what size compressor?
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hey guys I just got my devilbiss primer and topcoat gun kit. I still have yet to buy my Iwata but ill probably order it this weekend or something. What my question is what size compressor do I need to run a paint gun consistantly? i dont want one thats going to have to fill up constantly. If I recall it necessary doesn’t matter on how big you need it but the CFM? my friends got a 22gal. but its only like 3.5 CFM. I know that wont run a gun. But what if I bought a 22gal but it has 10CFM? would that still work or too small? Thanks for any input.
Ryan
still too small. if you got one that put out 15cfm that might just squeak by but run constantly and not shut off. 19cfm and up would be a better choice. if you can find a true industrial 5hp, that would be the min i would go. that would be an ingersoll t-30, an eaton or equivelant. here is a link……
http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm
dang those are friggin expensive! Ok so pretty much you want to get at least a 15CFM tank. Im going to look at Tractor Supply Company today. I heard they had some 50gal for like 500 bucks or so. Ill check them out
I’m drooling all over the Eaton 7.5 hp 3 phase 120 gallon vertical – a little over $2000, ……plus freight to alaska….. poo
ryan, makes no difference what the tank size is. that just affects how often it needs to turn on and off when iar is used in intervals. when spraying you will need 15-19 cfm of constant airflow depending on your gun. a $500 compressor ain’t gonna give you that unless you pick up something used.
thanks for the input jim. i was doing more research and realized id be spending more than 500 bucks. I was looking on ebay and didnt find anything for a reasonable price so far. i only look at about 10 pages of like 6000 finds.
i did go on TSC website and find this
http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/air-compressors-air-tools-accessories/air-compressors/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-60-gal-single-stage-air-compressor-3301332
that seems to be pretty legitthat will work but if it were me i’d go for the 5hp eaton. its the same price as the ingersoll. i have a 7.5hp eaton as well as a 7.5 hp ingersoll and i can tell you the eaton is built twice as solid plus you get alot more for your money. read the spec sheet on the eaton. it tells you what all it comes with. ingersoll wont come with anything. eatons are under rated in their cfm as well while ingersoll is usually slightly overrated.
The IR you listed from Tractor Supply is a single stage. I would always go for a 2-stage. I agree with Jim, I would go for the Eaton. IR makes a really nice compressor BUT there is a difference between their commercial line and the line of compressors you will get from Tractor Supply or a Home Depot. Eaton is all commercial.
Spend the money for a nice big compressor, proper piping, and the right filtration once and you will be paid back for years. Alot of refinish problems stem from air issues.
You can always look on Craigslist for used industrial units in your area. Just make sure you don’t buy a 3-phase as you won’t be able to hook it up in a residential area. I would rather have a good used unit than a new cheap one.
I bought that same ingresol from tractor supply. It has been a great compressor! It is very quiet and I can use any gun with it. I can start spraying and the compressror will kick on and catch up and shut off while in still spraying. It is a single stage but it does me just fine! I can run about anything except for maybe an air buffer. Never tried one but they take alot of air. I have been told that a single stage compressor runs cooler than the dual.
so what does the single phase dual phase and 3 phase all mean?
1 stage and 2 stage has to do with the pump. On a 2 stage you have 2 cylinders, one for lower psi and more volume and the other is for less volume and higher pressure. A 1 stage only has the one. More to it than that but it’s the best summary I could type quickly.
Single phase and 3 phase has to do with electrical hookup. 3 phase is only for commercial. It is way more cost efficient but I don’t think you can even get it run to a home. I know you can’t where I live.
Several years ago I purchased a Craftsman 30 gal compressor (single piston) and it was one of the worst tools I’ve every had – made a lot of noise, did compress some air, could just barely keep up with a paint gun. I gave it to a buddy that uses it to power his air nailers. Last summer I bit the bullet and bought a 2-stage 5 hp Quincy (made in the USA) with a 60 gal tank. I plumbed my garage with 3/4 copper and have dryers and air drops everywhere I need them. I’ve run 2 DA’s at the same time with this compressor and never missed a beat. Go big the first time and save money.
[b]Canuck wrote:[/b]
[quote]Several years ago I purchased a Craftsman 30 gal compressor (single piston) and it was one of the worst tools I’ve every had – made a lot of noise, did compress some air, could just barely keep up with a paint gun. I gave it to a buddy that uses it to power his air nailers. Last summer I bit the bullet and bought a 2-stage 5 hp Quincy (made in the USA) with a 60 gal tank. I plumbed my garage with 3/4 copper and have dryers and air drops everywhere I need them. I’ve run 2 DA’s at the same time with this compressor and never missed a beat. Go big the first time and save money.[/quote]extremely good advise!!
you’ll never say….crap, i wish i had less air.
I think even if you end up with a little smaller machine (5hp lets say instead of 10hp) when you buy industrial quality that’s what makes the difference. then you’re looking at spending $1500, or $2500 – and that’s going to last for the rest of your life in a small shop! then the badboy for $2500 isn’t so bad a price. compared to $600 for a crapper that doesn’t keep up, and replacing it every 5 years no matter what you do.
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