Topic: Compressor selection
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Lifetime MemberC3VR Founder
Eagleville, PA - USA
Joined: 11/1/2001
Posts: 18565
Vette(s): Used to own a 1979 Corvette now owned by JB79
I've been wanting an air compressor for quite some time, but never found one cheap enough to be worth. Well, I saw one for $78 so I'm interested. I just want to make sure I'm not going to be wasting my money (or my wife's if it is an xmas present for me!)
Basically, I need it to be able to put air in my tires, a finish nailer, an air ratchet and maybe run an impact gun. What kind of PSI do I need for those tasks?
Here is a link to the one I found. Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!
-Adam Wartell
NCM Lifetime Member #1222
Founder: C3 Vette Registry
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My first Vette, now owned by JB79:
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Adam, that one would be otay for airing up a tire, and MAYBE runnin the nail-gun. That's aboot it. To use an impact, or any air tool, you would need a larger capacity compressor, with a larger storage tank. Most home compressors are in the 20 gallon tank range. (That's what I have here at the house.) Air tools take a lot of voluumn to run. The compressor you are looking at would turn an air ratchet about five times before it ran out of air in the storage tank. 
Air tools normally require around 75-95 lbs(min), but they need a larger storage tank, because they do use a lot of voluumn.Adams' Apple 2006-11-20 19:51:09
Air tools normally require around 75-95 lbs(min), but they need a larger storage tank, because they do use a lot of voluumn.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I have this one. I've run a nail gun off it and air tools with no problems. A little pricey - but I don't remember paying that much. Sears always has a sale going on, just have to catch the right one.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20226
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
I have a Quincy QTS-3, that I won as the "big" door prize at the NCRS National Convention a few years ago. I had a smaller(motored) one at the time, but it came from Sam's Club, and was selling, last time I looked, for around $200 or less. I sold it when I got the new Quincy. This one rocks!
It is similar to this one, but a bit smaller, with a 3 1/5 hp motor.
Adam, do youse guys have Sam's up yonder? Ya might check there, they do have some good deals on stuff like this, as well as Sears.
It is similar to this one, but a bit smaller, with a 3 1/5 hp motor.
Adam, do youse guys have Sam's up yonder? Ya might check there, they do have some good deals on stuff like this, as well as Sears.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I found this one last year on sale at Menards for under $200. My impact wrench will get ahead of it a little bit when pulling 5 lugs off in quick order but it recovers quickly. No problems with anything else I've used it for. I like the vertical tank because it takes less floor space.
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
you sure want one with a larger capacity than that B&D
i have one with a large tank but you will be surprised how quickly the pump gets activated to keep the pressure on required level.
not just the tank size but also keep in mind the pump has enough capacity so when you are working the pump can keep up with required air-need ..... very irritating when you constantly have to stop to wait the tank is filled again :)
art-corvette
i have one with a large tank but you will be surprised how quickly the pump gets activated to keep the pressure on required level.
not just the tank size but also keep in mind the pump has enough capacity so when you are working the pump can keep up with required air-need ..... very irritating when you constantly have to stop to wait the tank is filled again :)
art-corvette
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
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Adam, I would go with minimum of a 15 gal tank and 3-4 HP. As the Apple mentioned, impact guns, air ratchets, griners and cut off wheels all require a large volume for any persistent projects where you need the air on hand. I've had a Craftsman for the last 15 years and it's never skipped a beat!!
LukesVette 2006-11-23 09:42:33
Ebay has a ton of them. Check out this one out.
Devilbiss is a tremendous name in the air tool world.
Paul
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Most air tools are rated for 90 psi. And you need at least a 15 gallon tank for air tools.
Mine is a 5 hp with a 30 gallon tank, but I use it more than you would. It's from Sears.
Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
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[QUOTE=kstyer]Most air tools are rated for 90 psi. And you need at least a 15 gallon tank for air tools.
Mine is a 5 hp with a 30 gallon tank, but I use it more than you would. It's from Sears.
[/QUOTE]
I concur on the minimum recommended.. I use a 33gal/6 hp..
and I got it as sears with a tool pack combo on sale... i think it was an 3/8 air ratchet and 3/8 impact wrench. i think it was close to 200$
they run this sale a couple of times a year.
Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
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If you have a choice, I'd recommend getting a belt drive, oil lubricated compressor over an oil-less type. If you do get the oil-less type, you might want to pick up an extra hose to get that noisy thing away from your work area. My 2 cents. 
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas... 
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