[fatboy95]

I have been searching through the forums and reading everything I can about air comperssors and everything I have read has said to buy a 2 stage. Well, it comes down to it.. I am poor and can only afford to purchase a compressor for around $450.00. I am thinking about this one from home depot http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...gng.0&MID=9876

I am restoring a 69 Chevelle and plan on doing everything I can myself from sanding to painting. Thanks for any advice about this. As big as a purchase as this will be I just want to have as much knowledge about what I am getting myself into before I do it and regret it.

fatboy

[mrcleanr6]

your link took me to a page full of generators

[fatboy95]

How strange... try this link and see if it works it is supposed to be the HUSKY
7 Peak HP 60 Gal Husky Compressor Model VT6314

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3966&pos=n24


for some reason it is cutting out part of my link.... not sure why...

[OneMoreTime]

The 60 gal size units are fine for a one man shop..lot of us just get by with something smaller.. Oh well

OMT

[roger1]

Originally Posted by fatboy95

How strange... try this link and see if it works it is supposed to be the HUSKY
7 Peak HP 60 Gal Husky Compressor Model VT6314

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3966&pos=n24


for some reason it is cutting out part of my link.... not sure why...

Your link is still no good.
However, that compressor will be fine for painting and most air tools.

I would go for a bigger one only if you were considering going for a bead blaster or some really air-needy air tools down the road.

[Early B's]

You reeeeeeally should get a 2 stage if you can. A DA sander, jitterbug or air file will use alot of air and you will just end up working a small compressor to death. Go look for some used compressors at auctions, garage sales,etc. Check with some of the local body shop guys. If you have 220V power avail in your garage you should be able to fine a real good used compressor. BTW - some of the older american made 2 stage - belt driven compressors will still outlast a new one! Bottom line: IMO you would be better off getting a used 2 stage vs. a new single stage.

[fatboy95]

I did find a highoutput compressor at Lowes yesterday that is still in my price range. I may go ahead and get it. I just can not afford to spend 800 or so on a compressor and 500 is pushing it right now but I can not do anything to my car till I get one, well I could but it sure is easier to work with a compressor. I will have to add a 220 Outlet to my garage for it but that isn't a big deal... my father-in-law is an electrician and he will help me with that.

Thanks for all the input too...

[BondoKing]

I agree with EarlyB. In the long run it will be worth it, unless this is the only project you are ever going to do.... then.... you make the judgment call

BK

[adtkart]

I have a 5 HP PUMA that I bought about 15 years ago. It is a single stage and has done just fine for me. There are times that I would love to have had a larger one, like when sand blasting large parts, but it has gotten me by. Since I usually only work by myself, capacity has not been a big problem. The only real problems that I have had with it are that one of the capacitors in the motor went out, and burned up the motor. I got a new one at Northern for $180 and was going again. Now the head gasket in the pump has blown, so I need to locate a new gasket or buy a new compressor. I may go for a 2 stage this time, but for 15 years, I don't feel that I have gone wrong.

[68Camaro396/375]

How can you tell a 2 stage by looking at it? Or can't you? It's been so long since I bought mine (28 yrs. ago) I can't remember.

[BondoKing]

Originally Posted by 68Camaro396/375

How can you tell a 2 stage by looking at it? Or can't you? It's been so long since I bought mine (28 yrs. ago) I can't remember.

The only two stages I see have 2 heads instead of one. A two stage compressor simply compresses the air twice before dumping it into the tank. Double pump on every stroke adds up.... see what I am saying.

Single stage 1 head and motor. 2 stage 2 heads 1 motor, preferrably belt driven,not shaft, cast iron heads always ( dont waste your money on aluminum with sleeves) min of 5 horse for good long term painting, bodywork etc... I like 80 gallon tanks ( just what I like) you can go 60 gallon.

BK

[Bee4Me]

http://www.brehob.com/Techinfo/AdivG...vglossary1.htm

Just because it has 2 cylinders dosen't make it 2 stage. Mine is a V twin but still single stage. The 2 stage pumps from 1 into the 2nd cyl. and they usually have a higher CFM & PSI rating. That's why they cost more.

If you have a Harbor Frieght,I'd check them too as most all these "whatever name" units are made by the same 2 or 3 companys. The 60 gal 5-7 1/2 hp will do fine. Just make sure it's @90 rating is at least 10 SCFM(which is low). More the better.
@40 dosen't mean squat.Who cares at 40

Northern Tool has some deals as well and some with
FREE shipping.

[BondoKing]

Originally Posted by Bee4Me

http://www.brehob.com/Techinfo/AdivG...vglossary1.htm

Just because it has 2 cylinders dosen't make it 2 stage. Mine is a V twin but still single stage. The 2 stage pumps from 1 into the 2nd cyl. and they usually have a higher CFM & PSI rating. That's why they cost more.

If you have a Harbor Frieght,I'd check them too as most all these "whatever name" units are made by the same 2 or 3 companys. The 60 gal 5-7 1/2 hp will do fine. Just make sure it's @90 rating is at least 10 SCFM(which is low). More the better.
@40 dosen't mean squat.Who cares at 40

Northern Tool has some deals as well and some with
FREE shipping.

Cool bro, I had always thought you had to have 2 cylinders ( meaning heads) for this action to take place. Live and learn

Here is the one I have.http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...D=9876&pos=p07

Something else I have done in the past to increase flow on lessor compressors is take your NPT fitting ( male) and drill out the opening up two sizes with a drill press and you should see a big increase in pressure to your guns or tools for that matter. I have seen 30 pound increases doing this. I use those same fittings on the tools I have now and my compressor does not labor as much. You can turn my DA almost all the way down, makes things really nice.

I know this will help increase the cfm at the spray gun or tool. I also reccomend using 1/2" line instead of 3/8". You will have more volume and pressure at the tool with bigger lines, so if you are using a compressor that is boderline and you are using "bored out" fittings if you will, and larger line, I think it makes things easier on yourself and the compressor. Just my opinion though which does not make it 100%

BK

[Dubz]

I have a single stage, 2 cylinder, 7 hp, 60 gal coleman compressor.

It works wonderful for everything i have ever needed, OTHER than a da sander, those things use so much air it's not funny. However, spending another $400 on a compressor so i don't have to wait so much for one tool....i'd still go with the one i have. And the tool does work, it just sucks back the air extremely quick, and the motor kicks in often and runs for a long while if using it constant. I'm sure i could have picked a da that used less air too, but didn't pay attention when i picked it up.

[evilstepdad]

I have been looking at this one from Lowes.

Kobalt High Output for $547..Cast Iron Pump, 13.3 scfm@90 psi and 15.0 scfm @ 40 psi... 135 max psi.. 60 gal. tank..

Just me and my son kicking it trying to build something. Check it out and for you in the know what do you think? Next step up is almost a windshield for the project.

evilstepdad