Air Compressor Recomendations

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xumFJ40

xumFJ40

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May 9, 2003
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Hey guys,

It is time to put a decent AC in the garage.

I am not brand loyal, just looking for something that is relyable and will last a long time.

It will need to be capable of running a sander to strip paint and prep the body of the cruiser. The current "little" AC is great for things like a nail gun, but only has the tank to run a cutoff tool for about 30 seconds.

What are some things to look for when choosing?

Any Recomendations?

Thanks,
 
60 gallon tank...mine isn't, and it is too small....

BTW: killer avatar, love that pic!!
 
Craftsman all the way. Sears has a special going on right now.
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the info.

Woody,

Thanks, I was really pumped when I saw that the pic turned out as well as it did. Took it w/a 4 megapixel Cannon digital. That was the first nites sunset when me and some buddies took a trip down to Big Bend National Park. I can send you the full rez version if you want it.

Ryan
 
Single stage is better in my opinion - fewer moving parts. A two stage is baskically a second compressor on top of the discharge of the first one. To me, oil free is better cause then the air is a little better for painting. You'll want a good filter set on the discharge anyway, so Oil Free / Oil Saturated is really a toss-up.

Oil Free means the air discharged doesn't have any saturated oil in it - good for painting. Oil Saturated is a little better for tools to help on lube and cut down wear.
 
I'd recomend a two stage oiled compressor. Two stage is generaly faster, and oiled lasts longer. Check out all the body shops and mechanic shops, its all they use. Get a good oil / water separator and there shouldn't be a problem.

Dave
 
Hmmm, well if I go Craftsman, I can only choose one option or the other.

The compressor that is oiled is single stage.

The one that is two stage is oil free. and $100 more expensive.

I suppose that I will take a look at the oiled one becasue after all I am interested in longevity and if I am painting as bamachem said, I can always run a good filter.

Thanks
 
Don't buy craftsman.
iron-sleeved, oilless=limited life.

I will never buy another compressor that is not an Ingersoll Rand.
I have the (SS3R2-GM), their 24 gal upright single stage internally oiled compressor, it is their largest portable unit, and 100% duty cycle.
The IR compressors run slower and quieter than the craftsman/husky AC's but pump as much or more air (larger displacement). I ran a die grinder with a 3m rust strip wheel on it for a solid 30 min no stopping yesterday.

I was talking to a AC service man and he said as long as you keep oil in a IR compressor and don't let it tip over and use it immediatly after (oil filling cylinder) it will last indefinatly. (This was after I had bought mine, he was not a salesman)

I bought a good descillent (sp) dryler/cleaner and installed it inline, no problems painting etc.
 
Oil-less ac suck they don’t last as long as oil one. They make 10x the noise. If you are in need of more volume use a water heater as an in-line storage tank. Valve it so when you need the extra capacity you have it.

Phil
 
i think in your case (as most of us) we want a good compressor but we dont use them 24/7 so we dont need to pay for "the best". skip on the 2 stage unless you can find a good price, definietly get oiled, and cast iron. i have seen some large compressors that are direct drive or whatever, stay away from those, get belt drive for sure.

if you want a good paint job you want to run a good oil seperator/filter regardless of comp type. also dont rule out home depot and the like, craftsman, compbell hausfeld, ingersoll rand and a couple others are all about the same for as i can tell, just find the one with the most bang for your hard earned dollar.
 
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