Need Help with Air Compressor and Line Sander

[seabob4]

Craig, an air file makes a HELL of a racket, we used to say to the sorrya$$ finishers, "No air filing on Saturdays!!!"

Of course most of us were hungover...  

[RickK]

Craig, there is really not much learning curve to an inline - you'll like it, especially with 40 grit for roughing the stuff down. A big flap sanding wheel on a 7" grinder is a more dangerous tool. I think I have 40, 80 and 120 paper for the inline. You'll want to get one that has a hook and loop system on it and you can get the boxes of the desired grit paper at a automotive paint place.  The HF inline I bought back in 2000, during my last "refresh", did not have hook and loop so I bought a replacement file board for it this year.  The air files are a little noisy but the compressor running is louder  

[futch13]

Ck on the Bellaire compressors, we bought one for the shop last year and couldn't beleive how quiet it was.  Keeps up with our grinder and burnishing tools.  We had a vane compressor that was 3 phase originally and the bell aire lowered our electric bill by $300/mo.    couldn't believe that either!!!!!!!!  It paid for itself in the first year. :bounce:

[CLM65]

Thanks for the recommendation - those look like great units.  I'm trying to keep to a budget of around $500.  The compressor may see moderate usage during my rebuild, but it will only get light/occasional usage after that, so I don't need top-of-the-line stuff.  The three compressors I'm leaning towards right now are the Kobalt 3.7 hp (Lowes), the Puma 3 hp (Northern Tool), or the Husky 3.7 hp (Home Depot).  All have 60 gallon tanks and are rated for 11.5 to 12 cfm @ 90 psi.  The Husky is the cheapest and has a 2 year warranty.  The Kobalt is slightly more money than the Husky, and has a 3 year warranty.  The Puma is a little more $ than the other two and has the shortest (1 year) warranty.  The Kobalt and Puma both have very good reviews online, and the Husky has a mixed bag of reviews.  Does anyone have any experience with any of these three compressors, or opinions on the brands?  Thanks!

[futch13]

Kobalt is Lowes, extra $'s are for the extra warranty.  If you are ex-military, ie VA card you get 10% off     Kobalt has always seemed to better tools than the Husky to me, but I've never owned either compressor.  The few compressors I've purchased from Harbor freight lasted maybe a year, get the extended warranty  :o

[GoneFission]

A friend of mine just got a new Craftsman that he is very happy with - 150psi, 60 gallon ASME tank, 3.1HP, and under $500:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-prof ... ockType=G1

[dburr]

All things equal, go for the low speed compressor.. I have a 5hp (not bloody likely) 30gal craftsman direct drive and it has lasted almost 20 years but I have HATED every minute that it has run. Loud, obnoxious and not near the refresh rate that it is advertised at, did I mention loud?  I am not complaining about the longevity and operating temp (so far -15F to 105F) range, but the high speed compressor noise will make you bat shirt crazy after 15 min with the inline or any other continuos duty air tool.  And that is with earplugs AND head phones on..

[Aquasport Commodore]

I second the noise thing on the oilless direct drive units from the big box stores. They are turned at max RPM just to get what they advertise but actually dont deliver as stated. While I was looking for mine, everyone told me to get a 2 stage compressor as they will outlive everyone. Look for an old one as they turn slow and have an iron lung. Slow turning means long life.

I bought a 1968 Curtis online for $200 2 years ago. It is so quiet you can have a converstation next to it while it turns. (5-600 rpm). Puts out 175psi and 80 gal tank. Never runs out. Use it for my grinders, sanders, impacts, air ratchets and have more than enough to run things I never even though of buying yet   . No I'm not a mechanic, just like my tools as my hobby.

I recommend you not skimp on this part. You have the bug for rebuilind so just get the good one now that is a little bigger than you want so when you go looking for more garage tools for the next project you tackle, you will be a step ahead. With your skills, I can see that being a big possibility.

I ran mine to my dryer plug and no issue. I had an electrican tie into the plug and put a plug into the garage for power. Price was I want to say $75-125. He provided the wire, box, plug and face plate. It was easy as pie.

If the garage is a little small, put it outside (Rubber Maid makes a nice small shed that goes next to the house that is not much coin that will hold an 80 gal) run a pipe through eve to the garage inside and there you go. Black iron pipe is your friend and cheap. If you run the pipe right, no condenstation in the line, no dryer needed, and wont let you down. If you want a sample plan, I located one on garage journal. I can see if i can find it for you. I don't recommend PVC for airlines, but each is own. Seen what happenes when they fail. Not good.

Here is one in Seffner area on Craigslist for asking $600.00 and it's close to what you want to spend. Its not mine just an example
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/tls/4362610206.html

[TheKid]

How about electric?

http://www.festoolusa.com/search?q=567777