Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 08, 2003 12:17am | #1

   They make little compressors dedicated to tire inflation.  Is that all you're going to do with it?  Way cheaper to just buy one of those.

   Doesn't take much of a machine to inflate tires.  The fittings are readily available in big box stores and auto stores.  Little or no maintenance for oilless compressors -- I believe in draining the air after use.  That's about it.  Everything's pretty standard.  Following instructions on maximum tank pressure, you'll stay in one piece.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   Len | Mar 08, 2003 12:56am | #2

   William,

   Is all you want to do is inflate tires? There are a number of compressors sold at chain stores, (Target) that would get the job done. I got one for my dad and he's happier than a clam. They are inexpensive and will get the job done. You can modify the hose with a standard 1/4NPT-hose barb fitting if you want to attach other types of inflating accessories.

   On the other hand if you intend to use nail guns then a pancake compressor is the way to go. Porter Cable sells a brad nailer and a compressor together.

   Other air tools, such as sanders and grinders require a larger air tank. The tools will all have a minimum CFM requirement, (Cubic feet per minute) and will not function well on less.

   As far as safety goes. When using air tools eye and hearing protection are a must. Maybe not if your just inflating your car tires. If you get a compressor with an air tank, you need to drain it after use. Do not ever spray wd40 in the tank if you get rust in it or put any oil in the tank. It may cause the tank to explode.

   If you have an idea of what type of tools you want to use I can give you a better recomendation.

   Hope this helps.

   Len

1. 
   WilliamHF | Mar 08, 2003 01:49am | #3

   Thanks Forestgirl and Len

   The problem is I don't know exactly what type/size of compressor you are telling me I can get for automobile tires. Is the one you refer to very small?

   Smaller than any of the compressors I see in stores which have a tank?

   I own a little air compressor which runs off the car's battery. We use it to pump up bicycle tires. It takes about a 45 seconds for it to pump up one bicycle tire.

   Could you be suggesting to me that this little pump bought at a Home Depot store will also pump up a standard automobile tire? I would have thought the volume difference would be so great that it would take 15 minutes to pump up an auto tire, and that is IF it can do that job.

   Or, are you telling me that there is some intermediate size, readily available,  air compressor which has bigger capacity than the one I have for bicycle tires and is made for pumping up atuomobile tires?

   (I know it must be extremely difficult for you to believe----there are a handful of things about which I know nothing.)

   William

   I make something, sometimes twice, each year.

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 08, 2003 02:29am | #4

   I suspect that most of the small compressors for tire inflation are designed to run off the car battery.  The ones that run on 115V are more expensive.  Call a big auto parts store. What's the scoop, Wm??  How many said tires do you want to inflate per year? how many in a given session of inflating? 

   Or, are you hoping to get us to say "William, you really do need one of those Porter Cable pancake compressors.  And, oh by the way, you might as well get one with a brad nailer in a kit, it doesn't really cost that much more."

   BTW, somewhere [either in your signature, or at the bottom of the text part of your posts] you have what looks like a dozen carriage returns.  Keeps me in suspense every time.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   Len | Mar 08, 2003 10:10am | #5

   William,

   It sounds like you only need to pump up tires and the occasional beach toy. You can get a 120v version of the type of compressor you have from Sears. Sears Item #00915054000It costs about $50. I know you can find them cheaper at other chainstores. If the car tire isn't completely flat it shouldn't take one of these to to long to pump of a car tire. It will have more than enough capability to do it.

   If your planning to run pneumatic tools then depending on the type you will need a compressor with a tank and at least 1 hp. The size of the tank and hp is dependent on the type of tools you think you might want to use.

   I agree with Forestgirl. If your just looking for a reason to buy a new toy then go for it. The Porter Cable pancake compressor with the brad nailer is a great deal.

   Enjoy,

   Len

1. 
   mitch | Mar 09, 2003 02:01am | #6

   ok, i give...  why shouldn't one put a rust preventive in a compressor tank?  never heard that before and know several people who have done it for years without incident.  not to mention, if it's an oil-lube unit, it's gonna get oil in the tank whether you like or not.

   m

   Edited 3/8/2003 6:07:21 PM ET by mitch

2. 
   Sprucegum | Mar 09, 2003 02:09am | #7

   The theory is that when you compress air you also compress and concentrate the oxygen. Oxygen and oil vapors in the right ratio can be explosive, its a long shot - how lucky are you today? :-)It's not what you chew, it's how you chew it

3. 
   mitch | Mar 09, 2003 02:21am | #8

   well i wasn't figuring anybody would pour it in, swish it around and leave a sizeable quantity actually in the tank, but i guess anything is possible.  it's my understanding that if you do put any rust preventive in, you leave the bunghole open for a day or two to drain and air out.  len's post gave me the impression there is something chemically amiss regarding the steel of the tank, the rust and the oil under pressure.  maybe i just read too much into it.

   m

4. 
   WilliamHF | Mar 09, 2003 08:31pm | #9

   I have garenred enough from the helpful posts y'all have sent to the thread.

   I ain't gonna use no nail gun, spray no lacquer or paint or varnish.

   I want the thing to inflate a product which I call Automobile tires (actually, ';round the house, I just allude to 'em as "car tahrs."

   My wife keeps tryin' to get me to try the little tiny air compressor bough to inflate bicycle tahrs on a car tahr. I'm far too lazy to give that a shot without first attempting to pick the brains of Knots regulars.

   But now I think I'll break down and try it.

   It it don't work, I may drop by a Sears outlet and look at the recommended product. I looked it up at http://www.Sears.com and it looks like just the ticket. Thank you.

   Pouring rain, the roof's leakin', and I'm wondering if I can dope out some way to get my bike tire compressor to stop the roof leak.

   William

   P.S. I'm using the Delete key 12 times to try to avoid the Carriage Returns ForestGirl referred to. They just seem to dog my tracks regardless of what I try.I make something, sometimes twice, each year.

5. 
   forestgirl | Mar 09, 2003 08:36pm | #10

   William -- have you gone to "My Preferences" and check your "Personal Signature" for errant returns?  [Click on "My Forums" up above, right corner, then click on My Preferences.  Go about half-way down for signature.]  If you can't track the problem down, [email protected] would be the place to turn.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

6. 
   johnhardy | Mar 10, 2003 11:21pm | #15

   William,

   If you just want to inflate tires, what you have should work fine. Bicycle tires probably take more pressure than car tires, and I think the little compressor will have more trouble with increased pressure than volume.

   Another option is to get a portable air tank which has an air gauge and a short hose, and use that for filling tires. You could fill it at the gas station when it runs down. I have one (I can use it to run a nailer for short jobs) and I think it only cost about $20 at Costco. The air tank is probably 12 inches in diameter and 18 inches long ... I could be off her but probably not by too much. It's actually small enough to carry in the trunk of your car for emergencies.

   John

3. 
   Splintie | Mar 09, 2003 09:55pm | #11

   You don't need a tank compressor at all. A tankless compressor will deliver air to 90# or so, but not quickly. The tank acts more like a flywheel is all, but isn't necessary for the use to which you are putting it. A tankless job will cost you less than $100 while alleviating any worries about explosions. On the other hand, it won't do much in the way of woodworking applications except maybe air-brushing.

1. 
   senior85222 | Mar 10, 2003 05:11pm | #12

   I use a tankless Campbell.. and find it appropriate for a brad nailer and a micro pinner. Actually I am waiting for it to die so I can justify getting a Thomas A.C. which has a small tank.

   Dick

4. 
   Beachdog | Mar 10, 2003 06:33pm | #13

   William: I just went through the air compressor selection process and have some brief items you may find helpful. (Keep in mnd that I am an amatuer at all things. But, I did find a compressor that really does fit my demands.)

   1) Determine, what you think you might need it for.  Be reasonable with your demands. E.g.: basic air tools vs. high-speed grinders; tire inflation on bicycles vs. tractor tires; brad and staple  gun vs. framing nailers.  

   2) Go to your local tool rental place, tell them the most intensive use you think you will need and rent a unit they recommend for that use.  Actually test the unit for a couple of your intended uses and then try to apply the unit to a more rigorous use.  For example, you can always rent a framing or finish nailer gun for a couple of hours.

   3) Buy a little more than you will need.  Once you get one and use it for several times you will be living with it.

   4) If you are going to be using it constantly for one or more of your intended uses ,get one with sufficient tank volume so the pump is not going all the time because the pump will need to be serviced or replaced iif it is always pumping.

   5) Get one on wheels if you will be moving it about because a good compressor for even a moderately sized unit will be a drag (literally) to move about. 

   6) Buy from someone who will allow a return if, after a couple of days or a week, you want to trade up. Be sure to buy from a supplier who can give you god advice. For example, if your needs will be mostly carpentry, buy from an established building cent or lumber yard.  If your needs are more for auto refinishing, a tools supply or machine supply house.  If painting, a commercial paint supply place.  If you buy over the internet, fine, but do your local shopping first because you a going to probably buy supplies from the local person and will still need their expertise and supplies.

1. 
   WilliamHF | Mar 10, 2003 11:05pm | #14

   All good and sensible suggestions, Steve.

   Thanks for filling me in on your experience.

   William

   I make something, sometimes twice, each year.

1. 
   senior85222 | Mar 11, 2003 05:20pm | #16

   All these suggestions are great.  I had another thought to throw in with the rest, that is, portability and power requirements.  I used to own a 3HP 220 volt model which had wheels.  It was a nice size, but I found the 220 vac requirement limited me to keeping it in the garage. 

   For light duty use, there are light weight oil-less models with small tanks that can be easily carried to the car, shop, etc. that run on110 which is much easier to access.  I bought mine at Costco.  However, they cannot run an automotive impact wrench.

   If you don't like to carry things around about 50' or so of air hose could remedy that. 

   Just another opinion.

   Dick

5. 
   katherine biel | Feb 19, 2011 03:48pm | #17

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1. 
   user-64052 | Feb 19, 2011 05:05pm | #18

   8 years have past

   since that was last posted.

   ron

   hand pump would have been the most conenient

1. 
   BruceS | Feb 19, 2011 06:55pm | #19

   SPAM

   Just spam.  

1. 
   olleyhale | Mar 01, 2011 01:41pm | #20

   you're cool