Buying an air compressor - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

xp190 · #1 05-11-2004, 11:55 AM

Hi guys

I wanted to get a compressor and get some air tools for it, I actually wanted to do this this for quite a while, but I have a few questions.

I know that some tools have a minimum scfm requirement to run propperly, so I went looking at Home Depot.

There were a few choices. The most obvious was a husky 13 Gallon 5Hp compressor that could provide 5.1scfm at 90psi, along with some other variables, I forget all the details.

This is quite a big machine, but comes with all the tools you could ever want except for one of the big air ratchets for big bolts.
cost was $400 canadian

My main concern is the size of these things, there was another one by Hitachi, only 4 gallon, 2Hp, and it provided 4.0scfm at 90psi, but looking at the bigger tools, I would not be able to use them with this one although it's perfect in every other way, and it does not come with anything, price is $100 less.

Now I know a lot of people have these, and i wanted to know what would be the trade off between one or the other. I'm buying this to last me for the rest of my life, and the hitachi is an oil fed model while the husky is oiless.

Another concern is, if I get the smaller hitachi one, would I still be able to use some of the bigger tools but not as effectively?

TIA

xp

rickg · #2 05-11-2004, 12:11 PM

What he said.
But I wouldn't buy anything smaller than at least a 2HP for using air tools. I have a 3 HP sears unit, and it works just fine for all my needs (impact wrench, air ratchet, nail guns, ect). I had a 1.5 HP, and it did the job, but had a hard time keeping up when I was using an impact wrench alot. Had to stop and let it catch up once in awhile. But worked ok for an air ratchet and small nail gun.
So kinda depends on what you're needs are. But figure once you start using air tools, you'll see how great they are and start buying one of everything, then you'll wish you'd bought a bigger compressor(voice of experience here

)

yosshimura · #3 05-11-2004, 12:35 PM

Husky are rebadged Campbell's ... pretty good for home use. Buy the biggest u can afford , 60 g up... and 220 volts (not sure if same electrical measurements in Canada)... 110 compressors are mickey mouse.

If it would be $400 american dollars for a compressor and air tools it would be a pOS.... too cheap, any decent tool will be $40-$50, and that is still made in China.

YOu need a big compressor so u have enough air to use air tools, some air tools (some cheaper ones too) are air hogs. U don't want your compressor running continuosly, it runs hot and u don't get the full pressure needed.

www.sharpe.com is a painting forum and you can find compressor info on there... even though u didn't mention painting, they have good info ...

Once u start working with a compressor, you wonder HOW the Heck you worked soooo many years with manual tools, LOL... it is like the miracle tool when I had a garage.

rickg · #4 05-11-2004, 12:52 PM

Oh hell. My 3HP is 110 volt and is almost 15 years old, and works just fine thank you very much. Definately NOT a POS.

If I had a buisness I was running, no I wouldn't use a cheap-o 110 volt unit. But for home use, it's just fine.

xp190 · #5 05-11-2004, 02:32 PM

so I guess the bigger Husky unit would be better for me

I don't know about the price vs how good the unit is, but it's on sale from around $600 without tools. Same thing with Mastercrap brand name is for sale at canadian tire for the same price but not a single tool.

Space I think I can arrange, I'd have to remove the wheels and mount it somewhere, maybe even on the ceiling so it's out of the way of everything else.

Now that would be great.

Thanx guys

xp

G-Benz · #6 05-11-2004, 03:02 PM

My wife got me the Husky 125psi 6HP version for our 10th anniversary (what a gal!

)...pulled into the driveway and there it sat on a pallet in the garage (with a gift bow)!

I had a 220V outlet installed during home construction in anticipation of buying one of those behemoths in the future.

It occupies a corner of the garage and doesn't really take up much space. It's bolted to the floor, but when it's running, the noise isn't intrusive inside the house (considering the garage sits below the master bedroom), but it's loud in the garage!

Started out using it as a glorified soccer ball and bicycle tire inflator, but later acquired some HC tools from Walmart. Haven't done any real big work like pulling trannys or anything, but the large tank enables me to work uninterrupted.

I may get some real quality power tools in the future.

I would add that portable compressors have their advantages...I want to repaint our wrought iron work surrounding the house, but I need a 1000 ft air hose to effectively do the task!

xp190 · #7 05-12-2004, 09:25 PM

I picked up the bigger husky unit. Boy it's sweet. I just tried it out today with the tools that it came with, nothing special yet, just the spray gun, and impact wrench, I also got a cleaning gun, there is also some smaller stuff for inflating things. It's amazing on tires I have to say.

What a joy to work with

During the weekend or closer to it I'll go pick up another hose, 75footer. I already have a few jobs lined up. Paint the garage, clean the driveway and so on

thanx for the advice everyone

xp

yosshimura · #8 05-13-2004, 01:00 AM

Congrats

G-Benz · #9 05-13-2004, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xp190
I already have a few jobs lined up. Paint the garage, clean the driveway and so on

...shove air hose up dog's butt and fire!

dmorrison · #10 05-13-2004, 01:59 PM

Let me add to the post, even though you have already bought a compressor.

1. Figure what size tool will do the job for you. Then double the size and you will be happy. IE if you could get away with a 2HP 15 gal tank, buy a 4 HP and 30 gallon tank and you will be happy.
2 When it come to a compressor. DO NOT buy a universal motor if you can help it. Buy the TEFC motor type. If you see a belt driving the compressor your 99% sure its a TEFC electric motor. Why? the universal motors are VERY LOUD. I know I have one.
3. Electric motor HP. Many store list the stall rate HP. Which is usually twice the normal operating HP. A 6 HP sears compressor with a Universal motor is really a 3 HP unit. Check the amps draw of the motor. A good rule of thumb is 8-10 amps for each 1 HP At 110 Volts. Or 4-5 Amp for 220 Volts. So a 6HP TEFC motor should be a 30 amp setup, That lots of amperage. And this is a rough estimate. Not gospel.

Dave

Flash Gordon · #11 05-13-2004, 03:58 PM

XP, if you plan to rotate your tires then you would need to get torque sticks or torque socket for your impact tool.

xp190 · #12 05-14-2004, 10:47 AM

The compressor came with a set of sockets, I'm guesssing this is what they are designed for, the black ones, as opposed to silver ones for hand tools.

Can you get specialty sockets for impact tools also? Like the 12 edge socket for the double collar lock rings on half shafts?

Those need a lot of torque on them, I broke a ratchet on one of them before too. Then I broke another one on the crank shaft pulley bolt, that one claimed a few hand tools.

I mainly want to use the impact wrench for removing stuff, putting it back together I will still do by hand.

I'll be going to pricness auto to see what accessories they have tomorrow. I heard it's a real good place for automotive tools.

xp

xp190 · #13 05-18-2004, 06:47 PM

I was reading through the manual and it clearly states that extension cords should not be used to the the large current the the compressor draws. This is a big of a problem for me since if I leave it plugged in directly to the socket, the compressor will be right next to my ear and it is a bit noisy.

Has anyone ever had problems using an extension cord to supply power to a compressor and put it somewhere where it will not get in the way?

I don't want to set the house on fire, but if it's a heavy duty extension cord, one of those orange ones, I don't see it causing a problem really.

Can anyone provide any assurance?

TIA

xp

G-Benz · #14 05-19-2004, 10:20 AM

You are safe if you are using one rated for the specific amperage draw necessitated by the compressor.

This is more a liability issue than anything, to prevent the unwary from suing them because they chose to use a lamp cord-type extension and got injured as a result.