Wanted to buy some air tools and a air compressor. What should i look for? what CFM range should i get? how much volume should it hold? PSI?

Cheers: I would look upon the purchase of a compressor as the base of a good workshop. Her is a good starting point for your research:

http://www.tptools.com/statictext/air_consum.asp



The compressor is just one part of the equation. You can spend as much on the rest of the piping/dryers and everything else as on the compressor. https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...IR#>/smile.png

thanks the link, is there a certain brand i should look at? people have said DO NOT BUY CAMPBELL HUTSFIELD.

I would stay away from the box store bands: Especially Campbell hausfeld. I would look at Ingersoll rand, quincey. Check with your Garage equipment suppliers and see what they carry.





What is your budget? If its <1000 you should be looking at a quality used compressor. 230V power supply as a minumum

dude... 230V? i was thinking of 115V AC. i'm not opening up shop... just use for die grinders, air drills, and maybe a HVLP spray gun.



Then again i have a soft spot for a 100 gal air compressor that is used at the univeritiies shop.

you should really think about 220volts... just makes sure you have the air when you need it.. then again.. I am full of air...

220v is worth it.



Anyone care to elaborate on the dislike of CH?

Cheap-ass Aluminum cylinders. Fine for a compressor used to blow up bike tires and pool toys. You say you want a die grinder. I am sure you will not want to run the grinder for 10 minutes and wait 5 to allow the compressor to cool.



I would look for a compressor with a Cast-Iron head, splash lubriacation, True 2 stage. I would make sure the tank drain is easilt assecible and easily operated. Get the thickest tank you can buy.



Can you get by with a cheepie store brand compressor? Most likely: BUT: plan on replacing in 3-5 years of heavy use, expect it to run your ass out of the garage since it is so loud. Be prepared to wait to charge back up. The HP figure on the label is a lie! (Theie is no standard for labeling Air Compressors) Buyer beware.



Now for the Exclusive Banzai Disclaimer: I realize we are all on a budget, but I hate to see money spent on a tool that does not fullfill a function it was bought for. If possible have them run the compressor in the store so you can see how loud it is.

i gots me a crakin air comp it was built in 1942 and ahs a full service history lol its 2 high presured for some of ym tools so i have to use a flow restricterwhtich aint a bad thign when i want top power https://www.nopistons.com/forums/pub...#>/biggrin.png

Damn, I'm pretty sure I got the CH. Do they have a silhouette of a guy with a sledgehammer on the tank? Oh well, it's been good so far. I've just used it for my impact wrench, air ratchet, and tire filler/gauge. I'm never using it continuous enough for the filling time to bother me, and the only thing I have to compare it too noise-wise is my dad's compressor. That sucker is like 20 years old, and makes a ton of noise compared to mine, so it's fine with me.