Air compressors ..

[Spike]

In the never ending quest to get more power tools (hey, isnt the real reason of building to buy power tools ?) Im curious as to the size air compressors that most are using to build with. What would be the minimum size compressor that you would recommend for use with a rivet gun and air drill assuming that it wont be used for painting ?

-- John

[PaulSkypassion]

AIR COMPRESSOR


For most air tools used to build an airplane kit a 2 to 5 H.P. portable piston type air compressor is adequate. The main consideration is the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of the compressor. Most air tools will use 4 to 5 CFM at 90 PSI under continuous use. You will want a compressor that supplies a minimum of 5 CFM at 90 PSI. (Note: some compressors give CFM ratings at lower PSI pressures -- don't be fooled by a 4 or 5 CFM rating at 30 or 40 PSI). Also pay attention to the wattage or current draw of the motor -- a more energy efficient motor will pay for itself over the life of the project. Consider a 220 volt motor if electric service is available in your shop. If you plan to paint your airplane, and for continuous use tools (die grinders, sanders, paint guns) get a larger (6-8 CFM) compressor to avoid running out of air, waiting for pressure recovery, and over-heating the compressor. A special consideration here: Air compressors are designed to run a cycle and be off a sufficient time to avoid over-heating of the compressor cylinders, pistons, oil, valves, etc. If you get too small a compressor and run it continuously, it will over-heat, wear out quickly, and contaminate your air hoses and tools with burned oil and carbon particles, air hose rubber particles from deteriorating hoses, etc. (I've repaired a lot of air tools over the years and seen it all!!). Tank size determines the amount of time the compressor runs to fill up the tank -- so get the biggest tank you have room for. Last, check out how much noise the compressor makes when starting up & running before you buy it. If it's in the garage with you or outside next to the neighbor's bedroom, the noise level might be a big factor.

Find more technical tips on my website on:http://www.skypassion.com/web-content/T ... l#Rivetgun

[Spike]

Thanx Paul. I ended up getting a 26 gallon compressor. I really wanted a 2 cylinder oil lubricated pump but couldnt justify it. Im only going to be riveting and drilling with air power and the occasional cut off tool I dont envision doing anything but intermitant work with low duty cycles. I think Ill end up being ok in the long run. Otherwise Ill dump this thing on Ebay and upgrade.

-- John

[jamie]

Thanx Paul. I ended up getting a 26 gallon compressor. I really wanted a 2 cylinder oil lubricated pump but couldnt justify it. Im only going to be riveting and drilling with air power and the occasional cut off tool I dont envision doing anything but intermitant work with low duty cycles. I think Ill end up being ok in the long run. Otherwise Ill dump this thing on Ebay and upgrade.

-- John

Spike:

The 26 gallon should be fine. I had to build a soundproofing enclosure for mine so that I could work after the wife goes to bed. A builder in our area is building an absolute show-winner with one of the 5 gallon mushroom-type compressors.

I had a 26 gallon Husky Oiless type but the internal surge protection started going nuts so I went out and bought an even smaller one (15 gallons) and it works fine. The only problem I ever have is running continuous use air tools such as my die grinder...but it's not *that* big of a deal. Again...the 26 gallon compressor should work fine.

Good luck with your project....and on yeah....you stole my website idea!

- Jamie

RV-7 Wings
http://rv.jpainter.org

[g_e_young]

The most important thing is to put it somewhere (or build an enclosure) so that the doise doesn't drive you nuts. The only value of a larger compressor is that they go on and off less often, but this isn't an issue if the compressor is properly enclosed.

grant-

[Spike]

Well right now I *dont* have it enclosed. I just came up with some basic rules about when I'm allowed to rivet, etc. and so far things are working out well. The cutoff wheel uses lots of air, but I dont think Ill be using a whole bunch at night when I have to be nice about it. So far though Im loving this . Air tools rock.

[bmurrish]

Does anyone own the Husky VT6315 26 Gallon cast iron, oil lubricated compressor sold at Home Depot? It's going for $377. I am just wondering if this is a good compressor or if someone would recommend something else at the price.

[captain_john]

That is a good durable unit, but IMHO the HFD prices are a tad high for a unit that will be hard to get parts for.

I chose the Sears Craftsman one and picked it up on clearance and saved a ton! The good thing about the Sears line is that parts availability is rarely a problem.

My $0.02, seeing as you asked.

CJ

[mustang]

Yes,
I run the gamut when it comes to compressors. I started with a tiny unit that was like a fart in a windstorm and only now that I'm in my senior years, do I have an adequate compressor for painting or air tools. My compressor/tank unit is taller than I am and has 220V 6Hp motor, a two cylinder pump with oil in the sump and a big tank that will last for almost an hour of painting with a small badger gun.

I too have the constraints of the times that I can use the compressor so I charge it up for painting at night and do all my buffing deburring during the daylight hours.

Cheers, Pete

[bmurrish]

I made a trip to Sears and they have a 26 Gallon, cast iron, oil lubricated type for $399. Only thing on clearance was the oil free type. ANyone see any better deals out there?

[captain_john]

Check out this one:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product. ... ompressors

It is a Craftsman 30 gal. Air Compressor, 6 hp, Vertical Tank, Oil Free Pump

Sears item #00916731000 Mfr. model #16731

The powerful 6 hp motor operates on a standard 120 volt household current. The 30 gallon vertical tank design with handle and wheels saves valuable floor space.

$279.99



...it sounds like a good deal to me!



CJ

[Guest]

The Sears compressor he shows, rocks! I bought one about I month ago, the exact one. It is more than enough for building an RV. It is not too loud, and with the big tank, it doesn't continually kick on and off. Buy it, you will be more than happy with the decision.

Thanks,

Gary Robertson
gary.robertson@sbcglobal.net

[l & d lewis]

I have that same compressor, and have had it for several years. It works fine but is a little noisy compaired to the oil filled. Runs great and is easy to move around. You can lay it down for transport. You really can't beat it for the price........Larry

[AirWolf]

I have the 30 Gal Craftsman as well, and I have loved it. It works so much better than the smaller one that I had before.

The other great part about craftsman is if you ever want to trade up, you can normally (as long as it is in good condition) trade it in for $$ twoards the new one.

[tshort]

Just bought one of those this evening - on sale for 279 (from 329).

The next challenge is getting it into the basement - it's a lot heavier than my little pancake compressor! I have a friend coming by in the AM and I'm not sure he knows what he's getting into!

Thomas

[bmurrish]

I just bought the same one from Sears online before it went off sale at midnight. I really wanted to get an oil lubricated type, but everyone who owns this one seems very happy with it. Besides. I just saved over $120 over the one I was going to buy, so I picked up the Craftsman 8" bench grinder. It was $99, but got it on sale for $59.

[captain_john]

Now, THAT's a good deal too!

I need one to spin my cut and polish wheel.

CJ