Help buying air compressor

M

MrC

New member
I've been wanting to get an air compressor for detailing but could never convince my wife. Now that we have a new house I "Need" one for winterizing my sprinkler system, and installing crown molding, inflating the car tire/misc stuff. I know nothing about brands, PSI and tank size so what do I need to do all these jobs?
Thanks
 
MrC,
While I can't really give you specific advice as to models, etc., I can point you in a good direction. First, I had actually asked this question a couple of months ago. Do a search for air compressors and I am sure you will find it. Some members gave really good advice as to size, etc. for what kind of jobs you plan on performing. Second, check out aircompressorsdirect.com. They sell new and refurb air compressors of almost any size (2 gallon to 120+ gallon). Many people recommended getting a belt drive air compressor, for quietness, longevity, etc. Hope this helps some.

-rockford33
 
Definately get a belt drive, not a direct drive. Also, for your sprinkler system, you'll need a big tank, do your homeowrk on that one or you'll be disappointed. Sorry I can't help more, I only have a 3hp 15 gal Craftsman, loud and weak :rolleyes: It was only $200 though....it's good only for impact wrenches and filling tires.
 
Thanks for the help guys. Rock, the site really helped explain a lot. Wife, any idea how big and powerful I need to go for the sprinkler. Thanks again
 
All depends on the volume of your system...the sprinkler manufacturer may be able to help with a gallon/psi/cfm recommendation. I think you'll need a minimum of 25-30 gal for an average size system of maybe .25-.5 acre. Hard to say.....
 
There's one at Home Depot for $259 that puts out 6.7CFM @90 PSI. That's what I want, I'm looking to run a pneumatic rotary off of it, apparently that requires a huge compressor, so I found one.
 
I think you need to be looking at SCFM for your sprinkler system, and a combination of SCFM and PSI for air tools. IMO you need to sit down and think about what you want the compressor to do. Think about the future also. Once you own one your use will expand. These are really handy pieces of equipment. Do to the fact that you want to blow out your sprinkler system, I am guessing that you live in a northern climate. You will also need to consider a oiless vs. a oil compressor. Both have pros and cons. What type of power do you have available to run a unit? 110v or 220v? I am not trying to confuse you, but get you thinking about it. I own three compressors now. First one was just right until it became to small, then the second one was just right until it became to small, and now the third one I am praying is just right(so is my wife). If you want to know more or need more help PM me.
 
Check out the CFM requirements of the tools you want to use. 6.7 CFM sounds too light for a pneumatic polisher. Anything that runs constantly, like a sander, polisher, blasting cabinet, etc will consume a lot of air fast. Unless you need it to be portable, I would look hard at a 60-80 gallon vertical tank with a minimum of 15 CFM. You can never have too much compressed air, but it really sucks to not have enough when trying to get a job done.

Edit : I just saw the date of the original post. Oops.
 
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