Guys,
I have been following the disucssion on air compressors from afar since my
computer was slimed by a virus. It's all better now and I would like to
throw my two cents into the discussion.
First, the compressor industry follows a rule of 4 cfm per horsepower at 100
psi. as a standard. That means that a 5 H.P. compressor should put out
about 20 cfm at 100 psi.
Second, the vast majority of the compressors available on the consumer
market are massively over rated when comparing them to the above standard.
Most "5 H.P." compressors are actually more like 2 H.P. maybe.
Third, the buyer at Sears who purchased compressors told me once that Sears
did a study of its customers who purchased compressors from them. The study
showed that something over 90% of the customers used their compressors
solely for filling up automobile and bicycle tires, and filling up various
balls and swimming pools for the kids. Only a tiny minority used them for
powering nail guns to do home improvement projects or for air tools for car
repairs.
Fourth, the larger the tank on the compressor, the more air can be stored
and the fewer times the pump has to cycle to keep the pressure up where its
supposed to be. The larger the tank the better.
So, to pick a compressor for your needs, add up the cfm requirements for
absolutely every air tool you own then add about 25% to give leeway for the
stuff you will end up buying and look for a compressor with that cfm output
at 100 psi.
A 1/2 inch drive impact ratchet will burn up a lot of air. An air buffer
will eat 20 cfm in a heartbeat. And once, during a test at a PPG Training
Center, I saw a top of the line Sata HVLP spray gun use 21 cfm of air while
painting a test panel. Moral. Look at the box when you buy air tools.
A small compressor will probably be more than adequate for tires and
occasional work with air tools, but I suspect that most of us get a lot more
deeply involved than that in our projects. It would pay us to look around
for a larger compressor that has the capacity to do the job we need.
Oh yes. Remember to drain your air tanks regularly. Please use copper
piping for your air system (white plastic from Home Despot is absolutely
verbotten. It blows up!) and install the air distribution system in a way
that keeps water out of your air drops. And at each of your drops make
sure to add proper filters and regulators to your system to keep any water
or oil that sneaks through the system out of all those expensive tools.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.
Larry Steckel
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