Air Compressors - Home Garage Friendly?

Speedfreak · 08-04-2013

I've been wanting an air compressor for my garage, but would like to hear feedback about all the different types of compressors there are these days. Are there any that are very quiet? Are any of the smaller compressors able to support die grinders?

My main wants are:
- As quiet as possible.
- Able to handle impact wrenches and air ratchets with ease.
- Relatively small footprint.
- Able to be used with a plasma cutter.
- Able to be used with air die grinder? (is this doable?, this is where I get lost of most compressors capabilities)

Any other feedback or suggestions I'm not thinking of wanted!

**Goat Blower** · 08-04-2013

Just do like I did and put it in the basement, then plumb the line through the wall into the garage. I never hear mine.

93gtpeater · 08-04-2013

Air grinders use ALOT of air. At my work we have a 300 gallon air compressor. After using the air grinder for a couple of minutes it turnings on and is able to keep up. I would say get at less a 100 gallon air compressor. That should be able to keep up with an air grinder. You can get on that stands vertical and put it in the corner.

Speedfreak · 08-04-2013

Yeah, I should state my air grinder needs will be sporadic, and shouldn't be to large of jobs. Really should just be some deburring and opening up exhaust tubing etc when merging the tubing etc. Hardest work would be tube notching for roll cage tubing or grinding areas that a cage would be welded.

If this kind of work isn't going to be doable, then I need to find the best option in a small package that will handle short bursts of air grinder use.

I had a large compressor at the old shop, I will not be putting one of those at my house.

Was hoping that some sort of screw type, or one of those with multiple chambers has some magic in them.

MustGoFaster · 08-04-2013

Speaking in general terms:
Vertical tank units take up the least space.
For enough power to run a die grinder without long waits a 220v unit in 3+ HP is best
2+hp units in 110v use high speed motors and make tons of noise.

For the use you describe, I would say, a 220V unit from Home Depot or similar in the 3 hp range should keep you happy.

Just remember "power out" = "power in - a few %".
High power at low voltage(110V)= high speed low torque and high noise.
High power with more voltage(220V) nets more torque and lower speeds. Low speed = less noise.

Pushit2.0 · 08-04-2013

I have a husky vertical 60gallon tank 220volt single stage 135psi max.

I put the tank on rubber isolators and the noise is not bad, in the house its more of a white noise. In the garage you can carry a conversation, but if you are using loud air tools you have ear plugs in so it works great.

~John

**scheides** · 08-05-2013

About 3 years ago I bought something like this at Harbor Freight. It's been great with a simple air ratchet and I have a nice 650lb-ft IR impact gun and it's been perfect for the occasional clutch job and a few motor swaps. Not the quietest, but its simple, 120V so it'll work in most any garage, and it fits in the back seat of my jetta.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...sor-67847.html

simulatedwood · 08-05-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by scheides

About 3 years ago I bought something like this at Harbor Freight. It's been great with a simple air ratchet and I have a nice 650lb-ft IR impact gun and it's been perfect for the occasional clutch job and a few motor swaps. Not the quietest, but its simple, 120V so it'll work in most any garage, and it fits in the back seat of my jetta.

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...sor-67847.html

Just a note, this unit requires the occasional head gasket replacement due to too much boost, just like a dsm, so you all should feel right at home with this unit.

**JET** · 08-05-2013

I think a 60 gal unit would be fine for you. I got an 80 gallon and it has been plenty even when porting. SCFM is the rating you want to look at, but not all are rated equally. Mine is rated at 12 SCFM, but I think it is around 9-10. It was still a good buy and has been reliable for almost 10 years and gets used quite a bit. I have heard good things about these Puma's for the money.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5341_200455341

Speedfreak · 08-05-2013

All great info. I like how cheap the one Scheides posted is. I was looking at this one which would be comparable:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30-...2#.UgAom_nOuJ8

Jet, I think that is just beyond what I want to do, I'd like portable. Also, my brain says tires will reduce vibration passed to to the floor/house.

mark4g63t · 08-05-2013

Tires definitely help with the vibration/noise output.

EclipseGST · 08-06-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedfreak

All great info. I like how cheap the one Scheides posted is. I was looking at this one which would be comparable:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30-...2#.UgAom_nOuJ8

Jet, I think that is just beyond what I want to do, I'd like portable. Also, my brain says tires will reduce vibration passed to to the floor/house.

Definitely get an oil lubricated compressor. If you can find something with a lower RPM run speed it will be a lot quieter.

Mine runs at 1150rpms and is more of a "Thump thump thump" vs some of those smaller ones run at 3450 and 1750 and sound like a weed wacker. haha

**JET** · 08-06-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedfreak

All great info. I like how cheap the one Scheides posted is. I was looking at this one which would be comparable:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30-...2#.UgAom_nOuJ8

Jet, I think that is just beyond what I want to do, I'd like portable. Also, my brain says tires will reduce vibration passed to to the floor/house.

Just keep your expectations in line if you go with something like that. 5.3 scfm and a 30 gallon tank will probably limit you to 2 minutes of use with a die grinder at a time. I have a little harbor freight 5 gallon I use for being portable and it was like $75. Easy to throw in the truck, etc. Might be an option to go with a bigger one and a really portable one.