Air Compressor Question

Martman · Sep 20, 2016

So I have one of these http://www1.huskyaircompressor.us/husky-2-0-running-hp-30-gallon-compressor-vertical/

Have not used it for much more than simple things like nail guns and spraying some water based poly. However, now that I have the stang and have more of a need for it on that side, I am having a problem with an impact gun. Its a cheap Harbor Freight $22.00 gun but the compressor can't run it with full torque for no more than 1 - 2 seconds and this is even before the compressor kicks on.

So I think it has something to do with the regulator I have on it and being able to deliver the air volume. If that is the case what type of regulator should I put on there?

At 90psi this thing should put out 5.5cfm which may not be great but even the gun should run pretty decent since it is rated with an average of 5.0cfm at 90.

I am an air tool novice but definitely appreciate the impact usefulness with vehicles.

Thanks for any guidance.

RaggedGT · Sep 20, 2016

I have a Craftsman 5hp 30 gallon vertical air compressor,I have it set around 90-95psi and it will run a 3/8 Snap on air ratchet wide open for 5-6 mins, and it will run my Matco Impact gun long enough to take a wheel or two off before the tank starts to refill,do you have the valve set high enough? Do you have air leaks or a very long air hose?ill tag a few guys who could make some good suggestions/offer good recomendations
@madmike1157 @Davedacarpainter
@Boosted92LX

Davedacarpainter · Sep 20, 2016

Honestly, you don't have enough compressor, and the tank is just to small to drive impact style tools. I would doubt that it would be enough for a paint gun either.

I'm not trying to be a pain to you, it's just kind of the way it is. I know the add says it can handle most any air tool, but honestly, that's a load of crap meant to sell a smaller compressor.

It's not a bad compressor, just too small. Anytime your tool needs the maximum that a compressor can provide, the compressor isn't enough.

Would you buy new fuel injectors for your hopped up engine that were at 100% of their duty cycle?

Keep in mind that HF tools might not be as efficient as a more expensive brand. Not that I'm knocking them, I have a bunch of HF tools. Try to be realistic concerning them though. Somewhere in the equation, a little money will have to be spent to provide regular uninterrupted useage.

Just get the 80gal one and it'll drive just about anything you have. @madmike1157 how big is your compressor?

CarMichael Angelo · Sep 20, 2016

Davedacarpainter said:
Honestly, you don't have enough compressor, and the tank is just to small to drive impact style tools. I would doubt that it would be enough for a paint gun either.

I'm not trying to be a pain to you, it's just kind of the way it is. I know the add says it can handle most any air tool, but honestly, that's a load of crap meant to sell a smaller compressor.

It's not a bad compressor, just too small. Anytime your tool needs the maximum that a compressor can provide, the compressor isn't enough.

Would you buy new fuel injectors for your hopped up engine that were at 100% of their duty cycle?

Keep in mind that HF tools might not be as efficient as a more expensive brand. Not that I'm knocking them, I have a bunch of HF tools. Try to be realistic concerning them though. Somewhere in the equation, a little money will have to be spent to provide regular uninterrupted useage.

Just get the 80gal one and it'll drive just about anything you have. @madmike1157 how big is your compressor?

I also have the Home depot brand ( Husky) compressor. Mine is a 3.2HP 60 gallon unit. I think it is barely "adequate" for a full paint job, and unacceptable to power any reciprocating tools,...especially of the inefficient HF quality.

Adieu · Sep 20, 2016

Davedacarpainter said:
Honestly, you don't have enough compressor, and the tank is just to small to drive impact style tools.

I'd argue that, to an extent.

For someone who's looking to get things done quickly and frequently (like you or I in our respective shops every day), he doesn't have enough, that is correct.

For most home hobbyists, the 30gallon will do fine, so long as they're not running low quality tools or high air demand tools with it.

My 8 gallon HF special would give me just enough air to run my Aircat 1000TH impact for 1-2 nuts/bolts at a time between refills. My 30 gallon compressor can run that same impact long enough to remove the entire truck bed from a Ranger to change the fuel pump (though it will start refilling during the second-to-last bolt). The 8-gallon wouldn't even give me enough air to take a single lug-nut off my Mustang with my Harbor Freight impact. (That's the difference in a low quality tool vs. a higher quality tool.)

To the OP, try upgrading to a better impact first, you can do that more cheaply than you can upgrade the compressor if you're frugal about it (pawn shops are a great place to find Matco/Mac/SnapOn impacts for the price of a new Craftsman), or you can get a new Craftsman (though their quality isn't what it used to be) or some of Harbor Freight's "better" guns actually aren't terrible, or you can get an Ingersol or an Aircat off of Amazon (I highly recommend Aircat over all of them, much quieter, and in most cases torquier and more durable, bought mine in 2008 and still haven't had to tear it down and service it).

Martman · Sep 21, 2016

Well this is great info and exactly what I wanted and expected to hear. I know the compressor is marginal at best in regards to duty cycle but based on some of the statements above I think my main problem is quality of tool rather than compressor.

So doing some testing last night. I have a 1/4 inch nm regulator on it and it seems as though the pressure drops really fast and then builds back up. Set it at 90 psi while running air through a blow gun. Let tank fill all the way to 135 and tried several of my high demand tools. It was like the regulator allowed a burst of air but quickly dropped below 90 and once I stopped the pressure on the regulator would build back up. Tank pressure still above 90 and motor not even kicking on when this happens.

Just seems like the regulator can't keep the pressure up.

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Air Compressor Question

Martman

Active Member

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT

Davedacarpainter

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

Adieu

Easy there, this ain't a dating site.

Martman

Active Member

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Air Compressor Question

Martman

Active Member

RaggedGT

Been here over a DECADE and still no CT

Davedacarpainter

Chicks can make things hard if they’re inspired...

CarMichael Angelo

my rearend will smell so minty fresh,

Adieu

Easy there, this ain't a dating site.

Martman

Active Member

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