Replies

1. 
   RickL | Aug 16, 2006 10:09pm | #1

   You can answer your own question if you look at the cfm output of the compressor and compare the cfm  needs of the tools. The new Festo electric sanders are pretty slick. Does it make sense to fire up a 5 hp motor to run a small sander. True air sanders do do run cooler and last longer but you did point out the savings of 3 hp versus 5 fp. Sanders and spray guns use a lot of cfm. Binks, I beleive has an HVLP gun that will run on a 1-1/2 hp compressor. You could also get a turbine driven gun. Learning how to do the research will pay off big time over and over. The $500 you saved can cost more in the long run.

   In my experience 3 hp isn't enough and comparing cfm usage will tell you all you need to know.

2. 
   Michael | Aug 17, 2006 12:05am | #2

   As Rick mentioned, think ahead rather than just a single item.  You'll find that having adequate air (AND reliable) is something you'll depend on in a production situation.

   IR makes great units, you can also get one heck of a good unit in a Quincy compressor also.

   I've recently heard of a guy who got a 5hp Quincy unit with a baldor continuous duty motor for $900.  That's a song for  work horse that will likely outlast him.

   Do some research, and make sure you buy what you may need, not what you think you need today.  The difference in cost is a little savings today, sure... but consider how much an upgrade will cost later if you underestimate your needs.

   Air tools are awesome fast, but I prefer electrics due to dust collection abilities.  Fastener Guns take next to nothing to run also.  Where you'll find a significant CFM demand is in spray finishing w/ production guns.  Those consume from 9-15cfm as a conversion HVLP.

   This isn't one of those tools that you want to skimp on :)

   Consider a dryer and auto drain also if it doesn't come w/ one.

   michael

   ~Michael
1. 
   Astrain | Aug 21, 2006 05:48am | #3

   Thanks for the Help!!. The distribuitor of Ingersoll Rand in here gave me a catalog of their air tools, Im in the process of reading the specifications of their tools to try to calculate what my air needs would be in the future. I hadnt consider a production situation so that was a real eye opener, its in that situation when you most value your investment.Thanks!!

1. 
   MRGreer | Aug 21, 2006 05:54pm | #4

   What you will need to do is look at your anticipated air needs.  This will include how many air tool you will have and how many will run at the same time as you expand your shop.  In a production shop as more people are added your air needs will increase as well if you are using multiple air tools for finishing and sanding.  If you think you will have someone in a spray booth and someone sanding at the same time you may be better off with two 3hp units, one for each operation.  If you will have two people using air sanders you may want an 80 gallon tank rather than the 60 gallon you are looking at.  You just have to determine what your plan is and go from there.  A one man shop with only one air tool running at a time the 3hp 60 gallon unit is plenty for just about any spray gun or dual action sander.  But if you expand the number of tools running at any one time then that may not be enough air for your shop.

   Good Luck!

1. 
   2x4 | Aug 22, 2006 05:19am | #5

   I personally would go for the 2 stage over the single. Any commercial air sander  far exceeds an electric but they are air pigs. The big advantage of 2 stage is that at 90 psi a single stage output really drops where as 2 stage there is very little difference. Go for the largest compressor you can afford especially if you are considering doing it for a living.

    

   Brian