New or Used Air Compressor?

[Cripes]

I am going to start doing my own fluid filming on my 4 vehicles. Ideally, I would see about 4 CFM at 90 PSI. This puts me in the realm of a large portable air compressor, or a stationary. I like the idea of a compressor that has serviceable oil, but so many are oil-free.

Anywho, Ive been looking at new and used models, and see some appealing used compressors near me for about 1/3 to 1/4 of a new unit. Any thoughts on this?

 

[The_Jeff]

Go used, lots of people upgrade or get out of the hobby.

Don't get a "pancake" one if you can help it, get something with oil in it.

 

[Trav]

HF has a 20 gallon with oil pump for $200.

 

[Chris142]

Watch out for used ones. If nobody drained the tank regularly it will rust out.

 

[Rand]

Are you sure its 4cfm or "average 4 cfm"


IIRC if you are using the FF spray gun you want 6-8cfm at 80psi+
for continuous spraying

That puts you into 230v territory.

 

[brandon9715]

I bought a Grip Rite GR2500 at a local auctioneer for $25, tax included. It’s beat up, but builds air and performs without issues. I would like a larger tank, but for how often I undercoat vehicles (2x a year total) it works no problem. I would prioritize a compressor that is oiled. They last much longer and maintenance is dead simple.

 

[burbguy82]

I am going to start doing my own fluid filming on my 4 vehicles. Ideally, I would see about 4 CFM at 90 PSI. This puts me in the realm of a large portable air compressor, or a stationary. I like the idea of a compressor that has serviceable oil, but so many are oil-free.

Anywho, Ive been looking at new and used models, and see some appealing used compressors near me for about 1/3 to 1/4 of a new unit. Any thoughts on this?

Oilless compressors are typically for 33% duty cycle, meaning not continuous use. Some are, like VIAIR, but most commercially available units that are oil-less, will not last under continuous use.

I suggest an oil lubricated unit for what you are going to be doing, with a large tank,

 

[CDX825]

Speaking from experience I would get at least a 60 gallon compressor. Bigger the pump the better. Ive been spraying fluid film and now woolwax since 2012. Started out with a 60 gallon compressor with a 12 cfm pump. It was sufficient but I had to add and air dryer to keep from spraying moisture out with the spray gun. Anything smaller is going to run a lot and you will fight with moisture in the air and in your sprayer.

 

[brandon9715]

Speaking from experience I would get at least a 60 gallon compressor. Bigger the pump the better. Ive been spraying fluid film and now woolwax since 2012. Started out with a 60 gallon compressor with a 12 cfm pump. It was sufficient but I had to add and air dryer to keep from spraying moisture out with the spray gun. Anything smaller is going to run a lot and you will fight with moisture in the air and in your sprayer.

For homeowner use once or twice a year, why would anyone need 60 gallons? Sure, bigger is better for continuous spraying, but that’s unnecessary imo.

 

[Rand]

For homeowner use once or twice a year, why would anyone need 60 gallons? Sure, bigger is better for continuous spraying, but that’s unnecessary imo.

4x a year technically.
also 60gal doesn't take up any more space vs a 20 or 30 unless you are stowing the portable unit under something.
its stationary however.
once you have big air you can find more uses for it.

 

[CDX825]

For homeowner use once or twice a year, why would anyone need 60 gallons? Sure, bigger is better for continuous spraying, but that’s unnecessary imo.

I sprayed a lot of fluid film with a 60 gallon compressor. I can't imagine doing it with something smaller. Could you? Sure. Would it be fun? No.

 

[OM617YOTA]

Around here, used compressors are either clapped out borderline scrap metal, or people are asking five bucks less than new.

If you're not in a hurry, get a good idea for specs, keep your eyes open and see if a used deal comes around. Otherwise, used makes no sense, in this area.

 

[MrBubba]

Buying used poses a risk if they did not properly maintain it and drain it, if it rusted internally and explodes it will go off like a bomb destroying much near it.

Buy new, maintain it and keep it for decades instead of buying a risk.