Shop Compressor, Tools -- looking for a recommendation

SKIroad'r · 05-09-2006, 10:53 AM

I'm looking to pickup a shop compressor and tool set in the near future and I'm looking for recommendations. I am occasional DIY'er so I don't need a top of the line professional set, but something durable and of good quality. Not sure what "features" I would need either, but ideally something that would allow me to set torque. Any other thoughts or specific recommendations?

paulroad · 05-09-2006, 11:08 AM

BlueDog · 05-09-2006, 11:19 AM

you don't need the full 6 foot standing tank version, but something of a decent size. You won't ever regret getting a larger compressor, but if you get one of the small "handyman" sizes, you can quickly outgrow it.

I have one like this at home. 33 gal. Plenty of capacity for various tools and tasks. I've used it for painting a car. This version I can also charge it up, then unplug and drag over to fill the tires on my tractor or trailer, etc. Can also throw it in the trailer to take to the track.

Craftsman 33 Gal. Compressor

Ink Ming · 05-09-2006, 12:41 PM

JAH1 · 05-09-2006, 12:49 PM

... I am not going to build a house or anything but would like it to run a nail/brad gun now and again. (in addition to filling all the tires w/air). Anything wrong with those ~$100-150 ones at Lowes etc?

TIA,

Joe

Ink Ming · 05-09-2006, 12:54 PM

Clicky

SKIroad'r · 05-09-2006, 01:04 PM

Rowdy ar · 05-09-2006, 03:18 PM

For shop compressors, it helps if you can estimate the kinds of tools you hope to run. Air tools usually state the desired or maximum PSI (lbs of air pressure per square inch) and most compressors allow you to regulate this, but make sure the parameters for both static pressure and estimated volume match.
Home compressors need to be drained after each use, unless they are in continuous daily use, so that the water that condenses in the bottom doesn't rust out the tank, or make its way into your tools. Small compressors are cheap, portable and have a quick cycle time to build up pressure, and are fine for nail guns, etc., and other tools that require high pressure but low volume, and therefore don't really use much air. Some tools take a lot of air; an single orbital sander can keep a 5 hp compressor with a 40 gal tank busy. Older style paint guns require moderate pressure and dry, clean air. Some of the newer HVLP (high volume, low pressure) paint guns are much more efficient.
If you don't feel that you are getting good advice at the local Home Depot or Lowe's, try one of the online tool sellers; they often have a good knowlege base.

ArchAudi · 05-09-2006, 05:04 PM

PC Link

BlueDog · 05-09-2006, 05:07 PM

that's about all you'll run with it. If you want to run something like an air chisel or you pick up a bead blasting cabinet for refinishing metal work (auto parts or antique fixtures, etc) then you'll be out of range of the small ones. You could possibly make due, but it'll run constantly trying to keep a charge.

05-09-2006, 11:08 AM	#2
paulroad AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 18,425	sears/craftsman. __________________ 4/23/11: S4 Premium Plus, S'Tronic, Nav, Titanium body Original Ride: • Bought New May 2003 allroad 2.7t 6 Speed • Sold @ 217,856 miles on April 23, 2011 -Mod/Repair Log 2400 Miles 5/28/11 New Conti Extreme DWS A/S Tires--smooths out the ride OEM Dipstick--Need to see and smell the oil OEM Rubber Mats--Look better than Stock Carpet and last longer

05-09-2006, 11:19 AM	#3
BlueDog AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Censored by IB Posts: 6,512	second you don't need the full 6 foot standing tank version, but something of a decent size. You won't ever regret getting a larger compressor, but if you get one of the small "handyman" sizes, you can quickly outgrow it. I have one like this at home. 33 gal. Plenty of capacity for various tools and tasks. I've used it for painting a car. This version I can also charge it up, then unplug and drag over to fill the tires on my tractor or trailer, etc. Can also throw it in the trailer to take to the track. Craftsman 33 Gal. Compressor __________________

05-09-2006, 12:41 PM	#4
Ink Ming AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,589	Coleman __________________ "Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place." '08 S5 '07 FJ '06 Sienna

05-09-2006, 12:49 PM	#5
JAH1 New Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2000 Posts: 431	I need one too but not sure about size or psi? Can anyone chime in... ... I am not going to build a house or anything but would like it to run a nail/brad gun now and again. (in addition to filling all the tires w/air). Anything wrong with those ~$100-150 ones at Lowes etc? TIA, Joe

05-09-2006, 12:54 PM	#6
Ink Ming AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 3,589	Nail gun and compressor Clicky __________________ "Screws fall out all the time, the world's an imperfect place." '08 S5 '07 FJ '06 Sienna

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05-09-2006, 01:04 PM	#7
SKIroad'r AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 4,704	Ooh nail gun -- should help with the deer problem __________________ 2002 allroad 2.7T Tip AutoSpeed Stage I Flash, 710n DV's H-SPORTS (Hard) Magnaflow mufflers with 3.5" tips K&N Filter (in stock box) 35% Side Tint, 5% Rear Tint Summer shoes (on now): Yokohama Avid W4S on RS6 Reps Winter shoes(in storage): Hankook Icebears 17" Fog DRL's, Toggable 628 Relay, Tip Override Recode, Remote Window Recode, Clear Corners

05-09-2006, 03:18 PM	#8
Rowdy ar New Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 71	it depends...(long) For shop compressors, it helps if you can estimate the kinds of tools you hope to run. Air tools usually state the desired or maximum PSI (lbs of air pressure per square inch) and most compressors allow you to regulate this, but make sure the parameters for both static pressure and estimated volume match. Home compressors need to be drained after each use, unless they are in continuous daily use, so that the water that condenses in the bottom doesn't rust out the tank, or make its way into your tools. Small compressors are cheap, portable and have a quick cycle time to build up pressure, and are fine for nail guns, etc., and other tools that require high pressure but low volume, and therefore don't really use much air. Some tools take a lot of air; an single orbital sander can keep a 5 hp compressor with a 40 gal tank busy. Older style paint guns require moderate pressure and dry, clean air. Some of the newer HVLP (high volume, low pressure) paint guns are much more efficient. If you don't feel that you are getting good advice at the local Home Depot or Lowe's, try one of the online tool sellers; they often have a good knowlege base.

05-09-2006, 05:04 PM	#9
ArchAudi AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 3,475	Porter cable c3151 used in my shop and I can even spray with it. PC Link __________________ Heaven is where... The police are British The cooks are Italian The lovers are French The mechanics are German And it's all organized by the Swiss Hell is where... The cooks are British The mechanics are French The lovers are Swiss The police are German And it's all organized by the Italians

05-09-2006, 05:07 PM	#10
BlueDog AudiWorld Super User Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Censored by IB Posts: 6,512	You could make due with the smaller ones, but... that's about all you'll run with it. If you want to run something like an air chisel or you pick up a bead blasting cabinet for refinishing metal work (auto parts or antique fixtures, etc) then you'll be out of range of the small ones. You could possibly make due, but it'll run constantly trying to keep a charge. __________________

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05-09-2006, 05:07 PM
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