Air compressor question

fiveohpatrol · 12-25-2001, 03:36 PM

well it was a pretty good christmas, I got car stuff!!

I got my first air compressor, a 1/2" drive impact and a air nozzle that has an attachment so you can spray cleaner through it and makes it kinda a pressure cleaner. The only thing is, I don't think the compressor my parents got me will support the tools very well. They just bought one that was within budget and didn't read up on them first. Its a small cambell hausfield 2hp and its like 2.2 average scfm @90psi. The impact says it requires 5.1 avg scfm @90psi and even the nozzle says it requires like 3scfm.

I pointed this out and they said we could go get a better one if it's not gonna work well together.

I'm not gonna be putting a whole lot of hours on it, but it will still be used a small amount.

Should I get a bigger one?
Is it completely necessary for the scfm rating of the compressor be greater than all of the tools you use on it?

thanks for any help, and merry christmas

Stang Runner · 12-25-2001, 07:42 PM

Ok I will tey to help you out a 2.2@90 any going to do CRAP!!! that is made for a nail gun a pumping tires up...... Get a better one If will cost more

http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/...0&prmenbr=6970 look at a store by you look of some thing like that It will work and not break the bank too......

Unit 5302 · 12-25-2001, 09:25 PM

Yep. You need a much bigger compressor to run air tools. Your air tools will be reduced to infrequent 2 second bursts with what you have.

joe4speed · 12-25-2001, 10:32 PM

Yes, I agree you might want a bigger one. Bigger is better! LOL You'll have much better flexibility to do what you want with bigger tools!

MikeWeber · 12-25-2001, 11:34 PM

Sears Craftsman has the best 110v compressor. It's 33 gallon and 5.5hp @ 150psi for about $300 or so (watch the adds and catch it on sale). It'll provide as much power as you're likely to need.

fiveohpatrol · 12-26-2001, 01:29 AM

thats what I thought, but I didn't want to hurt my parents feelings.

If I found one around like 4scfm would that be ok? Reason is, the garage it will be in is in my parents house and theres not a whole lot of room. When I get out of college and build my house (and large garage) then I'll get the real deal setup with a huge compressor. But for now I don't need a huge one. Just enough to where I can run an impact or air ratchet for a small amount of time.

I think my dad said they had one that was around 4scfm for not a whole lot more money. So I'll check that one out. Sound like a good idea or a waste of time?
If not, I guess I could return all of it and get something else.

Stang Runner · 12-26-2001, 11:05 AM

A 4 CFM one might do ok if you have a good size tank on it more that a 5Gal one BUT you can get a tank and add it on I have done this I have 3 tanks and 2 Compressors all on at the same time. But Dont Bun the Comppessor up useing to to much if you get one that is a bit smaller that what the tool it I think it can work a 4cfm one......... I fI was you I would help pay and get a better one if you could that is if you can.

drudis · 12-26-2001, 05:52 PM

I got the Sears 5hp one. It great for the garage.
The model was a 110v that you can rewire to 220V (easier on motor and less cost to operate). The tank is like 30g, so that hold enough air to run most tools. I even painted my first car with it!
Get the BELT drive (NOT the direct drive). The direct drive is VERY loud, and unbearable.

fiveohpatrol · 12-27-2001, 02:52 AM

Well I went to the store they got it from and found a 5hp 13gal 5.1scfm for the SAME PRICE, i think it had been returned and it was marked down in price. I know that campbell hausfield isnt the greatest quality but it will work for what I'll be using it for.

thanks for the help guys

12-25-2001, 03:36 PM	#1
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	Air compressor question well it was a pretty good christmas, I got car stuff!! I got my first air compressor, a 1/2" drive impact and a air nozzle that has an attachment so you can spray cleaner through it and makes it kinda a pressure cleaner. The only thing is, I don't think the compressor my parents got me will support the tools very well. They just bought one that was within budget and didn't read up on them first. Its a small cambell hausfield 2hp and its like 2.2 average scfm @90psi. The impact says it requires 5.1 avg scfm @90psi and even the nozzle says it requires like 3scfm. I pointed this out and they said we could go get a better one if it's not gonna work well together. I'm not gonna be putting a whole lot of hours on it, but it will still be used a small amount. Should I get a bigger one? Is it completely necessary for the scfm rating of the compressor be greater than all of the tools you use on it? thanks for any help, and merry christmas __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft

12-25-2001, 07:42 PM	#2
Stang Runner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Walker, MI, USA Posts: 1,202	Ok I will tey to help you out a 2.2@90 any going to do CRAP!!! that is made for a nail gun a pumping tires up...... Get a better one If will cost more http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/...0&prmenbr=6970 look at a store by you look of some thing like that It will work and not break the bank too...... __________________ Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, GT-40 Intake ported Lower, No power steering, No A/C, Mac cold intake, 65MM TB, 255 Fuel pump, 24's, AFR 165 58cc, Rocker Arms 1.7with the stock Cam, 1 5/8 short headers, offRoad X-pipe Drive Train: 3.55, T-5 with a Pro 5.0 shifter 12.656@107.71MPH See It at www.T-racing.com/mustang.htm

12-25-2001, 10:32 PM	#4
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	Yes, I agree you might want a bigger one. Bigger is better! LOL You'll have much better flexibility to do what you want with bigger tools! __________________ *Joe!* 1988 GT, 13.58@101mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:www.joe4speed.com

12-25-2001, 11:34 PM	#5
MikeWeber Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Louisville, KY, USA Posts: 48	Sears Craftsman has the best 110v compressor. It's 33 gallon and 5.5hp @ 150psi for about $300 or so (watch the adds and catch it on sale). It'll provide as much power as you're likely to need. __________________ 88 NMRA Pure Street coupe 95 GT-heads, cam, exhaust, intake, road-race suspension 97 Taurus SHO-K&N, ported meter 95 Escort GT-Pacesetter header & exhaust, Weapon R intake tube

12-26-2001, 01:29 AM	#6
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	thats what I thought, but I didn't want to hurt my parents feelings. If I found one around like 4scfm would that be ok? Reason is, the garage it will be in is in my parents house and theres not a whole lot of room. When I get out of college and build my house (and large garage) then I'll get the real deal setup with a huge compressor. But for now I don't need a huge one. Just enough to where I can run an impact or air ratchet for a small amount of time. I think my dad said they had one that was around 4scfm for not a whole lot more money. So I'll check that one out. Sound like a good idea or a waste of time? If not, I guess I could return all of it and get something else. __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft

12-25-2001, 09:25 PM	#3
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	Yep. You need a much bigger compressor to run air tools. Your air tools will be reduced to infrequent 2 second bursts with what you have.

12-26-2001, 11:05 AM	#7
Stang Runner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Walker, MI, USA Posts: 1,202	A 4 CFM one might do ok if you have a good size tank on it more that a 5Gal one BUT you can get a tank and add it on I have done this I have 3 tanks and 2 Compressors all on at the same time. But Dont Bun the Comppessor up useing to to much if you get one that is a bit smaller that what the tool it I think it can work a 4cfm one......... I fI was you I would help pay and get a better one if you could that is if you can. __________________ Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, GT-40 Intake ported Lower, No power steering, No A/C, Mac cold intake, 65MM TB, 255 Fuel pump, 24's, AFR 165 58cc, Rocker Arms 1.7with the stock Cam, 1 5/8 short headers, offRoad X-pipe Drive Train: 3.55, T-5 with a Pro 5.0 shifter 12.656@107.71MPH See It at www.T-racing.com/mustang.htm

12-26-2001, 05:52 PM	#8
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	I got the Sears 5hp one. It great for the garage. The model was a 110v that you can rewire to 220V (easier on motor and less cost to operate). The tank is like 30g, so that hold enough air to run most tools. I even painted my first car with it! Get the BELT drive (NOT the direct drive). The direct drive is VERY loud, and unbearable. __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

12-27-2001, 02:52 AM	#9
fiveohpatrol I'd rather be basketweaving Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,551	Well I went to the store they got it from and found a 5hp 13gal 5.1scfm for the SAME PRICE, i think it had been returned and it was marked down in price. I know that campbell hausfield isnt the greatest quality but it will work for what I'll be using it for. thanks for the help guys __________________ NMRA O/C 9516 NA pumpgas stickshift 347 10.65@125.6, 6.73@100, 1.41 60ft