Air compressor

[JGarrison Knives]

What's the minimum size air compressor you all would recommend for a knife shop?

 

[John Katt]

Bigger is always better, I have bought several different compressor brands over the years and I can't say enough good about Rolair, http://www.rolair.net/

If you choose to go a cheaper route make sure to buy a unit that has an oil lubricated cast iron pump, oil-less compressors don't hold up for very long with heavy use

 

[PT Doc]

80g 2hp 2 stage would provide you with enough air for sure.

 

[12345678910]

80g 2hp 2 stage would provide you with enough air for sure.

When it comes to air compressors, they like to quote size in gallons and horsepower and people seem to use those numbers


However those numbers are complete balderdash

Tank
The size of the tank, can in general store air and make up for some surge in use but if the compressor can't keep up that won't last long at all.
You pump and wait, work, pump and wait, work...

Makers put large tanks on because it looks impressive, but tanks are cheap compared to motor and pump capacity.


Horsepower
If the motor horsepower was correctly matched to the size of the pump it would be an accurate measurement,

but

when it comes to air compressors, the manufacturers are lying bastards with all-sorts of funny math
They have lost lawsuits, lawyers got rich, customers got coupons and the funny HP ratings are still being used.




AIRFLOW
The true measure of compressor size is standard cubic feet per minute
SCFM

Find the rating of the air needed by the tool, make sure the compressor has more maybe double or something like that
especially considering the fiddling with the HP ratings


The biggest air hog would be a blast cabinet, if you want one someday, plan for the air you will use

www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/853344-quot-Budget-quot-sand-blasting-setup


http://www.truetex.com/aircompressors.htm

 

[synthesist]

QUIETER is better.

I should measure how loud mine is

Much much much better.................................

My wife HATES my air compressor (2hp 26 gal Speedaire upright) even though she likes having air available occasionally.

Go figure

 

[JGarrison Knives]

Size is also a concern, would like a large one but working space wont allow it.

 

[12345678910]

Size is also a concern, would like a large one but working space wont allow it.

You're in California, no need to keep it inside

Build a little outhouse and keep it in there, no noise inside, no space used up.

 

[HomeBru]

DEFINITELY go with the Oil lubricated, cast iron pump. Two stage is awesome if you can afford it. The size of the tank will be based on the volume of air you need over time, as numbers said, SCFM. That depends on what tools you're planning on using. Here's a good reference: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/air-consumption-tools-d_847.html

J-

 

[PT Doc]

80g 2hp 2 stage would provide you with enough air for sure.

Fat fingered it. Meant 5 hp.

With regards to all the other number, scfm is critical but similar compressors are fairly close to one another. A 5hp 2 stage 80 gal compressor compared to other brands with same specs will put out about 18 scfm. Easton might quote higher but how would you really know.

Another this on noise. Those quote figures of 74 dba are not achievable unless you placed your compressor in the middle of an open field. Dba is to be measure at about 3 ft off the ground and about 1 foot away. Doing so, you will never get the quoted dba numbers.

If a quiet compressor is importane go with a slow rpm unit. But a simpler solution that will not limit the choices are putting the compressor behind sound deadening material.

Always look at amps when comparing hp ratings. This will give you a better idea of actual hp.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

10 scfm is pretty decent for the knife shop...