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Shop compressor ideas

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by MrPhat40, Dec 6, 2009.

  1. MrPhat40
    Joined: Apr 30, 2007
    Posts: 92

    MrPhat40
    Member

    What Does the H.A.M.B recommend in a home shop compressor. I'll have 230volt service available in my remodeled garage. The best deal so far seems to be a 3HP 60 Gallon deal from Harbot Freight, any thoughts?

    Thx MrPhat40
     
  2. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,933

    squirrel
    Member

    I bet you could find a few threads about compressors if you search....but it usually boils down to what you want to do with it (air tools/paint/sandblast), and the generall recommendation is to get more compressor than you can afford. Name brand, 2 stage, 230v, bigass type is best.
     
  3. hotrod-Linkin
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 3,382

    hotrod-Linkin
    Member

    what will you be using ot for?that is what determines the compressor needs.
     
  4. MrPhat40
    Joined: Apr 30, 2007
    Posts: 92

    MrPhat40
    Member

    The use would be general running of air tools and ablast cabinet.
     

  5. Tinbasher
    Joined: Feb 13, 2007
    Posts: 274

    Tinbasher
    Member

    The most important information on compressors is the CFM. Cubic Feet Per minute, To operate a Sandblaster you will need 18 -25 CFM. Also Grinders and polishers will take 9 -12 CFM. Make sure you get a two stage compressor with the right CFM. Then you'll be happy, all of these 150 Psi machines really mean nothing because they have 3-5 CFM. So when you hook up your air tool 1 minute later there's no power.

    Because I go to the customer I use a 5 HP. Gas powered compressor that is two stage and gives me 20 CFM. It will run all day on 1/2 gallon of gas and power everything.

    The Old Tinbasher
     
  6. HemiRambler
    Joined: Aug 26, 2005
    Posts: 4,208

    HemiRambler
    Member

    I agree - find out your requirements - go bigger!

    IF you got money to burn buy NEW - if not, go USED
     
  7. Ian Berky
    Joined: Nov 28, 2007
    Posts: 3,644

    Ian Berky
    Member

    Good info here!!! Thanx, Im in the market for a new compressor too!!
     
  8. hotrod-Linkin
    Joined: Feb 7, 2007
    Posts: 3,382

    hotrod-Linkin
    Member

    new paint and a new compressor..life must be good!!
     
  9. nico32
    Joined: Oct 30, 2008
    Posts: 716

    nico32
    Member
    from fdl, wi

  10. Merge
    Joined: Oct 7, 2004
    Posts: 379

    Merge
    Member

    I went through this same ordeal a few years ago. I'm no professional, but I do quite a bit of work for myself which usually consists of grinders, da sander, and a drill. I ended up buying a brand new 60 gallon Curtis two stage that makes a little over 18 CFM. It cost me around 1200 bucks, but it seriously has made me happy everytime I've used it. I dont have to wait for it to pump up at all, it just keeps up with anything I throw at it. Buy the most you can afford and go for an old industrial used one instead of the new Chinese junk if you can't afford a new quality name brand compressor. Oh and be sure to take note of the cylinders that are used in the compressor you buy. From what I read, some of the stuff out uses aluminum cylinders and can wear out quickly especially depending on the RPM it runs. My Curtiss is an all cast iron unit and can be rebuilt if I would ever wear it out. Just a thought.
     
  11. carcrazyjohn
    Joined: Apr 16, 2008
    Posts: 4,843

    carcrazyjohn
    Member
    from trevose pa

    The biggest one home depot sells is great.My dad has one and I took the cheaper route and went with a coleman which is ok . Need high cfm at 90 to run airtools ......
     
  12. I'd like to add that you will be immensely more comfortable in your shop if that noise maker is not in there! Build a small shelter for it outside the back wall or something, anything!
     
  13. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,933

    squirrel
    Member

    yeah, that's a good point. Just make sure you get out to drain it and check the oil and stuff regularly.
     
  14. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,933

    squirrel
    Member

    if it sucks at least 20 amps at 230v then it's almost big enough.
     
  15. rainhater1
    Joined: Oct 5, 2009
    Posts: 1,147

    rainhater1
    BANNED
    from az

  16. JohnEvans
    Joined: Apr 13, 2008
    Posts: 4,883

    JohnEvans
    Member
    from Phoenix AZ

    Yep ,mine draws 23 amps -230 volts. Will keep up with a air body file board. Also get a all cast iron pump,they run much quiter .
     
  17. thebugbox
    Joined: Nov 29, 2009
    Posts: 255

    thebugbox
    Member

    As everyone said, you need to match your compressor to your tools. If you have the means, go 2 stage and biggest tank possible. However, I've been working with a BlackMax upright that I bought from Sams for almost 12 years. It has given me flawless service.

    Black Max has been bought, and Coleman owns them.

    Here's the version of what I have:
    http://www.powermate.com/air_compressors/product_detail.php?model=ILA3606056


    Compare this to the HF version:

    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34887

    I personally probably wouldn't do HF for an air compressor, but then again, when I bought mine, I didn't even know about HF.

    If I had to go HF, I probably would consider this one:
    http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93274

    Man, have compressor prices when up since I bought mine! I better change the oil in mine, :eek:
     
  18. carkiller
    Joined: Jun 12, 2002
    Posts: 849

    carkiller
    Member

    Buy the largest CFM single phase 230 volt you can afford. add another $500.00 to that. Or start a new traddition of blowing $400-$800 For something to get you by. Probably about yearly. Compressers are like drag engines, If wanna get off the porch go big
     
  19. I have gone through two consumer grade $400 60 gallon compressors since I retired ten years ago. For Christmas this year I am going to get a professional grade Ingersol Rand. A little more than $800. If I had done that the first time it would be barely broken in now.

    One of the old tanks will be used as a receiver tank to ensure that I have enough air for big jobs.

    Picture shows my compressor lean too behind my shop.
     

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  20. bobkatrods
    Joined: Sep 22, 2008
    Posts: 756

    bobkatrods
    Member
    from aledo tx

     
  21. mikeyfrombc
    Joined: Jan 17, 2009
    Posts: 92

    mikeyfrombc
    Member

    get the most CFM at 90psi as you can afford my HOME DEPOT 5hp 60gal compressor is a huge POS
    total pain with airtools it runs none stop and drives me nuts
     
  22. Ghost28
    Joined: Nov 23, 2008
    Posts: 3,200

    Ghost28
    Member

    I had a big craftsman that I fried after about 2 years :( and at the time I had enough money to replace it with a Ingersoll rand, single phase, 230, 5 h.p. And it has never let me down after about ten years. I bought it at grainger...John
     

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  23. dave lewis
    Joined: Dec 12, 2006
    Posts: 1,378

    dave lewis
    Member
    from Nampa ID

    IMO, Minumum 18 cfm @ 90 psi....
    Dave
     
  24. Steelsmith
    Joined: Feb 5, 2007
    Posts: 581

    Steelsmith
    Member

    Depending on how cold it gets in your area, you may want to attach a heat lamp to the outside of the pump itself. This keeps the oil from jelling on really cold mornings. If the oil gets too draggy you'll pop breakers trying to start!
    I myself have a 10HP industrial compressor. I use a 3-phase generator to run it. My generator is also 10HP, wouldn't pull the load on cold mornings so I had to change out the motor pulley. Now it starts easier, but still requires a heat lamp to keep it from freezing. I'm probably only getting 7.5HP now, but I work alone so it does everything I need. I have an auxiliary holding tank in the shop. It's 120 gallons. The compressor tank is also 120 gallons. Got plenty of air for anything I need, with no pressure drop while painting. Same system for 12 years.

    Dan Stevens
    dba, Steelsmith
     
  25. Louie S.
    Joined: Apr 18, 2007
    Posts: 644

    Louie S.
    Member

    Agreed Buy all you can afford.
     
  26. outlawsteel
    Joined: Feb 19, 2009
    Posts: 360

    outlawsteel
    Member

    I got mine at a local tool shed at Cullman flea market. got a grat deat on it , its a 7.5 horpower 80 gallon tank can remeber the cfm specs right now but its a dmn good compressor
     

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