What Size Air Compressor?

[Henro]

I just went throught the "what compressor should I buy" thing...

My nature is to want the best...but the practical side told me that a little 2 HP 5 CFM worked fine for me for years...

I almost went for a 2 stage 175 PSI IR compressor, but in the end I bought a 2 cylinder, single stage 135 PSI about 11 CFM IR compressor for about half the cost, $499.

It's not the greatest, but is sure is better than I am used to and will probably be there to do more than I need.

If I were using the compressor daily then it would be different. But for me to buy something expensive and of high quality, and then to let it sit idle most of the time...well that would be kind of a shame really.

So I guess I did ok. Did not break the bank, and got something with double the capacity that I am used to having...

Also leaves more $$$ in the T&T fund... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It's not the greatest, but is sure is better than I am used to and will probably be there to do more than I need. )</font>

And if you never let it run low on oil, and you keep the intake filter clean, and drain the condensation out of it regularly, it'll probably outlive you. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[sleepyhollow]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm glad you enjoyed /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Bird thanks for alerting me to Saylor-Beall as I had not heard of them before and it looks like they sell 5 HP pressure lube models... I learn something new every day!

Henro, I know what you mean about wanting the best and then coming to my senses... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Every now and then I indulge myself but you are right about leaving enough money for the tractor fund /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Although with my new workshop I should be able to start making some implements... I have the feeling I'll be spending quite a bit of time in the shop.

Mundamanu, in reference to your pressure washer question I think it can be done to a certain extent. It won't have the performance of a high pressure plunger pump but it will give you some extra power. When I was a teenager one of my friends and I hooked up some copper tubing and brass fittings to a garden hose and air compressor in hopes of making a monster car washing sprayer. Most of the time the air pressure just ended up forcing the water back into the garden hose but if when we got it tweaked just right there was a highly atomized, high pressure mist jet. I'm sure with some clever check valves, oriface design etc we could have had a nice tool. I know Surplus Center has most of the parts you need to make your own pressure washer, even the plunger pumps. I'm sure one of these could be rigged up to the rear PTO and 3PTH with a water tank for a mobile washing station. Good luck with your air compressor search. Let us know what you decide on!
Sleepyhollow

 

[Bird]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Most of the time the air pressure just ended up forcing the water back into the garden hose )</font>

One of the cheap guns I bought many years ago had the same problem. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif