Air Compressor Choices - I NEED your opinions!! Hundreds at stake!

[Cattlegod]

Choice 1: 6.4 SCFM @ 90psi - 280 bucks - Oil Free - 26 gals
This one Comes with a 1/2 Impact Wrench and a 3/8 Drill + all the fittings and hoses I need.


Choice 2: 6.8 SCFM @ 90psi - 380 bucks - Oil - 25 Gals
No extra tools or anything come with this one, but it should be a lot quieter and it is .4 SCFM stronger.


They are both close to the same, but is the 100 bucks + the cost of tools worth the quietness and .4 SCFM @90?







Backstory below
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I'm not sure what is good for performance. I found a nice one at FW for 150 bucks, comes with an accessory kit and has 5.4 SCFM, 22gal, 2HP.

Also, sears has a nice one, 2HP 26 GAL, 6.4 SCFM and a nice accessory kit, for 280 bucks.

Anyone know what kind of SCFM I will need to sustain work? Or how many gals I would need for typical work?

Do you think the 150 dollar lowes deal is more than enough for typical work like tire rotations etc?

work -

lug nuts on cars
typical other medium to high torque applications on vehicles
grinding on metal powering the tool with air
other misc less demanding things

tools -
impact air driver
air drill
some type of TBD spindal device

sustain -
what kind of time would the 6.4scfm and 26 gal give me doing the activities vs the 5.4 scfm at 22 gal?

OK, here are the ones I'm thinking about getting

Husky at HD Model WL660999AJ

Sears Craftsman

They both seem pretty nice, but the Husky is cheaper and comes with more tools. Suggestions?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Step #1: Define "work".
Step #2: What tools are you going to be using.
Step #3: Define "sustain"

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
Step #1: Define "work".
Step #2: What tools are you going to be using.
Step #3: Define "sustain"

haha, well

work -

lug nuts on cars
typical other medium to high torque applications on vehicles
grinding on metal powering the tool with air
other misc less demanding things

tools -
impact air driver
air drill
some type of TBD spindal device

sustain -
what kind of time would the 6.4scfm and 26 gal give me doing the activities vs the 5.4 scfm at 22 gal?

 

[iamwiz82]

SCFM = Standard Cubic Feet per Minute

I have a 5.4SCFM compressor with a 26gal tank and it works well for me. It's not enough to run an impact wrench for 2 minutes straight, but it will work for taking off lug nuts and such. Anything that demanded constant high pressure wouldn't be siuitable, however.

I highly suggest an oiled compressor versus oil-less for teh sake of your ear drums.

The tank is only used for storing air, so it will make the comressor cycle on and off less. I have an angle grinder and can use it for a few minutes at a time, but not constant.

 

[LeiZaK]

Air compressors are heavy. I wouldn't want to pick one up.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
SCFM = Standard Cubic Feet per Minute

I have a 5.4SCFM compressor with a 26gal tank and it works well for me. It's not enough to run an impact wrench for 2 minutes straight, but it will work for taking off lug nuts and such. Anything that demanded constant high pressure wouldn't be siuitable, however.

I highly suggest an oiled compressor versus oil-less for teh sake of your ear drums.

The tank is only used for storing air, so it will make the comressor cycle on and off less. I have an angle grinder and can use it for a few minutes at a time, but not constant.

How long does yours take to fill up?

how long would it take to say, remove 4 wheels and secure 4 new wheels on a car? would you have to let the unit fill back up after each wheel, i.e. taking 8 tank fills to do the work? or can you get a few tires on and off?

edit - and how do air compressors comare to like a dewalt impact hammer (portable 14.4 electric impact wrench)? will the battery powered one die swiftly, like after 1 tire?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
SCFM = Standard Cubic Feet per Minute

I have a 5.4SCFM compressor with a 26gal tank and it works well for me. It's not enough to run an impact wrench for 2 minutes straight, but it will work for taking off lug nuts and such. Anything that demanded constant high pressure wouldn't be siuitable, however.

I highly suggest an oiled compressor versus oil-less for teh sake of your ear drums.

The tank is only used for storing air, so it will make the comressor cycle on and off less. I have an angle grinder and can use it for a few minutes at a time, but not constant.

How long does yours take to fill up?

how long would it take to say, remove 4 wheels and secure 4 new wheels on a car? would you have to let the unit fill back up after each wheel, i.e. taking 8 tank fills to do the work? or can you get a few tires on and off?

I've never really paid attention to how many wheels I could do on one tank, to be honest. Usually I take off the lugs, remove the tire, put it somewhere, and then move to the next wheel. I'd say that in the whole time that the compressor would probably only kick on once.

It takes about 3-4 minutes to fill the entire tank to 120psi.

EDIT: I will say that 5.4SCFM is enough at 120psi tank to keep the tank topped off when I'm using the impact gun, because I stop it in between lugs to reposition and such.

 

[Cattlegod]

OK, here are the ones I'm thinking about getting

Husky at HD Model WL660999AJ

Sears Craftsman

They both seem pretty nice, but the Husky is cheaper and comes with more tools. Suggestions?

 

[iamwiz82]

Your HS link isn't working. What is the part number?

The Sears link doesn't mention the power of the rachet or impact gun.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Your HS link isn't working. What is the part number?

The Sears link doesn't mention the power of the rachet or impact gun.

there, check now. I added it so it pulls up a search.

Yeah, i'm thinking 100 ft lbs will be good enough for anything I need. My main concern is are the tools 100 ft lbs and will there be enough air to run a 100 ft lb gun.

edit: any idea what happens when you use a 60 ft lb gun? does it just have a bypass valve that blows any excess air past 60 ft lbs? or will it go until it breaks?

 

[thedarkwolf]

If you want to run a grinder you need a good bit of SCFMs. Mines a 30 gallon with I think around 6 SCFMs at 90psi and it can run highspeed whirly tools like grinders but only for about a min before the compressor kicks on and then it runs the whole time I am using the tool and keeps loosing pressure while doing so. If I had 240v in my garage I'd get rid of my LOUD!!!!! oil less one and get a nice 60 gallon oiled one with 10 or more SCFM. Mine can handle an impact gun just fine since it not something that just runs and runs. You won't need to wait after every wheel for it to refill.

 

[iamwiz82]

There are two figures when looking at impact wrenches, maximum pressure and torque. You definately want one that puts out more than 100lbft of torque. I believe mine is rated at 400lbft, but that's only in a perfect world. Realyl it probably sits at about 280ish. That's not much, though. There are high end ones that go up to 1,000lbft and above.

As for maximum pressure, there is a dial on the compressor that lets you limit the outgoing air, so if you have a tool that has a max of 90psi you just turn the dial down.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
There are two figures when looking at impact wrenches, maximum pressure and torque. You definately want one that puts out more than 100lbft of torque. I believe mine is rated at 400lbft, but that's only in a perfect world. Realyl it probably sits at about 280ish. That's not much, though. There are high end ones that go up to 1,000lbft and above.

As for maximum pressure, there is a dial on the compressor that lets you limit the outgoing air, so if you have a tool that has a max of 90psi you just turn the dial down.

ok, so if I'm understanding correctly. your gun can torque down a bolt at 280 ft lbs, or am I missing something?

So even if this impact gun is crappy (say 300ish) I shouldn't ever have a problem hitting the torque I need on a bolt right?

Is that basically the only difference between the cheapos and the 200 dollar imact guns?

 

[dullard]

A lot of air tools are 4 to 6 SCFM. Thus, you may be constantly waiting for the 5.4 SCFM model to refil the tank if you use many 6 SCFM tools. But it should be sufficient. The 6.4 SCFM will work well with just about any tool.

The major exception is impact wrenches. Those often need 12 SCFM or more. Thus, with either model, you'll need to wait for the tank to refil if you want to use it continuously.

To me, the tank volume is a lot less important than the gas flow rate. All that the tank does is make it run less often. I'd much rather get something with enough flow rate to do my jobs well than get something with a large tank.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: dullard
A lot of air tools are 4 to 6 SCFM. Thus, you may be constantly waiting for the 5.4 SCFM model to refil the tank if you use many 6 SCFM tools. But it should be sufficient. The 6.4 SCFM will work well with just about any tool.

The major exception is impact wrenches. Those often need 12 SCFM or more. Thus, with either model, you'll need to wait for the tank to refil if you want to use it continuously.

To me, the tank volume is a lot less important than the gas flow rate. All that the tank does is make it run less often. I'd much rather get something with enough flow rate to do my jobs well than get something with a large tank.

good point. the higher SCFM on the craftsman may be worth the money. My only question now is the imact gun. I just spoke with one of my buddies who has been a SAE mechanic for 20 years and he says that they are junk and my not take my lug nut off. But then again he said that he does this for a living and says not to get anything but the 200 dollar impact gun. Basically he said it could be hit or miss.

 

[Maximus96]

i bought the 33gal craftsman unit from sears a year ago. its loud as hell when it runs but i guess thats normal. i mostly use it with the included impact wrench, never touched the hammer and used the ratchet once. use a torque wrench to torque to spec, the impact gun is only good for taking off a bolt.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: dullard
A lot of air tools are 4 to 6 SCFM. Thus, you may be constantly waiting for the 5.4 SCFM model to refil the tank if you use many 6 SCFM tools. But it should be sufficient. The 6.4 SCFM will work well with just about any tool.

The major exception is impact wrenches. Those often need 12 SCFM or more. Thus, with either model, you'll need to wait for the tank to refil if you want to use it continuously.

To me, the tank volume is a lot less important than the gas flow rate. All that the tank does is make it run less often. I'd much rather get something with enough flow rate to do my jobs well than get something with a large tank.

good point. the higher SCFM on the craftsman may be worth the money. My only question now is the imact gun. I just spoke with one of my buddies who has been a SAE mechanic for 20 years and he says that they are junk and my not take my lug nut off. But then again he said that he does this for a living and says not to get anything but the 200 dollar impact gun. Basically he said it could be hit or miss.

My impact will take off my lug nuts and it's a cheapie Campbell Hausfeld. It's taken off axle nuts a few times too, and those are torqued down to 150-175lbft. I've never seen an impact that can't take off lugs. I've even seen people use onboard air systems (converted from air conditioning compressors) on their Jeeps to run air tools on the trail. Makes things a lot easier when you are 30 miles from the nearest power outlet

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Maximus96
i bought the 33gal craftsman unit from sears a year ago. its loud as hell when it runs but i guess thats normal. i mostly use it with the included impact wrench, never touched the hammer and used the ratchet once. use a torque wrench to torque to spec, the impact gun is only good for taking off a bolt.

Air hammers are REALLY nice for chiselling stuff. I have used it on rusted parts more than once.

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod
good point. the higher SCFM on the craftsman may be worth the money. My only question now is the imact gun. I just spoke with one of my buddies who has been a SAE mechanic for 20 years and he says that they are junk and my not take my lug nut off. But then again he said that he does this for a living and says not to get anything but the 200 dollar impact gun. Basically he said it could be hit or miss.

I've never used an impact gun myself, so I'd just take your buddy's advice. It may be hit-or-miss on that item.

 

[iamwiz82]

Here's a pic that Evadman once posted. 1600lbft impact wrench was required to remove a bolt originally torqued down to 175lbft.

 

[BoomerD]

As a rule, the air tools that come with the compressors are pretty crappy quality. Suitable for light homeowner use, but that's about all. You can invest in better quality tools, but they get pretty expensive.
The numbers you need to compare are these:
Air delivery is 5.6/3.8 SCFM @ 40/90 PSI. Use those numbers when buying air tools. Each tool will have it's own air requirement. For example, this Ingersoll Rand heavy duty impact wrench has the requirements of 4-17 CFM @ 104 psi. The Husky compressor you linked to will only provide 3.8 cfm @ 90 lbs, short of what that gun needs. You'll have to be concious of this when buying both compressor and tools.
Check warranty on them both carefully, as IIRC, the Craftsman has a 1 yr, and the Husky has 2 yr. You may be able to get a better quality compressor (without the tools) for about the same price, but you'll have to buy your own tools. For home mechanics use, an impact wrench and ratchet will be valuable. Many kits come with chipping guns and spray guns, which are usually less valuable to most of us.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: dullard

Originally posted by: Cattlegod
good point. the higher SCFM on the craftsman may be worth the money. My only question now is the imact gun. I just spoke with one of my buddies who has been a SAE mechanic for 20 years and he says that they are junk and my not take my lug nut off. But then again he said that he does this for a living and says not to get anything but the 200 dollar impact gun. Basically he said it could be hit or miss.

I've never used an impact gun myself, so I'd just take your buddy's advice. It may be hit-or-miss on that item.

which one would you recommend. the 5.4 scfm for 20 bucks less + more tools, or the 6.4 scfm for 20 bucks more and less tools (i.e. 50-80 bucks more to buy the other tools)

 

[iamwiz82]

You will also need to buy impact sockets. I have snapped 3-4 regular sockets on my impact wrench. Then I have to make the hike to Sears to get them replaced.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: dullard
A lot of air tools are 4 to 6 SCFM. Thus, you may be constantly waiting for the 5.4 SCFM model to refil the tank if you use many 6 SCFM tools. But it should be sufficient. The 6.4 SCFM will work well with just about any tool.

The major exception is impact wrenches. Those often need 12 SCFM or more. Thus, with either model, you'll need to wait for the tank to refil if you want to use it continuously.

To me, the tank volume is a lot less important than the gas flow rate. All that the tank does is make it run less often. I'd much rather get something with enough flow rate to do my jobs well than get something with a large tank.

good point. the higher SCFM on the craftsman may be worth the money. My only question now is the imact gun. I just spoke with one of my buddies who has been a SAE mechanic for 20 years and he says that they are junk and my not take my lug nut off. But then again he said that he does this for a living and says not to get anything but the 200 dollar impact gun. Basically he said it could be hit or miss.

I agree, it's kind of a trade off with impact guns. The cheaper ones often don't have enough torque to do the job, but the good ones take more SCFM. If your using this to make a living, I would go with a $200+ gun, and a compressor with at least 9 SCFM

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: dullard
A lot of air tools are 4 to 6 SCFM. Thus, you may be constantly waiting for the 5.4 SCFM model to refil the tank if you use many 6 SCFM tools. But it should be sufficient. The 6.4 SCFM will work well with just about any tool.

The major exception is impact wrenches. Those often need 12 SCFM or more. Thus, with either model, you'll need to wait for the tank to refil if you want to use it continuously.

To me, the tank volume is a lot less important than the gas flow rate. All that the tank does is make it run less often. I'd much rather get something with enough flow rate to do my jobs well than get something with a large tank.

good point. the higher SCFM on the craftsman may be worth the money. My only question now is the imact gun. I just spoke with one of my buddies who has been a SAE mechanic for 20 years and he says that they are junk and my not take my lug nut off. But then again he said that he does this for a living and says not to get anything but the 200 dollar impact gun. Basically he said it could be hit or miss.

I agree, it's kind of a trade off with impact guns. The cheaper ones often don't have enough torque to do the job, but the good ones take more SCFM. If your using this to make a living, I would go with a $200+ gun, and a compressor with at least 9 SCFM

Not doing it for a living, more of just DIYer. Want something that will make any jobs I do easy and not waste my money basically.