hey guys,
I’m planning on getting a compressor and finally start to spray the gel coat on. My question is, I’m only doing small pieces and was wondering what compressor you all would recommend. Currently i’m looking at one that’s 2 hp, 33 gallon tank (8.4 CFM @ 40 psi & 6.4 CFM @ 90 psi). Do you think this is sufficient enough?
Yes, but like on the other site, stay away from an oiless air compressor…you and your neighbors will thank me!
Can you tell me why it would be better to have an oiled one? My friend begs to differ and says for such a small project, it’ll be ok for the oiless compressor. Also, is the size of the tank and the cfm rate ok for spraying?
For small projects oilless will work BUT they are very noisy and don’t live as long as oiled piston compressors. if you plan to use the compressor for a long time invest in one that has a cast iron compressor instead of the cheaper aluminum ones.
Like others have said, the oil-less ones tend to be louder and will not last long. I had this one from Sears that I beat the crap out of and you could hear that thing miles away. Seriously, you had to wear ear plugs when it got near the end. However, if you want to save money and you don’t care how long it lasts, the oil-less could be an option. Another factor to consider is that most of these smaller compressors are not rated for continuous operation and will fail quicker if you do run them continuously. Here is a mid priced one from Home Depot -
Sounds like you are looking at something like this -
that’s what i was looking at. I’ve heard the craftsman compressor when it refills and it’s hella loud. Thanks for your guys input, makes me rethink whether or not to invest in one.
Dang it, I had a really cool link to a site that had DIY plans and the like for sound proofing an air compressor and I can’t find it or now it is a commercial site selling sound proofing supplies only! 
I totally agree on getting an oiled air compressor. However, don’t be so quick to knock on an oil-less. I used to hate oil-less air compressors also. However, some of the newer craftsman models are actually more quiet than their oiled counterparts. If you are going to buy an air compressor, try to make it a one time thing. They come in handy for things other than spray equipment. If you have access to 220-240v, buy a stand up model that uses 220-240v. They tend to offer more air flow at the same price point as a 110-120v model.
That size is fine for small jobs, no more than one tool at a time and not for more than 10 minutes of tool use at a time. Mine is 60hp, 500 gallon tank and about 150cfm @100psi. I don’t like to run out of air.
Well, I have used a 2 hp 30+ gallon air compressor Speedaire (also “Monkey” Wards) for 20+ years and it keeps up with anything I do.
But at a recent auction, I picked up a used Devilibes 5hp (3 phased…got to change the motor or get an phase inverter) with a 80 gallon tank for less than $200.00. I figure I can still get rebuild parts if needed. But while moving it into place by myself…it toppled. It broke off the air cleaner intercooler manifold…anyone have one laying around for sale???:rolleyes:
When moving really big equipment, prop up one side and get yourself 3 to 4 HD steel tubing to place under the runners and it rolls with 2 fingers. You have to keep placing the dropped off one back in the front but man, it is so easy…
I also welded up a one bolt motor adjuster too so I can easliy tension the belts on this monster.
Another trick is to locate other dead air tanks or what I found at a surplus yard (I love them!) was a stainless steel bouy that I’m going to add a line in and a drain to add compacity too in another area too.
Here’s a shot of my tried & trued Speedaire / Wards air compressor which you might also see the Home Depot valve and drain copper tubing down so I can just open it up and let the oil drain out over night into a pan at lest once every 6 or so months…ok, it has gone a year or more at times without an oil change too…and mark the tank when you did it to remind you when you did it last: