Compressor set ups

[Tremor14]

So, I have a Craftsman 20gal. I hate it. When i first started using it, i would run an impact or something for a few minutes, it may cycle on a time or two, no big deal.

Now I am using it specifically for body working tools. DA sanders primarily. This thing runs non-stop and is loud as hell! Its really limiting me, as I have always mandated a strict policy of no power/air tools before 9am or after 8-9pm. I find myself doing a lot of things by hand.

My question is first. Can anyone post up pics of their set ups. primarily filters, regulators etc. I would also like to start using this for painting (priming) and would like to know what all i need to do to start getting fairly consistent results right off the bat, rather than playing around with a million other things.

A new compressor is not in the budget right now, so I am looking to just keep this one. I can deal with the noise for the time being. BUT would more gallons make for more usage time before the motor kicks on (i know the answer; duh). But whats a good start to run a DA for 5-10 minutes before it fires back up.. also what type of filter do i need to run on the tool, and I should be using it on the tool end, as opposed to the compressor end, correct?

any help is appreciated.

[Baron Von Crowder]

DA's use a ton of air, it takes a big compressor to keep up. I had the same issue when I was working in my garage, and doing it a few hours a night. I ended up getting a couple of electric DA's to use, the compressor was way too loud.

[Rick Modena]

What he said, your going to need a lot more HP and gallons of tank to run air tools like DA sanders and the like. I only use air tools while wrenching on things like a bumper cover that has 15-20 7mm screws, other than that I can take apart things faster than it takes the compressor to get get full of air.

[jw33]

I don't use a filter (never do serious paint work) and a simple HF regulator. I built an enclosure outside of my garage for the air compressor to 1: have more working space and 2: keep the noise under control. You really need to step up to a better machine with a larger tank and a compressor that can pump more air to do what you are trying to do. A larger tank will give you more time between compressor cycles, but the compressor is just going to run longer to fill it up each time. There's no free lunch with that. A couple of things I learned are that the pads under the feet of the machine and the compressor air inlet both contibute to the noise. Run the good rubber isolaters on the ground and build a muffler for the intake to make it less noisy. Budget for a good automatic drain for the tank too.

[mk5.0]

Get a bigger two-stage compressor and get rid of that oil free loud as hell craftsman. Home Depot , lowes , and northern tools all have decent sized compressors for around 3-400. I have my 7horse 60 gallon in my shed outside and insulated the shed. I can run mine at all hours of the day without having to worry about neighbors or noise in the garage.

[Tremor14]

DA's use a ton of air, it takes a big compressor to keep up. I had the same issue when I was working in my garage, and doing it a few hours a night. I ended up getting a couple of electric DA's to use, the compressor was way too loud.

thats what the fuck i keep meaning to google.. any suggestions on brands? i really might just go get a harborfreight unit with a warranty.

[Tremor14]

I don't use a filter (never do serious paint work) and a simple HF regulator. I built an enclosure outside of my garage for the air compressor to 1: have more working space and 2: keep the noise under control. You really need to step up to a better machine with a larger tank and a compressor that can pump more air to do what you are trying to do. A larger tank will give you more time between compressor cycles, but the compressor is just going to run longer to fill it up each time. There's no free lunch with that. A couple of things I learned are that the pads under the feet of the machine and the compressor air inlet both contibute to the noise. Run the good rubber isolaters on the ground and build a muffler for the intake to make it less noisy. Budget for a good automatic drain for the tank too.

pic of how you have the regulator set up?

Get a bigger two-stage compressor and get rid of that oil free loud as hell craftsman. Home Depot , lowes , and northern tools all have decent sized compressors for around 3-400. I have my 7horse 60 gallon in my shed outside and insulated the shed. I can run mine at all hours of the day without having to worry about neighbors or noise in the garage.

solid info.. i dont think i can move it outside, but im willing to build a type of closet for it inside the garage.. i may just look to a bigger unit though. this one has less than 20 hours on it, so maybe i can make some money back.

[jw33]

I've had both of these and both of them are pieces of shit. They work alright though. My compressor is setup to put 175psi in the tank/lines.

http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-air-filter-regulator-68247.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/150-psi-air-compressor-regulator-kit-with-gauge-68223.html

[mk5.0]

pic of how you have the regulator set up?



solid info.. i dont think i can move it inside, but im willing to build a type of closet for it inside the garage.. i may just look to a bigger unit though. this one has less than 20 hours on it, so maybe i can make some money back.

Jw33 has a nice enclosure he built for his compressor. Garage journal has a lot of info on inlet setups and stuff to quiet compressors too.

[Rick Modena]

it's funny seeing your son on the mustang groups on FB, i remember when he was like 7, lol

Yup, hes about to turn 21 in a few months. Seems like just yesterday he was getting latched into his car seat in the BAD-SVT, now hes rolling in his own Stang...

[Tremor14]

thats awesome!

[Baron Von Crowder]

I burned up one of the harbor fright ones, but with the warranty, they swapped it without question. The second one never died, and I really havent used it again afterwards. I figured they would burn up really quick, but one lasted a few weeks, and the other was still going strong.

[snacksnack]

Looking into options as well but after seeing a 60 gallon at home depot over the weekend for 340 (was on sale) I think im wasting my time with the junk I have.

[projectPONY]

This is what I built several years back and it has made a world of difference. Take it from someone that paints in the garage, the number one culprit of ruined paint jobs is moisture. This does away with it almost entirely. My filter and regulator consist of some reasonably price units from TP Tools.

[Tremor14]

just a big moisture trap loop?