Air Compressors

[HemiDog]

This really a general question and not limited to just doing body work, but what air compressor do you guys use.  I am looking at getting a new compressor and have my eye on an Ingersoll-Rand fully packaged T-30.  The old one I have was good for doing jobs that don't require continuous air, like impact wrenches and nail guns, but it won't keep up at all with my bead blaster.   I am look forward to painting my own car and currently own a couple HVLP paint guns to do the job.  A cheap one for primer, Iwata for color, and another for clear.   I know the compressor I currently have is not going to work them very well and produce way too much moisture.   I am pretty sure the T-30 is the way I am going, especially since it should be the last and only compressor I buy for garage work.   Still, I am curious as to what works for people and the work they do on their cars.

[360 'CUDA]

I have the craftman 4hp 20 gal tank from 1985.  Mostly cause the thing just won't die

I have the harbor freight tools trap on a line about 10 feet away and I don't see any water in the
paint or primer when I spray the paint gun

Not the optimal setup but it seems to work

[Steve]

I have a C-H 80 gal. 7.5 hp compressor that you can buy from Home Depot or Lowe's. It keeps up with my bead blaster and all my air tools. I don't have a problem with water. It does produce a bit of water, but it stays in the tank. I wanted to buy the T-30 but got a good deal on this compressor because it was a return to Home Depot. I picked it up for $630. Can't beat that. That T-30 will outlive both of us, especially if you're using it in the garage.

[Street_Challenged73]

I too have the Home Depot's air compressor.  It's the 7 hp./60 gallon Husky (which is mostly C-P components anyways).  I haven't fired up our personal one yet, but I know they can really handle quite the load.  I'm figuring the configuration of the C-P compressor with Ingersoll-Rand air tools will be a perfect combination.

[b5blueaar]

I have the C-H 7.5 hp with 80 gal tank I bought at Lowes.
I ran 1/2 inch steel pipe out of tank, down to floor, back up to ceiling then around two sides of garage (48 feet), back down to floor than back up to 6 ft height where I have the Sharpe's water filter and my regulator.
On the bottom of each drop to the floor I have a drain. All the pipe slopes to the drains. Then the sharpes filter of course has a drain.
The compressor will keep up with any tool except my sand blaster with large tips.
Even on the most humid days here in Indiana I get absolutely dry air for painting all day long. The long length of steel pipe (over 60 ft total) drops the temperature of the compressed air enough to condense out all the moisture. Just drain the traps. Love it.