Comet is running well... and I am sure I am doing things out of order, but I saved body work for last. As I am replacing floor pans, I am finding that multiple cutoff tools just aren't cutting. I am/was using a Makita Big Bore 6.5 CFM@ 90, 3HP.. 5.2 gallon. Long story short...looking for any first hand recco for air compressors that don't need 220 volt and are suitable for bodywork air tools.... Otherwise it's upgrade electrical panel ...tunnel to detached garage and add sub panel $$$$. What air compressor is everyone happy with... if I have to upgrade to 220, so be it but trying to avoid if I can. Thanks
Your going to want something with (At a minimum) 60 gallon tank/ 11 CFM @ 90 psi... A 110 volt compressor can be had that fits the bill. Recovery rate is going to be the hard part. Piston type compressors recover faster than diaphragm type. They are quieter too. Die grinders/cut off tools always tax an air compressor heavily. just the nature of the beast. The trick is having a big tank and a quick recovery rate...Good luck As a side note: 110 V compressors use more electricity in the long run and work harder at it than 220 V set ups. (Which will live longer too) For the occasional hobby/weekend warrior type work. A 110 V set up will be fine...
I used an electric cutoff saw to cut floor pans .... no worries. 110 v and pretty sure it was from Harbor Freight. It was easy. And cheap. Electric motors are all torque, all the time.
Air tools for bodywork like Dual action Sander, Straight line sanders and grinders take a lot of air. Without a large tank and big compressor you will be waiting for the compressor to recover more than working with it. AC powered versions of standard bodywork air tools are only alternative to a large 240V compressor. For cutting, a 4-1/2" 'Angle grinder" with a 1/8 " cutoff is most most dangerous and most useful tool in my shop. It is the basic part of my 'machine shop' and swapping a grinding wheel for cut-off doubles its usefulness. I've tried knock-off HF's and others and none have the power to cut or grind compared to an inexpensive DeWalt . I'm sure there are other equal grinders but I would hesitate to waste time with a cheap low power version of this incredibly useful tool. I have a DewWalt Battery type grinder for remote or quick use, but it has much less power than the corded 120V. BE CAREFUL!, Angle grinders are notorious for causing serious injury when used just a little unwisely... have fun the 'machine shop' :
Thanks for all of the replies guys. I've got a couple electricians coming out today tomorrow to big on putting 220 into the garage. If it's too much hassle I'll try and find the best 110volt compressor. Have a feeling it's going to be a lot of work to get 220 into garage...upgrade existing panel on house (it's a 1954 Zinsco) to 200amp...getting a new line to garage (existing conduit is a 1" pipe). For a 100amp sub panel I think you need #2 wire and three braids of that won't fit into a 1" pipe?? I'll keep you posted. Always appreciate the advice on the forum. All I wanted to do was upgrade the compressor and it snowballs... Thoughts on best 110 volt compressor?
Another thought. Eastwood company has a decent plasma cutter in 40 or 60 amps. I bought the 60A unit on sale for $619 and is one of the best tool investments I've ever made. HUGE TIME SAVINGS! MUUUUUCCCH faster for fab cuts than any air or power tool. Torch head access and fire protection(which you need to be aware of for almost all grinding/cutting tasks anyways) is the key to implementing it.
if i lived near you i could run you a 220 line for a 6 pack of beer. its very easy if you have the current panel space. just a simple 12/3 wire run from the panel with a double breaker setup, going to a single dedicated outlet in your garage.
