I’m looking to find a decent light to medium duty compressor. I do some woodworking but not a huge amount, (primarily because I take so long to finish projects).
I’m looking for a compressor that I can use to apply finishes, particularly water based, AND that I can use to apply paint. I don’t need anything that would allow me to paint a house, (although a wall would be nice), and I probably only complete 5 or 6 bookshelves or cabinets a year.
So a huge compressor is not waht I what, (I also have a relatively small shop), but I would like a compressor that will do a good job and that I can also use to apply finishing nails etc.
I’d really appreciate any suggestions on what size and brand to buy.
pg
Replies
It takes a lot of energy to break up water based clear finishes into a fine atomization. A compressor powerful enough to do this on a continuous basis will be too big for you. You can work intermitantly with a less powerful compressor if the air tank is big enough. You let the tank reach full pressure, spray until the pressure drops, and then wait while the compressor recharges the tank. The motor will run full time while you work half the time.
I worked this way for many years with a 1 1/2 hp craftsman 2 stage compressor with a 5 gal tank. I used a Binks BBR gun at 30-35 psf. I would not recommend a smaller machine than that to drive a HVLP spray gun intended for heavy bodied finishes. I upgraded to a used 5 hp Dayton at some point in the mid 1980's. Both machines had cast iron pumps which I think are important in a machine that is going to work hard.
Change the oil once a year and run the motor on 220 volts if at all possible.
Compressor
I would look for a two stage Ingersoll Rand - 220 volts
SA
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