Air compressor question

On Tue, 16 Sep 2003 19:17:35 -0400, "Morgans"
wrote:


"Rich S." wrote in message
...
"Frederick Wilson" wrote in message
news:FmC9b.365132$Oz4.142857@rwcrnsc54...
I am still working on home remodel so it will be some time before the
airplane gets started. I am pretty darn convinced that I am going to do
an
all wood and fabric airplane. More than likely, the Fisher Tiger Moth.

Anyway, I have come to the point in my home remodel that I am going to
need
an air compressor. But instead of just getting one that will do the job
here, what might I need one for when it is airplane time?

What size and compressor (one or two cylinder) should I look at?

Any name brand preference?

Whichever model you choose, be SURE to listen to it run before you plunk
down your money. Some of the new compressors are loud enough to shred your
neighbor's panties.

Rich S.

Part of the things to consider is if you will use a lot of air tools, or go
electric. For a wood airplane, I could see a bit of sanding, and spraying
finish. A small 30 gal 3 HP compressor would not keep up with a air sander,
or spray gun very well. I like air tools cause they are usually cheaper,
lighter, and don't get hot under heavy usage.

If you can swing it, get a big upright 5 HP , NOT oilless unit, and put it
outside if you can. It saves the ears and the space in the shop. All it
needs is a small lean-to roof.

I have one of the big 80 gallon units set at 175 psi tank pressure. I
get very little tank condensation, but it is going outside into a
small shed/leanto. If you are doing some fine work and that sucker
kicks on you will have to go hunting to find where the work landed.
It's not terribly noisy, but enough that when it comes on unexpectedly
it will startle you.

However, if I keep it outside I need to figure out how to get the
condensation out without if freezing in the tank.

OTOH it'd be wayyy to big for home construction. Yet when doing metal
work such as grinding and cutting with the pneumatic tools it kicks on
quite often. I have a smaller one like the ones used on construction
sites for nailers and other portable pneumatic tools that works fine
for that. It's just a bit heavy for hauling around, but still not
bad.


Roger Halstead (K8RI EN73 & ARRL Life Member)
www.rogerhalstead.com
N833R World's oldest Debonair? (S# CD-2)