Topic: Air Compressors

[Venturous]

I am shopping for air compressors. My primary reason now is to try my hand at painting motorcycles with
a HVLP gun. I have limitations that eliminate some of the real big boys. I need portability, it must run on
120v, and of course cost is a factor.

From a little research I have learned that oil lubed compressors are much quieter and probably will last
longer than the newer oil free models. I know I should get the biggest tank and HP I can. Here I am
limited by portability and available electricity.

My question from those that have painted with a HVLP gun is would either of these be sufficient for the job?
Yes, I know buying something bigger, freestanding, running off of 220, and costing more would be better.
But will either of these allow me to paint a motorcycle??

And, do you see any differences that would make one a winner over the other, or are these pretty
much equals? As it is now, I'm watching to see which has the best sale over the next few weeks. Unless
of course I learn something more here.

Craftsman Pro

SCFM Delivery At 40 psi:    7.4 SCFM
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi:    5.8 SCFM
Compressor Tank Capacity:    25 gal.
Maximum Compressor psi:    150 psi
Compressor Tank Pump Style:    Oil Lube
Compressor Tank Type:    Horizontal
Amps:    15.0
Horsepower:    1.80 hp
Air Filter Type:    Auto-type paper
Cylinder Liner:    Cast iron
Overload Protection:    Thermal
Voltage:    120/240 volts

Husky Pro

# Horsepower : 2 HP
# Maximum Pressure : 135 PSI
# SCFM Delivery At 40 psi:    6.5 SCFM
# SCFM Delivery At 90 psi:    5.5 SCFM
# Power Requirement : Convertible From 120 Volt/15 Amp Operation To 240 Volt/7.5 Amp Operation
# Regulator : Yes
# Tank Capacity : 26Gals.
# Voltage Rating : 120 Volts
# Wheels/Portability : Yes
# Working Pressure Gauge : Yes

[Steve F]

My limited experience with compressors tells me that if you're intending to use a certain type of compressor, you need to get filters and dryers for the output air, to remove oil mist and condensation to avoid contaminating the paint job.  If you can get an "oil-less" compressor that has enough CFM to run your gun, I would consider this type first.

[333]

And I know even less, but I would think that any paint gun will have a certain requirement of a specific CFM and pressure.

[Peterbylt]

I've been using this compressor, http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8728034#Features+%26+Specifications
For the last year and I am quit happy with it.
I have painted a couple of bikes using this spray gun, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91009
With excellent results.
It will also run all my airtools with no issues.
I would not use it for a commercial application but it is perfect for garage use.
I paid $112.00 for it and I have seen it on sale a few times for $120.00.

Peter

[droopy]

I've been using this compressor, http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8728034#Features+%26+Specifications
For the last year and I am quit happy with it.
I have painted a couple of bikes using this spray gun, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91009
With excellent results.
It will also run all my airtools with no issues.
I would not use it for a commercial application but it is perfect for garage use.
I paid $112.00 for it and I have seen it on sale a few times for $120.00.

Peter

+1
I have a 80 gallon 240volt 175psi compressor
But used a friends compressor that was very similar to the one listed above
it did everything that I asked it to do except run my sandblaster continuously at 90 psi
It should do hplv spray gun with no problem just need a dryer of good quality and regulator at spray gun

[Ichiban 4]

It's pretty straight forward to figure on the type of compressor you need.  First you need to determine what the maximum free air/absolute cubic feet per minute requirements are for the tools you'll be using.  All pneumatic tools are rated in terms of their CFPM requirements.  Also note if you can if those numbers are ABSOLUTE or not.  It does make a difference. Then figure on whether you'll be using more than one tool at a time (probably not with small applications).

The voltage isn't a big deal actually for smaller compressors..but the amperage is.  1/2 hp motors up to about 2 hp usually require 20 amp circuits at least.

Then there's the issue of single or dual stage compressors.  Usually for low pressure applications (150 psi or less) a single stage will work fine.

But if I may suggest: $120.00 for a decent compressor is peanuts.   Even $500.00 would be reasonable for a good higher CFPM output model.  Paying a few extra bucks for a unit that keeps up with your air usage is far superior to having to stop work all the time to allow the compressor to catch up.

And..just to put things in perspective here: my 5 hp compressor that puts out 20 ACFPM (which is necessary for doing sand blasting/bead blasting) cost over $1,300.00 30 years ago.  Similar models (Atlas Copco) cost well over $2,500.00 today.  But I'm still using it w/o any major repairs in all these years.

Cheers,

Ichi

[KeithTurk]

#$%*en part about your issue here is YOUR needs are what they are... and you don't need us to tell you more is obviously better...

I've gotten away with some amazingly cheapskate compressors... and for scooter parts and the like... just about anything is going to be fine...  ( I ran a one man auto paint shop with a 5hp 110 sears for years )

Do what ya gotta do for now... go it CHEAP... then later when your better settled... ( meaning can go the non portable 220 route )... you'll know Tons more about what you need...

I love my 2 stage that puts out huge volume and pressure and cost 795bucks...   Freaking China... sometimes I love to hate them...

Keith

[eldar]

The easy part about this is you want to paint motorcycle parts. What is the biggest part? The tank? Gee that is huge you know!

Anyways, most of the painting on a bike is going to be in bursts. You are not covering large areas and so you should be fine. I have that husky compressor and it has worked great for regular use. I predict that when I actually paint, hopefully thing spring, it will do just fine.

[Venturous]

Yes eldar, I hope to paint this spring. In my case I do a have bit more than just the size of the
gas tank as I will painting the sidecar tub the same color as the bike. Bigger surface, but still
not huge.

[olds-cool]

My buddy and I both bought this one at harbor freight http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94667
We have both been impressed by it for what it is.  It's offered in a 110 or a 220v version and it's very portable.  Do yourself a favor and wait a bit for it to go on sale.  They run them for $160 all the time.  Even better if you can rustle up a 15% off coupon while they are on sale.  That's how I got mine.  I ended up paying less than $140.  Most of the Central stuff seems to be right up there with the Ingersol stuff.  The only things that you may want to change are the regulator, because it's a little chincy, and the wheels could be a little bigger.  It fills fairly quick and I only had to stop a few times during an hour of sandblasting and only because I was getting down to about 40lbs and it just didn't want to siphon sand anymore.