Min size of compressor

SvingenB · #1 08-21-2007, 09:31 AM

I wonder what the minimal size of a compressor for the air rivet tool must be. Will 50 liters be enough (with 2-3 hp)? or too much? It seems that all larger compressors have 3 phase motors, and that will need a rewiring in my house, and i don't want that.

Thanks

664781 · #2 08-21-2007, 10:15 AM

I built my whole airplane with a 2.5 hp with a 30 gal. tank. The samller the hp the bigger the tank needs to be.

N941WR · #3 08-21-2007, 10:36 AM

A friend has built his entire RV-10 with a small 4 Gallon Electric Hand Carry Compressor like this one from DeWalt.

He did use cordless drills for all the drilling but that little compressor worked great for riveting.

That said, I used a 5 HP belt drive, two cylinder, 35 gallon, 110 V compressor. The only downside of that thing is it is a bit small for painting.

Jeff R · #4 08-21-2007, 10:46 AM

I have been using a small compressor, too, and it has been ok. It runs a lot when I use the air drill, but it has been able to keep up. It is a bit loud, and I had thought of buying a new, larger compressor, but since the little guy keeps up, I guess I will keep using it. But, if you don't already have a compressor, you may as well invest in a good one.

DaX · #5 08-21-2007, 10:47 AM

Standard Cubic Feet per Minute (SCFM) is really what you should be looking for in a compressor.

I looked for one with greater than 10 SCFM @ 90 psi that was 220V, no rewiring required.

cytoxin · #6 08-21-2007, 11:30 AM

if so you will likely want a 5 hp with a 60-80 gallon tank. i have painted cars with a 3 hp 20 gallon tank but it runs the compressor ragged. any will work for riveting and drilling. but the smaller ones have a rough time with air tools you may find yourself using on cars. yes they will run them but not very well.
this one is similar to mine. http://www.devap.com/products/view.asp?i=E7540
the direct drive oiless compressors are short lived units in the industrial world.
not to mention noisy as ****.
i know mine is a touch overkill but more is better for the work i do.
minimum for me would be 3 hp 20 gallon tank 120 volt.

Mel · #7 08-21-2007, 03:49 PM

They are false and misleading. 5 hp on 110volts? I don't think so. Do the math. You might get 1 hp out of 110v. I haven't done the calculations for a while, but as I remember 1 hp equals about 15 amps at 110 volts.
Look for CFM ratings. My compressor is 5 hp, 18 cfm at 175 psi.

L.Adamson · #8 08-21-2007, 07:18 PM

My 60 Gal. compressor is one of those standups from Lowes. 3.5 running HP on single phase 240V.
Says 7 HP peak on the label.

10.8 SCRM at 90psi
12.2 SCRM at 40psi.

I originally completed almost the entire plane with a smaller 30 gallon, that said 3 HP, although that is probably mis-leading as noted in other replies.

The newer 60 gallon was for painting, and did just fine. Works a lot better for tools such as die-grinders too!

Home Depot also has plenty of compressors that compare with the size of mine, or larger.

L.Adamson

SvingenB · #9 08-22-2007, 09:52 AM

Ok, thanks.

I ended up with a 280 sl/min (@ 10 bar), 2 KW belt drive unit. I have no plans doing the painting myself. It should be enough for a rivet gun and other tools.

jcmcdowell · #10 08-22-2007, 11:00 AM

Excepting painting-

you can use a pretty small single tank portable compressor like those used on residential construction sites (air guns).

BUT-

get a larger belt drive- they are SOOOO much quieter and you will be spending A LOT of time in the shop.

It also helps because it's hard to hear your bucking partner (like for wings and fuse) with a loud compressor.

and what about all the great music you'll be missing...