what size compressor to buy

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i want to buy a cheap air compressor to paint my 40, what size hp etc do i need thanks

ryan
 
Buy the biggest one you can afford. You'll never regret it, but you certainly will regret buying a "cheap" one to do a big job like painting. If you're painting a panel at a time (something I'd never reccomend), you could probably get by with 2 horse or so. Mine's 6 horse 220 175 PSI 2 stage and I'd definitely like something bigger. What you want is cfm. the more the merrier.
 
A small one is really a waste of $$$ more so if you are going to just use it once to paint your rig. Go as big as you can. Most air tools require 90 psi to run them. if you buy a small tank the tool would start but run for a REALLY short time.

I know this is not want you wanted to pay but one paint job it will pay for itself;). This is what YOU need.

Tractor Supply Company - Ingersoll Rand 60-Gallon Air Compressor
 
You can spray with a small compressor, but you will get tired waiting for it to pump up between strokes. You certainly don't want to run out of air in the middle of a stroke or it can make a mess. The size of the tank isn't as important as the size of the pump. A big tank with a small pump just means that you wait longer.
 
thanks for all the good info, i think i will go with the big one:hillbilly:
 
piping

Actually I would stay away from plastic for air piping. (Heat transfer coefficient = Cr ap

The new stuff is pretty resistant to the aerosol oil that is in air.
unlike the old stuff.
The stuff in the link is a safe to use.
Never use Pvc water pipe there have thousands of explosions involving PVC pipe. I have witnessed the Carnarge that was the after math of 3 such explosions.

Copper pipe , Black Iron, are the best choices. (most efficient heat conductivity) Moisture is bad deal if you are painting. it also doesnt do your air tools any good.
Run it around the shop with with a 1/8" per foot slope back to the compressor.
For drops around the shop turn your Tees up and use 2 Street els to get it to point downward for your drop
use another tee at the bottom of the drop come out the side of the tee for your connectors. Install a 6to 8" nipple on the bottom with a drain valve of some type.
The more pipe the better. and make sure your paint drop is the farthest from the compressor in terms of pipe run.
 
have an ignorant question; do you have the slope:hhmm: .........upwards towards the compressor or downwards:confused:?
plan on going with copper pipes and moisture traps....TIA

Lou

Actually I would stay away from plastic for air piping. (Heat transfer coefficient = Cr ap

The new stuff is pretty resistant to the aerosol oil that is in air.
unlike the old stuff.
The stuff in the link is a safe to use.
Never use Pvc water pipe there have thousands of explosions involving PVC pipe. I have witnessed the Carnarge that was the after math of 3 such explosions.

Copper pipe , Black Iron, are the best choices. (most efficient heat conductivity) Moisture is bad deal if you are painting. it also doesnt do your air tools any good.
Run it around the shop with with a 1/8" per foot slope back to the compressor.
For drops around the shop turn your Tees up and use 2 Street els to get it to point downward for your drop
use another tee at the bottom of the drop come out the side of the tee for your connectors. Install a 6to 8" nipple on the bottom with a drain valve of some type.
The more pipe the better. and make sure your paint drop is the farthest from the compressor in terms of pipe run.
 
Scotty-

Here's the closest thing I could find...

Husky Compressor


Have a model # by chance?

Thanks.

They won't be on the website since its too large, and heavy to ship. Just go into the store.

Its a Husky Pro 60 gallon compressor. Its a dual piston 220V compressor.

When you go in, they will usually only have two compressors this big. One is the 60 gallon for $399, and the other is an 80 gallon for $899
 
Last edited:
Ryan, check out Atlanta Craigs list; there was a 60Gal. Husky for sale outside Atlanta before Christmas.....talked to the motivated seller; IIRC around 300$ with very little use on it.........divorce sale thing......HTH

Lou

i want to buy a cheap air compressor to paint my 40, what size hp etc do i need thanks

ryan
 

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