Need your Advice
#1
Need your Advice
Im thinking about buying an air compressor for automotive work. Can someone point me in the direction towards what stats to look for ?
Im lost on how much psi least-max is good for automotive work. How much hp is needed. Whether oilless air compressors are worthy for the job? Also anyone have a good site or store to recommend? I found dirt cheap ones at harbor freight tools, any good?
Thanks in advance
Im lost on how much psi least-max is good for automotive work. How much hp is needed. Whether oilless air compressors are worthy for the job? Also anyone have a good site or store to recommend? I found dirt cheap ones at harbor freight tools, any good?
Thanks in advance
#2
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Re: Need your Advice
have you done *any* research? what tools you plan to use greatly determine the type of compressor you need.
oil less ones are loud, don't last as long, and low end. however, they meet the needs of most people.
twin stage, 230v with 60+ gallon tanks will run a shop using grinders, air hammers, and most tools.
look for cfm ratings @ 90 psi for comparison.
look on craigslist for some good deals on mid to upper end units. or just go to home depot and grab the $170 one on sale.
#3
Re: Need your Advice
have you done *any* research? what tools you plan to use greatly determine the type of compressor you need.
oil less ones are loud, don't last as long, and low end. however, they meet the needs of most people.
twin stage, 230v with 60+ gallon tanks will run a shop using grinders, air hammers, and most tools.
look for cfm ratings @ 90 psi for comparison.
look on craigslist for some good deals on mid to upper end units. or just go to home depot and grab the $170 one on sale.
Edit: What is the model of the one you say is one sale? Is it also on sale online?
Last edited by twinturbomeow; 03-30-2012 at 04:51 AM.
#4
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Re: Need your Advice
A higher pressure compressor will just give you more effective tank capacity, because you're going to be regulating the air pressure down anyway. So the important part is tank size and compressor flow, and which specs are right for you will depend on what tools you'll use and how long you'll be using them. For example, I used to do a lot of fiberglass work so I bought a compressor that could continuously output enough for my high flow gelcoat gun. If you're just using an impact gun or things like that, you don't really need a big tank or high flow. So you need to think about how you're going to use it and what those tools will require.
I'd stay away from cheap oil-less compressors though; the oiled compressors are almost as cheap nowadays and will last longer without worrying about replacing diapragms or things like that.
I'd stay away from cheap oil-less compressors though; the oiled compressors are almost as cheap nowadays and will last longer without worrying about replacing diapragms or things like that.
#5
Re: Need your Advice
A higher pressure compressor will just give you more effective tank capacity, because you're going to be regulating the air pressure down anyway. So the important part is tank size and compressor flow, and which specs are right for you will depend on what tools you'll use and how long you'll be using them. For example, I used to do a lot of fiberglass work so I bought a compressor that could continuously output enough for my high flow gelcoat gun. If you're just using an impact gun or things like that, you don't really need a big tank or high flow. So you need to think about how you're going to use it and what those tools will require.
I'd stay away from cheap oil-less compressors though; the oiled compressors are almost as cheap nowadays and will last longer without worrying about replacing diapragms or things like that.
I'd stay away from cheap oil-less compressors though; the oiled compressors are almost as cheap nowadays and will last longer without worrying about replacing diapragms or things like that.
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