Let's talk air compressors

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Ok, so with my new Miller 220v plasma cutter I am planning on a new compressor and air line.  First things first is deciding on a compressor.The first thing I look for is the requirements for my cutter are 6.0 CFM @ 90 psi.  And, since I am a relative cheapskate I found a Husky at HD.  See here:  http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...atalogId=10053My uses are for future air tools and prob never for painting.  I have a garage shop and I am strictly a hobbiest.  Do I need any more of a compressor than this?
Reply:Remember the requirements for your plasma are basically for continual cutting at full performance. In other words the compressor will be powerful enough to fill the tank and shut off while you are still cutting. You can get away with lesser of a compressor if you don't plan on making really long cuts or running it on a CNC table. I have a cheap compressor that probably puts out about half of the required 3.5 scfm to run my PM30 continually. But I've made cuts up to 8 feet long on 1/8th inch material with out a problem.That being said, I would never discourage someone from getting a bigger tool. There are tons of good cheap airtools out there that you may want some day and it would be nice to have a compressor that is not always playing catch up. The link you provided is to a fairly low end compressor that has been rebuilt. 3 HP for 60 a gallon tank is a bit small, that motor is going to be running a lot. I think you can do better. I just did a quick craigslist search for Dallas and there are a ton of good compressors in this price range that I think you'd be better off with. I bet you could pick up most of these for a couple hundred less than they are asking if you show up with cash. http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/1665189068.htmlhttp://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/1668867621.htmlhttp://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/1668284077.htmlhttp://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/1657264526.htmlhttp://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/1627972948.htmlLast edited by slagmatic; 04-01-2010 at 04:14 PM.
Reply:I've got a 5hp 20 compressor.  Had it for about 15 years.  It works OK EXCEPT...can't run a die grinder/air drill/cut-off wheel for very long as the compressor can't keep up with the tool and that gets very annoying.  Seems to work OK with the 60 amp plasma cutter but still cycles on/off alot.I think it would work OK for spray painting except I don't do that (pisses off the neighbors and makes a big mess in the shop).I was looking into getting a small/medium size sand blast cabinet but those things take LOTS of air...25 to 35 scfm.  Thats a big compressor.My advice...get the biggest one you can afford.Miller 211 w/ spool gunMiller Dynasty 200DXLongevity 60i IGBT plasmaO/A w/ crappy chinese torch/gaugesSouth Bend 10K latheGrizzly 4029 10x54 millGrizzly 7x12 hor bandsawangle grnders, bench grnder, bench belt sndr7.5 hp 80gal cmprsor
Reply:Thanks for the advice guys.  I have no problem spending money on tools and I am all about "future proofing" myself for what I might need later on.At this point I will focus on finding a good two-stage compressor on CL.  Should be able to find one in the $500 range I guess.  Will keep everyone posted.
Reply:Originally Posted by grohlOk, so with my new Miller 220v plasma cutter I am planning on a new compressor and air line.  First things first is deciding on a compressor.The first thing I look for is the requirements for my cutter are 6.0 CFM @ 90 psi.  And, since I am a relative cheapskate I found a Husky at HD.  See here:  http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardw...atalogId=10053My uses are for future air tools and prob never for painting.  I have a garage shop and I am strictly a hobbiest.  Do I need any more of a compressor than this?
Reply:Actually, here is my thread on it if you wish to see it:http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=40000The Lord has declared, "This is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man"  Moses 1:39Link: My name is John, and I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.-- ColdCreekWorks.com --