You got to do what you got to do. I use mine at least twice a month in the winter and maybe two or three times a week in the spring. In summer and fall (in Northern California they're the same) it's almost daily. We don't get the 120 F days for weeks on end, but I would not worry about an explosion even in Arid-zona (pun intended).
Jim

 

Yeah, I don't use a compressor very often, and when I do it is for airing up tires or running a small cut off wheel or to take the lugs off my wheels with the air impact wrench. And, I certainly have plenty of time to do any job with it as I am retired and have no boss.
But, if you are into sand or media blasting and painting cars (more than one) you really need to spend the bucks for a large high cfm capacity compressor, or learn to drink beer.

 

Thanks alot for the info guys. I found a 60 gal. Husky with 10.2 cfm for $399.00 at home depot. I'm thinking about getting it because I am 22 and this will not be my last old car. I haven't noticed a huge jump in price from a 30 gal to a 60 (~$200.00) but it seems worth the extra money.

 

Buy it.

 

Also, max pressure of the tank is pretty important. Especially for tools. And make admn sure the purge valve works properly.
-P.

 

Otherwise it goes Kaboom. [:-]

 

Do a search for compressors on here, there are many helpful threads. How satisfied you will be with a smaller compressor (5hp 20 gallon) is directly proportional to your patience.

 

I have the sixty galon and wish I would have gotten bigger. I am trying to sand blast my car and the poor compressorisnt quite doing the job. For painting and air tools it works great it just needs more air capicity for blasting. I am thinking of renting a big one to finish blasting my car.

 

For sandblasting large areas, you might consider renting an industrial compressor from a tool rental company. you can get a lot of sand, and get it all done in one day. I have done this on several occasions in the past, it is worth it if you are in a hurry.

(By industrial compressor, I mean one that is "trailer mounted", like for a jack hammer or other industrial applications. This = no stopping and waiting for air.

 

I was shopping for compressors just before this past Christmas and was looking at the same Husky at Home Depot. I decided to go with a 7hp/60 gallon Kobalt compressor from Lowe's. It delivers a bit more air and has a larger pulley on the compressor part of the motor. It was $499 vs the $399 Husky, but when you look at the two, the Kobalt seems to be of better quality. I decided that since it would be a purchase I won't have to make again for a while (hopefully), I went with my gut instinct and bought the Kobalt. (And I have never had much luck with the Home Depot near me)

And also, I don't think it has been mentioned yet, but with a compressor that big, you may have additional costs, for example, it is 240 volt, so you may need to add wiring and an outlet to your garage, and the compressor doesn't come with a gauge, filter, or regulator, so that will be extra. I had an extra hundred bucks in extras needed just to get it running. well worth the money though. It is a nice compressor, it fills up quick and is quiet (relatively).