Thread: Best Air tools

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Originally posted by Henry Rifle
Five HP and 15 gallon tank will definitely NOT run a DA, a die grinder, a high-speed sander or a cut-off tool. Anyone telling you that is just trying to sell a compressor. Trust me, I've had two 5HP compressors, and neither would run much more than an air ratchet or an impact wrench. They barely would run a decent HVLP paint gun.

That size compressor will be lucky to put out more than 4.0 CFM at 90PSI. DA's and other similar tools take 6-9 CFM. Some HVLP guns take 10 CFM. My 5hp compressor was lucky to run a DA for more than a few minutes.

I bought a 7hp, 60 gal dual piston unit. Costs more, but at least it works.

We used all that except a DA and hvlp on our old stationary home made compressor made from a hot water heater tank and a refigerent compressor, works pretty good too, we bought a 3 horse 7 gal unit because we needed somthing mobile and it's ratings were like 5 or 6 CFM at 90 and I'm shure are old compressor is less than that. I do agree with henrey that there could be a lot of stopping but, you could invest in a storage tank ( around 20 bucks at walmart ), and modify it so you can convert your 5hp to a dual tank and then you would need another preassure regulator. you do it by, taking the stock filler hose frome the holding tank, putting a female quick connect adapter on it, put it into the quick connect on the compressor, put a quick connect into the preassure reguator ( you need to install ) on the top of the holding tank where the pump hose plugs into, slip the pump hose that is now connected to the compressor into the pump valve on holding tank, turn the compressor on and you now will start pumping air into both the holding tank and compressor tank ( open preassure regulator first ), then when ready to start using compressor, open valve on holding tank then the preassure regulator on holding tank, voila you then have a primitive but workable dual tank compressor. I'v done it and it works.

I will have to agree with henry here on the size of the compressor I just bought a 27 gal to day but that is just for my small air tool my heavy duty tools I have a 150 gall dual piston not that my gig one wouldn't handle all my need It was a painto sterech all that hose to where I do my metal polishing the only thing I will use that little compressor for is my micro d/a and buffer and air ratchets

FMX,

The 7 HP/60 gal. units at Lowe's, Home Depot, Sams, Northern Tool, etc., are all pretty much the same. Campbell Hausfeld, Coleman, whatever the house brand, they all seem to be made by the same company. Those will definitely work for a home shop.

John,

I'm not arguing that it won't work, but there's one problem with dual tanks on a single compressor. Sure, they'll run longer - but they take equally longer to build both tanks back up to a useable pressure. Unless you're doing very short duration jobs, the compressor output is the critical path. I just couldn't put up with the constant waiting for the pressure to come back up.

By the way, what was the pressure rating of your water heater tank? I get a little nervous with tanks that aren't tested to the requirements of a compressor tank. If you get 100psi or so in a tank and it blows, it's literally a killer.

Okay, Okay I'll admit it Im a tool junky I knew you weren't arguing henry I just had to tell some one about my new tool daddy got a new tool!!! daddy got a new too!! yeah do you think I need tools anonymous I think mamas going to take daddy check book away when she see the bill

Originally posted by Henry Rifle
FMX,

The 7 HP/60 gal. units at Lowe's, Home Depot, Sams, Northern Tool, etc., are all pretty much the same. Campbell Hausfeld, Coleman, whatever the house brand, they all seem to be made by the same company. Those will definitely work for a home shop.

John,

I'm not arguing that it won't work, but there's one problem with dual tanks on a single compressor. Sure, they'll run longer - but they take equally longer to build both tanks back up to a useable pressure. Unless you're doing very short duration jobs, the compressor output is the critical path. I just couldn't put up with the constant waiting for the pressure to come back up.

By the way, what was the pressure rating of your water heater tank? I get a little nervous with tanks that aren't tested to the requirements of a compressor tank. If you get 100psi or so in a tank and it blows, it's literally a killer.

We'v had it up to 130 PSI b4 but normally 90-110 is the shut off point cause it's not automatic shutoff, takes a long time for it to get to 130 but, it does hold air for a good long while, even when using die grinders and other things like impact wrenches and air hammers, it's lasted about 16 years and it still works good.

Thank you Henry. I will check out the one my teacher is selling. He said he rebuilt the motor because a internal part broke so he bought some kit and just rebuilt it and has a bigger compressor now because he owns some auto body and paint shops here in NC. I will check it out first and use it and if I don't like it then I will head to sams and all those and look for the best deal. I am actually going to try and head to harbor frieght tomarrow and look for a new powder coating gun since they got some cheapie ones there and I will check out their prices on the compressors. It will also be nice to start having all my own tools instead of using my dad's.

Originally posted by Streets
Workin' experience with air toolin'
is the best teacher!!
I have 4 compressor 80 gal tanks
and a 2 stage 20 HP 220 compressor..
runs anythang I want it to includin'
the 8' blast cabinet.. ALWAYS buy
the biggest ya can get, because
when ya need more and don't have it...
IT SUX!!!

Streets, do you think I should go with an 80 gal instead of 60 then or will it not be too much of a difference?

Ok, then lets be sensible. 1) 220 can usually be wired into any house as long as you know where you want it and are willing to pay the electrican(or have a father for one). 2) FMX, you always have to consider Cost and Space. Chances are that a 60 will do just fine. 3) the 15 gallon ones are meant to be portable untis usually. Last time i checked, no one was running sprayguns on the side of the road! Then again, in this group Finally, CSF, your doing it again. Mellow out a bit or your going to get ragged again.

yes please let us not go down that road

I am just going to go and look for a nice 60 gal then. Thanks guy's. And CSF your right about the 220 thing.

well ya can do what I did run a long extention cord bought the cord for a dollar and nine cents a foot plus a plug at ace hardware then when mama wasn't useing the dryer I plugded the compressor in so long as as ya dot a dryer plugin wiitch not to many houses dont

How does that work? I thought it would be more...

I have a twin pump compressor 60 gal tank ,what I did to increase the tank size was I took a 20 foot length of 4 in pipe and ran it along the wall then welded the ends closed installed fitings and that helped the storage size for my air.

I allso ran my pipe up the wall and slanted it down along the wall with a bleed valve at the bend .
air sanders air grinders are huge air hogs the more air stored the better off you are.

I know that in the old days the electric coumpanys would only look at one leg but now days they monitor both legs coming into the house.

Later all
Earl

220 Draws more voltage, but less amperage. Think of it like the Fuel through the line. What will require less energy, a 60psi with a one inch hose or a 90 psi with a 2 inch hose? Also, for the price you will pay running a 110 compressor 1 year, you could have Easily gotten your 220 hookup. Plus, it makes it a Whole Lot Easier for parts afterwards(Welders anyone?)

It is true you will save money by using 220. but it wont be that much. where you will save money in using 220 is there is less heat loss in using 220 .


The Electric Co. charges by how many watts you use .
Volts X Amps = Watts
220 = less amps but more Volts
Earl