Nimrod (Jody)

I'm getting ready to buy an air compressor for my garage. Those of you with compressors, what are the minimum CFM and Gallons I should consider? Any particular brands I should look at besides Craftsman? Any other things I should look for? TIA

Rice Etr

I've got a Craftsman 35gal 6HP single stage stand up unit. Air tools such as impact drivers, air ratchets etc usually use anywhere from 20-40 cfm at 50-75psi depending on thier torque rating. Most consumer model compressors will handle that without having to run continuously. Tools like, die grinders, drills ans saws need a lot of CFM and will quickly use up a small tank. Just consider what type of tools you're going to run off of it and then look at the CFM and PSI requirements of the tool(s) and make sure the compressor can meet them. Both the tools and compressors will have the air specs listed on them

HDClown

Which is just a line from CH tailored for lowes. It's the 29gal standup unit with 2 big wheels to move it around. Just under $300

Most tools are rated by SCFM 90psi. This compressor is 6.1 @ 90 (7.4 @ 40). It's not enough SCFM for constant griding, paint spraying, etc. But it will run every mechnics type tool (aside from the grinders/cutters) you need since those are usually in the 4-5 SCFM ratings from what I've seen

The galloange is usually proporionate to the SCFM rating. When you step up to into the 33+ gallon range you usually have high enough SCFM @ 90 for pretty much everything. But I've never seen one that big that isn't attached to a crate, meaning it's mean to be stationary and not move like the one I got was.<ul><li><a href="http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&amp;productId=16060-1126-WL6117">http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&amp;productId=16060-1126-WL6117</a</li></ul>

Nimrod (Jody)

Thanks Guys. I'll keep that info in mind. Thanks for the help.