Ok, i've taken all the advice I received into consideration. Now I have narrowed my search to 2 models. The first one is a Husky from Home Depot. 6.5 hp 30 gallon upright, 2 stage, OIL and I believe it was rated at 5.6@90psi and like 8@45psi( or very close to those numbers)for $369. The second one is from Loews, can't remember the brand. 6hp 25 gallon horizontal 2stage with oil and was rated at something like 6.7@90psi and 8@45psi for $349. Now I remember someone telling me to stay with in 5 cfm. But while looking through the guns, I noticed some said 5 some 6 and some said 8 cfm. Could I use a 8 cfm gun on a 5.6 cfm compressor? And what the hell does all this mean? I picked up a 63 piece starter kit from sams club that has a 1/2" impact rated at 8scfm@90psi a 3/8 ratchet at 5.5 scfm@90psi a hammer/chisel rated at 5.6scfm@90psi and a rotary tool rated at 5.0 scfm at 90scfm. I'm totally confused about all of this. Can I use these tools on whatever compressor I get? Thanks for the input
Yes, you can use any of the tools on any compressor. A tool that needs 8CFM will work on a 5.6CFM compressor, but you would not be able to use it continuously, the compressor would keep up - that's where a big tak comes in.
You should be fine with the tools you mention on either of thos compressors.
Looking at your numbers, the one at Lowes is the better deal, more output for $20 less.
I've got a 2 Stage oil bath unit with a 5HP, 240V motor. It's rated 5.5CFM @ 90PSI, and it's kept up with anything I've thrown at it so far.
Keep in mind the ratings on both the tools and the compressors tend to overstate thier requirements and capabiliites. Unless your running top end stuff. Cheap air tools are that... Cheap! They are ok for for the occasional use. Lets say you had a Ingersol Rand air wratchet and a Cambell Hausefield one. They both say 5.5'@ 90psi (not sure what they are really). If your compressor was rated at 6'@90psi and 100% duty cycle you could run the IR one all day long, I would be willing to bet the CH would probably draw more than 6'@90psi especially as it heated up. So you would probably have to stop once in a while and let the compressor catch up. Good tools use less air, are more powerful and will last forever if taken care of.
Check the duty cycle on the compressor and remember to give it a break once in a while unless it is 100%. If you are running a grinder, cutoff wheel or sander your compressor will most likely be trying to catch up during extended run times.
Don't forget you will need other stuff if you want everything to last. A filter and an oiler are almost a necessity. You can get by without the filter if the humidity is very low otherwise the water will take its toll on your tools. You can also self oil the tools but don't forget to do it. One session where the tool gets hot without oil and it may never work again.
Compressor terminology? "sssssssssssss" means it's working.
"SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS" means it's working REAL good.
(Sorry, couldn't resist, ha, ha. Good luck!)
The post on the compressor wouldn't load for me, so I was unable to see what you are looking at. Most two stage compressors have ratings at 90 psi and 175 psi. Both the compressors you reffered to only list at 90 and 45 psi, ratings typical of single stage machines. Double check the specs before you purchase either. Usually entry level two stage compressors will start at close to double the price you are listing. What I am trying to say is someone may be trying to sell you single stage compressors!
A small two stage is usually very sufficient for any home shop use. They usually start at around 10 cfm @90 psi, but they may actually require 5hp worth of power, i.e. a 30A 220V hookup.
Just a warning, I bought that same set at Sam's. The impact wrench wouldn't break anything loose, and the ratchet worked one time and would not even turn at all the second time I went to use it. My compressor is a 26 gal., 5 or 6 HP, 220V. If I recall it puts out 9 or 10 cfm at 90 psi. I ended up taking the whole air tool set back and getting my money back.
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