Upgrading my Compressor tank ...

metropoj · Post by **metropoj** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 4:24 am

OK, I have a 220V 5 HP compressor, belt drive, with a 20 gallon tank. The machine pushes out I believe 11.5 CFM at 40 and 10.something at 90. Because the tank is so small, I want to place this unit on a 60 gallon upright tank.

What I want to use the thing for is bodywork tools, die grinders, cut off tools, air sanders, D/A Sanders, Impact gun, HVLP gun for Primer and possibly a final paint coat ... ... I figured I'd make the money back for the tank by doing the primary bodywork on my Square and spray the Primer, etc ....

The problem I have now is running out of air too quickly and the pump running constantly. Do you think this will solve my problem ..... I realize I may have to let it catch up eventually, but not as often !

Bobnotch · Post by **Bobnotch** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 6:14 am

DA sanders and die grinders are a controlled air leak, and will try and tax your compressor. I think it would work OK for priming and such, but the DA will work it hard. I have a 7 hp V4 compressor on an 80 gallon tank, and the DA works it pretty hard too. If you do this, drain the water several times while using the DA as it will collect in the bottom and in the lines, especially on the warmer days. I hope this helps.

E-boyz67 · Post by **E-boyz67** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 12:36 am

Aloha, do you have a tank or do you have to buy one? If you got to buy one its better to just buy a bigger air compressor than just buying the tank it may cost the same. Plus if you buy a bigger compressor you could pipe your old one in the bigger and run both of them and you may have all the air you'll need. Just a thought.

metropoj · Post by **metropoj** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 4:53 am

The cost difference was quite astronomical, the tank being 279 cdn and a 7 hp compressor being 1600 .... so that is why I wanted to just get the bigger tank. I thought about chaining the two together but room is a concern ....

Thanks for the insight. If a 60 gal tank is not enough, then I will just live I guess with my 20 ........

metropoj · Post by **metropoj** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 10:41 am

Good Point Matt. I know I'd have to stop for catch up, so I figured by delaying it twofold ( 40 gal difference ) that it would buy some more time. Afterall, I don't want to do this for a living ...... or I'd really invest the coin !

Thanks for the input ....

Bobnotch · Post by **Bobnotch** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 6:35 pm

The extra volume WILL help when priming or possible finish paint. I will agree, that if you don't use those tools much then you'll probably have plenty of air. If it comes down to it, take a "mini" break and let it catch up. I hope this helps.