What's a decent size for a compressor?
 

I'm looking to do mainly air ratchets, impacts, and minor stuff like nailers/sanders. Is a 20gal enough?

What about if I wanted to sandblast? Would that require a step up? Like a 50+?

Thinking about a ~5hp 20-25gal setup. Home use, not a shop. Don't want to waste my money and get some underpowered POS, but don't want to go crazy either.

Dope

ive blasted with our 5hp 25 gallon, you have to wait every so often, but for most air tools, its plenty. If i was doing lots of blasting, lots of impact wrench, etc, i'd get a bigger one. If you're gonna use a DA sander alot, get a bigger one, for some reason they use LOTS of air..
olly

Get the biggest you can possibly afford. Avoid and oil-free compressor (I have one... they are noisey and do not have the service life or duty cycle of a traditional pump). My current 32 gal 110v Husky is okay, but when it dies, I plan to get serious with an IR 220v (~15cfm) and at least 60 gal.

The bigger the better. Its something that will last you forever.

This is just a weekend project kinda thing, nothing super long term or fancy. I wanted a 20-25 because they are relatively small and portable, whereas something like a 60 would require 220 and a more permanent install. Not to mention the initial cost.

Then again, doing it right the first time...

Dope

I think mine is a 30 gallon and I think it seems to run out of air pretty quick especially when trying to use air grinders and stuff of that nature.

I had a 30 gallon oil-free compressor, but when it came time to use a DA sander, HVLP gun, and different tools that require more CFM it was limited. I went and got a 60 gallon and so far it has proved to be all I need. A 90 or bigger would be nice, but a 60 is really all I need. Also, the 220v is not that hard to do, it's not as "permanent" as you think it would be. It's a judment call and it's alot like buying a cam, once you buy one, you'll wish you got a bigger one.

Ended up going with the 60. It was only $80 more.

Thanks guys.

Dope

60 is the way to go. Bigger is better.

Holy shit, I didn't realize how massive this thing was gonna be. It weighs 250-300lbs and is as tall as me. If I ever run outta air then I'm doing something wrong!

Dope

go with a 60gal atleast

Good choice. What brand?

Ive got a 2 gallon. Yeah you read it right! It will run an air tool...IF you feel like waiting for it to pump up between every bolt! :jest:

Campbell-Hausfeld (sp?). Oil-lubed, 6.5hp, 60 gallon.

Got it for $380 shipped through a crazy deal at amazon (it was 580 before), as well as a dewalt reciprocating saw and a black and decker jigsaw and a 50' airhose. Only a $30 rebate too, the rest were coupons and promotions.

Dope

30 gal 2.5HP at harbor freight right now for 150.00. Looks decent for the weekend worrier.

CFM isn't high enough on the 30 gal/2.5hp is it?

I have a craftsman professional 30 gal/6hp oil lubed. I bought it for about 400, it was worth the money though. Don't get a oil free a/c they are alot louder and don't last nearly as long.

The tank sicze isn't the only thing to consider. You want to keep the cfm above5.5 or so @90psi or you will be like the guy above with the 2gal. (no offense)

Ya the 2 gal is only a 1.0 cfm compressor....Not nearly enough for air tools. ;)

Don't get a Craftsman, Campbell-hausfeld, or any other cheap brand, spend the extra money and get an Ingersoll-Rand compressor. I had a Campbell-Hausfeld lasted about 4 months, piece of crap. My mom has my Craftsman about 6 years old, it sounds like it's about to go out, makes a really bad knocking noise. I bought the craftsman for airing up tires, and small impacts (1/4 and 3/8). I currently have a 7.5hp (25 cfm @ 175 psi) Ingersoll-Rand compressor, this compressor is a beast, takes about 5 minutes to air up a 20.8-38 tractor tire and it can do it all day long. My craftsman took about 30-45 minutes depending on how long its been running, this is what cause my craftsman to knock.

When looking at a compressor make sure to get a two stage compressor becaue they have a continuous duty operation.