Another tool for my shop

[Idaho]

I've been wanting an air compressor for a long time. Today Home Depot had two models on sale. One oil less 2 gallon for 70 bux and one oiled 8 gallon for 100 bux. I bought the latter one. Now I need to get a hose and connectors. Thinking about an angle grinder thinking it may be quieter than the electric one that I have now.

At least now when I change my tires I'll be able to fluff them up here and won't have to drive down to the local C-store to use their air hose. That will be nice.

[cactusjack]

An air compressor is a handy thing to have. I went to leave for work the other morning in my car. Backed out of the garage and something didn't feel right. Got out and the driver side front tire was flat. Grabbed my compressor, tried to fill it up, but the bead had broken on the back side. Got my floor jack, raised the tire off the ground and hit it with the compressor again, heard the bead pop, spun the tire and saw a sheet metal screw in the tread. Pulled the screw, got out my trusty tire plugging kit and was ready to go work in 10 minutes. I'm just glad it was in my driveway.

[Idaho]

The right tools definitely make life easier. Sounds like luck was with you that morning Scott.

I hope the 8 gallon size is large enough. Now I have to research CFM consumption of various tools and hose size needed. Always something new to learn.

[cactusjack]

Yeah I have a 20 gal Devilbiss Charge Air Pro I bought about 15 years ago. The pressure regulator is bad in it, so it won't hold air for more than a day or two. I'm waiting for a good vertical tank compressor to go on sale at Sears and I'll upgrade mine and donate my old one to one of my boys.

[ringadingh]

Im kinda of looking for a new compressor as well. A couple months ago my tank sprung a leak in the bottom from rust forming in the inside. A new tank costs almost as much as a complete compressor here. I have a 25 gallon, two cylinder now, but would replace it with a 60 gallon larger unit.
Id keep the electric grinder they work better than an air one unless you have a big compressor. You will find that your stopping to let the compressor charge up all the time because the tool is using more air than the compressor can supply.

[cnc]

CFM and PSI go hand in hand when looking at tools.
You need a compressor that that exceeds the CFM rating of the tool @ the PSI needed to run the tool. Otherwise the tool will be underpowered and you will be for ever waiting for the compressor to catch up after just a few minutes use.

[ringadingh]

Thats why Im on the fence for a new compressor, some of my tools use up to 16cfm @90-100psi, and it takes a professional series compressor to put out that kind of air. Im not sure if I want to spend that kind of money plus have such a large compressor in the garage. Space is tight now.

[cnc]

16CFM, a couple of my in line body sanders really eat up the air fast, but I don;t think they are that hungry.

[ringadingh]

Ive thought of that Norm, but my compressor doesn't put out the air volume I want now. I have a sandblaster unit that I could use, but my current compressor won't run it. I have a air grinder as well that likes to suck air.
I was using it today and fixed the two rusted out leaks temporarily by screwing a couple self tapping screws into the tank.

[cnc]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

Ive thought of that Norm, but my compressor doesn't put out the air volume I want now. I have a sandblaster unit that I could use, but my current compressor won't run it. I have a air grinder as well that likes to suck air.
I was using it today and fixed the two rusted out leaks temporarily by screwing a couple self tapping screws into the tank.

Sorry Steve, I re-read a previous post and saw that your present compressor was not as big as I assumed from the 16 cfm post.
I guess I removed the suggestion of putting your present motor and compressor on a cheaper Canadian tire 60 gal tank at the same time as you were replying.
I had a tank once that blew a few pin holes in it and I drilled them out and welded a bolt in the holes. It did last, but I couldn't help thinking I know better than to do that, and I was creating a bomb.

[deadant]

If I were looking at a compressor, I wouldn't buy an oil-less one unless it was to run an air nailer only. They are just way to noisy. For a shop compressor oiled is the way to go, and if you have the room, a 60 gallon tank is the way to go. You can usually pick up 60 gallon tank compressors at farm stores for that 400-600 dollar range. Not top of the line but will pretty much do anything most backyard mechanics need. I had one of the $100 8 gallon compressors and hated it. I couldn't get enough air out of it to run my impact gun at full power. I also have a twin tank oil less compressor that I use for doing carpenter work. I absolutely love my 60 gallon tank air compressor and I have close to 200' of air hose so I can get air almost anywhere in my yard from my shop. After having one I wouldn't be without it.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Air compressors are a handy thing to have. Always wanted one but still don't have one.

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by deadant

If I were looking at a compressor, I wouldn't buy an oil-less one unless it was to run an air nailer only. They are just way to noisy. For a shop compressor oiled is the way to go, and if you have the room, a 60 gallon tank is the way to go. You can usually pick up 60 gallon tank compressors at farm stores for that 400-600 dollar range. Not top of the line but will pretty much do anything most backyard mechanics need. I had one of the $100 8 gallon compressors and hated it. I couldn't get enough air out of it to run my impact gun at full power. I also have a twin tank oil less compressor that I use for doing carpenter work. I absolutely love my 60 gallon tank air compressor and I have close to 200' of air hose so I can get air almost anywhere in my yard from my shop. After having one I wouldn't be without it.

Oh great, mine is an 8 gallon. I'm starting to hate it already..........

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Idaho (High Plains Drifter)

Oh great, mine is an 8 gallon. I'm starting to hate it already..........

You could use to blow up beach balls or air mattresses, Bud.

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

You could use to blow up beach balls or air mattresses, Bud.

That's what I like about you Scott, always full of support for your friends.