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What's a decent size for a compressor?

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Old Feb 9, 2006 | 05:26 PM
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Default 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
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Old Feb 9, 2006 | 07:07 PM
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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
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Old Feb 9, 2006 | 08:03 PM
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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.
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Old Feb 9, 2006 | 11:51 PM
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The bigger the better. Its something that will last you forever.
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Old Feb 10, 2006 | 09:40 AM
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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
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Old Feb 10, 2006 | 09:46 AM
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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.
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 04:36 PM
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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.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 11:50 AM
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Ended up going with the 60. It was only $80 more.

Thanks guys.

Dope
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 06:51 PM
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60 is the way to go. Bigger is better.
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 06:43 PM
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Holy ****, 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
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 08:22 PM
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go with a 60gal atleast
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 08:34 PM
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Good choice. What brand?
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 09:18 PM
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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!
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 10:35 PM
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Originally Posted by rushman
Good choice. What brand?
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
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Old Feb 21, 2006 | 11:13 PM
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30 gal 2.5HP at harbor freight right now for 150.00. Looks decent for the weekend worrier.
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 10:04 AM
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CFM isn't high enough on the 30 gal/2.5hp is it?
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Old Feb 22, 2006 | 10:32 AM
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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.
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Old Feb 23, 2006 | 03:44 PM
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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)
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Old Feb 24, 2006 | 04:43 PM
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Originally Posted by greatwhitess
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.
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Old Feb 25, 2006 | 03:01 PM
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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.
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