Compressor size/recommendations?

[max_burke]

I'm putting together my workshop now and am wondering what size a compressor I'll need. What size tank and compressor flow would you recommend?

I don't think I'll be doing fuselage sandblasting or final painting in my shop, though I hope to be doing priming/riveting/etc.

Thanks!

[bestbearhawk1231]

If you can swing it, a 60 gallon with a cfm of 12 or so @90 psi will let you do just about anything you will want to do including paint, run impacts, die grinders, sanders...
I am using a small 20 gallon single stage that optimistically claims 4 or 5 cfm. It allows me to rivet, paint using an IWATA spray gun but really struggles with impacts, sanders, die grinders, "ray gun" style media blasters...

My advice would be to get the biggest one you can afford. It will last longer since it will not have to pump up as often.

[sjt]

Start running pipe - I used 1/2 black iron. The only (practical) way to get water out of the compressed air is long lengths of pipe at an incline with down drop water drains.
http://www.sharpe1.com/sharpe/sharpe.nsf/Files/YTCJYTCK/$File/pipe-layout.pdf?OpenElement

I installed 4 down drop water drains. The first 3 always have water. In my case (Austin Tx) I have over 60 feet of black pipe.

I went with a Puma Belt-Drive Stationary Vertical Air Compressor — 60-Gallon Vertical, 3 HP, 12 CFM, Model# PK6060V

It is a little quieter then the oil less models you can get at Sears - the operative word is 'little'.

On the plus side it keeps up with the air requirements of my different tools - the oil less models from sears could not.

[jaredyates]

I used one similar to this in the hangar because I didn't have enough electricity to run the nice compressor out there:

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/8-gal-2-hp-125-psi-oil-lube-air-compressor-68740.html

It did fine for rivet squeezing. Using the die grinder, it would run continuously but usually provide enough air. Using the 1/4" drill for very many holes, it would not really keep up. For skinning work, it would not be adequate It did fine with a compressor-driven hvlp-style gun for spraying initial fabric covering products, though I used a turbine hvlp for final paint.
At home I have a 60-gallon Ingersoll Rand SS3 (approximately 10cfm) and it's so much better. It can even run a small sandblaster. For blasting parts of the fuselage I rented a 100 cfm tow-behind and it was well worth the $120 or so.
I use 3 10-foot lengths of black pipe in the hangar as sjt describes. If you have the electricity and funds for the bigger compressor, it will cycle less, and you won't need to worry about having enough air.

[Battson]

I used one just like what Jared posted, it was acceptable for all my riveting, painting with a low volume gun tested it a little but it was OK. Got my project finished anyway.

I used screw-on filters at the gun with this small compressor, and water was seldom an issue apart from on very humid days or when I forgot to drain the compressor tank regularly.

[LukeS]

I've riveted with as small as a 3 gallon hotdog compressor. It worked fine for me because the air consumption was always in short bursts. I also have a 15-20 gallon (can't remember) which works fine for sand blasting and painting. Over a decade ago I thought I would upgrade to a sixty gallon model, but decided to save the money because I just haven't needed it. If you like the air hungry tools like die grinders, get the sixty gallon compressor.

[max_burke]

Awesome, this helps a lot. Thanks!

[bestbearhawk1231]

Max, if you have any farm/ranch stores near you start watching the flyers in the paper. In the midwest those type of stores start running some pretty nice sales on the bigger air compressors. The sales are usually good for a couple hundred bucks off the regular price. Also, keep an eye out at farm/business auctions. Sometimes you can get a nice one for pretty cheap. A 60 gallon single stage will do most anything you want unless you are looking to run die grinders and orbital sanders non stop such as if you are doing complete auto restorations or think you might want to in the future. If you think you might do that in the future you might consider a dual stage compressor...but they get expencive fast and it doesn't take much of a dual stage to get over $1200. If you catch a decent sale, you should be able to find a 60 gallon single stage for around $500. If you can find the ones that pump up to 150 psi rather than the standard 135, the compressor will not cycle as often either.

[mswain]

I prefer the older belt drive oil based compressors. They are much quieter than the oil-less type, which is important if it's in the shop with you. If you want to be thrifty, compressors seem to be a common item on craigslist. I was able to find a very nice 12.2 cfm, 3hp 240V compressor for $125.

[N3UW]

About 10 year ago I bought a 60 gal two stage compressor. I also mounted it remote from my shop so it is not so noisy in the shop. I also mounted a 12V electric ball valve from ebay on the output so that when I turn on the shop lights the air is turned on. When I had a smaller compressor it was ok for the drill and rivet gun. It just was not enough for painting, the die grinder or bead blast cabinet.

[Chewie]

If you find a compressor that needs repairs to the pump, might be worth considering. I found parts were readily available (see the "recommended products" section on here) and it was as easy as overhauling a small 2-stroke.. I have a single stage craftsman 60-gal.