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What Do Should U Look For When Buying An Air Comp?

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Old 03-07-2004, 08:39 PM
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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?
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Old 03-07-2004, 09:17 PM
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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.
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Old 03-07-2004, 09:23 PM
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thanks the link, is there a certain brand i should look at? people have said DO NOT BUY CAMPBELL HUTSFIELD.
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Old 03-07-2004, 09:39 PM
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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
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Old 03-07-2004, 09:51 PM
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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.
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Old 03-07-2004, 10:44 PM
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you should really think about 220volts... just makes sure you have the air when you need it.. then again.. I am full of air...
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Old 03-07-2004, 11:00 PM
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220v is worth it.



Anyone care to elaborate on the dislike of CH?
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Old 03-08-2004, 06:32 AM
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Cheap-*** 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 *** 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.
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Old 03-08-2004, 01:24 PM
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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
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Old 03-08-2004, 01:45 PM
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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.
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