What Air Compressor should I get?

So I am graduating from college in December and as a graduation present to myself I am buying myself a large air compressor to have in my garage. I already have a tiny one, but I want one that can power air tools. However, I have never dealt with pneumatic tools and have no idea what I am doing. I know alot of guys on here run air tools and I would appreciate your answers to a few questions...

My budget for an air compressor is $300, but I can go up to $400 if there's something really good for that price. No more than $400, not a dime.

1.) When looking at air compressors, I notice the SCFM's. The one's I look at are like 4-6 SCFM. When I look at the air tools I would like to run (for instance a HF Earthquake impact or an aircat impact) I'm seeing typically 7 or 8 CFM. Does that mean that the air compressors I'm looking at won't power the tool? Even though its a 30 gallon tank?

2.) Is there a difference between SCFM and CFM?

3.) What do you guys recommend for my price range?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/air-compressor-group-buy.513896/

 

I want one for garage use bud, but thanks for the link!

 

No prob chief

 

Update the first post to reflect that.

 

I have a large Harbor freight one and has worked flawlessly for years..............

 

What tools are you trying to run? I was thinking of getting a compressor to run some air tools, but basically what I was reading to buy a good air compressor to effectively run tools was out of my price range. Ended up just dropping the coin on a quality cordless impact and am glad I did.

with that being said, I've heard good things about the harbor freight compressors.

 

Nothing crazy. An impact gun and an air ratchet. Maybe an air hammer. I have a corded impact gun right now, and it works fine. But I have heard with air tools that they last longer, have more power, and they tend to be less bulky. I have been in situations where my current impact was WAAAy too large to be used in a spot where I really needed it.

I have heard good and bad about the compressors from HF. I am definitely a fan of that store.

 

This is a better breakdown for you

http://www.powermate.com/air_compressors/buying_guide.php

but what EST said is correct, to run air tools (effectively) you will probably have to spend a little more money. Also you are going to spend a bit of money on good quality air tools.

 

Thanks for that link...that's very helpful.

What do you think a more realistic price range would be then Superman?

 

Yeah my impact is definitely bulky as shit, but is a beast.

How often will you be using this? If it's just the occasional thing, you could get a 20lb tank of CO2 and a regulator and run tools off that. That set up will run less than $150.

Sorry if this isn't what you're looking for at all, but just brainstorming here.

 

Really? I have never heard of that before....

I mean I work on cars a decent amount...I maintain all the cars for my family which translates to about 5-6 cars. That said, most my work is oil changes and the such, nothing where a heavy powerful impact is needed.

Do you have any more info about this CO2 setup? Links, videos, etc? You have peaked my interest...

 

Lmao

 

Buy this one.

 

So really all you need is a tank of CO2, and this regulator. I will be doing this eventually for airing up tires after off roading because it fills them up a whole lot faster. Some people source their tank from a local welding supply store, or a beverage company and that's where you'd get it refilled as well. I'm not sure exactly how much run time you get off this, but I know it's a decent amount and I know tools can be ran from it because people do it on the trail.

 

Which cordless impact do you have?

 

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30...table-Electric-Air-Compressor-C302H/206695048

 

The dewalt one with a million lbs of nut busting power.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Wrench Kit, Brushless, High Torque, Detent Anvil, 1/2" (DCF899P1)

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCF89...qid=1507386370&sr=8-10&keywords=dewalt+impact

 

What kind of tools you run with that? That looks like it would be a nice setup...