what size air compressor for boat restoration

[Kajun37]

what is the smallest size air compressor that would be good for painting boats and motors and using sanding fiberglass and hulls...i dont want too small that i'm always waiting on it to fill back up....just looking for the average size or optimal size...

 

[scoutabout]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

Are you talking like for a commercial business or a one off restoration? If you're using it all day long job after job you'll want the durability and grunt of something big. If it's just you working on weekends the cost of waiting for a tank to fill might outweigh the cost of a big unit. Your tools are going to dictate a lot of this too with the requirements for painting probably higher than the sanders, etc.

For instance I've read that an HVLP (High Volume Low Pressure) paint gun isn't really happy with anything less than a 35 gallon tank and 5 horse motor. Your local body shop could steer you right (versus the pimply kid at the auto counter of the local big box store...)

Also I'm not sure what the hp threshold is between having to go to 220 volts either but it will factor into your costs if your shop isn't set up that way now.

BTW - I like that Merc in your avatar.

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

I have a 5HP, 60 gal from HomeDepot. Not really 5HP but thay say it is.
It is too small for an DA air sander. Have to wait for it to catch up. It is plenty for everything else, die grinder, spraying, impact, etc.
An air sander takes a lot of air.

 

[Jerico]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

I checked around compressor shops and found a guy that rebuilds them on the side. Ended up with a 220v 5HP motor and cast iron industrial pump on a 65 gallon tank for $300. I've made it work hard, but so far haven't done anything it couldn't handle.

 

[beerfilter]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

If you are looking to run air sanders , they take some air .
A little 110V / 5 gallon tank compressor is just going to be a PIA .
You are going to need a 220V , 4-5 HP rig with at least a 40-50 gallon tank .
You need something that can sustain 10CFM @ 90 PSI .
Any less than this and you are wasting your time .

Be leary of the ratings on "consumer end" compressors , they are generally very optimistic , to put it politely .

Expect to spend ~$500 for a decent unit , more if you need to have a 220 circuit run for it( I ran my own ...) .
Don't forget all the extras like a moisture and oil seperator , regulator , lines , couplers , valves , hoses , etc..
These add up in a hurry , if you are plumbing the shop for air .

 

[Kajun37]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

its going to be mainly used to paint my 58' Herters flying fish and my old motors.....i have electric sanders... but i will be using a 90 degree grinder with a sanding disk to get under the seat area since i have to do some major fiberglass repair...my neighbor has a used(rarely) 33 gal craftsman he wants to sell me for $250..but i was thinking of buying a cheap harbor freight unit for about $150


thanks..scout..that 63 merc 500 in my avatar is the first motor that will be will painted...

heres the boat/motor.....

 

[ezmobee]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

I got a 3.5HP 11 gallon one from a Pep-Boys black friday special for christmas. I just bought an air grinder to use with it and it doesn't appear to have the power for it

 

[bjcsc]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

Everything said so far is pretty accurate. The air sanders are your limiting factor, and with them bigger is required (not better). You can either spend the money now, or the time later. BTW, they make some nice pistol grip electric sanders. We use a Makita for cleaning up steel and it works hard. If this is a one-time thing, you may want to consider electric sanders as a big tank 5hp 110v compressor will handle the painting...

 

[External Combustion]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

The best buy for home use on air compressors is to go to your local industrial air supplier and buy a rental unit from them. When they say "5 HP" they mean it. Industrial units are rated at 60% duty cycle or better, 6000 hours a year. Though you will not be able to get one for $150 they will outlast a cheapie many many years and cost less per hour to operate.

I bought my 5 hp Joy for $650 when the new price was $2400. It had 400 hours on it. I use pressure pot sprayers, air grinders, 1 1/2 impact wrenches and several industrial machines with it. I have never regretted the expense and convinced a couple of my casual use friends that this was the wat to go.

As said above, pay now or pay later. If you finish your project and want to sell the compressor then an industrial unit will sell easily at the price you paid for it.

Just some thoughts from down here in the Nations.

 

[F_R]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

Look out for those $150 Harbor Freight compressors. Sears sells the same ones also. The noise will drive you completely batso unless you put it way out in the woods somewhere and cover it up with cement blocks.

I bought one and regretted it, as you can tell. Then I resurrected my old belt driven Craftsman putt-putt. Ah, peace and quiet....

 

[Kajun37]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

so do you think the 33 gal craftsman will be enough to run this 90 degree die grinder? i have to sand under the seats and i only have about 6 or 7 inches of clearance..

 

[TheWoodCrafter]

Re: what size air compressor for boat restoration

It's not the gal of the tank you need to look at it is the HP of the compressor.
But you are not doing that much work with a little die grinder with thoughs 2" pads. The small wheel around Crapsman should be O.K. for that.