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.

[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.

[jd74914]

(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.

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

Wonder how quite that scroll compressor is? All of the larger one's I've seen are pretty loud.

My lab has a nice screw compressor (similar to what Mark pictured-just older). Thing puts out ~350 cfm @ 100 psig (25hp motor) and has a refrigerating dryer and a 500 gallon tank.

That said...I wouldn't recommend anyone buying a used screw compressor unless you're really committed to maintenance and understanding it or have a large checkbook. There isn't much technical documentation online and as such troubleshooting the electro-mechanical controls is not for the faint of heart or really anyone not intimately familiar with industrial systems. Part prices are crazy too.