Buying An Air Compressor...

[BoopTA2]

Hi all,

First thing to do now that this project of mine is underway is to get a compressor.  Started doing some research adn opinions vary from store to store. Still need to go visit KMS but before I do just wondering you folks are using and any issues I should be aware of.

I want to do the typcial grinding, cutting, chiselling etc. Also maybe do a small amount of sand blasting and if I am brave enough then paint as well...

TIA

Kyle

[dannyboy]

buy the best you can afford.....
theres nothing more aggrevating than using a compressor that cant keep up to air tools

[slammedbus]

If I were you I wouldn't buy anything but IR or Devair. Especially if you are doing blasting and body work. I just purchased a Devair for 2700 after taxes through Lordco. Make sure you get lots of CFM.....volume!!!

[rustybus]

If you wanna paint you need at least 13 cfm. Most sanders will require that as well.

[red snapper]

There is someone on here by the name of Viagra who has a 60? gallon upright for sale.

[Matt]

Buy the biggest you can afford, you will never say \"my compressor just isn't small enough\".

[Billyisgr8]

Check out Staple Stop in Langley, they have eagle compressors for under $1000.00 I think it was $900.00, they put out 18 cfm @120psi, and a tank that is about 5' tall.  They also sell used compressors for a very reasonable price. I got mine used for $350.00 with a trade in. It puts out 13cfm @ 90 psi which is great for me, I can use any tool wide open, and the compressor still will pump up and turn off.

I wouldn't consider  buying a 110 volt compressor unless it is your only option because of power.  There are some 110 volt compressors that put out 15 + cfm @ 90 but have to run all the time even while the tank is full, this is the only way to avoid the amperage draw during start-up.  Also do not buy any oiless compressors, you will be replacing parts within 1000 hours.  An oil filled compressor could go for 4000+ hours and most likely your lifetime.

I had a 110volt   3/4 horse compressor before with an extra  25 gallon tank  in the corner and had done all my spraying with it.  I could spray for quite awhile with my HVLP gun but did have to stop at a certain point to let the tank refill.  For what I did it was great. On a car it would not work unless you were only doing panels at a time.

Kevin

[steveo_32]

Depending on how much and long you use it is one question always overlooked.
If you plan on using it constantly make sure it has cast cylinders, but if you just want a weekend warrior,  above 13 cfm MAKE SURE THAT THE HP IS TRUE!! Most compressiors state hp that is nowhere even near what they advertise, even if it says 5hp or 10hp it most likely is 2 to 6
If you want good quality for a reasonable price try Eagle cast true 5hp 60 gallon they are a really nice unit or Ingersol Rand but make sure it is there higher end compressors.  Cheep parts will kill you in one to two years. Then shop for Value only after you select two to three models that suit the requiered needs Phone for pricing everywhere and ask what the warrenty applies.
Cheers!!

[BoopTA2]

Wow - Thanks for all the info.  Does not clear a lot up but at least points me in the right direction.  Was looking at Home Depot and the guy said I would need 220V 100% duty cycle to avoid lots of problems. Sears guy told me that was crap.  I guess I'll opt for bigger, better, faster.

Thanks all!!

Kyle

[Scratchy]

The Guys at KMS sell thousands of AC's per year. How many compressors does the guy at Sears sell every year?
Listen to KMS' advice, they know what they are talking about. They will always try to sell you the best.

[steveo_32]

Don't go to sears!!!! No craftsman at all!!! Use KMS or LORDCO not SEARS!!!

[GRK]

If I was to get another one it would be a 2 stage and 220v

[Billyisgr8]

Also some cheaper manufacturures are getting sneaky with ratings for cfm

They are rating the compressor at the cfm that it would pump at no pressure.  If all you see on the compressor is 14cfm .... 120psi  max,    the compressor will really only put out about 8-9 cfm  at 90 psi and will pump up to 120 psi max, they use the full cfm value of 1 stroke, but under pressure like 90 psi it doesn't pump the full value of cfm..  Deal with KMS tool, House of tools in Langley, or Staple Stop in Langley for real no BS advice.  I would really look at Staple Stop FIRST for a used compressor, their service is great and they have every part in stock for any compressor.  The service is the best there.  KMS or House of tools they will have to order in parts and you will be without anything for awhile.   Mine is used and has run everyday for atleast 2 hours of run time with my business, I have had this compressor for 3 years now.  They offer a waranty too on used stuff.

Staple Stop 533-8665 ...#204 19425 Langley Bypass ....Gerry the dad, or Geoff the son..  


Kevin

[BoopTA2]

Again my most sincere thanks.