Is an air compressor a must for the workshop?

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I'm setting up a small workshop and everyone keeps saying that I need an air compressor but I managed without one so far. Do I need one? What exactly can you do with it that makes it a worthwhile investment?Thanks in advance for any opinions!Pete
Reply:Pete,    I went without one for years also and could still get by (maybe) without one today even with a plasma cutter, but would have to use bottled air, that cost would soon tell you you need one. That being said, it sure makes life alot easyer with one. I can use air tools, my plasma cutter, air tires, use my air jack,etc.etc. Its a great tool to have in the shop (yes its a tool)www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Well for starters, if you don't have one now, you will want one in the future, and that is a plasma cutter. Especially if you are running a business. They need air and lots of it. At least a 60 gal if not an 80 gal compressor will be a must, IMHO!
Reply:Guess it depends on what you want to do. I use mine in the shop mostly for inflating tires ( darn hand truck  and wheel barrow tires never stay inflated. ) and for powering my sandblaster on occasion.  I used to use a lot more air tools when I used to wrench on vehicles and equipment though.  Nothing beats a good impact wrench for loosening stuck nuts and bolts. An air powered chipping gun or needle scaler is also useful on occasion.  I don't have 230v power yet at the shop so I can't use my plasma there right now. At home I use bottled air for the plasma..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I can't imagine a shop without one.  Thinking back it was one of the first tool/machines I ever purchased on my own. Mine is about about 25 years old. It is about time for a new one for me or at least a new tank. In my opinion a home shop can get by on lower output welding equipment but an air compressor is something that you need to spend money on if you can't find a good used deal.
Reply:I don't use mine much, but can't live without it.Filling tires.Plasma cutting.Much easier to use tools on the air compressor than waiting for cordless batteries to charge.Air attachment to blow all the debris outside and clean the floor.Filling up toys for the pool and such. Sandblast cabinet needs air.Usual crap like that. Even if you get a small one to keep under the table for when you need it.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I only have a 15 gal comp.......but I couldn't do without it.Miller 252Miller Bobcat 225Lincoln MigPak 1801959 Hyster forkliftHarris OA torch
Reply:You forgot the inevitable!Air Nailers!If you are a "do it yourselfer", then you'll need to fix a shingled roof sooner or later!
Reply:I started out with one of the 20 gallon 3-5 horse belt drive jobs. It worked great for ,any years. Ousted it for die grinders, paint, inflating tires, plasma cutter, impact wrench, DA sanders, etc. when that finally wore out I happened upon a big high pressure unit (parts really) that needed assembly. I don't know how I would manage my shop now without air.
Reply:I got the CH 60 gallon at Tractor Supply when it was on sale for $450. While it's no Ingersol Rand, Puma, Quincy, or Speedaire it does the job. If buying new be sure to get a couple bottles of compressor oil to top it off. It's recommed to change the oil after the break in period. Won an older Blue Point 1/2 inch drive impact last week on eBay for $47 delivered to add to the ever growing pneumatic collection.  I don't need it often as I mostly use my little 3/8's drive Craftsman, but when you need it ya NEED it! Late to bed, and early to rise. Fish like hell so I don't have to make up lies. Syncrowave 200MM211 & Spoolmate 100
Reply:Check out Tractor Supply. They are selling a 60 gal. 3HP Ingersol Rand for $399.99!!!!!
Reply:Man couldn't live without my air impact tools, die grinders, cutoffs, shear, air nailers...etc... Plus sandblaster and plasma.I have four in various sizes for different jobs and portability vs stationary. (air nailer size up to 80 gallon for the shop)Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Damn that figures! I HATE sh!t like this with a passion and can feel my blood pressure rising! Happens all too often for my liking!  Iffin' funds permitted I'd snatch one up and sell the year and a half old CH in a jiffy!  Originally Posted by HenrymacCheck out Tractor Supply. They are selling a 60 gal. 3HP Ingersol Rand for $399.99!!!!!
Reply:Everybody talks about gallons but no one ever mentions CFM. Some air tools require lots of CFM. If you have 60 gal of air and not enough CFM it just means you get to run the tool a little longer then stop and wait and the bigger the tank the longer you wait.                                                          MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:An air compressor is not an option in my opinion.Lincoln precision TIG 275Millermatic 140 MIG
Reply:Originally Posted by mla2ofusEverybody talks about gallons but no one ever mentions CFM. Some air tools require lots of CFM. If you have 60 gal of air and not enough CFM it just means you get to run the tool a little longer then stop and wait and the bigger the tank the longer you wait.                                                          Mike
Reply:Ok, WTF is a "Wonder Gun"? If you cant fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem."Boy, everyone starts with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck is empty."-Grandad circa 1990ish
Reply:I think it is a shop vac. However I question anyone that has a Chinese blow gun as their sales point. I can't stand them.Last edited by mikecwik; 08-25-2013 at 11:17 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikI think it is a shop vac.
Reply:And yes, you need an air compressor. How else are you gonna make this?*WARNING* You will giggle like a schoolgirl when you shoot it. And cuss like a sailor when you start sweeping up the pellets. If you cant fix it with a hammer, it must be an electrical problem."Boy, everyone starts with a full bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill the bag of experience before the bag of luck is empty."-Grandad circa 1990ish
Reply:Originally Posted by larpheadI kinda thought that. But I have never seen one run off compressed air before. Would be handy as a pocket on a shirt to keep near the mill to clean up chips and shavings.
Reply:The Wondergun was sold under Jet tools and it was the best pneumatic vacuum I ever used. Unfortunately they don't sell them anymore and I forgot to pack mine when I left my last job.Lincoln precision TIG 275Millermatic 140 MIG
Reply:Air vacs are available here and many other aviation sources.http://www.yardstore.com/browse.cfm/2,456.htmlRogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:Originally Posted by yoshimitsuspeedTrue but they are closely intertwined. You are not going to find an 80 gallon compressor with a 2 hp motor. It would run for 30 min just to fill it up. You also won't generally find a 6 hp 13 gallon compressor. Ultimately you should look at the tools you will be using, the amount of air it consumes, how long you will use it in a given 10 minutes, the output of the compressor, the duty cycle of the compressor, if multiple people will be using multiple tools, etc. Or you just buy a big enough compressor that will just run it all
Reply:you can also start a BBQ in NO TIME !!!--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymousAn air compressor in the shop can be a bad idea.  Look at all the expensive air tools listed above!   If you haven't had one and haven't needed it, no, it's not a necessity.   But if you get one, then look out, here come all the expensive tools needed to make the compressor worthwhile!  ;-)I couldn't live without one, too many leaky tires around the farm.  Of course, now I have a plasma cutter too.
Reply:Originally Posted by larpheadAnd yes, you need an air compressor. How else are you gonna make this?*WARNING* You will giggle like a schoolgirl when you shoot it. And cuss like a sailor when you start sweeping up the pellets.
Reply:Air tools do not generate sparks in the immediate work area like electric tools.With air tools, the electric motor (or gas) can be hundreds of feet away from the work, and still be able to provide a tremendous amount of reciprocating or rotational power at the work, without handheld electrical motors generating a steady stream of sparks.Air tools also can be lighter weight at the work.With air tools, the power source is remote, and self supporting.  With electric tools, the operator has to hand hold the power source, hefting the weight and bulk of the battery, the motor, as well as the tool gearing.  With air tools, only the tool gearing is carried by the operator, without having to also wrangle with a motor, or a motor and a battery.  Air tools offer a higher power to weight and power to size ratio.  A smaller air tool can do more work than a larger electric tool (air compressor size dependent).Respectfully,Charles Brown
Reply:("Air tools do not generate sparks in the immediate work area like electric tools.")Uh, excuse me!  Have you ever seen an air powered grinder or cutoff tool in use?
Reply:Tires always need air, mower needs to be blown clean, vacuum filters to be blown from inside to clean, using a ratchet or impact. I got one in garage and one in barn. The barn shop one gets more use then garage. They are only 1 HP but won't die. I wanna get a 5 HP for barn but my old Speedaire won't die.    You can find them cheap on craigslist. Get one and you'll want a bigger one later.
Reply:Thanks for all the replies! I'm convinced I should at least look at some options Looking around it's not difficult to find tools that need close to 40 cfm under load. But that's a pretty big compressor. Anyway, it seems like it would make the most sense to buy the largest compressor possible considering economy, space and electrical limits.Electrically I'm limited to a 5 or 5 1/2 Hp 3-phase motor. A double stage belt driven compressor seems to supply up to 20 cfm on that kind of horse power. Would a 5 HP compressor with a 80 gallon tank be a flexible choice and good enough to run most of the stuff I would likely get in the near future?
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.Thanks for all the replies! I'm convinced I should at least look at some options Looking around it's not difficult to find tools that need close to 40 cfm under load. But that's a pretty big compressor. Anyway, it seems like it would make the most sense to buy the largest compressor possible considering economy, space and electrical limits.Electrically I'm limited to a 5 or 5 1/2 Hp 3-phase motor. A double stage belt driven compressor seems to supply up to 20 cfm on that kind of horse power. Would a 5 HP compressor with a 80 gallon tank be a flexible choice and good enough to run most of the stuff I would likely get in the near future?
Reply:Air compressor is first line fire extinguisher...  Cools down car interiors (smoldering carpets) real quick .I use the air compressor for:1) removal of big and/or rust nuts.  (Impact gun)2) Cut off tool.3) Cleanup of metals (various sanding attachments).4) Die grinding (trying to keep the Dremel from melting).4) Cleanup of various woods (same attachments - different papers).5) Cold chisel (I think they call them air hammers)6) Plasma cutterand7) Blow dust off stuff.I do have a sand blaster but I have a working deal with a local place that if I factor in cleanup, makes them the choice.  I also have a HF grinder, 4.5".  Mainly use that on big grinding or wire brushing jobs.  4 electric grinders and one air powered.   The electric get 99% of the work.The advantage to air tools is they actually get colder when you use them.  So if you really need to do heavy work, it can be the only way (short of burning out electrical tools).  Air tools tend to be cheaper.The disadvantage are:1) Your dragging around a big cord (the hose).2) It can get so cold that they freeze in the winter.3) Speed control is difficult.4) Cheap tools (like HF) can leak oil like a sieve.  Careful around wood work.  Dripping oil on a piece could ruin it.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Now how would Tim the Toolman reply?  You at least need a big air impact wrench to put snow tires on your Ford Pinto in the fall. And a compressor is essential for gassing up a potato cannon.  (We have one that uses a 20 pound propane tank and has a 10 foot barrel.)"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I think a blast of compressed air would be the last thing I'd use for fire suppression.                                                     MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:With as much water that was coming out of my blow gun yesterday I could have put out the Hindenburg!
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.Thanks for all the replies! I'm convinced I should at least look at some options Looking around it's not difficult to find tools that need close to 40 cfm under load. But that's a pretty big compressor. Anyway, it seems like it would make the most sense to buy the largest compressor possible considering economy, space and electrical limits.Electrically I'm limited to a 5 or 5 1/2 Hp 3-phase motor. A double stage belt driven compressor seems to supply up to 20 cfm on that kind of horse power. Would a 5 HP compressor with a 80 gallon tank be a flexible choice and good enough to run most of the stuff I would likely get in the near future?
Reply:I have a vertical compressor with a true 5 hp motor. It draws about 20 amps per line on 220. It is a two-stage unit with a maximum available pressure of 175 psi, although I set it lower for 135 psi as I never use more than 90 psi on any of my air tools. It has an certified ASME tank that has a 3/16" thick wall. The only maintenance I do is a yearly oil change in the crankcase, a weekly water dump and a periodic blow out of the air filter. It is rated at 21 SCFM and will pump back up in less than two minutes on most uses. I can't recommend an air compressor for a shop enough. It's a basic machine that will give many years of service and for which you will find endless uses. I bought my machine new in 1994 for $1,200 and have never been sorry. It's made in America, as well.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:I forgot to mention using  harbor freight needle scalers. They were cheap and work great too.
Reply:I rarely use mine yet I have two  - - go figure huh?But when I want one there's nothing else that will do.I use it to apply finishes (I have a lovely Italian spray gun), inflate things, clean stuff that's hard to clean otherwise.I tend not to use it for blowing off equipment or machinery as my shop is not a machine shop bot a wood shop with occasional metal work and blowing wood dust around   on a regular basis is a great way to get respiratory problems.Hey~!! It's a hobby. It's not supposed to make sense~!!
Reply:Originally Posted by Pete.S.I'm setting up a small workshop and everyone keeps saying that I need an air compressor but I managed without one so far. Do I need one?
Reply:Originally Posted by HenrymacWell for starters, if you don't have one now, you will want one in the future, and that is a plasma cutter. Especially if you are running a business. They need air and lots of it. At least a 60 gal if not an 80 gal compressor will be a must, IMHO!
Reply:I have three a 10 38 and 185 cfm, I can dredge with the big one!  Buy the biggest one you can and plumb the whole shop for air.