What is the smallest compressor and tank can I use to run air tools? Sears had a sale on a compressor with a three gallon tank. Will that work? Thanks
Air compressor
- Thread starter mep1811
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What specific air tools?
A pancake or similar small compressor is okay for trim nailers, topping off the air in your tires, an air brush, or a quick hit with an impact wrench, but not for much else. Check the SCFM required to run the tool(s) and compare to the compressor's rating.
For a dual action sander, cutoff tool, die grinder, inline sander, paint sprayer, plasma cutter, and other cool tools, you'll need a lot more volume.
Oil lubricated is a lot quieter and longer lasting; but costs add up especially when you add filter(s), lubricator, regulator, dedicated circuit, etc. Lots of good used compressors out there.
A pancake or similar small compressor is okay for trim nailers, topping off the air in your tires, an air brush, or a quick hit with an impact wrench, but not for much else. Check the SCFM required to run the tool(s) and compare to the compressor's rating.
For a dual action sander, cutoff tool, die grinder, inline sander, paint sprayer, plasma cutter, and other cool tools, you'll need a lot more volume.
Oil lubricated is a lot quieter and longer lasting; but costs add up especially when you add filter(s), lubricator, regulator, dedicated circuit, etc. Lots of good used compressors out there.
For wrenching tools? 20 gallon minimum, and that will leave you frustrated and waiting for it to catch up. Gallons aren't the only thing you're looking for, as GDA62 mentioned, but with a small compressor motor and pump you'll want the largest tank you can get. Larger tanks generally come with larger motors and pumps too, so as usual, bigger is better. Get the biggest you can afford and fit in your space.
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Thanks . I don't have room for a big tank and compressor.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
30 gallons minimum, dual stage of possible, regulate at the output t0 90 psi.
I have a single stage 30 gallon, and it's Ok (actually great wince it was free). Wish I had a bigger compressor, though.
You want an oiled compressor not oilless.
The best pace to shop for good ones is Craig's list. Look for a USA made compressor like IR that some guy has had in his home garage for years. I have an old Speedaire that works great, and like I said, it was free.
Sears is probably not your best place to shop for compressors.
I have a smallish one (21 gals) and supposedly 5 or 6 cfm at 90 psi.
It works great for tools like impact wrenches and the like and even a small spray gun. But I was disappointed to see that it is incapable of keeping up with a (HF, ymmv) cut off wheel used at a normal rate. Surprisingly, it did OK (although it was working hard) with a 1/4" (snap on, may be better designed?) grinder/prep tool, though.
Basically, there are categories of air tools out there that are very taxing on the air supply. They usually tell you how many cfm they need, but that works better on a relative than absolute basis, I think.
It works great for tools like impact wrenches and the like and even a small spray gun. But I was disappointed to see that it is incapable of keeping up with a (HF, ymmv) cut off wheel used at a normal rate. Surprisingly, it did OK (although it was working hard) with a 1/4" (snap on, may be better designed?) grinder/prep tool, though.
Basically, there are categories of air tools out there that are very taxing on the air supply. They usually tell you how many cfm they need, but that works better on a relative than absolute basis, I think.
i Got one at home depot at first it was a portable twin tank for nail guns, etc. and I took it back at day 88 because it would not run my cut off tool and got full credit....(helps if you go in at 845pm and they close at 9pm) I upgraded to a 30 gal Husky (campbell Hausfield) rated at 90 psi at 5.5 SCFpmin. It was about 380 bucks, but I figured i would quit bitchin about not having enough compressor.
Lowes has some decent priced ones as well.
Lowes has some decent priced ones as well.
Pathfinder
I am the STIG
20 gallon will leave you wanting more. Get an oiled compressor. I have a sanborn with a dual piston. its pretty good yet I wan more air storage. I have to wait for it to catch up.
FWIW, I have an Eaton 3 cyl, single stage with a 60 gal tank. It keeps up (doesn't have to run continuous) with my DA sander and longboard sander, 3" HF cutoff tool (good deal for $5.99--but takes a lot of air for a small tool), 1/2" impact wrench, etc. Probably overkill, but with 100ft of hose, I can go anywhere in the house or on the residential lot as well as over to the neighbor's house. It's relatively quiet and will probably outlast me. I got it off Craigslist. Make room for one, you'll like it.
