've never seen a compressor yet that's not noisy. You will find that the tires on your vehicles will last a lot longer if you own an air compressor. You tend to keep them at the right P.S.I.

Here's my setup.

[pagerdaddy]

I bought a 6HP Campbell Hausfeld with 60 gal tank at Northern for around $400. A few months later, Walmart had the same one about $10 less. You'll need a 220v plug if you go with a large one. Not a big deal if you know how to add breakers to your fuse box.

I'd stay away from the "oil free" compressors. From what I hear, they make quite a bit more noise than an oil filled. Mine has a cast iron sleeve, which should add to the life of it.

[bestatchess]

I think 220 V is probably a good idea. I have a 2 HP Hitachi at 120 V and it trips the breaker on restart on real cold days.

[Bayou Titan]

Most air compressors are manufactured by either Campbell Hausfeld or DeVilbiss and are marketed under dozens of other names such as Craftsman, Speedair, Porter Cable, Husky, Delta, Iron Force, Power Pro, etc.

Campbell Hausfeld model VT6300 which sells for $417.00 has enough power to do anything you want. It has a 26 gallon tank, solid cast iron twin cylinders, and the highest rated motor that can run on household current.

It is a portable unit which makes it easy to take somewhere else.

http://www.chpower.com/

[akairman]

Bayou Titan has hooked you up with some good info.

I don't want to do a primer on air compression, but mostly the load drives the supply. You would need to know what tools you need or want to use, see how much CFM (cubic feet/ min) and find a supply to meet the need. The other big issue can be storage. The bigger the tank, the more air volume under pressue you have to use. I have a little 5 gal tank, with a 2 hp comp. It works great with my brad nailer, but is challanged by my 1/2" drive impact. The unit he (Bayou Titan) spec'd out would drive the impact with no trouble. You will have enough air with this unit to drive a full size paint gun, so an air brush would be no sweat.

Don't forget to drain you tank after each use or you could mess up your tools or paint work.

Happy shopping,
John

[4x4creature]

Originally Posted by Bayou Titan

Most air compressors are manufactured by either Campbell Hausfeld or DeVilbiss and are marketed under dozens of other names such as Craftsman, Speedair, Porter Cable, Husky, Delta, Iron Force, Power Pro, etc.

Campbell Hausfeld model VT6300 which sells for $417.00 has enough power to do anything you want. It has a 26 gallon tank, solid cast iron twin cylinders, and the highest rated motor that can run on household current.

It is a portable unit which makes it easy to take somewhere else.

http://www.chpower.com/

This good advice, especailly on the cast iron jugs, just besure that the heads is also cast iron.

[Khamburg]

Thanks for all the help. I knew you guys would have some good answers. I'm a little weary of going 220 but I just may have to. The good news is that the main breaker panel is in my garage so that will make it a little easier. The house has the original wiring from 1978 so I know it might be a little tricky but I will see what I can do. I'll let you know what I end up doing.

[pagerdaddy]

I went down to the garage and looked at mine, and it's a 6.5 hp with cast iron pump. Sticker says it will deliver 10.3 cfm @ 90 psi, which is nearly double what the VT6300 will do. I looked around a little on the net, and is it just me, or have these things really went up in price over the last few years? It's all Bayou's fault for promoting that class action suit!


The breaker thing is a piece of cake, Khamburg. My house was built in 69, and also has the box in the garage. Just shut off the main, and don't touch any wires going to it. All the smaller breakers should be below the main. You will have to remove the panel that covers them. You need to note the brand of the box. Mine is a Square D.

Lowe's or Home Depot will have everything you need, even the conduit to run the wire through. I was able to make mine look exactly like the other outlets and switches in the garage. Mine are all metal since there is no sheetrock down there.

If you have any doubt about being able to do it safely yourself, by all means get an electrician. I wouldn't think it would cost all that much.

[TOK]

Seems like you got all the info you need, but just to add to this... I got a 6 horse Craftsman 110 beltless w/30 gallon tank, and while it makes good pressure and has worked for everything, it is so loud I can hardly stand to be in the garage while its running. If I'm doing a small task, I'll let it run while I'm in the house and shut it off.

My next compressor will definitely be a belted 220. My dads neighbor has one and you can talk over it while it runs.