Air Compressor?

[golfdad]

Guys im trying to find some info on how big a compressor to buy I have a ancke style now and its to small Want to do some spray painting (low pressure) and use some small air tools. Thanks

[chris99z71]

First step is to decide exactly what equipment you wish to use. Then look at the CFM requirements of that equipment and at what pressure. When you say low pressure, I'm assuming you're talking HVLP (something like this kit). This takes a pretty good sized compressor - 7-8CFM @ 40 PSI. Ignore horsepower ratings. When it comes to compressors, they're 100% meaningless.
Also, check out these two threads:
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/s...ead.php?t=5696
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/s...ead.php?t=5710

[Travis Porter]

Depending on how large a tank you are looking at and how much you are wanting to spend, take a look at dual stage versus single stage. That way, if you decide to use pneumatic tools like sanders, impact wrenches, drills, etc the compressor builds pressure back up much quicker.

Personal opinion is the bigger the tank the better and the higher amperage the motor the better. If you go 220 volt, go two stage.

[toolferone]

At the size you are thinking about they should all be oil-lube which is a must, also look at the duty cycle. You should get 100%.

[Gofor]

Originally Posted by golfdad

and use some small air tools. Thanks

Small may not mean low air requirements. An air Dual Action (DA) sander (Comparable to a Random Orbital Sander on the electrical side with the caveat that you ALWAYS start the air sander On the piece and stop it On the piece to prevent gouge and swirl marks) will consume up to 12 CFM at 100 psi. Not a big tool but uses a lot of air.
However, one air tool often overlooked by woodworkers is the air drill. Infinite variable speed control and plenty of power. Does not use a lot of air unless using it with a sanding disc, etc (i.e continuously). Things like air ratchets, impact guns, nail guns,etc, don't use a lot of air unless it is continuous for an extended period.
As already mentioned, 7 to 8 cfm @ 40 - 50 psi will be a minimum for spraying continuously, but in reality, 6.5 will work for most furniture work if it has a 20 gal+ tank. That will also be plenty for most intermittent use air tools. Sanders, grinders (except pencil grinders that are comparable to a dremel) and roto-peeners will take a larger compressor. An abrasive blaster can consume an enormous amount of air.
If noise is a concern, cast iron (full cast iron, not aluminum with a cast iron liner) is much quieter, but the trade-off is weight. Oil lube will last longer than oil-less - again, a weight trade-off.
For spraying, save enough when you buy the compressor for a good oil/water separator, preferably with a draincock at the bottom of the bowl for humid days. Use dedicated hoses downstream of the separator for painting to prevent oil contamination (fisheyes) in the finish. If using a lot of rotary air tools (and nail guns) an in-line oiler on a T-fitting opposite the oil/water separator will ensure the tools are lubed without the first spray of oil when you lube them by putting drops of oil in the tool inlet fitting.

Just my $.02 worth

Go

[fivestring]

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices


3.5 cfm @ 90, 8.8 cfm @ 40


Works for everything I've used it for.