Originally Posted by
William C Rogers
This is a better definition of my needs. Occasional use of air impact wrench, die grinder, nailers (framing, finishing, Brad and pin).
I would be looking for compressor that can put out at least 7cfm for these. The die grinder uses a fair bit of air, and to set the seals on a impact wrench takes a good burst of initial air.
The compressor I have is bare minimum for some of these, but none are extended use so that is ok. I am a turner and need to blow chips of myself and the lathe. I also pierce using a dental handpiece and it required ~38 psi continuous as it can take a couple of hours to pierce at a time. The current compressor cycles during use about 4 minutes on and 3 minutes off.
This is a greater than 50% duty cycle for the motor and compressor. It's actually pretty amazing that it's lasted this long. You definitely need a larger tank, and higher capacity compressor. I would at minimum double, if not triple, the current CFM rating of CH Compressor.
It's loud and even with ear protection it is annoying. The California Air is quiet. I want quiet, but don't want it constantly running or quickly cycling to keep up with the hand piece. The 2hp 10 gallon is quiet and even considering adding another 10 gallon storage tank.
Based on your description of your current compressor, these two choices are going to run. Not continuously, but just a little less than what you currently have. They'll end up with a duty cycle of less than 50%, but not by much.
I don't have a way to put it outside as I have no buildings and don't want to build a cover for a 20+ year old compressor. For comparison a small pancake compressor cannot keep up at all with the handpiece.
If you look on the internet, you'll find solutions for building sound attenuating enclosures for compressors. You may just need to make one sized appropriately for your current shop. I'm talking about a large "crate like structure" with insulation. Look at the Zombie Box website for ideas.
Since I have very little knowledge regarding selection of compressors should I look for the largest tank size, highest psi, higest SCFM, to optimize my requirements? 110 or 240 is ok. I'm looking for low cost as I'm just a hobbiest and want the best low cost choice.
You're looking for CFM at a given pressure. CFM would be your over riding selection criteria.
One strategy that could be used, is to purchase two smaller, quieter, compressors and put them in parallel when in use. Minus some small losses, the resultant discharge is additive for compressors in parallel. Add a supplemental air receiver tank, and you might be in business.
If you're going to go the single dedicated route, than I think you're looking at a 60 gallon, 5HP air compressor rated for 12-15cfm.
I have the Rolair V5160PT03X. It's not super loud, probably quieter than your CH, but it won't rattle your teeth, and when it cycles I don't need hearing protection in the garage, unless I'm right next to it. It has a lower high end psi rating, but the CFM is fairly good. 17cfm at 90psi. More than enough for air tools.
That dental tool you're using is what you need to purchase for. However many CFM it takes to run, triple it. I think you're going to find that a compressor rated for 12-15cfm at 90+ psi is the range you want to be in.
If the current compressor truly is 4 minutes on and 3 minutes off, you really want to reduce that. Unless you have good mechanical and chemical( desiccant cartridge) moisture separation and removal built into your current setup, you're operating that tool with moisture saturated air after the first half dozen cycles.
The more often a compressor cycles, the more moisture is brought into the system. At +50% duty cycle, for any length of time, the air coming out of the tool is saturated.
Moisture removal is subject completely unto itself, but selecting the most appropriate compressor is the first step. After that it's filters, dryers, cooler, and separators.