Looking for a home air compressor what size would you suggest?

[YarisSedan]

So browsing through my local sears catalog there are a few compressors on sale.

12 gallon for 159

20 gallong for 229

or 30 gallon for 299

If im using just light tool application such as removing wheels and such do you think the 12 gallon with suffice or should i up to the 20 gallon.

[2+2]

My experience is more with remodeling than wrenching but I've done the big Sears compressors (20 gal?) and later a DeWalt. A few years ago I bought a pos no-name "pancake" compressor from Lowes. That was alright but when I went to use it for the first time in a year it wouldn't start. I didn't bother to repair it because I didn't like it much anyway.

Last year I picked up a Porter Cable 6 gal pancake and so far I like it. The recovery time might not be ideal for wrenching though.

[Bob Dog]

Its not just about gals.: its about psi per minute. Compare tool usage against out put capacity.

[nemelek]

I would go with the 20. Sometimes your need will change. 20 will blow out sprinkler systems. Air compressors are great for flat tire repair and other tire needs.

[RHDVIPbB]

20 will be fine. I have a 60, but my garage has stainless steel piping with many connectors. Plus I have a paint booth now and a lot more air tools than I used to.

[WeeYari]

Unless you see yourself shooting nails or painting at some point in the future, consider an electric impact wrench. Gets the job done with greater convenience and far less expense. If wrenching is all you'll do, then it's all you need.

[yaris-me]

I think 5 hp, 20 gal. You need the hp to do the bigger jobs.

[YarisSedan]

Unless you see yourself shooting nails or painting at some point in the future, consider an electric impact wrench. Gets the job done with greater convenience and far less expense. If wrenching is all you'll do, then it's all you need.

Actually my full time job is a mechanic. So i have over a thosuand dollars in air tools alone. So actually the cost to buy electric tools would cost moer than just buying a air compressor and then taking my tools home to use when i need to.

[IllusionX]

YarisSedan: the size of the reservoir doesn't really matter. The size of it will keep the compressor from running all the time. thought, you want to have a larger compressor so you get enough pressure even if the tank goes empty/near empty.

[CTScott]

^Exactly. The key like someone mentioned above is the CFM rating. A decent 1/2" impact wrench will require 4-6 CFM @ 90 PSI and a 3/4" one will require 7-10 CFM @ 90 PSI.

I have a 230V, 7 HP, two cylinder compressor with a 60 gallon tank. It is rated for 12 CFM continuous operation.

[Bob Dog]

The compressors generally have charts on them indicating what they will power. Delivery capacity of the compresser in cfm (cubic feet per minute)> consumption of the tool in cfm is the key. The size of the tank indicates how much air you have in reserve, so the compressor is not cutting on all the time, trying to keep up with your tool usage.