Air compressors

[Bigsaint]

Any ideas on what type would be a good choice for home use. I want one that will drive a decent impact wrench, but not looking to go overboard on price. How many CFM's at 90 psi is necessary for the shade tree mechanic ? Thanks in advance.

Scott W.

White 2001. 5 3500 ETH/DEE 4X4 Quad cab SLT,tow package and camper prep,Husky liners front and rear,DiPricol pyro,boost and oil temp gauges,Edge EZ,Mopar tonneau,Lund bug shield,PM tractor utility back up lights,Penda bed mat and blow by bottle is bye bye !!! I love the smell of diesel in the morning, it reminds me of... . VICTORY !!!
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[DavesDodge]

Bigsaint-You didn't specify if you wanted gas or electric, and if electric-110 or 220 vac.
Your plain ole Sears will sell you a 12 gal. /2
HP that will pump 2. 6 cfm @ 90 PSI. That will get you enough to run a 3/8" drive butterfly and/or a 3/8" drive ratchet, or a 1/2" drive impact for a short time... that's about $190. 00. They go up from there in size and $$. A 1/2" drive impact needs prox. 4. 5 cfm @ 90 psi, a 3/8" drill motor needs prox. 7. 5 cfm @ 90 psi, a reg. paint gun takes prox. 4. 5 cfm @ 45 psi. I have two units-one is a 7. 5 hp gas
that pumps somewhere around 10 cfm @ 120 psi, and a 110v that pumps about 5 cfm @ 100 psi. The problem with the electric unit is that when it cycles, it pulls prox. 18 amps, and it is enough to trip the breaker from time to time... sorry for the lenght of this post.

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2001,2500,QC,SLT,4x4,
Cummins HO,6 spd. ,3. 54 gears,SBox,Dark Garnet/Pearl, all options but leather/snowplow/Sport, the elusive front license plate bracket,"Cup Smoothie" Autometer gauges on A pilar, LineX bed liner, Cobra CB,Westin nerfs, Power tailgate lock,auto on/off headlights, backup alarm, real backup lights. More To Come! Big Dog on the Mountain! Engineer Pass,Co.

 

[Bigsaint]

Thanks Dave. I should have specified electric, 110. I want it to be able to remove the wheel lugs and similar items, although it will probably see more use inflating rafts, etc. for the kids. I'm not worried too much about the breaker box (good info though,thanks) as my house was originally wired for electric heat which I have since removed and now have ALOT of space in. Is any brand better than the other. The local Home Depot has Campbell Hausfeld, Husky and Ingersoll-Rand. Any specific brand to avoid ?

Scott W.

 

[paccool]

Scott, I would stay away from the direct drive "oil less" type compressors. We had one and when my boy pushed it hard doing some sanding and body work, we picked up the pieces off the floor. It literally blew the rod through the housing and on the floor.

We got a 5HP belt drive unit that puts out about 10 CFM at 90 PSI, mounted on a vertical tank. It has done real well. I'm on a trip and can't remember for sure but I think it is an Ingersol-Rand. Paid $400 on sale at the local tool supply.

When we bought it, we were told it was not an industrial unit and it would not take running all day long day in and day out.



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Stan
93 2WD extended cab, Banks Power Pack, K&N Air Filter, PW Injectors,Auto w/4. 10 rear with limited slip, US Gear Exhaust Brake, 31/2" Exhaust, 5K air bags, Boost/Pyro/Tach Gauges, Green/Silver, new 40-20-40 bucket seats, 149K

 

[FATCAT]

Ingersoll-Rands are great, but pricy. I have a SpeedAir Cast Iron Series in 4. 5 hp 110 volt. Belt drive and oilable. DON'T GET OILLESS they are junk. Got mine at Graingers one of those industrial supply warehouses. Great machine for the money.

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1997 2500 ST 4x4, 5-speed, 4. 10 axle, TST 60lb boost @ EGT gauges, TST #12 230hp/605ftlb plate & AFC Spring kit, limited slip axle, Amsoil air filter.

 

[Bigsaint]

Thanks for the info, gentlemen. FatCat... will your's run low end air tools ? We have a Grainger nearby. I've been looking at the Ingersoll Rand compressors, the only problem is the price. I really don't want to spend much over $400. 00 but I'm starting to wonder if there's such a thing as a $400. 00 compressor for light duty air tools that's well built. The Campbell Hausfield is the compressor I've seen the most while surfing the net. Does anyone know of their quality?

Thanks again

Scott W.

 

[Koa Man]

Check the want ads in your area. I see air compressors for sale quite often here. You may be able to get a high end compressor for a good price. I have a 5 hp gas, 8 gal. twin tank, since I need to use it where there are no elec. outlets handy. I don't run drills, grinders or other high air consumption tools with it. Mainly use it for filling tires, cleaning stuff and running my impact wrenches. It will run my I-R 3/4 inch drive 1100 lbs torque wrench just fine. (requires 6. 2 CFM at 90 psi on a 1/2 inch hose). If you are going to buy an air impact wrench, I recommend I-R. I have 3 of them, 3/8 butterfly, and the twin hammer 1/2 inch (600 lbs) and the 3/4 twin hammer I mentioned. The 3/8 is over 20 years old and still runs perfectly, never had to be repaired. The 1/2 is about 7 years old and the 3/4 around 5 years old. All have never needed any repairs.