Air Compressor help..........

[LOGAN2575]

I just got my first air compressor for Christmas from my Dad.... a Craftsman 26 gallon 2HP model:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&pid=00916728000

I used it once already, but it's so damn loud! I didn't think it would be this bad. I wanted one because I do a lot painting with my HVLP guns and I also finally got a pneumatic DA sander to help me out with my interior pieces. Besides that, I really don't use any other pneumatic tools as of now. I am displeased at how often the compressor kicked on while I was using the DA sander :nono: I don't know if the airtank isn't powerful enough or what, but I wasn't expecting it to kick on that much during use.

Anyways, I was at Costco earlier and ran across this new air compressor they have in stock. It's a Coleman 30 gallon compressor that comes with a 58 piece tool accesory kit:

http://www.buypowermate.com/product.asp?product=REA1583009&section=AC

Here are the specs I got off the box from Costco:

30 Gallon
Oil Free
1.5 HP
4.0 CFM@90 PSI
6.0 CFM@40 PSI

The reason I'm leaning towards the Costco one is because if anything ever goes wrong, then I can take it back..... no questions asked...... which is a relief. But since I don't know too much, I'd thought I'd ask for opinions.

So which one is better in your guys opinions?
What does CFM mean?
As you can see on the Coleman link, it says the compressor runs at 1.5 HP but its max is 5.5 HP..... what does this mean?


I just need to make a decision and was looking for input from more experienced users.

[eschoendorff]

First off, you need to re-evaluate what you wan the compressor to do. There is no way that you will ever be able to effectively run a DA sander with a machine that only puts our 4 CFM @90psi (4 Cubic Feet of air per Minute at 90 psi). DA's are air hogs... you need WAY more compressor. Something in the 15-20 cfm range to be effective.

Oil free designs are going to be loud. There is no real easy way around this. I had one and I put an intake muffler on it and that helped, but it is still a loud SOB. I also do not gave 240vac access in my garage. In my case, I went with this:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=00919541000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

But is still only flows between 6-7 cfm @ 90 psi... nowhere near what's needed for a DA sander.

Sorry to have to be a wet blanket, but I really think that your expectations for the compressors that you are looking at are more than what they can handle.

[LOGAN2575]

Well thank you for your honest opinion. I didn't realize how much air a DA sander requires. I just don't know what to do, I don't have my own home yet, so hardwired is out of the question for now. I definitely need something portable and that will run off of 120v. I guess I'll have to re-examine my choices.

[Jokeman]

If you want a decent one check Home Depot for the 26 gallon Husky Pro. Its fairly quiet.

If you definitly need more air and be portable, go with a gas powered compressor.

[TrmBrainInjury]

Check the air requirements of the air tools you want to use and that will tell you what compressor to go with. Die grinders use the most from what I've seen. I spent 500 bucks on a craftsman proffesional 60 gal that I had to hardwire in for 240v. Even it will struggle to keep up with a long session with a grinder. Smaller compressors work but they end up working too hard and burning out sooner. Also make sure if you're using an extension cord that it's large diamater, dinky little cords will also burn up a compressor.

[LOGAN2575]

Which is the more important number..... SCFM@40 PSI or SCFM@90 PSI?

I've been looking all over for a compressor thats under $400, preferably oiled, and a SCFM rating of 6.4 or better @ 90 PSI.

Any more reccommendations?

[Jokeman]

SCFM at 90psi

Good luck finding one for 400 that will do 6.4 at 90.

[LOGAN2575]

SCFM at 90psi

Good luck finding one for 400 that will do 6.4 at 90.


Well the Craftsman model I already have does 6.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI......

*Click the 'Product Spec' tab

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&pid=00916728000



I just wanted to see if I could find thats greater than 6.4 SCFM @ 90 PSI

[SPED]

I guess it depends on how portable you want it to be, portable like has to be on wheels or portable like you need to bring it with you when you move. If the latter is the case, I know it's an extra 100 bucks, but this is the one I'm gonna buy this year..

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

Only thing is not sure if you can run it on 120 or not....

[BEN IV]

I guess it depends on how portable you want it to be, portable like has to be on wheels or portable like you need to bring it with you when you move. If the latter is the case, I know it's an extra 100 bucks, but this is the one I'm gonna buy this year..

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

Only thing is not sure if you can run it on 120 or not....

I looked at that one at lowes today, It says that It requires 220, im seriously considering getting one.

[LOGAN2575]

I guess it depends on how portable you want it to be, portable like has to be on wheels or portable like you need to bring it with you when you move. If the latter is the case, I know it's an extra 100 bucks, but this is the one I'm gonna buy this year..

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

Only thing is not sure if you can run it on 120 or not....

I looked at that one via the link and it seemed to have very low ratings based on 43 people....like a 3.4/5.0 :think:

[CChase]

I haven't heard the exact model you have in operation, but air compressors are loud. There's very little way around that. Oil-free compressors are nice for occasional use, but oiled ones are a much better product from what I have been told by the guys who use them every day.

Your best bet would really be to find a way to get 240 V or maybe locate the compressor in another room and run lines and a regulator to the room you use the equipment in.

[MedicBiker]

FWIW, I keep my compressor out in the shed. I ran an air line underground while I had the trench open to run power to the shed. The air line comes into my house right next to the electrical feed. Quick connect on the compressor so that I can take it with me if I need to transport it off-site.

I know this is an old thread, but the general rule with air compressors is to buy the biggest one you can afford (and have space for). Sears used to have a chart that gave the SCFM ratings for a bunch of tools. This made it a bit easier to select the right sized compressor based upon what you intend to run.