duckfatrules said:
what if I just buy an extra 30 gallon tank and connect in series with the old unit. does that count for having a larger tank?
Or if I buy a new 26 gallon unit from sears and then add another 30 gallon tank ?
does that work?
Click to expand...
Theoretically, you're prolonging the operating time at your set pressure output between compressor cycles, so, theoretically, yes, you're increasing the size of the tank.
I'm sure there's some kind of math involved in something along the lines of efficiency loss or something, but, for sake of simplicity, yeah.
Both sides of the argument here are correct. Tank size matters, but compressor CFM output also matters.
As has been mentioned, if you're just going to be zipping some lug nuts off with an impact and inflating some stuff, then your existing compressor will do you fine.
If you're going to get a bit more intense, something with a bigger tank is desirable.
When I first started getting into this stuff, I started with one of these:
http://www.alltradetools.com/catalog/21-835486-5-gallon-twin-tank-air-compressor-reconditioned.html
Bought it at a Schuck's store (now O'Reilly). 5-gallon tank, 3.3CFM @ 90PSI. Along with a cheap pawn-shop Craftsman impact ($5? $10?), it worked out fine for very basic stuff. It's on semi-permanent loan to my father, who uses it for a bunch of his small hobby stuffs.
In 2006 or so, anticipating installing a suspension lift on my Explorer, I bought a Craftsman 33-gallon upright model. One of the oil-less jobs, I think it's 5.1CFM @ 90PSI. Upgrade my cheapo impact gun to an Earthquake from HF, bought a few more air tools, and it worked out quite well. It's big failing showed when trying to use tools that had major air requirements, like die grinders and cut-off tools. These suck major air, and would drop the tank down to the compressor's cut-in quickly, and I'd have to sit there and wait for the tank to get back up to pressure so I could use the tool again.
This is the point that bigger/better compressors start becoming handy.
If I had a bigger tank, I could use the tool longer between cycles. If I had a bigger pump/motor, I would wait less time for the tank to fill up.
If I had both? I might never have to wait again.
Your compressor purchase really depends on what you think you might be doing now and in the future.
If it's going to be years before you need a high-capacity/high-output unit, you could probably easily get by on the Craftsman 33-gallon unit or something similar.
Remember, keep it in good shape, and you can always sell it later when it's time to upgrade. The 33-gallon units at Sears are $340 right now, and regularly drop to $300 or less during sales. Christmas is right around the corner, so I expect to see this happen again soon.
Around here, at least, these easily sell for $200-$250 used, so, if you do buy it now, you're not losing much at all.
When it comes time to buy the big burly unit, shop around. Craigslist is good, and local compressor service/sales places may have something for a heck of a deal. I scored a used 80-gallon/27CFM/7.5HP Campbell Hausfeld unit for incredibly cheap from one of these places.
On your local area Craigslists:
http://greensboro.craigslist.org/tls/3966024421.html
http://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/4084151609.html
The IR one on the Charlotte site is rated 11CFM @ 90psi, per the pictures. I'd imagine the CH one on Greensboro is likely the same.
Both aren't much more expensive than a new 33-gallon Craftsman, but are likely vastly superior. Of course, you can't use your gift card on CL.
Theoretically, you're prolonging the operating time at your set pressure output between compressor cycles, so, theoretically, yes, you're increasing the size of the tank.I'm sure there's some kind of math involved in something along the lines of efficiency loss or something, but, for sake of simplicity, yeah.Both sides of the argument here are correct. Tank size matters, but compressor CFM output also matters.As has been mentioned, if you're just going to be zipping some lug nuts off with an impact and inflating some stuff, then your existing compressor will do you fine.If you're going to get a bit more intense, something with a bigger tank is desirable.When I first started getting into this stuff, I started with one of these:Bought it at a Schuck's store (now O'Reilly). 5-gallon tank, 3.3CFM @ 90PSI. Along with a cheap pawn-shop Craftsman impact ($5? $10?), it worked out fine for very basic stuff. It's on semi-permanent loan to my father, who uses it for a bunch of his small hobby stuffs.In 2006 or so, anticipating installing a suspension lift on my Explorer, I bought a Craftsman 33-gallon upright model. One of the oil-less jobs, I think it's 5.1CFM @ 90PSI. Upgrade my cheapo impact gun to an Earthquake from HF, bought a few more air tools, and it worked out quite well. It's big failing showed when trying to use tools that had major air requirements, like die grinders and cut-off tools. These suck major air, and would drop the tank down to the compressor's cut-in quickly, and I'd have to sit there and wait for the tank to get back up to pressure so I could use the tool again.This is the point that bigger/better compressors start becoming handy.If I had a bigger tank, I could use the tool longer between cycles. If I had a bigger pump/motor, I would wait less time for the tank to fill up.If I had both? I might never have to wait again.Your compressor purchase really depends on what you think you might be doing now and in the future.If it's going to be years before you need a high-capacity/high-output unit, you could probably easily get by on the Craftsman 33-gallon unit or something similar.Remember, keep it in good shape, and you can always sell it later when it's time to upgrade. The 33-gallon units at Sears are $340 right now, and regularly drop to $300 or less during sales. Christmas is right around the corner, so I expect to see this happen again soon.Around here, at least, these easily sell for $200-$250 used, so, if you do buy it now, you're not losing much at all.When it comes time to buy the big burly unit, shop around. Craigslist is good, and local compressor service/sales places may have something for a heck of a deal. I scored a used 80-gallon/27CFM/7.5HP Campbell Hausfeld unit for incredibly cheap from one of these places.On your local area Craigslists:The IR one on the Charlotte site is rated 11CFM @ 90psi, per the pictures. I'd imagine the CH one on Greensboro is likely the same.Both aren't much more expensive than a new 33-gallon Craftsman, but are likely vastly superior. Of course, you can't use your gift card on CL.