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  #1  
Old 11-16-2018, 12:18 AM
Emmitt's Avatar
Emmitt Emmitt is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Laredo, TX
Posts: 6
Default New member, first question: Air compressor

So I have decided that I want to embark on the journey of building an RV-10! I have researched for countless hours, and I feel I have the capabilities, resources, and most importantly the time to carry this out!

It's time to start tooling out, so I need some help. As for tools, I'm pretty set on ordering the RV-10 tool kit from Isham with a few upgrades, and maybe some separate parts from Cleveland Aircraft Tool. We'll see.

My first real question involves air compressors. I've read several people recommend different kinds and sizes. I've even read some people buy the motor and tank separately and piece them together. Ultimately, I want the plane to be the project, not so much the tools, even if it means spending a little more, but getting started sooner. Also, I don't want the bare minimum. I do live with parents, so making less noise is a plus.

All that being said, I believe the general consensus is to get a 2 stage, belt driven, oiled, air compressor of approximately 60-80 gallons.

This one seems to fit the bill, but it costs about $2k. Do you guys think it's overkill? Do you all know of any other model numbers or brands that would fit the bill?

For what its worth, I will be doing quick build on the wings, and still undecided on the fuselage.

Thanks in advance for any pointers!
-Alex
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  #2  
Old 11-16-2018, 12:27 AM
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Mike S Mike S is online now
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Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
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Default Welcome to VAF

Alex, welcome aboard the good ship VAF

The compressor you linked is very close to what I have--------and mine is close to 20 years old and has been totally reliable and has never failed to perform all I need it for.

If you can afford it, and you will still be able to justify it after the build, my $0.02 says go for it.
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VAF 909

Rv-10, N210LM.

Flying as of 12/4/2010

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  #3  
Old 11-16-2018, 12:36 AM
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Emmitt Emmitt is offline
 
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Location: Laredo, TX
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike S View Post
Alex, welcome aboard the good ship VAF

The compressor you linked is very close to what I have--------and mine is close to 20 years old and has been totally reliable and has never failed to perform all I need it for.

If you can afford it, and you will still be able to justify it after the build, my $0.02 says go for it.
Thanks for the quick reply Mike! It would probably end up staying in the garage long term as a gift for my father. He's always wanted one.

The only issue with buying this is that it might delay ordering the empennage a month or so; but if it'll save future headaches for me and the family inside the house, I'm all for it.
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  #4  
Old 11-16-2018, 12:38 AM
BobTurner BobTurner is online now
 
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Location: Livermore, CA
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People seldom regret buying good tools. That said, yes, $2K is overkill.
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  #5  
Old 11-16-2018, 12:49 AM
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Emmitt Emmitt is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BobTurner View Post
People seldom regret buying good tools. That said, yes, $2K is overkill.
I hear you. Any ideas of other models that may be more appropriate for this build?
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  #6  
Old 11-16-2018, 12:51 AM
TShort TShort is offline
 
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Location: Indianapolis, IN (KUMP)
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You would never run short of air with that compressor.
Unless you plan on painting or running a lot of high consumption tools (grinders, etc), it is probably overkill just for the -10 project.

However, if cost isn't an issue and you want a huge compressor, IR makes good stuff...

I have a single stage oiled 60 gal compressor that I found on sale at Lowes for $100 (it likely was mismarked but the cashier was insistent the price was correct). It has been more than I need for the -8 project so far. I started with a smaller Craftsman non-oiled compressor and it ran frequently and was loud.
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KUMP - Indianapolis, IN / KAEJ - Buena Vista, CO
RV-10 N410TS bought / flying
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  #7  
Old 11-16-2018, 05:29 AM
Kyle Boatright Kyle Boatright is offline
 
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Location: Atlanta, GA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BobTurner View Post
People seldom regret buying good tools. That said, yes, $2K is overkill.
Yep. My 1.5 hp, 20 gallon compressor from Sears is pushing 25 years old. I've used it to rivet together two airplanes, paint one, and do all of the priming on a second. Is it loud? Yes, but earmuffs are cheap and I only use the compressor about 1 in 10 work sessions. There is no way I could rationalize a $2k compressor.
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  #8  
Old 11-16-2018, 05:43 AM
rocketman1988 rocketman1988 is offline
 
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Location: Sunman, IN
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Default Check iut

Aircompressorsdirect.com

You will find a great compressor and won?t spend $2k...
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RV-10
Structure - 90% Done
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  #9  
Old 11-16-2018, 05:46 AM
KatanaPilot KatanaPilot is offline
 
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Location: Locust Grove, GA
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So how does one rationalize two airplanes?

I try to buy the best tools I can afford and I’ve never regretted it. That being said, it’s easy to get distracted by the newest shiny object and lose sight of the goal.

If it’s a gift, I say go for it. I have the 7.5 hp fully packaged version of that IR compressor and it works great. I also use it for bead blasting, impact wrenches, etc. and would buy it again if I needed to.
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Locust Grove, GA
DA20-A1 "Princess Amelia" - gone home to Amelia Island
RV-7A Phase 2
RV-10 under construction at Synergy Air South

Last edited by KatanaPilot : 11-16-2018 at 05:47 AM. Reason: Corrected misspelling
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  #10  
Old 11-16-2018, 06:11 AM
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BrianDC BrianDC is offline
 
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Location: Northern VA
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So working on my RV-10 and I don't have anything crazy for my air compressor. Just a 20 Gallon single stage unit. It can output 4 SCFM at 90 PSI and it has done just fine for the last two years. I think similar units go for $200-$300 depending on brand.

I have used it to spray primer, buck rivets, air-drill, squeeze, and some sanding. Compressor is in my garage and I typically wear hearing protection as the compressor is annoyingly loud. I also do have to allow the tank to recharge when spraying or sanding, but honestly it's not terrible.

Unless you plan on actually painting your project with this compressor, I don't think you need that big of a system. Granted I'm sure you will love the compressor you listed, just make sure you have sufficient power and a place to mount it!

Welcome to VAF and good luck on your project!
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