Compressor size

[Royal7777]

I am new so I am looking for a compressor. However, I am not sure what capacity it should be. I see people using up to 80 gallons. Is this much really necessary?

[Magicman]

Hi Royal
You have heard the old saying "More is Better". I don't always agree with that. I have a 20 gallon and it does everything I need it runs my Air Carver just fine. I guess if you are going to run a lot of air tools Grinders and such, bigger would be better it just depends on what you are going to use it for.
Larry

[TreeWizard]

It depends what you want to use it for. I have a small pancake compressor and a large 5 hp with a 80 gallon tank. I use the small one a lot more than the big one.

[Spooker]

I'd suggest visiting/googling Ingersol Rand or Portacable, (or any of the compressor brands). Some will have basic guides to help decide which size and style is best for your purposes. I know IR has a PDF file that explains the proccess right down to the average cost per kwh/cubic foot of compressed air.

But generally if you're going to be doing alot of continual grinding,cutting,sanding, I'd go bigger than a pancake or a pig compressor simply due to the fact compressors shouldn't be 'compressing' continually. I'd either go bigger or get a pancake and buy an additional holding tank.

Spooker

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I had a small Sears Craftsman I bought years ago with no tank attached that worked fine for filling tires, airbrush, bradnailer, etc., however when I bought an impact wrench ........ it's putt-putt- just couldn't supply the necessary pow-pow!! I went down to Walmart and bought a large tank unit that pumps out 125psi and wow!!! I can adjust it to any pressure I need for just about any tool. So, like Larry said, more is better.

And that impact wrench? It's changed my life! No more bloody knuckles!

[ghaugen]

My background is furniture/cabinetry, even though I've been a "stay at home dad" with our three daughters for the last 4 1/2 years. I still have my "twin tank" Porter Cable compressor I used for installs and trim work. It does what I need it to do and doesn't take up much space. A big compressor would be fine too. Just depend on your available space.

One thing I would recommend, if you're spending a fair amount of money look at as an "investment". Buy something that can be serviced nearby, and buy for the "long term". I'd caution against spending some dough on something that can't be serviced or the brand doesn't have a good track record.

A cheap tool now can cost you expensive headaches later.

[carver33]

I have both a 30 gallon and a pancake compressor. The 30 gallon stays in the shop for all of my general work. When I have to go someplace other than the shop or on the road, the pancake is the go to tool.

[slevan]

It's pretty much been covered above but it really comes down to what you want to do with the compressor. Check the Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) of the compressor and match it to the tools you want to use . For example my impact wrench uses 8 CFM and 90 PSI and my airbrush uses <1 CFM and 35lbs. So if all I used was the airbrush one of the small tankless compressors would work fine. However the impact gun requires a much larger compressor and tank. CFM is the true measurement of a compressor horsepower/pressure ratings are often marketing gimics. The lower the CFM needs the smaller your compressor can be. I went through several smaller compressors and finally ended up with an 80 gallon, 220 volt, Belt drive compressor in the garage. It's not portable so I ran a hard line into my basement shop with a regulator in the basement to control the pressure.

Scott

[Royal7777]

Thank you eveyone for your great comments. I now know what I want and need.

[Clifford_Parker]

Be sure to install water traps if you are going to run permanent lines. Your tools will thank you for it in the long run.