air compressor size...

[BOL]

So I want an air compressor to assist me with all my ranger disassembly and assembly needs. What do I get? around $250-300. Something I can use to loosen and tighten bolts and stuff. Is 150 psi enough? How many gallons? Please help. I would hate to buy one that can't do the job. Like a pancake one from craftsman 3 gallon 150 psi. Probably not enough gallons, huh?

[Jay FX4]

I have a 5 gallon. It holds enough that I can rotate all 4 tires - 20 lugs x 2 - without it having to refill.

I suppose the capacity you'll want will depend on what you're doing with it. If it's only going to be in your garage, the capacity might not really matter if you can just leave it plugged in.

[BOL]

how many psi is it?

[ozziemo27]

Its really not so much about the PSI as the CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute). That is the rate at which the air comes out of the compressor. You could have a 60 gallon tank with a motor that puts out no CFMs or have a 6 gallon tank with a motor that puts out alot of CFMs and be much better off. The size of tank will determine how often the motor is going to run to keep the tank full of course so thats up to you. If you do small jobs for a shorter amount of time, you would probably be fine with a smaller tank. Extra PSI doesn't do much at all for performance. Base your purchase off of the CFM rating on the compressor. To determine how much CFM you are going to want on a compressor, I would suggest looking at a chart like this http://www.northerntool.com/catalog/buyersguides/aircompressors/
and look at which tools you are going to be running and get a compressor that exceeds your most CFM-intensive tool. Check your local craigslist, I'd bet theres a bunch of compressors on there. And make sure of the CFM to make sure it has enough power for what you want before you go and look at it or buy it. :icon_thumby:

- Jordan

[BOL]

Awesome! thanks Jordan. That is exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you.

[ozziemo27]

No problem! Happy hunting :icon_cheers:

[orfordguy@yahoo.com]

i have a 6 gallon Quincy that puts out 200 psi turned up..i keep it a 125 and flow 10.5cfm at that setting...its backed by what used to be a walmart 3hp 5 gal compressor... after 3 years it blew up so now it serves as a secondary tank for the quincy, i run an air dryer on the outlet to prolong my tool life and a detachable oiler to oil my tools... its detachable for paint jobs oil in paint will ruin it so its unplugable...hope that :shok:help...