compressor buying help(bought one :D )

[1971ford]

i am finally going to buy a compressor. i just dont know what is a good company, and what to look for. I will be using grinders,sanders, and it needs to be able to lay down some good paint for my trucks. I would like to keep the price under $800. what do i look for? any links?

[FORDification]

Buying an air compressor is something you definitely shouldn't skimp on...buy as much as you can afford, as you'll definitely use it. It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

For what you plan to do, you'll need something with a minimum of 13-15 CFM (cubic feet/minute) and preferably a two-stage setup. You can get a single-stage with those specs for $450 or so, but your budget will allow you to get a nice two-stage that'll be well worth the added cost. I've got a single-stage 60-gallon upright that pushes 13 CFM and it's gonna be the bare minimum necessary for spraying paint....and I really give it a workout when I sandblast. I really wish I'd spend the extra bucks on a two-stage.

Of course, keep in mind that these are 220/240V setups, so you can't just run an extension cord out to your shed. These will need to be professionally wired up to a junction box with an appropriate circuit breaker.

Here's a couple Harbor Freight listings:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=55391

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=93274

Another option, if you're not needing it immediately, is keeping an eye out for local liquidation auctions, like an auto repair shop going out of business. You can often get great deals on good used equipment that way.

[1971ford]

i have actually looked at both of those compressors on there sight just before i posted this. the only thing im now worried about is the 220/240v thing. ill have to talk to my dad about that.
thanks for the input

[kaptnkaos]

I'm really leary of buying a compressor from Harbor Freight...
I personally haven't had good luck with their compressors.
I bought a 20 gal one from them...
got it home and assembled, and it didn't work.
I took it back... they were great about that...
I got another one... took it home assembled it and it didn't work either.
So I took it back and got my money back.
I found a nearly brand new Craftsman 30 gallon 6 horse for $85.
Just don't get a big hurry, and like Kieth said it's better to get one bigger than you you think you'll ever need.

KaptnKA S

[1971ford]

im limitied to a 110v or 120v or whatever. i havent found any compressor that runs 110v and gives out ~13cfm.

[1971ford]

seems to be no such thing as a 120v ~13cfm compressor.
so if i just painted with it what would be the minimum requirements?

[kaptnkaos]

Hey Ryan...

I'm not a painter, at least I haven't painted a car before...
So far, the 30 gal 6 horse has done every thing I have asked it to...
it's a 110 volt.. but I have to use a dedicated line and a heavy 12/3 cord for it.
I got it mainly for running air tools and it seems to do that pretty good... though a bigger one would do it alot better...
A small compressor is like putting a 4 banger in a bump...
It would eventually get ya somewhere, but not like a 460.
So it's better to get more than ya need...

Good luck
KaptnKA S

[basketcase0302]

Ryan,

Like Keith said above, (get a two stage if you even remotely think you'll be sandblasting).
Seems we all start out thinking we won't be using an air compressor to sandblast/then the next thing you know...

Do you have a 208/240 volt clothes dryer anywhere near where you'll be working?
Yeah, it'll make your mom mad but unplug the dryer to plug the 208/220 volt air compressor into!

Jeff

[1971ford]

my dad mentioned the dryer thing but wont let me do it.

[jor]

my dad mentioned the dryer thing but wont let me do it.

Hey, kid, your dad has to get his priorities straight. I'm sure there's a coin operated laundry place within driving distance and your mom can just head down there when needed. Also, tell her you're getting rid of the dryer now that she won't be using it as you need a nice place to store your parts. Come to think of it, that now useless washer will be great for cleaning those greasy parts. You just have to keep at it until you get he parental units in line.
jor

[jor]

my dad mentioned the dryer thing but wont let me do it.

Hey, kid, your dad has to get his priorities straight. I'm sure there's a coin operated laundry place within driving distance and your mom can just head down there when needed. Also, tell her you're getting rid of the dryer now that she won't be using it as you need a nice place to store your parts. Come to think of it, that now useless washer will be great for cleaning those greasy parts. You just have to keep at it until you get he parental units in line.
jor

[jor]

my dad mentioned the dryer thing but wont let me do it.

Hey, kid, your dad has to get his priorities straight. I'm sure there's a coin operated laundry place within driving distance and your mom can just head down there when needed. Also, tell her you're getting rid of the dryer now that she won't be using it as you need a nice place to store your parts. Come to think of it, that now-useless washer will be great for cleaning those greasy parts. You just have to keep at it until you get the parental units in line.
jor

[72stepside]

I have this one

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... compressor

It has done every job I've required but I haven't painted or sandblasted with it, yet. I like the portability and the separate pump instead of the direct drive type.

My father has an 80 gallon two stage Husky that doesn't flinch while painting or blasting, but it is over $1,000. He painted 3 cars with one like the Craftsman above however.

I'm sure that was no help.

[1971ford]

I have this one

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... compressor

It has done every job I've required but I haven't painted or sandblasted with it, yet. I like the portability and the separate pump instead of the direct drive type.

My father has an 80 gallon two stage Husky that doesn't flinch while painting or blasting, but it is over $1,000. He painted 3 cars with one like the Craftsman above however.

I'm sure that was no help.

this is great help! that compressor you linked is 120V, quiet (from the reviews), its craftsman and has wheels. it sounds great, i now just need to know if it can spray a pretty decent paint job .

[foghorn]

Build your own unit i would start with this for the compressor unit then get a tank and motor. Also all you need is two seprate 110 lines to make 220

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-EATON-10-HP-AIR ... dZViewItem




Foggy