Air compressor choices

[chevynut]

As for tank, I disagree with some of the others, it has a lot to do with your system. When you compress 175# into a large tank and start using it at 100 lbs or less, It will run your tools longer before the compressor has to start. It also allows for longer run time when the compressor cycles and running is much easier than starting/stopping.

That's true until the compressor starts running...at that point if you're using more air than the compressor can pump, it will run continuously. It's hard to get a reasonably priced compressor that won't run continuously when sandblasting, or even using a die grinder. Mine is an IR and it runs a lot. So the tank size is pretty much irrelevant when you're using a lot of CFM. But I agree that at 175PSI and a large tank you store more air. I'm not sure it's worth the consideration though.

Also a larger tank gives the compressed air better cooling to separate the water at the tank (dryer, cooler air) About the largest HP 220V single phase motor made is 7 HP, although 5 HP is much more common. Get the largest CFM and highest pressure you can with one of these motors.

True on the cooling, but if it runs a lot even a larger tank is going to get hot. The air heats up when compressed, and it is transferred to the tank. It doesn't have to be very hot for the air to retain moisture.

[WagonCrazy]

Well guys, I'm' gonna say here that I havent yet pulled the trigger to buy one and been using my 2 horse 20 gallon compressor for the time being. I've had a small amount to blast, so it takes time to fill up and the pressure is so low...but I got it to work long enough to clean up the C4 aluminum rear end parts before I reassembled them. But I definately need a bigger compressor to keep this up.

Everythings a grand in this hobby...

A grand for a custom made FI tank with internal pump-regulator
A grand for coilovers all around
A grand for all the stainless parts to plumb in the fuel and brake lines
A grand for all the stainless to do the custom exhaust system
A grand for this and for that...

To sink $1500 into a compressor that gets used now but not alot is making me go crazy. Funds are somewhat limited after all with 2 kids in college and one more on the way.

Seen alot of used ones on craigslist locally, but not sure about buying someone elses junk on this one...

So I'm glad I posted this and heard all your feedback. Just ain't gonna be able to spend the $ on it yet.

[chevynut]

Isn't this hobby GRAND?

[warren57]

Now I'm laughing, I never looked at it that way, but yes it really is a $ GRAND $ hobby!!!
But it sure is enjoyable, even on a low budget...

[WagonCrazy]

I think I just figured out my personalized license plates:
57GRAND

How's that sound?

[Bakins]

I think I just figured out my personalized license plates:
57GRAND

May need to swap the first two digits

[NickP]

That's true until the compressor starts running...at that point if you're using more air than the compressor can pump, it will run continuously. It's hard to get a reasonably priced compressor that won't run continuously when sandblasting, or even using a die grinder. Mine is an IR and it runs a lot. So the tank size is pretty much irrelevant when you're using a lot of CFM. But I agree that at 175PSI and a large tank you store more air. I'm not sure it's worth the consideration though.




True on the cooling, but if it runs a lot even a larger tank is going to get hot. The air heats up when compressed, and it is transferred to the tank. It doesn't have to be very hot for the air to retain moisture.

I run a dryer to eliminate the condensation to my air tools. My tank has an auto dump to keep it to a minimum. With filters and proper line layout - no water. BTW, the compressoe is also a 30 CFM - quiet and will catch up quickly.

[chevynut]

Nick, a 30CFM compressor should have no problem with just about anything. What brand and model is it?

I don't get moisture in my hoses either since I put a second tank on the opposite corner of my shop that the air dumps into before distribution lines. The air cools down between the compressor and the other tank, and the moisture drops into the other tank. It works well, and I don't need a separate refrigerated dryer.

[Bakins]

I don't get moisture in my hoses either since I put a second tank on the opposite corner of my shop that the air dumps into before distribution lines.

I need to do something like that. I did my plumbing like this: http://www.tptools.com/pl/Images,met...ping-Kits.html and bought the water separator/filter combo from them, but still get some moisture -- particularly if the compressor runs a good bit. I guess because it stays hot if it kicks on and off a lot.

[WagonCrazy]

May need to swap the first two digits

Yeah! No kidding. More like 99 grand by the time I get done!