Compressor recommendations

[rjwaldren]

I'm shopping for a compressor, I don't currently own one and need some advice.

I'd like to go as small as possible while still being able handle light HVLP sprayer use. The majority of the use will be finish/brad nailing and stapling. Any advice on what minimal spec's to look for or sprayers that operate with smaller compressors well would be much appreciated.

I don't anticipate many projects larger than a coffee table.

[Tom Slick]

From what i can find a 2hp 6 gallon compressor can run a wagner conversion hvlp gun okay. that is a "big" little compressor. I'd bet a makita mac2400 would work for small spraying projects.
http://www.makita.com/menu.php?pg=pr...et&tag=MAC2400

keep in mind that you work a small compressor really hard when spraying.

[cabinetman]

In picking a suitable compressor, it's best to check the CFM demand of the tools you'll be running and make sure the CFM output of the compressor will meet that. What will happen is if the tool has a greater CFM usage than the output of the compressor, under constant use, the compressor will kick on when the tank runs below it's pressure setting. Then it will run to try to meet the CFM demand of the tool. If it can't, the tool will start to falter due to lack of pressure.

For staplers and brad nailers, they use short bursts of air, and even the small pancake compressors can handle those chores. For tools like spray guns, air sanders and air drills, the CFM output of the compressor would need to be higher.
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[eccentrictinkerer]

In my experience, a 2 hp compressor would be a little light. I used an oil-less 1.5 hp - 10 gallon and the Wagner HVLP on a job last summer. It worked if I stopped every 3 or 4 minutes and let catch up.

In my shop I have a 6 hp that works well, but the gun uses a lot of air.

BTW, if you are averse to loud noise, stay far away from oil-less compressors. I sold my 5 hp oil-less after a week. Even when I was painting out in the driveway, with the compressor in the shop, it was too loud.

My 6 hp oil-type works great and it's fairly quiet.

Audition first!

[footprintsinconc]

i agree a small compressor will have trouble catching up to a compressor with a small tank. however, for the nailers, it more than sufficient.

if you are going to be using it in the shop, i am sure, that one day you willl also want to sand with it and do some auto work aswell. so if you are not going to be moving it around and will be used in the shop, i would get a 60gal compressor (upright) and put it in the corner of the garage. for a little more, you will find one on craigslist and you will be much happier.

make sure you get an oil-compressor, they are a lot quieter than an oil less compressor.

hope this helps,

[rjwaldren]

That wagner sprayer seems pretty good, I checked out a few reviews - all were very positive. I've never used one before, but it's psi range seems very low to me, is that typical? Or is efficiency is a function of price here.

I started looking at the pancake/twinstacks and onto the 8-10 gal tank sizes all 2-4hp. I haven't used many airtools aside from nailers, which most any compressor handles fine. I guess I'm looking for the biggest small compressor I can find.

[Tom Slick]

a detail spray gun require less CFM but can't spray thicker materials. they would work fine for laquers and polys.

Thomas makes really nice compressors that are oilless and quiet (oxymoron?) but they are expensive. They have an impressive CFM output even though they are small.
http://cfpwarehouse.com/shopsite_sc/...l/T2820ST.html

[jonmulzer]

The hp ratings for most compressors don't really mean anything, they rate them like they do shopvacs. Look at the cfm and sometimes even that should be taken with a grain of salt. Go for an oiled compressor. If you look at the lifespan ratings of compressors the upper limit for a rebuild (most likely replacement) of an oil-less compressor is about 500 hours of usage. Most oiled units run around 2000 hours. Keep that in mind when comparing pricing if you plan on keeping a compressor for a long time.

And yes, oiled units are MUCH quieter usually than their oil-less counterparts.

[ironhat]

I did NOT obey the command of checking the cfm demand of the tool first and was disappointed that my compressor (10 gal, ?cfm) wouldn't keep up with the air powered, ROS that I thought would be a great idea. (Stay tuned for a different thread along those lines).

[probinet]

Oil is the only way to go. Quieter and longer life. Look at the tool that you will use that used the most air (cfm) and pick a compressor that exceeds the cfm demand of that. Most tools run at 90 psi so use that rating as a guideline. Try to go with 5cfm or more if possible. Then your next question will be if you want 110 or 220 to power it. If 220 is available go with a compressor that will run on it. Some compressors can be changed from 110 to 220. Stay with the name brands. Don't get a cheap one like the one's that are sold at Harbour freight.