looking for advise

[05fjrBluedevil]

Hey I think i would like to get something to use around the house.

basic tools and such to mess around on the autos and maybe re shingle a roof.....

maybe also use to build stuff, nothing mayor, decks sheds etc.....

Any recommendations out there, not really looking to drop a fortune on it either.....

So maybe one that can be protable would be good and maybe not.....

Do some painting in the house and exterior.....

Any pointers would be much appreciated..... Maybe you bought one it crapped out and was a waste of your money....

i know most tool more than likely require a min of 90 psi and a certain amount of continuous air pressure to work well.

i might like a few things running at the same time as i am tired of my cordless stuff always having a drained battery or quickly discharging peioe to completing things.....

Thanks MIke

Maybe i should just get two ???? a small pancake type and a more bolt down home owner type....

i guess belt drive would be the best since i could vary rpm's etc that having a direct drive always the same speed...

anywho thanks ........

 

[FJRPierre]

heres a guide on what tools need what cfm. Note this in particular

Air tools are often rated as “Average CFM.” “Average CFM” is typically based on a 25% duty cycle (15 seconds out of a min.). This sometimes creates a problem with tools that are used on a continuos basis (ex. orbital sanders, die grinders, etc). Nailers and impact wrenches typically don't have the same problem since by their nature are used more intermittently. If you plan on using an air tool on a continuos basis, it is a good idea to multiply the “Average CFM” x 4 to get a continuous CFM rating for the tool.

tool guide

and another link

 

[Rickster]

I have 2 like you mentioned, a large one, and an inexpensive pancake type.

As for advise on the larger one -- go to a tool shop that sells air tools and paint stuff, and look at the pressure and CFM recommended.

Then decide how many CFM at what pressure, THEN shop the compressor.

FWIW -- I got a 2 cylinder single stage (higher CFM but not as high of pressure as a two-stage) belt drive with a 60 or 80 Gal tank (forgot which) on sale at Sears for under $500, and a pancake at Harbor Freight for under $100.

 

[Bull]

my pancake was built by Porter Cable - it's been a solid little work horse. No complaints with P C

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

It seems like the biggest name in air compressors is DeVilbiss

If you look at a Husky at Home Depot or a Porter Cable, or a dozen other brands chances are it's manufactured by DeVilbiss. So, the exact same model can vary in price depending on the brand.

The upright compressors are very popular because they take up less floor space.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

The first time I built up a collection of tools I did it (on reflection) without a plan and bought (sometimes) what I didn't need because it was a steal, or bought the wrong thing because of price.

Then I got divorced and my ex-wife insisted she get the $5000 worth of tools.

So as I recovered financially, I bought tools only as I needed them for a specific job, then bought the best tool I could afford. This plan has served me well.

My first compressor was more than I needed at 45 gallons and was big.

My second was a gift from the wife, and although a more useful (for me) 30 gallons, it lays down rather than stands up, and I definitely prefer not having to bend over as much, and wish I had the stand-up.

A compressor was not the first tool I bought -- I went with nice sets of wrenches, screwdrivers, chisels, etc. etc., then bought power/air tools for the job at hand.

Just my personal experience. YMMV

 

[vandy]

Just an added note...

One of the ways most compressers are trashed is by using extension cords.

Its best to wire it direct if you can or if its a small one just use the cord that it came with and buy more air hose if needed.

It took alot of convinsing to make me believe this but i finally came around.

Buy a stand up if you can afford it.. they arnt that much more.

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

One of the ways most compressers are trashed is by using extension cords.

You've got my attention.

How do extension cords fry compressors?

 

[cadman]

i have a craftsman 30 gal. standup. i've had it for about 6 yrs now. be sure to drain the condensate out of the tank on a regular basis. i have heard not to run a compressor with an undersized extension cord, they pull quite a few amps when running..

 

[Rogue]

One of the ways most compressers are trashed is by using extension cords.

You've got my attention.

How do extension cords fry compressors?

Wire size.

The smaller the size of wire the more resistance to electrical flow resulting in what is known as "Voltage Drop".

This drops the voltage at the motor which causes the motor to pull more amps which drops the voltage more................................

With a high amperage motor like a compressor you should have #12 wire minimum, as close to the electrical panel as possible ( the wire in the walls figures into the calculation too).

You can google "voltage drop" and find an on line calculator. You should have a 3% drop maximum.

 

[twowheelnut]

I just bought a 26 gal, 2hp Craftsman single stage. It has about 10 puffs before the compressor kicks back on. Gramps has an ancient, 80 gallon 2 stage that can jump start the Santa Ana's without kicking on. He's willing it to me, but I have to upgrade to 220v.

Point is, most compressors are light duty when plugged into 110v. Don't expect too much from these.

 

[Niehart]

A forum member found a great deal on this one with free shipping so I bought one. Very quite & lots of PSI. Ended up spending more on good air tools than the compressor.

https://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_...amp;tag=MAC2400

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

One of the ways most compressers are trashed is by using extension cords.

You've got my attention.

How do extension cords fry compressors?

Well that would be done be the drop in voltage over a given distance and therefore you motor isn't really getting the required amps to run smoothly...

As for the longer air lines there will also be a drop in pressure to the tool so one would have to figure that out as well.

I am currently just researching and deciding if I would rather take some funds and redo the garage roof myself and end up with a few nice tools i otherwise would not have any funds to get.......:0).....

I need to paint the upstairs after striping some wall paper and though a spray gun would be nice, so a portable would be the best way to get me in the game and then if the need for a better comes about after seeing if I would actually use the stuff often enough to warrrant the expense then that would be great.

i know the sanders are the toughest most draw on the compressors and I do not know if I would use it for that purpose, but having a few common tools hooked up and using them at the sane time is a consideration I have to think about... Like if i got my son to assist then having two nail gun running at the same time would be sometihng that the small pancake would have to be able to do with out burning or frying it....

So if i get a cheap compressor that only has a 150 psi rating and tools take 90 maybe one could not use two tools at the same time with a cheap one, i saw some nice little kits at costco 200 for a roll around horizontal with air tools and basic wrenches etc. but would it hold up for say having it hooked up to an air lift motorcycle stand and having the wrench and blow gun operating at the same time etc etc....

i am sure some have some of this stuff in current use and I want to buy smart and cheap as possible with out throwing money out the window..... :0)...

thanks for help everyone thus far.....

 

[05fjrBluedevil]

A forum member found a great deal on this one with free shipping so I bought one. Very quite & lots of PSI. Ended up spending more on good air tools than the compressor.
https://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=product_...amp;tag=MAC2400

How long have you had it, what typw of tools have you used thus far with it and how many at one time, i noticed it is 0-130 psi and it was my understanding at air tools required 90 pi at the tool to work properly...

keep all the good stuff flowing guys and gals any information is helpful.....

coastco has a air tool kit for 80. seems nice kawasaki green......

they have a campell haus a/c with tools for 200. and the have something like this for 159 i think red in color do not remember the brand.....

I am thinking belt drive 220 unit wired direct to wall is the way to go, maybe something that is portable 220 or 110, then you could have the best of both worlds....I guess something oil lubed is better and with a filter system to help pull moisture out before it gets to the tools

hanks for all the replies thus far keep them coming.....

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

One of the ways most compressers are trashed is by using extension cords.

You've got my attention.

How do extension cords fry compressors?

With a high amperage motor like a compressor you should have #12 wire minimum, as close to the electrical panel as possible ( the wire in the walls figures into the calculation too).

You can google "voltage drop" and find an on line calculator. You should have a 3% drop maximum.

I had to go out to the garage to check what I have. It's marked "12-3". All this time I thought that was overkill ...

I always thought the problem was heat increasing with resistance and resistance increasing with heat and the possibility of fire, I didn't realize that resistance also caused voltage drop.

Thanks.