x-post: What size air compressor?

**AudiXS4X01** · 11-17-2008 06:01 AM

Hey guys,
I'm looking to get an air compressor in my garage. I'm just not sure what size I need. I only need it for basic stuff such as pressure testing the S4, installing and removing tires, filling up tires,possibly painting, etc. Should I be looking at 5lb, 10lb, 30lb tanks? Thanks for your inputs!

**audimeister** · 11-17-2008 06:22 AM

Impact wrenches and painting need big compressors.

Look at the ratings on the tools you want to use and buy accordingly- they will be rated in CFM @ a certain pressure. Buying the minumum rating of the tool will ensure that the tool will barely work. Always buy more compressor than you need.

**AudiXS4X01** · 11-17-2008 06:26 AM

what would a "big" compressor be considered? 30+? 20+? I've used a compressor at my dad's job, but never bought one..he has an industrial sized one and that worked for everything so I never considered needing one. Now we moved houses and his garage is further and it would be more convenient to have one in the house garage. But, obviously an industrial sized one won't be needed. So i really have no experience in buying these.

**Whitseml** · 11-17-2008 08:27 AM

My dad's got a 20 gal I think and it's worked fine for everything. We've also got a small 5 gal tank to use to fill up tires and everything but the 20 runs impact guns just fine for us.

**audimeister** · 11-17-2008 08:52 AM

It's not just about tank size, but also compressor size. Some manufacturers put a huge tank on a wimpy compressor and fool people into thinking it's a good deal...until the compressor eats itself trying to keep up with high demand and filling a large tank.

Trust me, I've bought three compressors now. Buy a big brand name, and get AT LEAST 20-30% higher CFM @ whatever pressure your tools say they require.

To recap: ignore tank size, and go by CFM's @ pressure ratings.

**hyperlight944** · 11-17-2008 12:33 PM

ehh i just have a 120 gal hehe i got it for free to lol the previous owner thought it was broken .. silly him hahah

cheers

and as said b4 lpook at the ratings the toools you want to use have

--daniel

**ThirdStrike** · 11-17-2008 12:35 PM

if youre going to buy one just go for the 300+ gallon sizes. someday you may want to use impact and you will need a large one for it. sears credit ftMFw

**MacDaddy** · 11-17-2008 04:59 PM

bigger tank makes it more consistent because the pump does not need to cycle as much, as someone else said, they often make huge tanks with tiny ass compressors to make people think they will perform well.

for impact wrenches, 5CFM at 90PSI is adequate, for painting, i would be looking at 10CFM.
I'd also go for an oil lubricated pump(if you get a 5cfm), much much quieter than dry pumps.