Air compressor choice?

[cfriedman67]

I am planning on doing my own body work and hope to start this summer. I need to get a new air compressor. Will a 30 gallon compressor 120 V that puts out 5.1 CFM at 175 PSI and 175 maximum PSI be enough? I obviously could purchase a larger one but would then need an electrician to run a 240V line in my garage. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Craig

[davekp]

Will you be doing any painting?

[j.miller]

That ones a bit small. You want something in the 14cfm @150-175 with a 60 gallon tank. Also depends how many (and what kind) of air tools you are using and are you priming and painting...da Bat

[cfriedman67]

I will be priming and painting as a have read all the painting threads. I don't use any air tools but it sounds like 30 gallons wont due.

[j.miller]

This one is a stretch. FS-Curtis #CTSGMV 2hp, 120v, 5.5@90, 30gal. The 5.5 at 90 rather then 175 is a very big difference. I would much rather see you run 220v and get a compressor that is able to keep up. There are a lot of compressors in the 900-1000 dollar range that would do the job for you...da Bat

[cfriedman67]

Appreciate the advice.

[JohnK]

I really wanted a 240V 60 gallon compressor but didn't have the space for it. I'd just about pulled the trigger on a 120V 30 gallon unit when I found this:

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Puma-TE-5040V-Air-Compressor/p13941.html?utm_term=0catch13941&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp9T5gKeE4QIVth6tBh0MbQ5IEAYYAyAB EgLZ2vD_BwE

It's not much bigger than the 120V 30 gallon units but puts out 3 times as much air volume. It did require having an electrician add a 240V line, but it was WELL worth it. I'm so glad I went this route.

[j.miller]

I really wanted a 240V 60 gallon compressor but didn't have the space for it. I'd just about pulled the trigger on a 120V 30 gallon unit when I found this:

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Puma-TE-5040V-Air-Compressor/p13941.html?utm_term=0catch13941&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp9T5gKeE4QIVth6tBh0MbQ5IEAYYAyAB EgLZ2vD_BwE

It's not much bigger than the 120V 30 gallon units but puts out 3 times as much air volume. It did require having an electrician add a 240V line, but it was WELL worth it. I'm so glad I went this route.




Great choice for the DIY....14@90 is right where you want to be for spraying.

[lawrencecacc]

Kaser

[skidd]

*caveat* I'm NOT a bodywork expert. Make NO mistake about this. I'm a garage DIYer like many of us. nothing more. I offer only my recent experience. */caveat*

I managed to pull it off with my setup. A setup that some might shrug at.
You see, there's "ideal", then, there's what "should" work, then wan't "shouldn't" work, finally there's what happens to work.
I have an older crafstman 20gal 5hp 220v compressor.
I measured it's actual CFM output to be 9.8CFM at 90PSI. This isn't the sticker on the compressor, I did an actual measurement test to get this value. Lots of info online how to do this.
I also picked a hvlp gun that was listed as only needing between 5-9cfm at 40psi. The Eastwood Concourse 2 HVLP.
My compressor had no problems keeping up with me at all. Not that I was paying close attention, but it was not running at 100% duty cycle at all. I'd venture to say in the realm of 50-60% duty cycle.
No surprise there really, if at 100% duty cycle it'll do 10cfm, I expected 50% duty cycle should be just right for the gun I had.
I had a few other additional upgrades that I think helped along the way. (despite my momentary FishEye freak-out)
- larger 3/8" air quick-couplers on everything. Not a single point on my setup has a 1/4 coupler. HomeDepot sells them.
- additional small 110v fan blowing air on the pump to help keep it cooler.
- DIY 10' tall black-pipe water trap with drain.
- desiccant air dryer right after water trap
- standard air filter, and regulator

[j.miller]

*caveat* I'm NOT a bodywork expert. Make NO mistake about this. I'm a garage DIYer like many of us. nothing more. I offer only my recent experience. */caveat*

I managed to pull it off with my setup. A setup that some might shrug at.
You see, there's "ideal", then, there's what "should" work, then wan't "shouldn't" work, finally there's what happens to work.
I have an older crafstman 20gal 5hp 220v compressor.
I measured it's actual CFM output to be 9.8CFM at 90PSI. This isn't the sticker on the compressor, I did an actual measurement test to get this value. Lots of info online how to do this.
I also picked a hvlp gun that was listed as only needing between 5-9cfm at 40psi. The Eastwood Concourse 2 HVLP.
My compressor had no problems keeping up with me at all. Not that I was paying close attention, but it was not running at 100% duty cycle at all. I'd venture to say in the realm of 50-60% duty cycle.
No surprise there really, if at 100% duty cycle it'll do 10cfm, I expected 50% duty cycle should be just right for the gun I had.
I had a few other additional upgrades that I think helped along the way. (despite my momentary FishEye freak-out)
- larger 3/8" air quick-couplers on everything. Not a single point on my setup has a 1/4 coupler. HomeDepot sells them.
- additional small 110v fan blowing air on the pump to help keep it cooler.
- DIY 10' tall black-pipe water trap with drain.
- desiccant air dryer right after water trap
- standard air filter, and regulator




Yep ! There's always one guy who thinks.....(kidding)…...HVLP guns help a lot. Good job on your calcs. I guess I'm so used to Big Mamma Jamma air compressors I have a hard time dialing back. The big bleeders are air grinders, angle grinders and orbital sanders . I forget you guys are doing a lot by hand (bless your hearts)…….That being said. I'm sticking by my 220v, 14cfm@90 oil cooled two stage.....good enough for any man worth his salt. Sooooo Skidd…...GIVE THE SALT BACK......NOW !!!please......lolololol...da Bat.....oh, it did not escape me that you managed to get "doody cycle" in there.

[cfriedman67]

Hi skidd, thanks for the real world update. I’ve been following your thread and actually was wondering what you used. Either way I need to buy a new compressor. Mr. Miller, thanks for the advice. Always good to hear from a pro.

Craig

[1932]

Get the bigger one and be done- you will be happier in the long run!

[GoDadGo]

I recently picked this unit up from Tractor Supply since it was portable and crazy cheap since it was a Grand Opening Special for only $329.99.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-30-gallon-air-compressor-155-psi-dxcm301-1313325?cm_mmc=feed-_-GoogleShopping-_-Product-_-1313325&gclid=CjwKCAjwvbLkBRBbEiwAChbckcPe49knZZU-aJseLSNfPpru4WjcqAGipKUl89ZKEILThn50wEADUBoCRxQQAv D_BwE

So far it has been a good unit with enough air for my needs, but understand it may be a bit undersized for your needs since I'm only using it for my D/A, grinders and some priming.

The final paintwork will be done at one of my friend's shops since they know what they are doing.

[Papa]

Keep in mind that most of the 110V compressors require a 20amp (12awg) circuit to run properly, so if all you have are 15amp (14awg) outlets found in most newer construction, you'll need to upgrade your electrical anyway. Might as well go with a 220V setup and a big tank and call it a day.

[GoDadGo]

Keep in mind that most of the 110V compressors require a 20amp (12awg) circuit to run properly, so if all you have are 15amp (14awg) outlets found in most newer construction, you'll need to upgrade your electrical anyway. Might as well go with a 220V setup and a big tank and call it a day.

FYI / Papa Is A Professional E.E. So Take His Advice When Considering Your Compressor's Electrical Needs! / FYI

[japollon]

I currently have a 60 gallon, 220V much older compressor. Truthfully it has served me well for many years. It's noisy and the duty cycle is no longer that great, but it works! However lately I have been looking at the new scroll compressor that Eastwood is selling. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-qst-30-60-quiet-scroll-air-compressor.html. Does anyone have any experience with this compressor? I'd be interested in your thoughts! Thanks, Joel

[j.miller]

I currently have a 60 gallon, 220V much older compressor. Truthfully it has served me well for many years. It's noisy and the duty cycle is no longer that great, but it works! However lately I have been looking at the new scroll compressor that Eastwood is selling. https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-qst-30-60-quiet-scroll-air-compressor.html. Does anyone have any experience with this compressor? I'd be interested in your thoughts! Thanks, Joel



Have heard good things....it's what you don't hear is the best part. The specs are good. The price? well you gonna pay for that quiet bubba....da bat

[japollon]

Yes, dammed expensive.....$1800! Perhaps the price will come down on scroll compressors in the future. In the meantime, earplugs are cheap!