Air Compressor

[elliottdl]

I am planning to go to the local community college next semester and taking automotive body repair. My hopes are that someday I can have a shop of my own. For right now I am looking to get an air compressor to use around the house. I have a junk car that I will be "practicing" on. I guess my question is what size air compressor should I be looking at for painting and the sort. I am thinking about getting a used one for right now because I am really short on cash. Thanks a million for your help.

David

[mike@af]

I say minimum of 20-25 gallon, otherwise the compressor wont keep up.

[ec437]

what are compressors used for in auto body repair?

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by ec437

what are compressors used for in auto body repair?

What arent they used for? I use my compressor for everything.

• Grinder
• Die Grinders
• Sanders
• Polishers
• Recip saws
• air hammers
• air chisels
• Ratchets
• Impact Wrench
• Spray Guns
• Airbrush
• Blow Gun
• Cutting wheel
• Orbital Sanders

I could keep going on and on.

[elliottdl]

Thanks Mike. Yesterday I missed a deal by one hour. A guy had a used Craftsman 60 Gallon Air Compressor for $200. He sold it one hour before I called him. Oh well thats how my luck has been lately. Do you suggest any certain type (Brand) Compressor. Or any features I should look for. Thanks

[mike@af]

I suggest oiled for the main feature. Brands, Porter Cable, Campbell Hausfeld, Craftsman, Ironforce (owned by Campbell Hausfeld). Those are the top three in compressors.

[elliottdl]

What about HP? I found a 3 HP 30 Gallon Craftsman. 3 HP just sounds low to me. But then again I know nothing about air compressors.

[mike@af]

Horsepower doesnt much matter. More horsepower makes it fill faster, and sometimes its noisier.