So, in doing the 3 front seals on my B230FT, it seems that whenever I've had a problem an air based tool would have helped immensely.
So now I'm looking at air compressors, can anyone tell me what I need to look for in a homeowners setup. Sears has them ranging from 1.5hp and a 2 gallon tank to 5-6hp and 25-30 gallon tanks. What does all that mean? How much torque will I get? etc etc any info or help would be very much appreciated.

thanks
Ian

Well I've been looking at compressors as well,I was quite suprised when my neighbor (who added a small piece on his shop for his) recomended a small one for the kinda stuff I do because of quick recovery time, I would be doing little stuff like changeing a tire or stuck bolts once in a while, not body work or the like. So I'm thinking about a small one to start and see how much I really use it, then upgrading if I need to later.

Then again this was the same theroy I used on computers, now I have 5 and I'm upgrading so much 2 of them don't even have sides on them anymore.
Bret
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rust free in west Texas

It's amazing what you can learn online when you're not busy at work!
It looks like impact wrenches need about 5.5 scfm @40psi, nailers and other tools I'd be interested in using seem to require less. The small compressors I've looked at - the pancake style and DeWalt portable don't come close to 5.5 scfm @40psi. Of all places, WalMart has a Campbell Hausfeld 5hp max. 13gallon model rated at 6.4scfm@40psi for just $200. For larger consumer level models it looks like Sears is the place to go.
My main immediate reason for getting one of these was removal of sprockets - I completed that task last nightwith just one bruised thumb and two bloody knuckles, so I'll probably wait a few weeks before taking the plunge and buying the compressor. Next task is painting my barn! yippee :(

thanks
Ian

I guess it does depend upon your needs, so I'll just put my experiences/opinions out here. I have one from Sears, 5 hp, 20 gal, delivers 6.4 CFM at 90 psi. It is nothing fancy, single stage, oil-free. I think it is pretty much the minimum for my use. I use it for wheel changes all the time, suspension work like struts, bushings, etc, and I have a cut-off tool that is great for exhaust work. It does the job.

If I had to do it over again, I would buy a slightly larger one, the one that my father got. I think it's 6 hp, with a 30 gal tank. It's the one that they sell at Sears for just over $300 and comes with some free tools. It comes in either vertical or horizontal tank.

It just seems that with mine, it's running a lot, and I would like a little more capacity.

Greg
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http://home.earthlink.net/~greg.wong/

I have a Sears 20 gallon horizontal unit with a 3 or 5 horse motor. It's "oil-less" and runs on 110V. Look at the tools you're interested in and they'll list air supply requirements in pressure and CFM. I don't have any airtools yet but will soon. Things like rachets or air hammers are what I'd buy. I also want a benchtop blasting cabinet and they're available in the 90psi/5CFM range which my compressor will supply easily.

If your tools requirements exceed the specs of the compressor, it will be playing a losing and life-shortening game of catch-up while you're using your trying to work.

The oil-less units are typically single stage (they only compress once before the tank) and will probably be fine for the home DIY guy breaking nuts loose and filling tires.

Instead of the mechanical piston and crank found in larger single and multistage compressors mine has a diaphram run by an eccentric cam on the motor's shaft. Sounds like a big vibrator instead of chuffing pump and in two years of occasional use has been a great investment.

--
Erwin in Memphis, '88 745t 183,000 miles, '95 855t For Sale

It all depends on what you want to do. Almost any compressor can develop enough air pressure to provide all the torque you need for short bursts. Some air tools require a greater volume of air and would benefit from a bigger tank; grinders and sanders come to mind. If you just need to change a wheel once in a while or loosen a strut nut every few years, 2-3 hp will be fine. If you want to do some body work or major under car stuff, look at a 6 hp upright tank unit and consider installing a 3/4" pipe distribution system in your garage and be the envy of the neighborhod. Another consideration is that the smaller units will run on 110V and the larger ones require 220.

Skip
'93 850GLT
'89 765T
'83 242TI Flathood

If the tank is small, you will be pumping all the time, waiting for pressure and overheating the pump if you do a lot of stuff. Go for the big upright and the 6 or 7 hp set-up with a nice two chamber pump. As I recall mine is a 2 cylinder pump on the big blue C/H setup from Sears.

I know the feeling re air tools. I don't have one yet but you might look at harborfreight.com for pricing.
jc
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1985 740gle na, 1990 740gle 16 valve