I want an air compressor. What should I look for?

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Squashfan

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Jun 6, 2012
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Like the title says, I want an air compressor but I have no idea what to look for. I saw an ad on the back of a catalog from a company that Crafts Wood for a Freeman air compressor kit (Model #PF3P3GCKWC ) with 3 guns. It was $170 and came with a 3 gallon compressor. But I can't find anything out about it. I plan on using staple guns, regular and narrow crown, and finish nailers with it. I will probably have an occasion to use an air wrench but not real often. The air wrench would probably be just for removing stuck mower blades. Maybe for inflating tires once in a while. Don't see myself using a paint spray gun. I might but if I did it would be very, very, very rarely. Given my interests are, I could see myself using a very wide range of tools. But what you see above are the specifics I can think of. What should I be looking for with these crazy criteria? I won't be building a house, at least I am not planning on it, with this. Just hobby and repair work around the house.
 
Definitely want oil cooled. Ingersoll is a good brand. Compressor info shows tools it will run, choose accordingly.
 
OldNavy said:
something like this, might work.

http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/am-en/products/air/small-reciprocating-air-compressors/portable-air-compressors/garage-mate
Click to expand...

When I set up my shop or have space in my garage, that Ingersoll Rand would be great. It would do all that I could want. Right now, I don't have space for a shop or space in my garage. Besides, it is too much compressor for my needs right now. I was thinking something a little smaller and cheaper to get my feet wet. I found a 3 gal oil lubed compressor for $70 online. Need to do some more research but that is the direction I am thinking in. Sorry to be unclear. Battery dying more post later.

OK, back to a desk top! I also saw a $200 Makita that warrants further research. I will post my thoughts later.
 
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You might get away with running the smaller nailers with a small compressor but it will never run an impact wrench. You need to check the scfm requiements of the tools that your planning on using and then buy a compressor to meet those requirements. With most air tools like an impact wrench or air drill, they will need about 5scfm@ 90psi to operate like they should. Tools like that will need at least a 60gallon tank to provide enough air.
 
beau5278 said:
You might get away with running the smaller nailers with a small compressor but it will never run an impact wrench. You need to check the scfm requiements of the tools that your planning on using and then buy a compressor to meet those requirements. With most air tools like an impact wrench or air drill, they will need about 5scfm@ 90psi to operate like they should. Tools like that will need at least a 60gallon tank to provide enough air.
Click to expand...

Ok, all the power I need for right now is just for small nailers and staple guns. I know somebody with an impact wrench. I didn't realize how spread out my criteria was. Hmmm, need to rethink this. Maybe both an oil less and a oiled would be good to have. I have heard that oil less provides cleaner air and I could probably use cleaner air for when I do upholstery and picture frame building.
 
Oil cooled are quieter. Look for as high of a air volume capacity as you can handle. Paint guns and tools need the higher capacity. I bought a wheeled, vertical, 11 gallon at O'Reilly on clearance for a steal.
 
Got a Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake from the friendly local pawn shop. It is 2.6 CFPM @ 90 PSI. It was $80 which isn't bad. Got a Porter Cable BN125A brad nailer with it. Now I need a staple gun for upholstery and a good air hose/accessory set. I was planning to get a stapler that would take T50 staples since I have a stock pile of T50 staples already. Any suggestions?
 
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