Air compressor and tools questions

Spotted Horse · Sep 29, 2011

After many years of "wrenching by armstrong", I'm thinking about getting a good air compressor and some air tools.
After checking out some of the compressors that Northern Tools has to offer, my question is,... just how big of a compressor do I really need and what air tools should I buy and what size?

I'd like something capable of breaking loose tough rusted lugnuts and some of the bigger rusted nuts on old farm equipment. Of course I'm like most people and don't want to spend any more money than I absolutely have to, so what do you fellas think an old man (with torn rotator-cuffs) should buy?

I do most of my work here at the shop, so I don't need a portable compressor, just a good shop compressor.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Spotted Horse

Chip812 · Sep 29, 2011

Since you are going to be 'wrenching' on the tractor and it has some really big nuts (there is a pun in there somewhere), you'll probably need something with a 1/2" drive... Find the air wrench that you want with the 1/2" drive on it and check what pressure and CFM requriements are... Then buy a compressor that has at least 10% over that...
8)
P.S. If you think you may ever have 'help' and need to run 2 tools at once, you'll need to increase CFM to additional 50%...

glennster · Sep 29, 2011

minimum i'd look at a 60 gallon 220v compressor, preferably a 2 stage pump. 80 gallon would be better, but if you are not doing continous air tool work, the 60 would get you by. buy a good quality 1/2 inch drive air impact, they generate more break out force and use less air than a cheap one. my snap on 1/2 inch ran about 400 dollars, has 1100lbs of break out force. also have a 3/8 snap on, its a little powerhouse also. you need ear protection when you use them, they are LOUD. look for a minimum of 125 psi compressoer, 150 is better. my shop compressors run 175 psi line pressures, and i use regulators on the air lines. most tool truck have rebuilt air tools on them, which are easier on the pocketbook. ingersol makes a decent 1/2 impact also.

Anonymous-0 · Sep 29, 2011

I don't know that you need a two stage comp. They build up to 175psi , then you regulate it back down to 100-120 psi which is what all air tools run at anyway . The motor is larger and the comp. is more expensive to accomplish this . A two cylinder single stage would give you more volume at 125 cfm , which is the important part.

Bryan inIowa · Sep 29, 2011

We run 160-170 in my shop . Buy as big as you can afford . Best Impact IR 231 1/2 dr , Or a "Thunder gun , same gun just lil spiffier ,but LOTS ofpower . Cheap impacts will leave you wanting more .

timcasbolt · Sep 29, 2011

I'm sure many would consider this overkill, but old tractors need heavy duty tools. I'd be looking into 3/4" drive, and the air supply needed to drive it properly.

When was the last time you heard someone complain of having too much power?

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Sep 29, 2011

Step up and buy a 2 stage unit. Down the road, you might want something like a sand blast cabinet and you will be glad you got the bigger compressor right off.
Portable compressors will run impacts in short bursts, the 2 stage will run them non stop

buickanddeere · Sep 29, 2011

iirc a decent two stage compressor will make approx
5 cfm at 100 psi per HP.
It's one way to sort out HP claims.
As previously stated, go much larger than you
initially though. Even a blow-gun cleaning out a rad
or large filter will consume significant cfm.
Mayas well size for the largest cfm sand blasting
cabinet that will fit in your shop. And allow extra
flow for a worn ceramic nozzle.

Doug in Illinois · Sep 29, 2011

My old 4HP 25 Gallon Craftsman needs replaced.

My most likely replacement is a Campbell Hausfield 200 PSI from Lowes.

The 20 gallon and 15 gallon both use the same little 1.3 HP pump. CFM not so good, only 3.7 at 90 PSI.

But here are specs posted on a review of the 15 gallon:

0-90 PSI 2.5 minutes
0-150 PSI 4.5 minutes
0-200 PSI 8.5 minutes

I know that sounds slow, but with the added pressure instead of my old 125 PSI max, I truly believe I will still have at least as much usable air at 90 PSI regulated for my air tools or 125 PSI for my tire changer.

The review also said it takes 2.5 minutes from the 152 PSI kick back on to the 200 PSI shut off. I can live with that, for the price they are.

The 15 gallon is $199. The 20 gallon is $299 and comes with some basic air tools.

I am going to fix the old compressor and use it on my air tools. The new one will run the tire changer only.

If he wants a Northern Tools compressor I would tell him to buy a Quincy. It is USA made, in Quincy, IL. But most of them max out at 135 PSI.

DOUG

Doug in Illinois · Sep 29, 2011

Yep. Ingersoll Rand 231 is about the best little impact you can get.

I had a "Harbor Freight" 3/4 impact that was only equal in power the my 1/2 IR. It got stolen, so back to using just the little one adapting up to 3/4 with a Snap On adapter. DOUG

johndeerefan · Sep 29, 2011

I have the 60 gallon Porter Cable tower compressor from Lowes. It works good for most applications, but there are times I need more. If you ever want to run a sandblaster of any kind with it, move up to a 80 gallon 2 stage compressor. Mine doesn't put out enough for very long to remove paint.

Most people make the mistake of using a 3/8" or 1/4" regulator with hoses. Remember, big air tools need lots of air volume. I bought a commercial grade 3/4" inlet and outlet water trap/regulator and used 1/2" air hoses with 1/2" fittings. Granted, I had to reduce the fitting to fit into the air tool, but all the volume of air is available in the line. You will be surprised how much better the tools operate using this larger diameter. Only problem is, most stores don't stock or carry 1/2" or 3/4" air tool components and fittings. You have to have fastenal special order them or order them through Grainger or Northern Tool.

hd6g Tom · Sep 29, 2011

Spotted Horse, put an advertisement in your local shopper, ask for an used industrial duty compressor, no less than a 60 gal tank. We had an Ingersol Rand 30. It was the quietest compressor we had in the tire shop. It outlasted 5 other compressors of different brands. Check out the difference between a homeowners 5 hp compressor and an industrial 5 hp model. There is no comparison. You will be dissapointed if you get anything less.

Dusty MI · Sep 29, 2011

(quoted from post at 09:40:49 09/29/11) minimum i'd look at a 60 gallon 220v compressor, preferably a 2 stage pump. 80 gallon would be better, but if you are not doing continous air tool work, the 60 would get you by. buy a good quality 1/2 inch drive air impact, they generate more break out force and use less air than a cheap one. my snap on 1/2 inch ran about 400 dollars, has 1100lbs of break out force. also have a 3/8 snap on, its a little powerhouse also. you need ear protection when you use them, they are LOUD. look for a minimum of 125 psi compressoer, 150 is better. my shop compressors run 175 psi line pressures, and i use regulators on the air lines. most tool truck have rebuilt air tools on them, which are easier on the pocketbook. ingersol makes a decent 1/2 impact also.

When my neighbor sharpens the knives on the cutter bar an his combine, he and his son would work on it together, one with a 4.5" electric surface grinder, the other with an air driver die grinder, with the air being supplied with a 3hp compressor. The compressor uses maybe 6 times more power and yet could not produce enough air to keep the die grinder running continually, while the electric side grinder had no trouble running continually.

Dusty

Spotted Horse · Sep 29, 2011

Thanks for the info fellas, that is what I was looking for.
I don't forsee ever getting a sandblaster, so I think a single stage compressor would work fine for me.

Here is one I'm thinking about getting, for $609.00
CAPACITY GALLONS 60
ASSEMBLY Assembled
BRAND Ingersoll-Rand
CFM AT 90 PSI 11.3
CONSTRUCTION Steel
HORSE POWER 3
POWER 230V
PSI 135
STYLE Stationary
TYPE Vertical
Base Model Number 634163
STARTUP KIT 534120 (NOT INCLUDED)

What do you think,... "pros and cons" regarding this single stage compressor?

buickanddeere · Sep 29, 2011

135 psi is lots, it's cfm that is required.

johndeerefan · Sep 29, 2011

That should run the average hobby mechanic's air tools just fine. The CFM is about 1.0 or so higher than my Porter Cable. Remember, powerful tools need lots of volume.

Spotted Horse · Sep 29, 2011

(quoted from post at 16:53:53 09/29/11) 135 psi is lots, it's cfm that is required.

My little Bostich compressor only has 2.7 CFM, so I'm thinking this one with 11.3 CFM might be a BIG improvement over the one I have now and the price ain't TOO bad.

Patsdeere · Sep 29, 2011

I think that is the one I got for my shop and while I plan to eventually get a sand blaster (and thus will need a larger compressor) for the next 5-8 years I figure it will work perfect for me. It is so nice being able to have a conversation within 10 ft of the compressor. Great compressor and I wouldn't hesitate buying it again.

Owen Aaland · Sep 30, 2011

My compressor runs between 145 and 160 PSI. Using 3/8 inch hose and couplers the actual pressure at the end of the hose while using a 1/2 inch air wrench is not too much above the 90 PSI recommended for the tool.

Spotted Horse · Sep 30, 2011

Looks like my choice of air compressor is getting narrowed down to the one I mentioned before (for $609.00), or the
Vertical 230v Ingersoll Rand
60 gal.
5HP
18 CFM
Single stage

for $900.00

Air compressor and tools questions

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Similar threads