Air compressor recommendation?

[Northernliving]

Originally Posted by 2bolts

Could anyone recommend an air compressor they were happy with during their build?

I'm hopefully going to be a bit lazy and use QB fuselarge and wings for my kit (when I get it), not made my mind on what yet 7, 8, or 9. It would get my wife and I flying faster too

I'd use it for the build and maybe spraying afterward.

Many Thanks

***ONLY*** One that is 1800 RPM(or less) and ***TWO STAGE*** unless you want to listen to something winding out all the time at 3600 RPM.

I have an Ingersoll T30 that I run around 1600RPM. It thumps along like my old Lister 12/2. A IR, Kellogg or something similar will be fine.

If you are painting, get a Motor Guard M-C100 Activated Carbon Air Filter. Otherwise the slightest hint of oil in the air will drive you crazy.

[wirejock]

Originally Posted by prsinger

I'm about to start and an RV 8 empennage kit. Yay! I purchased a 20 gallon compressor for economy, but I'm beginning to wonder if I should exchange it for a 30 gallon. That would be the largest that I could afford. The difference is around $150. What's the general opinion on whether that would be worth the added expense?

Air hog tools mentioned need CFM. Tank size is less of a factor although it does give a bit more run time. Check the CFM requirements for the tools you plan and buy accordingly.
Personally, I prefer cordless tools instead of air hogs like die grinder or cut off tools. My HVLP is the only air hog in my tool box. I have an old Craftsman 20 gallon but it has a 5hp motor and high cfm capable of running my paint gun.
220, two stage with a big motor is nice.

[Kyle Boatright]

Originally Posted by prsinger

I'm about to start and an RV 8 empennage kit. Yay! I purchased a 20 gallon compressor for economy, but I'm beginning to wonder if I should exchange it for a 30 gallon. That would be the largest that I could afford. The difference is around $150. What's the general opinion on whether that would be worth the added expense?

You'll be fine. I've built one whole airplane and 99% of a second one using a compressor with a 20 gallon tank. That's also the compressor I used to paint the first airplane using conventional spray gear which needs a lot of air.

Are there times a bigger compressor/tank would be helpful? Sure, but it isn't necessary.

[prsinger]

Thank you all for the quick replies! The 20 gal I have is 4cfm at 90psi so I'll see how it does with the empennage kit. I can always upgrade later if I need to. I do have an electric angle grinder, so there is that!

[jacoby]

Originally Posted by prsinger

I'm about to start and an RV 8 empennage kit. Yay! I purchased a 20 gallon compressor for economy, but I'm beginning to wonder if I should exchange it for a 30 gallon. That would be the largest that I could afford. The difference is around $150. What's the general opinion on whether that would be worth the added expense?

What tools are you using? If you are just riveting you will be fine. Using a drill? You’ll be annoyed and have to wait. Spraying primer? It will work but you’ll out run it constantly. Spraying paint? Not a chance.

For reference I have a small 4 gallon that I use for riveting and final drilling 90% of the time. I also have an 80 gal 14 cfm that I use for the other 10% (drilling the longerons, paint/primer, and die grinder.

Tank size doesn’t matter much other than prolonging how long until the pump kicks on once it’s filled. It’s the cfm at 90 psi that you need to match to the tool and the duty cycle you’ll be using it.

[abwaldal@gmail.com]

My hanger is set up with an 80 gallon outside in a small enclosure and the most important part is the extra (only $100.00 off Craigslist) 120 gallon used tank inside the hanger
Hey baby we're talking volume here. I stop and the pressure keeps building Tons of spare air
My choice, But you never have enough dry air when spraying anything.
Heck I even have a dryer setup for really drying the air when spraying paint.
Every bodies mileage may vary, but I worked industrial for a spell. Dry air is good
Art

[BillL]

Originally Posted by abwaldal@gmail.com

My hanger is set up with an 80 gallon outside in a small enclosure and the most important part is the extra (only $100.00 off Craigslist) 120 gallon used tank inside the hanger
Hey baby we're talking volume here. I stop and the pressure keeps building Tons of spare air
My choice, But you never have enough dry air when spraying anything.
Heck I even have a dryer setup for really drying the air when spraying paint.
Every bodies mileage may vary, but I worked industrial for a spell. Dry air is good
Art

This post is not just a Tim-the-Tool-Man arg arg arg thing. The larger receiver means larger surface area, and longer times between compressor cycles. Both mean better cooling and less likelihood that moisture will reach the exit. Decades of using a 30 gal for a blast cabinet, inline air sander and other hogs taught me the lesson of volume. My T30 has served faithfully for 25 yrs now.