Air Compressor Size Question, How big is big enough? Options

[BeatNavy]

This may have been covered before, but I did not find it answered explicitly:

What size air compressor is good enough for doing a decent quality paint job on our cars and otherwise work with air tools? I don't have one now, but I am thinking of making the plunge and trying to paint my car at some point. I don't think I would really do anything bigger than a 914.

Here's a more specific question: is a 60 gallon, 3HP, 11.5 CFM at 40 psi; 10.2 CFM at 90 psi good for this? There's one on CL not far from me that could be a decent deal and serve as my post-Christmas gift to myself.

[TJB/914]

This may have been covered before, but I did not find it answered explicitly:

What size air compressor is good enough for doing a decent quality paint job on our cars and otherwise work with air tools? I don't have one now, but I am thinking of making the plunge and trying to paint my car at some point. I don't think I would really do anything bigger than a 914.

Here's a more specific question: is a 60 gallon, 3HP, 11.5 CFM at 40 psi; 10.2 CFM at 90 psi good for this? There's one on CL not far from me that could be a decent deal and serve as my post-Christmas gift to myself.

Rob,
Good question. I am looking to upgrade my failing 1.5-hp air compressor and wondering what electrical service plug is required. I think a 3-hp motor might needs a 220 hookup?
Tom

[BeatNavy]

Hi Tom,

Yup, definitely a 220/240 connection. Fortunately I have one of those available.

rc

[tygaboy]

I did a ton of research and (budget and space available), I'd do a minimum of 5-hp, 2-stage, 60 gallon, 80 is even better.
There are often good deals on these things on Craigslist.

Also, you don't necessarily need to shy away from a used 3-phase setup I successfully ran a 3-phase, 5-hp on single phase 220 by using a solid state phase converter.

Yes, this means I was only getting 3.5 hp, and it was likely to wear out the motor more quickly. But I had no issues.

I happily confess that I recently upgraded (downgraded?) to a single phase 5 hp motor, just because I wanted to simplify all the wiring and in the end, it's "better".

My $.02. Hope it helps.

[Chris914n6]

I have an older Craftsman 30gal 110v roll around that works just fine for car wrenching. I have to let it catch up using a saw/cutter/sand blaster but it's not a big deal. Haven't tried to paint a car with it but I think it would with a little patience, HVLP isn't that air intensive.

At some point I'll have to replace it so I'm looking at a 60gal like this Kobalt 60-Gallon Two Stage Electric Vertical Air Compressor

[jd74914]

Here's a more specific question: is a 60 gallon, 3HP, 11.5 CFM at 40 psi; 10.2 CFM at 90 psi good for this? There's one on CL not far from me that could be a decent deal and serve as my post-Christmas gift to myself.

Mine is has very similar specs (it's 3.75 hp and 11.2 cfm @ 90 psi) and has worked really well for just about everything. I painted my car with it in fact and didn't have any issues. Compressor was more ready than me. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Note: I don't have a sandblaster so I'm not sure about that pairing (haven't looked at air consumption). But it does fine with the HVLP gun and basically all air tools.

[Superhawk996]

It's like buying a boat. Whatever you buy, soon you'll be looking at the next size up.

I have 3 HP 60 gallon vertical Ingersoll compresor with similar specs and it is more than enough for anyting but extended duration sandblasting.

I painted my first car with 1.5HP 20 or 30 gallon tank affair. Spraying paint doesn't take much air. Die grinders and other tools not so much!

If you want to sandblast effectively 5HP dual stage 80 gallon tank or more but now we are taling $2k for an air compressor.

Also be aware that even cast iron piston compressors do wear out (but can be rebuilt). CL used not necessarily bad but if you can't verify it before you buy it, beware, and price accordingly.

[914Sixer]

More hp is better. 3 is good 5 is better. 60 gal is plenty good with 5 hp.

[Superhawk996]

40 HP VW is better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6qtHxp_ZGg


I've seen this done too by simply running the VW on 3 cylinders of GAS, and using the 4th to pump air.

[BeatNavy]

40 HP VW is better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6qtHxp_ZGg


I've seen this done too by simply running the VW on 3 cylinders of GAS, and using the 4th to pump air.

That's really cool. I've got a spare Ghia lying around... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Seriously, thanks for all the feedback so far. It's great info. I'm not planning on sandblasting -- just trying to do a decent paint job at some point and working with air tools. I realize more HP is better -- but it's also more expensive, and a slippery slope (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[Mark Henry]

Doing heavy work, blasting, big paint jobs, entry level shop, etc 220v, 5hp, 80 gal, minimum. My compressor is 7.5/120 gal.
Smaller use I'd still get as big as I could afford.

[mepstein]

Doing heavy work, blasting, big paint jobs, entry level shop, etc 220v, 5hp, 80 gal, minimum. My compressor is 7.5/120 gal.
Smaller use I'd still get as big as I could afford.

We have a commercial screw compressor at the shop. No air issues.

[IronHillRestorations]

The issue for painting is clean, dry air so be sure to get a good quality filtration set up. I have three moisture traps and a coalescing stage with dessicant.

[Costa05]

I am running a 3.7 hp Dewalt 60 gal from Tractor Supply. $550 on sale Veterans day ad. Great entry level and affordable. Handles paint just fine. Air tools fine too. The only one that struggles a bit is the 3" cutting wheel I use to cut my sheet metal. I just back off if it needs catching up in pressure. Needs 20 amp 240v circuit.

[jcd914]

40 HP VW is better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6qtHxp_ZGg


I've seen this done too by simply running the VW on 3 cylinders of GAS, and using the 4th to pump air.

That's really cool. I've got a spare Ghia lying around... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Seriously, thanks for all the feedback so far. It's great info. I'm not planning on sandblasting -- just trying to do a decent paint job at some point and working with air tools. I realize more HP is better -- but it's also more expensive, and a slippery slope (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

I rented a trailer mounted commercial gas powered compressor and jack hammer to dig up an in-ground lift at the first shop I worked in. The compressor was a Ford V8 with 1 bank of cylinders running off a carb and the other bank was the air compressor.

Jim

[76-914]

I have an older Craftsman 30gal 110v roll around that works just fine for car wrenching. I have to let it catch up using a saw/cutter/sand blaster but it's not a big deal. Haven't tried to paint a car with it but I think it would with a little patience, HVLP isn't that air intensive.

At some point I'll have to replace it so I'm looking at a 60gal like this Kobalt 60-Gallon Two Stage Electric Vertical Air Compressor

Thats the one I have Chris. It keeps up with any tool I connect to it. I caught mine on sale for about $450, IIRC. That was about 8-9 years ago. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[jmitro]

Here's a more specific question: is a 60 gallon, 3HP, 11.5 CFM at 40 psi; 10.2 CFM at 90 psi good for this?

I painted two cars with a 60 gal/ 3.7HP compressor, 11.7 CFM at 90 psi. so yes yours will work fine. anything requiring higher pressure and more sustained use (like my home soda blasting unit) will quickly make it run continuously

[914forme]

I used to paint with compressors, and since went to an HVLP Turbine system.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) With Mark, if you can find a screw compressor buy it if it is in your price range and performs to specification, you will also need a tank, but you can find 60-80 gal tanks on Craigslist that include none working compressors. Or just tie several 20 gallon units together. If you have loft space the screw units can be lifted up there, and then the tanks installed.

You will also need a great dryer system, I pulled one out of a dental office, it is one the AC units that cools the air and dehumidifies it. My system is bone dry. And I still prefer to shot with the HVLP Turbine system.

I have a 5hp 60 gallon 2 stage unit, it runs most of my stuff well, I need a bit more for the blast cabinet.

Of course if you have the coin, Eastwood Scroll Compressor.

[BeatNavy]

That Eastwood scroll compressor looks pretty sweet, but at $1799 probably outside my price range for post Christmas self-gifts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I guess I also have to decide if it's better to go higher and get brand new vs. a good condition one at roughly half price (e.g., new for ~$600 vs. used but good at $300 or below). That DeWalt one looks solid as well.

[mb911]

What about dbs? I may need a quiet one ..