Got some air compressor/impact tools Q's

[edog's 80]

Ok, I just moved into a real garage and want to pimp it out a bit with some better workshop tools. Right now I have a crappy pancake compressor that I run my husky impact wrench and ratchet off of. I was considering buying a bigger compressor (25-35 gallon) to run air tools off of efficiently.

After some reading though, it sounds like I should consider investing in some of the cordless impact wrenches, and I can't imagine how sweet it must be to not trip over air hoses all the time. What is everyone's opinion on this? If I go cordless I would also need a cordless ratchet as I tend to use it more than my impact gun.

Thanks-

 

[IH8Wood]

I've got the Ingersoll-Rand 19.2V 1/2" impact (IRTW360). It's the coolest tool I own.

 

[Leaping Deer]

I've used my buddy's dewalt cordless impact and its larger than my Snap-on pneumatic. Also my Snap-on has more power. I would get a 60 gallon compressor and keep the air tools. The only thing I liked about the cordless is I could use it away from home which isn't very frequently.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Nothing better than real air tools in the garage. I have a 30 gallon compressor, wish I had an 80 gallon. Don't go small.

Cordless impacts are OK if you are away from home.

 

[Lake Rat]

I had 5 h.p. 22 gal compressor for about 6 years, I burned it up about this time last year. I went to Home Depot and bought a 5 h.p. 60 gallon compressor, it runs everything I have from impacts to plasma, to sanding tools, cut off tools and I love it. I would recommend, if your going to by a compressor, and you have the room for it and it stays in one place, to get as much air as you can afford. You will be happier in the long run. But if you don't have the space, get as big as one as you can that's on wheels so you can move it out of the way, or around your project/garage. My .02

 

[spressomon]

I, for way too long, considered a real air compressor and the air tools to go with it a luxury I could live without. But now I can't imagine doing all the work I do using all the air tools (ratchets, impacts, cut-off, drill, grinder, blow-gun, etc.) any other way.

Ditto on getting a decent sized tank and air pump...because if you wrench now you will be amazed how much you will rely upon your air system later on...

 

[edog's 80]

Looks like I should begin the search for a good compressor.

 

[nicholastheczar]

if you are considering a larger air compressor, look at the ingersol rand brand. I had a small husky and bought a 60 gallon husky from home depot. It was loud, seemed to chew the belt up when it ran, and the pressure regulator exploded on me! I took it back and spent $100 more and bought a 60 gallon ingersol rand. It is so much quieter and seems to be a lot better quality than the husky pro I had. If you can, I would save up an extra $100 and buy the ingersol rand.

FREE SHIPPING — Ingersoll Rand Electric Stationary Air Compressor — 3 HP, 10.3 CFM @ 135 PSI, 230 Volt, Model# SS3L3 | 10 - 30 CFM | Northern Tool + Equipment

Nick