Air Compressor Advice - What size to buy?

[MadMike]

I am thinking about buying a air compressor and need advice. This will be used at home for the following uses on an infrequent basis.



Change a tire

Operate one "nailing tool"

Air up a tire

other home type infrequent uses



Any advice on what size unit would cover these needs? What other uses may I find for a air compressor?



Thanks,

MadMike

 

[MFalkinham]

Since nobody else has responded, I'll volunteer. You didn't mention if you wanted a portable unit or stationary, so I'm going to assume portable for maximum versatility.



The biggest choice to make is oil-lube or oil-less compressor. I've owned both, and would not even consider buying an oil-less model again because they are noisy and wear out much quicker than oil-lube units. The only real advantage to oil-less is if you are spraying and want to make absolutely certain that compressor oil doesn't ruin the finish. Even then, you can just filter out the oil and avoid that problem.



I'd look for a 20-30 gallon horizontal oil-lube single-stage compressor using a belt-drive motor that runs off standard 120v AC. This will give you adequate pressure and volume for doing the basic home chores you mentioned. For larger jobs like abrasive blasting, you would want a bigger 2-stage compressor that runs on 240v.



Here is one example... ... http://aircompressorsdirect.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3_181_31&products_id=85



- Mike

 

[PSU-CE]

I agree with Mike on the oil lube for one that will see general use in the garage. Although the oilless ones wouldn't be bad for limited use.



I use mine for tire changing, die grinding, air cut off, painting, minor sand blasting, cleaning parts, trimming sheet metal with my mini air sawzall, porting, polishing, etc. etc. I've got the one linked below from Sears.



http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...=00919541000&subcat=Portable+Tank+Compressors

 

[Rattlin_Ram]

I got mine at Harbor Frieght on sale for about $150. 4. 5hp I think and 20 gallon. Does everything that you asked. I've used nailers, impacts, die-grinders, and of course airing up tires with it. The die grinders work it pretty hard and it really doesn't keep up with them. But for a nailer and a little bit of impact use, it's fine. It's a vertical unit on 2 wheels.



Once I eventually move back outta town and build a shop, I'll buy a nice expensive 2 stage and put it in a enclose cabinet in the shop. Until then my cheapy works fine..... And it's oil lubed too...



My $. 02

 

[MadMike]

Thanks Guys! That helps me out.



MadMike