Thread: Air compressor suggestions needed

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Hello everyone! Long time lurker here. Getting ready for the 2010 season and I'm looking into getting started with some small pneumatics.

But before I put the cart before the horse, I need to purchase/acquire a compressor. What size/brand/model does everyone suggest? I understand that bigger is typically better, but cost is also an issue. I would really like to keep this cost under $200 if I can.

Any quick suggestions? I plan on using about 3-4 small cylinders to do some small movements, and then a quick airblast about every 5 minutes or so. I'm not doing a walkthrough this year, but a sitdown "show" that will play about every 5 minutes.

My rough idea is a mix between "Alien Encounter" and "Ghostbusters".... more info on that when I flesh things out.

I see I can get smaller compressors that hold around 6 gallons. Would that be enough? Should I get the extra 10 gallon tank as well?

I've searched some other topics and it looks like most people use the 20-30 gallons models. Definitely not in my $$$$ range....

-=coasterbp

I started out with a Sears oil-less pancake 4 gal tank / 3/4hp "nailer" compressor & had 5 gal propane tanks I converted for air reserve next to each prop & the comp. refilling those.
Worked fine for the two years ( & we got A LOT of ToTers ) until I stepped up to a full blown HD compressor.

I have 2 compressors and both are underrated in my opinion. One is 3 gallons and the other 5 gallons. Both are oil-less. They work fine for pneumatics but when you throw a manifold with more props/devices the demand is too much and you have the compressors cycling often all night long. My next compressor will be a minimum of a 30 gal tank and i am seriously considering an oil-lubricated affair for more heavy-duty service as i also need it year round to power my air tool collection that i putter with often. The small oil-less compressors are fine for light duty and using my brad-nailers when i am wood working and for basically one prop at a time.