Air tools and compressor question

[ryankmasuda]

I'm looking into buying an impact ratchet and I have a question about air compressors. I have a 2 gallon 150psi air compressor and I was wondering if I can run air tools off it. I would assume that i can but the compressor would just cycle more. Is my assumption correct? Thanks

 

[Crzyrzr]

If you are going to buy a compressor, there are a few things to consider:
1. Is the air ratchet the only thing you want to run. Consider future tools, and i can tell you you will add more.
2. What power are you going to be running to it? 115/1/60(standard plug-in) or 208/3/60 (welder style plugin)
3. 2 gallons will run it, however as soon as you start using it, it's gonna keep running and possibly overheat.

I would at least go to a 6gallon compressor. imo

 

[cordrayj1]

you could get an aux tank? to cycle less?

just a thought. check the cfm's u should b straight. as long as you dont mind that annoying oil-less compressor motor.

 

[TheDurk]

Air ratchet, smaller nailers, etc. will be fine. Grinders, sanders, paint sprayers fuhgeddabouttit! Hammers and wrenches may drive you nuts waiting for the machine to catch up after first use. Compressors and tools both have CFM ratings, you need to compare them.

 

[Crzyrzr]

I just did a quick search and here is a pretty good article to read about picking the right compressor.
How to Pick the Perfect Residential Air Compressor - Picking an Air Compressor to Run Air Tools - Your Online Air Compressor Superstore

 

[ryankmasuda]

As far as I can see for the future I would be using the air compressor with an air ratchet and impact wrench. I don't see myself getting into much other then using it on my T4R. Eventually I plan on getting a new house with a nice garage or workshop and at that point I would get one of those huge stationary units. Basically for now I would like to have it for wrenching on the car

 

[ryankmasuda]

Crzyrzr - I just read that article you posted and it makes sense. Thanks for that info. It looks like the air tools I want to buy run 4 CFM so hopefully my compressor puts out at least 4 hopefully 5 or 6 CFM.

 

[durrell]

I have a 26 gallon Craftsman and I can run my air ratchet and impact drill without it turning on for a little while. It puts out 5 or 6 CFM @ 90 PSI I believe. It is by far my most invaluable tool, though. That impact wrench absolutely rips bolts off.

 

[Crzyrzr]

Crzyrzr - I just read that article you posted and it makes sense. Thanks for that info. It looks like the air tools I want to buy run 4 CFM so hopefully my compressor puts out at least 4 hopefully 5 or 6 CFM.

No problem. The good thing about those smaller units, that run on 115/1 is that you can install a power inverter on your rig and take it on the trail with you. At leat then if you bust something you have a couple air tools to help you out. I did it on an old trail rig I had, and yes others were jealous. :biggrin2:

 

[BTO]

I have a twin tank 5 gallon 2 HP compressor that works just fine for my application. It does not cycle too much while using it but I'm just a shade tree mechanic so about all I use my air wrench for is removing lugnuts and putting them back on.