Air compressors, a couple questions

[SpoolinNoMore]

I currently have a 3 gallon 2.5 SCFM@90psi electric compressor (pretty tiny, good for small detailing of vents/limited for carpets, etc.) however want something a bit beefier without breaking the bank. I was wondering what SCFM you guys use in your shops. I want to start using a Siphon Spray Blow Gun for engines/undercarriages and need something beefier for my impact wrench on wheels and die grinder for regular tasks (tried using my little compressor when taking my grinder to sharpen my lawnmower blades...took way too long waiting for compressor to keep building up). With that in mind, the best I could come up with was this: 4.3 SCFM @ 90 psi for $139, do you think it would work for what I need?

I was also wondering how often you empty the pressure from your tanks (if you do at all). With my little 3 gal compressor I dump it after every use, but with a 20 gal unit I don't think dumping pressure every time would be entirely necessary.

Thanks in advance!

[Ron Ketcham]

Puma, made in Tenn, has the most reasonable cost for the size you are in need of.
Mine is 150 PSI, 60 gal tank, 12 CFM at 100 PSI, run all my air tools, from the die grinder. large media blaster cabinet, air polishers, impact wrenches, etc.
Normal cost is around $650 but I got mine on sale at Farm and Home for $444.00.
I was going to go with the Quincy brand (about $400 higher) but several friends have the Puma and are very happy so I took their advice. Good unit.
Grumpy

[Paul Sparks]

Ron is right on the money but don't tell him I said so. Hahaha. The link you showed was ok till you mentioned grinder and impact. Especially a die grinder or cut-off wheel will suck the air big time in layman's terms. I'm a tool freak and I have six machines (don't ask why) ranging from a Sandborn 80 gal. on down to a speedy Arie for my air brush. Keeping moisture out of the tanks and system is very important. My 80 and 60 gallon units get drained at least once a month and the smaller ones once a week if used in the summer months when the humidity is high. I also have a inline separator which with quick disconnects goes on which ever unit I have in use.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Ron is right on the money but don't tell him I said so. Hahaha. The link you showed was ok till you mentioned grinder and impact. Especially a die grinder or cut-off wheel will suck the air big time in layman's terms. I'm a tool freak and I have six machines (don't ask why) ranging from a Sandborn 80 gal. on down to a speedy Arie for my air brush. Keeping moisture out of the tanks and system is very important. My 80 and 60 gallon units get drained at least once a month and the smaller ones once a week if used in the summer months when the humidity is high. I also have a inline separator which with quick disconnects goes on which ever unit I have in use.

For a tool freak, Paul, I'm surprised you don't have a refrigerated air dryer on the 80 and 60 gallon units....

Harbor Freight has them for a (comparably) pretty reasonable price, too:

Compressed Air Dryer - Save on this Compressed Air Dryer

[Paul Sparks]

I would have one Charlie except it would have to go up in the attic. My garage is only a little under 30x40. As the wife tells me often "I have too much stuff". Or did she say that I'm full of s**t .I forget. Ha ha ha !

[C. Charles Hahn]

I would have one Charlie except it would have to go up in the attic. My garage is only a little under 30x40. As the wife tells me often "I have too much stuff". Or did she say that I'm full of s**t .I forget. Ha ha ha !

Gotcha; I can relate to the "10lbs. of crap in a 5lb. sack" syndrome, I suffer from it too

[Ron Ketcham]

That's nothing,Charlie, try two tons of horse manue in a one ton truck!!!

Grumpy