What do I need to look for in a compressor to be able to run a paint gun?

[lemming303]

I need to get a compressor to run air tools but also to run a painy gun. What do I need to be able to run one smoothly wiyhout stopping to let it recharge? Also what do I need to watch out for if I buy a used one? Thanks for the help.

[Bullitt-]

Spray gun is the least of your concerns as they take little pressure & low air volume ...
  High air volume is needed more for sanders, blasters, grinders ...Do you have 220 volts available?   A 2-stage is best but if that's not in the budget get a single stage with as large a tank as you can find.   Check Tractor Supply for a good deal in a single stage 60-gallon, locally they get $399.

[elitecustombody]

that $399 junk won't give you what you need, if you want your compressor to keep up with your gun, you'll need atleast 10-12 CFM or 5hp compressor ,look into   Eaton compressors  http://www.eatoncompressor.com/page/page/504747.htm

Recently I bought their 10hp 120 gal compressor that puts out 40 CFM's,only takes 4 minutes and 28 seconds to fill the 120 gallon tank to 175psi

I you want it to be the last compresor you buy, find one with low RPM's around 600RPM's on the pump and about 1700rpm's on the motor

[matt63]

I can't run my paint gun or die grinder continuously with a 6 cfm 30 gallon unit.  The die grinder consumes more than the gun.  Ultimately a 5 hp 80 gallon (18 cfm / 230 volt) or larger unit would be ideal although you might get away with a little less.  You get almost 4 cfm/hp.  I think my Devilbliss gun needs 13 cfm = 3+ hp to run continuously.   A larger tank will help get you by if the compressor is small.  Some people just add another air tank (receiver) for this purpose.   

[lemming303]

I assume that two stage means that it pumps air on both strokes instead of one? Is it OK to buy a used compressor or should I get a new one? I do want it to be the last one I buy so I will look for at least a 5 hp. Are the craftsman compressors any good? What brands should I stay away from? Thanks for all the help yall.

[larry4406]

I believe 2 stage means that it is pumped in series, not parallel.

[Bullitt-]

 Found this
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/1369072508.html


http://www.searchtempest.com/results.php?Region=na&citySelect=zip&catname=all+sale%2Fwanted&maxDist=150&zip=76086&category=8&subcat1=ccc&subcat2=eee&subcat3=ggg&subcat4=hhh&subcat5=jjj&subcat6=ppp&subcat7=res&subcat8=sss&subcat9=bbb&minAsk4=min&maxAsk4=max&bedrooms=&minAsk6=min&maxAsk6=max&minAsk8=1&maxAsk8=1000&doa=&search_string=air+compressor&keytype=all&search_string_neg=

[72cudamaan]

Actually, 2 stage means that the first cylinder is pumping air to a nominal pressure, then the second,smaller cylinder compresses that air to a higher pressure. Challenger and Eaton are 2 good compressors to look at. Just make sure you get cast iron cylinders and not aluminum for extended life. And be careful when buying a used compressor. Quite often someone is usually selling it because it is worn out and/or needs major rebuilding.

[elitecustombody]

Found this
http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/tls/1369072508.html

I doubt you have 3 phase power at your house,you need single phase power

[72hemi]

Also try and get an oiled unit, they may require a little maintenance  but they are quieter and last longer than the oil free units. Craftsman's large oiled compressors are good and a littel side note on the craftsman units is that with the large units if you buy the extended service plan Sears will send somebody out to your house top repair the compressor, no loading it in the truck and taking it to the service center (I use to work for Sears). That being said my Dad recently purchased an Ingersoll Rand 80 gallon at Tractor Supply.