Compressor?

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DavePowers

DavePowers

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Jun 25, 2006
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Shelbyville, KY
I am starting to look at compressors.

There are several ratings for compressors and not all the company’s use the same ratings (cfm,scfm, @psi) I did not see runtime or time to fill when empty.



As with most of us it would be for several task, spray finish, tire inflator, nailer. From what I have found it will take a big compressor to be able to use in finishing. What are your thoughts? How are the pancake compressors? Better to buy a combo kit with a nailer?
 
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I found a cheap small compressor on e-bay and it works well, with my small nailer, tire inflator, dust blower. The only issue I'm having is the hose is springing leaks and has to be replaced. My is a no name, and holds like 60psi air. it takes a few minutes to fill; but then it is good with keeping up when in use. I looked at the combo and this was cheaper to buy mine separate.
 
Bigger is better as far as tanks are concerned. To run tools, it takes a lot of air, usually around 90 psi at something like 12 fpm.
 
Yesterday, I went and bought a small compressor at HF. 2 gallon tank. I played around with it a little (getting stuff together to begin casting) yesterday and quickly discovered that I should've gotten a much bigger compressor. I have doubts that once I get the vacuum pump going that the little guy will be able to push enough air for the pump to work correctly. I read a post yesterday from someone who draws it down twice to get to 25lbs, but that seems avoidable if I just go and exchange this for a bigger A/C.

And I'm gonna go with the oil lubricated. Reading all these posts got me gun shy about the oiled tanks, but I'm going to take the plunge.
 
DavePowers said:
From what I have found it will take a big compressor to be able to use in finishing. What are your thoughts? How are the pancake compressors? Better to buy a combo kit with a nailer?
Click to expand...


Since I'm a professional finisher by trade, I can tell you that you CAN get away with a smaller compressor (1-2hp, 3-6 gallon tank) but ONLY IF you spray smaller items like bowls, pens, jewelry boxes. Spraying things like coffee tables will force you to wait for it to refill as you dwindle the air pressure. You might even be able to spray a bookshelf or something if you keep the air flow on the low end (meaning you'll need to thin your lacquer a bit to make it atomize more effectively at a lower pressure).


If you are going to spray bigger stuff, I can wholeheartedly recommend a 5hp, 25 gallon compressor, such as the Craftsman. I've seen a LOT of people use the Craftsman, myself included. I used one for a year and a half spraying a LOT OF lacquer and it did fine.




If you are looking for a smaller compressor and only spray pens and other turnings, don't be bashful about saving the cash and buying a small-mid size compressor. I recommend anything made by Senco, they make a good compressor.

Feel free to email or pm me if you have ANY finishing questions-- I can help you find a GOOD spray gun, they are not all made equal! I've sprayed nearly everything you can imagine for wood.
 
I went through the same thing a long while back. Based on the advice from several long time members here, I bought a big compressor at Harbor Freight. The tank holds 21 or 23 gallons and it seems about right for what I do. I don't run any air tools and if I did I would want a MUCH larger one. Don't buy little ones, they don't hold enough air.
 
Do yourself a favor and take the little one back and get a bigger one. I doubt that you will ever be disappointed in the exchange. The larger one will run a lot less and therefore will last a lot longer.

Also, look around at HF and get their moisture release kit for the compressor. This add-on allows the moisture that collects in the tank to be removed thus adding longer life to the tank. You will need to be able to allow the relief line (supplied in the kit) to vent outside and away from the foundation.

I highly recommend that anyone with a compressor look into the above relief kit for their compressors as well. ;)
 
I have had a Craftsman 5 gallon compressor for almost 18 years and it still runs strong. I used it for years to run my pneumatic automotive tools in my auto shop and now use it for various tasks around the house. Just empty the tank regularly and change the oil on a regular basis and it will run forever. I have had to replace the hoses a few times due to wear and tear. Craftsman makes a good compressor, I also have a small one that I can carry to job sites that works great and I use it for upholstery projects in another part of the house.
 
redfishsc said:
Since I'm a professional finisher by trade, I can tell you that you CAN get away with a smaller compressor (1-2hp, 3-6 gallon tank) but ONLY IF you spray smaller items like bowls, pens, jewelry boxes.........................If you are going to spray bigger stuff, I can wholeheartedly recommend a 5hp, 25 gallon compressor, such as the Craftsman. I've seen a LOT of people use the Craftsman, myself included. I used one for a year and a half spraying a LOT OF lacquer and it did fine.
Click to expand...

Perfect! What he said.:D

I use a 6.5 HP/30 Gallon tank upright Porter Cable - oiless (yes - they are noisy), and I can use it for everything from air tools (nail guns, sanders, etc.) to spraying lacquer (I spray every day frankly). I keep it at about 110 psi and control the air at the gun input. I also have a 2 HP, 6 gallon tank that I use for portable jobs around the house or if a friend needs some help - but it generally sits unused these days.

Best,
Roger Garrett
 
I have an oil less PC pancake compressor (6 gal.?). I didn't have a lot of room and decided to make the sacrifice of not being able to use many high-flow tools very much (die grinders as an example). I do like having the portability factor; it goes under the workbench out of the way. I have used it quite a bit for all types of nailers and have had no problems. Remember to drain the moisture out periodically. From what I have learned, if you are going to use tools extensively that require very high airflow, you need a large compressor and a large tank. That will also probably lead you to 220v also. As far as packages, if you want to use it for nailers, I would recommend looking at the packages from PC and Senco. However, I have heard that getting nails for the Sencos can be a challenge (no personal experience with that).

Good luck.
 
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