Air Compressor

[bitchaaz]

Now that my 3 car garage is complete, I'm looking to stock it with the essentials. The primary item being an air compressor. I'm confused as to which one though. I have been mainly looking at craftsman, and don't know what the benefit of of having a 33 gal unit as opposed to a 15 gal. unit. other than air capacity, does the 33 gal. unit put out more air? 2nd is an impact gun. is 300 ft lbs enough of a gun? or do I need more. What are you guys rocking?

 

[Supra725]

The 33 gallons holds more volume but the psi is the same..

For the impact gun, it depends on what you are working on...I'm rocking an 400ft/lb impact in my current set up..

I'm currently with an 26 gallons one and is enought but I wouldn't mind having an bigger tank.

What are your main purpose of the compressor?

 

[KidVermicious]

PSI isn't nearly as important as CFM. Look at the CFM requirements of your air tools, and pick a compressor that'll push more than that.

 

[bitchaaz]

Here's the gun I'm looking at getting.
Amazon.com: Craftsman 9-19984 1/2-Inch Heavy Duty Impact Wrench: Home Improvement

And here's the compressor I have.

Mind you, lug nuts and the occassional stubborn bolt. I don't know what else to use an impact for. I do have a orbital sander that I plan to use for buffing and polishing. But that's the extent

 

[shadow247]

CFM is the important thing. Tank size will only let you run longer without the compressor turning on. Look at the things you will be doing, an air sander typically has a higher CFM requirement than an impact. If you are right on the edge you may not get max performance from your air sander, which can cause problems with the tool. I would suggest getting the highest CFM that fits within your budget. Don't worry about tank size as, again, it only lets you run longer without the compressor coming on.

 

[TOY2G]

I work for this company and we just bought the US rights to Rotake Air Tools.

I can tell you they are AWESOME.. 100% as good as IR and better than Craftsman.

Air Tools

you can buy a 60 gal, 3HP Compressor and an impact for $850 Shipped right now.

I know some guys do not run 220v in there garage, so the compressor may be to large, but I can vouch for the air tools. We gave dozens away at PepBoys and Toyota and asked them to use them any way they saw fit and report back to us. it was a hands down win.

Air Tools