Minimum power for Air Compressors?

A

armoredsaint

New member
I am looking for a compact air compressor for house and garage duty, if I want to use an impact wrench, what is the minimum amount of HP and size of tank I need? In terms of CFMs? I am new to this. Thanks!
 
I have a 3hp, 6 gallon Craftsman that delivers enough power to run my impact gun. But i use that one for nail guns, etc. In my garage I have a Caraftsman "professional" series. It is a 6hp, 30 gallon, 2 stage rated for 175 psi. It is a lot better and quiter than my old single stage, 5hp, 25 gallon.
 
I have a Craftsman 5HP 30 gal, 6.4 CFM@90psi, 8.6 CFM@40psi. I thought it would be more compressor than I would ever need. It will operate, somewhat effectively, any air tool short of a jack hammer. But, when I use my die grinder, DA sander, or rotary polisher, they consume so much air that the compressor will turn on and not shut off until I stop using the tool and let the compressor catch up which takes several minutes. So, if you plan on using those types of tools, very often, buy the largest your budget will afford.



My next compressor will have to be delivered by "XYZ Freight Company" it will be sooooo large and set me back around $1500-$2000 (I hope)



(please honey I really need it!!!).
 
Additional tank storage will help with the duty cycle of the high vol air tools but the compressor size will determine the recovery time of the required air pressure to the total system.



I have seen small 3HP mated with 3 - 15 aux air gallon tanks mounted on the wall above the unit. It takes quite a bit of time to initially fill the unit but it offers a large reserve and suits his needs.



I never tried an impact gun on my small Emglo Portable but I will and report back.
 
What electricity do you hav available?



220 or 110 outlets?



3 phase ?



Check with iompact gun requirement for air flow...and get a compressor that is at least 80% of that with a large tank..and you can change the wheels.....but the compressor may run a long time.....



Good luck
 
As others have said it depends on the tool and how long you use it at one time.

I have a craftsman 3 hp/15 gal and it's perfect for impact guns, etc. I can rotate all 4 tires without it kicking on but that only takes about 30 sec total "trigger time". You have to honestly ask yourself how much you will use it and for what.

If it's for car tires, rotating wheels, nail guns, occassionally bolting/unbolting engine parts etc, my 3/15 works fine for me and was only $180.
 
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