Replies

1. 
   SCFrankland | Apr 25, 2002 08:53pm | #1

   Have I have two compressors. The first on is a small 1.5Hp 3Gal tank that I haul around from site to site doing installs. The second is a 5Hp 20Gal that I use in my shop. I only got the bigger compressor because it was cheap, real cheap. Until I got it I only used the small one for all my shop needs (mostly brad nailers, but I did spray my house last year with it).

   Scott C. Frankland

   Newfoundland Wood Worker

2. 
   fdampier | Apr 25, 2002 08:58pm | #2

   Air compressor can never be too big, only too small.  If it's too small many of the things you'll want to do with it later require too much air. If space is the issue then hang the compressor from the rafters.  If you think a small aircompressor is gonna be cheaper then you are about to learn how not to buy a boat.

     Everybody buys a "small affordable boat"   Hmmmm those payments aren't  too bad.  they say and go put it in the water.

     well it's a known fact that things shrink when wet. and your boat will too! the big waves will come up from other bigger boats and your buddies won't want to go in your boat because they can't fit all their gear etc. so you trade it in on a slightly bigger one and then the wife wants to go and take the kids, so you need one slightly larger and then she bitches because there is no bathroom and so you get one with a bathroom and then........

      the bottom line is get at least a 3 hp with a 20 gallon tank.  a 5 hp is better with a 65 gallon tank, and I want a 7 hp with a 100 gallon tank. to replace my smaller 65 gallon tank which replaced my 20 gallon tank which replaced  my 1/2 horpower with 5 gallon tank......... 

1. 
   SCFrankland | Apr 25, 2002 09:14pm | #3

   Frenchy do you want to get a bigger boat or a bigger compressor. ;0)Scott C. Frankland

   Newfoundland Wood Worker

1. 
   fdampier | Apr 27, 2002 07:01am | #4

   Scott,

     I have a 28 foot Sea Ray and have looked at boats up to 50 foot.....

     I have a 5 hp. 65 gallon tank air compressor. I've looked at 7 hp with 100 gallon tank...

     what does that mean?

1. 
   Celis98 | Apr 27, 2002 10:07am | #5

   I won't argue that bigger is better.  But, I'll assume that our now Dramamine popping and shell-shocked questioner is on a very limited budget.

   Caveat:  I'm new to woodworking, but I'm looking into buying a compressor soon.  What follows is from what I've learned.

   The sprayer USUALLY requires more compressor than the nailer.  The horsepower isn't important.  Find out the cfm @ 40 psi.  The spray gun will have an air consumption value in cfm and a working pressure in psi.  Just be sure that your compressor can comfortably handle your spray gun.

   Some HVLP spray guns (more accurately LVLP spray guns) have extremely low volume (air consumption in cfm) and low pressure (working pressure in psi) which "require" fairly small compressors.

   At 5 cfm and 17 psi the Asturo ECO is such a gun.  Here is a link to see one:

   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/asturo3.htm

   Finally, I've noticed that Porter Cable compressors have high cfm ratings in fairly small compressors.

   Brian 

   Edited 4/27/2002 3:09:27 AM ET by Brian

2. 
   SCFrankland | Apr 27, 2002 02:48pm | #6

   C&C 24 and a Laser are my two sail boats. I don't get to us them much but I hope to get some serious sailing in the summer.

   As for the compressor go out and look at the tools you would like to have some time down the road and buy a compressor that will handle the largest tool CFM requirement with some extra. My big compressor I bought used and saved a bundle on.

   Scott C. Frankland

   Newfoundland Wood Worker

   Edited 4/27/2002 7:52:37 AM ET by Scott Frankland

1. 
   fdampier | Apr 28, 2002 02:24am | #7

   this is one of those questions that there isn't a good answer for.  Just as soon as you decide that this is all you're gonna do along comes another tool that you just gotta have..

     For example when you were in elementary school, did you know that you'd buy a aircompressor?  Most tools last the average hobbiest years evan decades.  I've got ####spray gun that is 40 years old.  I still use it.  It only required a few CFM of air and it works on certain types of paint better than my $300.00 Devibis . 

    My point is, How far into the future do you want to prepare yourself for?  This week?  next month? a few years? 

     What are your interests, how much do you want to spend on the tools for them?    I mean perhaps one of those cheap little made in China aircompressors is enough for you.  perhaps you need a Campbell Hausfield. 120 gallon 10 hp. one. I'm not making a judgement,  nor should that be a factor in your choice. 

     Your age, interests, budget, and prioritys should determine that!

2. 
   UncleDunc | Apr 28, 2002 07:22am | #8

   >> ... perhaps one of those cheap little made in China

   >> aircompressors is enough for you. perhaps you need a Campbell

   >> Hausfield. 120 gallon 10 hp...

   Or maybe one of those Ingersoll-Rand oilfield compressors. Takes up a whole semi-trailer. Diesel engine with each cylinder displacing over a gallon. Four cylinder gas engine to start the diesel. Major pressure AND major CFM. Grunt.

   Never actually saw one run, but we shared a building with I-R, so I saw them when they were in for maintenance.