Question

Air compressor

John K Jordan

>>>I have been thinking of buying a new compressor. The one I have will not run air tools. I have had my eye on a ingersoll-rand. It's 60 gal single stage 14.1cfm@90psi. 135psi max. 5 hp, 230 volt. Will this run air tools?

It should run air tools. I've run them from smaller compressors. I use a similar IR 60-gal 5hp compressor but it it two-stage and pumps to 160psi. I keep the output regulated to 90 psi. It might supply a tool a bit longer before it cuts in but not much. The single-stage you mentioned should be perfect for the shop and run all common air tools including impact drivers and random orbital sanders. I was using the little Grex air-operated random orbital sander tonight (it uses a lot of air!)

JKJ

Maybe

Dick Coers

Dynabrade makes 3 different 5" sanders. The lowest air requirement is 14 scfm. The other two use 16 and 18. A Harbor Freight right angle die grinder uses 3cfm @ 90psi.

Re: Question

Reed Gray

It will most likely run your air tools, but the compressor will run non stop. I have a 5 hp compressor with 60 gallon tank (Campbel Hausfeld). The 5 hp motor on is is maybe 1/3 the size of the 4.5 hp Baldor motor on my big bandsaw....

robo hippy

Re: Question

John Jordan

I have an 80 gallon 6 hp IR compressor, and it is great. Runs all the air tools including a metal planishing hammer.I have as well as the sandblasting cabinet with ease. I've never wanted for more. They are good quality compressors and hold up well. TSC sometimes has a sale on them.

John

Re: Question

JOE MOHNIKE

YES..Same as mine, runs all my air tools and paint sprayer. My tank, i think, is a little larger but it should work perfect for you.

Re: Question

David Walser

Dick -- Will the compressor you're looking at run air tools? Yes and no. There are some tools it will run without a problem and others it will at best struggle to keep up with. The first question you need to answer is what kind of tools will you be running with the compressor. Sanders tend to require a lot of air and they tend to need it for fairly long stretches at a time. By contrast, nailers use little air and they use it in short bursts. Screw-drills tend to fall in between. A drill might need a fair amount of air, but only for a few seconds at a time. You can answer this question with information from the maker of the tools you're considering using.

The second question you need to answer is how you'll use the tool. Generally, a sander requires a lot of air for minutes at a time. This requires a compressor with a capacity to drive the sander without relying on air from the tank (because the tank will be emptied long before you'll want to put the tool down). If, however, you tend to use a sander for only a few seconds at a time, a smaller compressor with a large tank might suffice. In such a case, the compressor, supplemented by air from the tank, will allow you to use the sander for a few seconds at a time (as long as you allow the compressor enough time to refile the tank between uses).

HTH

Re: Question

Pete in Holland MI

Careful: Sometimes air tool CFM rating is at a 25% duty cycle. Continuous use, you'll need 4X the air. Read the fine print. All depends on how heavy you'll be using it.

Air tank size only allows for fewer on/off cycles of the compressor. CFM @90 psi need to be understood of your tools, else your compressor won't keep up.

Air tools are very expensive to run. Considering you are running a couple hp motor to turn a small air tool.

Re: Question

Don Evans

Almost 20 years ago now, I was in the market for a compressor and found what I was looking for at Northern Tools. If there is one close to you check them out.

Mine is a 80 gal tank 175 psi that has work with no trouble so far.

It will run anything I throw at it.

One caution, the first regulator you connect to one with that much psi in the tank requires that it NOT have a plastic moisture trap on the bottom. You have to use one that is metal bottom. That one you use to lower the pressure (mine is set to 100 psi) then you can connect other plastic bottom ones that are rated for 125 psi and use those outputs.

I wonder is part of your problem may be the 90 psi you are set for cause if that is the case when you push the handle on the tool it is probably dropping to around 80 psi or lower at the tool? Most air tools I am familiar with require 90 to operate correctly.

Don

Re: Question

Don Evans

I just went to Northern Tools site to check and see what they have now.

WOW they have changed! They don't have the compressor that I got from them and they are carrying only high end now. I don't remember what I paid for mine but it wasn't in the price range I see now.

No argument from me however Quincy compressor are best you can get and I would get one if I was running a business shop.

But us home hobby shoppers have to be more cost concerned.

Don

Re: Question

Mike Kratky

Agree, Quincy air compressors are the very best just check any review. Mine is a 60 gal 2 stage, quiet, powerful, the 2nd stage compresses the air that much more giving me extra capacity to run anything even a sand basting cabinet to enhance my turnings

Re: Question

mikeee12345

Prior postings have not brought this up, but if you need a larger volume of air for your

system you can always manifold another air tank into the supply side of your air system.

This will cut down on the short cycling starting and stopping of the compressor motor. The

longer a motor runs without starting and stopping will increase the life of the motor and the

contactor and controls that regulate the system.

Re: Air compressor

villagesmike comcast.net

I have tried several times using air tools with a fairly large compressor. Seems almost never have enough air. I have turned to all electric tools and are much happier with their performance and the lack of the compressor noise when using them. My suggestion is stick to electric.

Re: Question

Dick Hines

I was in Tractor Supply today, They have one that will do anything I would ever want. PROBLEM is it's $1000. I think I will stay with what I have.

Re: Air compressor

John K Jordan

>>>...I have turned to all electric tools and are much happier with their performance and the lack of the compressor noise when using them. My suggestion is stick to electric.

If there is a good reason to use air tools (I have several) my suggestion is to build sound proofing into the shop. I built a 4x8' closet to house my 5hp air compressor and the 5hp cyclone dust collector. I can hear someone talking in a whisper just outside the closet. Without the closet the sound is either incredibly annoying or dangerously deafening and requires good hearing protection.

JKJ

Re: Air compressor

John C Lucas

Being able to put the air compressor and dust collector.in a.closed.in area is probably one of the best things ive ever done. Several turners i know simply built an insulated.closet. I was lucky and on this last move had a shed built onto the back of the shop. Removing the noise was the best benefit and keeping the fine dust that comes through the filters is even better. I havent noticed any loss in heat being pulled out. About the only downside is you can easily ignore scheduled maintenance. I have to remind myself to check the dust collector bags and to drain the compressor. But keeping that noise to a minimum is well worth it.

If I could get away with it...

Barry Irby

I would just blow the dust out into the woods. No more bags to empty and clean. I'm sure the neighbors would object. Mine is out in a shed/closet behind the shop and I have overfilled the bag several times. Need to empty it now.