I am looking for an air compressor that I can use for spraying paint and air tools like DA Sander, grinders, etc. I'd like to be able to do a complete primer/paint job on a 70 Chevelle or 68 Lemans.

The two compressors I'm looking are at Lowes - both Campbell Hausfeld verticals:

For $399
7.0 peak HP, 240-volt current
60 Gallon 135 Max PSI
10.3 SCFM@90 PSI and 11.8 SCFM@40 PSI
Cast iron twin cylinder pump provides up to 5,000 hours

or

For $595
7HP Peak, 240 volt
60 Gal, 140PSI max.
13.5 scfm@90PSI and 15.1 scfm@40PSI
7,000 hours of extended life

Is the additional $200 worth it? I'm not a professional, just looking for something that can handle paint and body work if I ever get the time to do it.

Thanks for any input!

Some years ago, I bought a 5 hp single-stage 220 volt compressor. At the time, it seemed like a big compressor. Now I'm thinking of buying a larger one and am not sure what to do with the old one. You can do most things with a smaller compressor, but it does limit the selection of paint guns, sandblasters, etc. Some need a lot of air.

For what you plan to do, I would recommend going with the larger of the two units that you mention. If you have an extra few hundred dollars, you might want to find something with even a little more power, probably a two-stage compressor.

Hope this helps, David

If you have the cash, go for an 80 gallon 2 stage compressor. I bought a single stage 60 gallon and it don't take much before that thing is working trying to catch up. It can handle most things, but using an air tool for more than half a minute really makes it work to keep up.

If you are doing a lot of body work, sand blasting, etc. you will wish you had gone for bigger and better.

Check at Sam's club for one option, other wharehouse clubs may have other options.

Another thing, depending on where you live and the relative humidity, water in the lines can be a big problem. I have 3 dryers in line with mine and wouldn't dream of trying to paint without putting in more dryers, and I am in a moderate humidity place in Ohio.

Steve

My air comp. says it has 16cfm @ 150psi and a 60 gallon tank.I have used all kinds of air tools with it including a blast cabinet and it still has a little trouble keeping up.Especially with the blast cabinet....Best advice is get THE most air you can.It's better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.A GOOD comp will probably cost you $800- $1300...
Always compare the cfm #'s at certain psi levels...like 15cfm @ 90 or 17cfm @ 175... Like my wife says Bigger is Better...

graemlins/waving.gif
Rick

Try to find a compressor with an all metal regulator valve. Many of the less expensive compressors have one that's plastic, and they like to strip out.

Agree with the post above. Go with a 2-stage compressor. I would rather have a smaller two stage than a larger single. Best deals I have seen on a two stage are SAM's Club and Northern Tool (when they have a sale).