I'm thinking of getting an entry level 3-gallon air compressor (0.6 scfm @ 90 psi). Just for occasional week DIY tasks. What type of tools could you run with this? Nailer? 3/8" Ratchet? 3" Cutoff saw? Reciprocating saw? Paint sprayer?
what is a 3-gallon air compressor good for?
- Thread starter tonycarguy
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it would have to be a high end one to run any of those things. i have a 20 gal and it wont run my air hammer or 1/2 impacts but its a junk craftsman but its brand new.
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I received a Craftsman 3 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor for Christmas, which is about the largest we can accommodate in the garage right now. Anyway, it's been good for inflating tires, running a grease gun and of course blowing of dust and the like. The hose that came with it was a joke, breaking soon after it was deployed, but the connectors are standard and I get decent value from it with a 15' "real" air hose.
The 3 gallon compressor can probably run a nailer that requires 1 cfm right?
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Depending on what you are running, we don't have enough info. Many of the so called air compressors in stores for the mom and pop use are really , can we say junky. Like a bicycle from walmart, they are expendable these days. Just be a buyer beware person on those things. If you want something that will do a good job, get a 30 gallon unit, u will be able to do all you want to do with that one, a mans unit for sure.
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http://www.sears.com/search=Craftsman%20...s_prod=91223043 here u go................
JHZR2
Staff member
0,6 scfm at 90 will need to run continuous just to fill tires, let alone anything else.
Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
I'm thinking of getting an entry level 3-gallon air compressor (0.6 scfm @ 90 psi). Just for occasional week DIY tasks. What type of tools could you run with this? Nailer? 3/8" Ratchet? 3" Cutoff saw? Reciprocating saw? Paint sprayer?
As mentioned, at that cfm the unit will have a hard time doing much of anything.
Shop around, I got a very nice Dewalt pancake style for way under 100 bucks new at the big box store.
I'm thinking of getting an entry level 3-gallon air compressor (0.6 scfm @ 90 psi). Just for occasional week DIY tasks. What type of tools could you run with this? Nailer? 3/8" Ratchet? 3" Cutoff saw? Reciprocating saw? Paint sprayer?
As mentioned, at that cfm the unit will have a hard time doing much of anything.
Shop around, I got a very nice Dewalt pancake style for way under 100 bucks new at the big box store.
Looks like I have to get at leats 1.5 hp if I want to do something remotely useful? I liked the 3 gallon because it was light and portable. I don't want to lug some 25+ gallon monstrosity around the house just to nail baseboard.
Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
Looks like I have to get at leats 1.5 hp if I want to do something remotely useful? I liked the 3 gallon because it was light and portable. I don't want to lug some 25+ gallon monstrosity around the house just to nail baseboard.
^cheap, doesnt take alot of room, reliable...
Looks like I have to get at leats 1.5 hp if I want to do something remotely useful? I liked the 3 gallon because it was light and portable. I don't want to lug some 25+ gallon monstrosity around the house just to nail baseboard.
^cheap, doesnt take alot of room, reliable...
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Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
Looks like I have to get at leats 1.5 hp if I want to do something remotely useful? I liked the 3 gallon because it was light and portable. I don't want to lug some 25+ gallon monstrosity around the house just to nail baseboard.
I would get a large one and plumb each room for air. Kind of like a central vac. I doubt if the wife would notice or mind!
Looks like I have to get at leats 1.5 hp if I want to do something remotely useful? I liked the 3 gallon because it was light and portable. I don't want to lug some 25+ gallon monstrosity around the house just to nail baseboard.
I would get a large one and plumb each room for air. Kind of like a central vac. I doubt if the wife would notice or mind!
Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
The 3 gallon compressor can probably run a nailer that requires 1 cfm right?
Yes with a 3 gallon you can power Brad nailers, floor nailers etc. I installed bamboo flooring with my 3 gallon Pancake compressor. It would not work with Air guns since they use a high CFM.
If the air tank is too small the compressor motor will continually be coming on to fill the tank. For small jobs the 3 gallon is adequate.
Regards, JC.
The 3 gallon compressor can probably run a nailer that requires 1 cfm right?
Yes with a 3 gallon you can power Brad nailers, floor nailers etc. I installed bamboo flooring with my 3 gallon Pancake compressor. It would not work with Air guns since they use a high CFM.
If the air tank is too small the compressor motor will continually be coming on to fill the tank. For small jobs the 3 gallon is adequate.
Regards, JC.
I have one of these and it's pretty handy:
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/power_tools/air_tools/YN301PL
I use the nailer quite a bit, air up tires, etc. I like it's really portable.
I'm not usually a fan of products like these, but this one has served its usefulness.
http://www.ryobitools.com/catalog/power_tools/air_tools/YN301PL
I use the nailer quite a bit, air up tires, etc. I like it's really portable.
I'm not usually a fan of products like these, but this one has served its usefulness.
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