How Big A Compressor for Home Shop?

[NewBoots]

The new place we will be moving to will have a 20 x 20 shed with a big area for a work shop (weeeee!) and since I'll be building a coop or 2 and probably some rabbit hutches and maybe even install hardwood flooring in the house, I'll have an excus... um good reason to have a good set of power tools and it seems that flooring nail guns and other heavy duty nail guns are all pneumatic. So I need some idea how big a compressor I should get.
Lay it on me folks!

 

[21hens-incharge]

I like a portable for projects that can't come to the compressor.

I also like a good stand up compressor.

This one can do both jobs.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...oogle_PLA&utm_medium=Air Tools + Compressors >%20Portable%20Air%20Compressors%20>%202%20-%209%20Cfm%20Air%20Compressors&utm_campaign=Ingersoll%20Rand&utm_content=1592073&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2aeDxtzp3wIVLiCtBh1q2ATSEAQYAyABEgJb6vD_BwE

 

[NewBoots]

I can't get that link to work whether I click on it or copy and paste it. Sorry.

 

[muddy75]

I agree that portability should be a main concern as it sounds like many of your planned projects may need on-site completion. A good 110V with wheels should be enough to run the pneumatic tools you are talking about. I believe ours is a dewalt currently. big wheels for portability! I’ve had all types (even managed to fit a large 220v model in the back of a toyota fj once to get it home!). been most happy with the dewalt for home use, and a california tools model that I’ve been running at the office now for 3 years (multiple port, and very quiet) found it on amazon.

 

[21hens-incharge]

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.co...MImfWxnN_p3wIVQ9bACh2DEg2dEAkYBCABEgJcYPD_BwE

Different brand but similar size.

Sorry about the other link not working.

 

[NewBoots]

Thanks all and how can I tell how much power (pressure, volts?) I need for a given tool?

 

[Gargoyle]

Thanks all and how can I tell how much power (pressure, volts?) I need for a given tool?

Here's a lot of info on tools and required cubic feet per minute (cfm) and pounds per square inch (psi).

https://www.quincycompressor.com/know-much-pressure-need-given-situation/

The typical home improvement store or harbor freight compressors don't last. In heavy usage they tend to burn out in two to three years, in light home/hobby use they might be good for twice that.

For reliability, look for things like a two stage compressor with a cast iron head, not a single stage with an aluminum head. Also, a larger tank reduces start/stop cycles, which will extend the life of the compressor.

 

[Acre4Me]

I can’t tell you about compressors, other than portability is important. Good luck though! A new place and space! Have fun!

 

[NewBoots]

The typical home improvement store or harbor freight compressors don't last. In heavy usage they tend to burn out in two to three years, in light home/hobby use they might be good for twice that.

Since it will mostly be light building, do you think that an assortment of dewalt or other dependable cordless tools be preferable? I see they even have cordless framing nail guns and circular saws.

 

[Gargoyle]

Since it will mostly be light building, do you think that an assortment of dewalt or other dependable cordless tools be preferable? I see they even have cordless framing nail guns and circular saws.

I own three compressors- a small and large portable, and my shop compressor with an 80 gallon tank. I run air tools all day, but for basic carpentry tasks (drills, circular saw, etc) I use cordless tools. Much more flexible, I'm not limited to working where I have hoses or running extra hoses around the shop. (this despite the fact that I have maybe 8 different hose connection points around my shop).

I'm using Makita brushless tools- expensive, and the batteries cost a small fortune, but they are really dependable and get good battery life. However, for angle grinders I use plug in electric, the cordless consume battery life too fast, and the pneumatic ones don't have the same torque.

I do have a pneumatic nailer, it is really nice to use.