I'm about to buy an air compressor and was wondering what I need to look for?

I was looking at this one.

Air Compressor: Max Pressure 95-125 PSI; CFM @ 40 PSI-6.0; CFM @ 90 PSI-4.0; Motor 5.5 Peak HP; Voltage/Amps 120; Air Tank 11 Gallons; Pump Oil Free; Weight 57 lbs.; Warranty 1 Year

With this compressor, would I have any problems in regard to painting my car?

You will paint with a lot less pressure. What you need to go is get good filters to take out the moisture. A good paint gun is a must too. The guys here can help you out with that part, the compressor you want will be fine. Sounds like the foreign job I have. If you intend to use air tools, forget it and get one with a bigger tank and faster recovery motor.

Thanks for the info about using powertools, I will diffinatly want to use them.. Working at a car dealership has spoiled me rotten with being able to use their tools on my car, then I go home and rachet away.

Any suggestions on good priced compressor units? I have seen some good deals on generic brands, are they something to stay away from? (should I buy a craftsman or name brand)

As for CFM and HP ratings, what would you suggest?

I would go with a bigger unit it I were to do it over. Craftsman is higher priced compared to units I have seen at lowes or Homedepot. I know I would not but that foreign job again. Is a 5 horse 40 gal deal.

If you use alot of air and have air tools,depending on how much wrenching you do.........I would spend the money and get a REAL air compressor,cast iron head w/80 gal tank.I bought a Quincy Q-5 compressor 11 years ago,changed the oil often and all I've had to do to it was replace the reed valves(60.00) Right now the same compressor runs about 1600.00 I know its alittle expensive for some folks,but you dont have to worry about air for a long time to come,especially if you build lots of cars.

I also use this for my blast cabinet and have NEVER run out of air using it.

You will not be happy with the volume of air with that compressor...the oil free are OK, although a little noisy. But get one with a much higher CFM rating, cause for painting or air tools, that one wont keep up at all. A two stage is going to be better, but more expensive..I know that one of the craftsman compressors was just on sale for around 500 bucks, its two stage, 60 gal. tank, 9 CFM at 90 lbs. Nice little unit for the price...get the best one you can afford, small ones wont cut it for what you want. John

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Eat dessert first, cause life is uncertain.

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I do not think that compressor is large enough to paint a car. It will run out of air so you'll have to take little breaks as you're painting. That makes it almost impossible to get the paint right because it flashes before you finish. Also, the changing pressure can lead to inconsistant spraying out of the gun.

Get a big cast pump 60 or 80 gallon tanked air compressor. If you've got the money get a big 80 gallon 2-stage because you'll never regret it. If not, get a big single stage compressor.

If it runs on a 120VAC outlet it's not much of a compressor and won't be suitable for any type of continous use (like a sander). The little ones are really made for things such as blowing up tires and running an impact. Same thing goes for oilless compressors.

Peter

i got a good one ine the middle price range for ya home depot even sells them for about $999
its an ingersoll rand upright 60 gallon 5 hp 2 stage the thing will over run a dual action sander that is a tool that i believe suck up more air then any other it should be more than enough not as loud as some ive heard either. you have to make sure you have enough power in your garage to run it also.
the medium size compressors are 230v single phase the IR i beliave cant be 120 or 230v you will have to double check. with 120 you will need increase amperage the bigger ones are 3 phase units and unless your a commercial area its not feasable. if your garage is attached to your house and near your electrical panel usually no big deal to hook up 230v
also dont get a craftsman compressor for a few dollars more you could get the IR and it much more of a compressor than any craftsman

[This message has been edited by robert defalco (edited 02-16-2003).]

I bought a Campbell-Hausfeld, 6.5 hp/30 gal, 120 volt, compressor. I agree with everyone else...Buy one with a larger tank and more flow. Mine will put out 7.2cfm@90psi, and 5.7cfm@40psi. This is adequate for most air tools, and I have used it with an automotive spray gun, but I was only painting the hood of the truck.

The drawback is that it's only 110 volts, and draws a lot of amps when it fires up. It has to have a circuit dedicated to only the compressor. It has tripped a 20amp breaker in the winter several times.

Get a larger compressor and make sure it runs on 220 volts. It's worth the extra cost, and the amp draw will save you money in electric bills.

Good Luck
Jim


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Slower Traffic Keep Right
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90 Chevy C1500
2000 H-D Electra Glide Classic

I have the $999 Ingersol-Rand from Home Depot and LOVE IT TO DEATH. An empty tank will fill in under 4 or 5 minutes. It will supply 15.8 cfm @ 90 psi all day long and wont drive you out of the garage with the noise. It will require a single phase 230 volt 30 amp circuit, which is no big deal if you are near a panel. I have owned three different smaller Crafstman compressors over the years and have destroyed each and every one thinking they were big enough to run my DA doing a little hobby sanding. Nothing like the work I have to do on my '66. Like the old saying goes..."Go big or stay at home"...if you can not afford the larger compressor now....wait until you can....you will not regret it...and if you decide to sell it, it will hold more of its value than the smaller one...


Mike