What size Air Compressor do you use?

Jaded · 09-29-2009, 02:02 PM

I've been using a Craftsman 33gal, 6hp, 6.4scfm@90psi compressor for a few years. It's been solid, and I haven't had to put 220 in the garage to run it.

However, I started using my soda blaster and found that it just can't keep up. I'm considering moving upto an 80 gal unit with about 3X's the scfm rating.

So, I want to know what you power restorer's use in your garage or shop, research on the web is vague or outdated or heavily lean toward $1700 dollar units that belong in professional shops.

As for the Craftsman, it's good, in fact I've painted trucks with less, and it's portable to boot.

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67 evil eleanor · 09-29-2009, 02:34 PM

I would say something like 20+cfm at 100+psi two stage verticle type would be my choice. That should have around 5 HP motor (at 220 volts) and will require the addition of a 220v outlet. The 7.5's are even better but they usually cost about a thousand more (or less). I've went thru several small 110v compressors but normally use them on jobsites where they are beat on and broke, or toast due to low voltage (long cords/small wire). I think for garage use, and you plan on keeping it for a while, then spend your money once, and buy a good one.

Stepman · 09-29-2009, 08:21 PM

I have the VT627505AJ (CH) compressor. Can't remember the ratings on it but it has a 60 gal tank, runs on 220, runs at 150psi, and is at least twice the comp that my craftsman was. (that one was about the same as yours.) You can get it at Lowes for like 800(?) I got a good deal on mine cuz the wife works there. Got tired of rebuilding the "oil-less" type, although they are a good start.

JMD · 09-29-2009, 08:54 PM

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catal...747/172459.htm

I have a compressor like this one, (except it has a horizontal tank) it is an EXCELLENT unit that will keep up with two d/a sanders easy enough, and it is quiet.

I got mine DELIVERED to NM for about $1,800, this is a way beter compressor than the like priced Home Depot units...

Look ant the numbers, it is the real deal.

67 evil eleanor · 09-29-2009, 10:27 PM

Looks like all the goodies at a good price.

hiboostwoody · 09-29-2009, 11:52 PM

Mine is a Quincy 7.5 hp, 80 gal., 2 stage, single phase. It is also VERY quiet. I would have gone for the 3 phase but the shop I had at the time I bought it was 10 miles from the closest 3 phase power and you can't even imagine how much the power company wanted to bring the 3 phase to me.

THUMPIN455 · 09-30-2009, 03:11 AM

I have a two stage 5hp 220v compressor, not as hardcore as the one JMD has with 4 cylinders, but it keeps up good with two DA sanders going. I need to rework the outlet because it tends to ice up and it gets a ton of water in the lines if it runs continuous. The trap needs to be farther away from the outlet.

andrewmp6 · 09-30-2009, 06:12 AM

Mines a old 80 gallon with a loud compressor on it.But works great and got it cheap.

Jaded · 09-30-2009, 08:33 PM

Thanks for the feedback! I'd seen the Eaton before, and frankly it's the best. I have three cars total to build, including the current project which was named Jaded because it's full on restomod, and I know lots of "keep it stock" guys who pretty much hate changing anything, fine, it takes lots of work to do that also. But when you have an idea in mind you have to ignore the naysayers.

I have to rebuild the pictured car next, and it may be going back to it's stock Sunlit Gold color and a more mild engine as it is my daily driver.

Third, my girlfriend wants a 69 Boss replica, and it will involve the new dynacorn body. But she's planning it out.

So the suggestion of money well spent is taken to heart. I wanted to add for anyone else looking at this thread in the future that my original compressor was a 4HP 30Gal Black Max, and after a pre-mature dive from my work truck, I bought the Craftsman. They both worked fine for DA sanding, and painting, but for full on sand blasting the Craftsman is not upto the task. It lasts about 2 minutes, and because I'm a mile high here, it only needs to be set at 70 to 75 instead of 80 to 90.

Thanks for the feed back.

JMD · 09-30-2009, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67 evil eleanor

Looks like all the goodies at a good price.

IMO this compressor lives up to it's manufactures "hype" and then some.

I wonder how I ever managed to get by with all of the sh!t compressors I used to have.

Before I bought the Eaton I thought that some of them were pretty good... at one time I was proud of the 5 HP Ingersoll Rand that I wore out a couple of times. I now know it to have been a noisy and substandard POS.

I know a compressor like the 7.5 HP unit is out of a lot of folks price range, I had to think about it for a while before making the commitment to spend that kind of cash but I have not regretted it for even a single moment since. A good air compressor is a HUGE help when working with cars, especially when doing paint and body, a good compressor is about the best investment that can be made.

A strong compressor with plenty of capacity helps to get the job done, a quiet (and LOW FREQUENCY) compressor makes getting the job done more enjoyable.

If the 7.5 is out of range, I would consider a 3 hp or 5 hp Eaton. (I started looking at the 5 hp myself)