Compressor compatiblity

[Flipflop]

hi I wonder I've some body could help me I'm a new member and looking for a bit of experienced advice being as got bit of time on my hands at the moment I've had a small compressor for some time and want to power my new impact wrench but when I connected it all up it didn't seem to have a lot of power are they compatible or do I need a bigger compressor thanks for any advice in advance

 

[fizzy]

It should be fine for short bursts.
Have you turned up the setting on the impact gun to full?
I made that mistake when I first had mine

 

[Cobbler]

The 4 cfm of the windy gun will probably be based on a 25% usage, so the actual cfm in use will be somewhere around 16cfm while running. Unfortunately that’s how air tools are generally shown. Looking at the spec of the compressor it’s not very clear, but it looks to me like the receiver is only 6 litres, so you would run it flat in seconds.

welcome to the forum as well.

 

[fizzy]

The 4 cfm of the windy gun will probably be based on a 25% usage, so the actual cfm in use will be somewhere around 16cfm while running. Looking at the spec of the compressor it’s not very clear, but it looks to me like the receiver is only 6 litres, so you would run it flat in seconds.

6 Litres! Oh yes that is tiny!
You can get bigger air tanks.

 

[daleyd]

That compressor is way too small to be much use in running an air tool, I'm afraid. You should be looking at something like a 25 litre one (Absolute bare minimum and even that wouldn't be ideal) or upwards to run something like an air impact wrench. The air delivery figure on the compressor is probably ambitious and the required delivery for the tool is also probably under ideal conditions - it will probably take more than that to run it properly.

Those 6 litre ones are Ok for a bit of inflating or a nail gun but they just won't run anything bigger. Also the hose size will make a difference - if you had a curly hose with the compressor it will be restricting the air flow to the tool.

 

[Flipflop]

Thanks very much for replys iv brought a new air line so looks like will have to invest in a decent compressor to use the gun properly any recommendations appreciated

 

[brightspark]

That compressor is way too small to be much use in running an air tool, I'm afraid. You should be looking at something like a 25 litre one (Absolute bare minimum and even that wouldn't be ideal) or upwards to run something like an air impact wrench. The air delivery figure on the compressor is probably ambitious and the required delivery for the tool is also probably under ideal conditions - it will probably take more than that to run it properly.

Those 6 litre ones are Ok for a bit of inflating or a nail gun but they just won't run anything bigger. Also the hose size will make a difference - if you had a curly hose with the compressor it will be restricting the air flow to the tool.

glad u said that there only any good for blowing tires up and light work without loosing cfm. not much cop on most air tools volume and pressure is your friend

 

[fizzy]

Thanks very much for replys iv brought a new air line so looks like will have to invest in a decent compressor to use the gun properly any recommendations appreciated

Belt drive always best - depends on your budget.

 

[James1979]

Thanks very much for replys iv brought a new air line so looks like will have to invest in a decent compressor to use the gun properly any recommendations appreciated

Is the gun the only air tool you have or expect to have? The only reason I ask is that if this is the case you may be better off putting the cash into a decent battery impact driver? Kind of what I did when I left my last workshop and had to sell the big (96cfm) compressor that I had there. Not really missed air for what I do, I've got a 3hp one for the plasma and a blow gun as and when, everything else is battery.

Just a thought.
James

 

[gordon stephenson]

The compressor needs to be a decent size but also important is the airline length and bore, Small bore hose or airline fittings can not pass enough air to provide the impact gun with the air that it needs to operate at full power.

 

[Arc Tourist]

Consider getting or putting together a remote air tank to get more volume ?

My dad built a compressor back in the 1960's which had a small tank sufficient to run his Pasload nail gun when he was doing installations on housing tracts. At home, we connected the compressor tank using a short hose to a large disused propane tank in the corner of the garage. A regulator and air connectors were attached to the tank for hoses. When needed, the volume of air was there to provide adequate power and duration for use of other air tools. Sure, the compressor took longer to pressure up the two tanks in series, but it worked well.

 

[daleyd]

Consider getting or putting together a remote air tank to get more volume ?

My dad built a compressor back in the 1960's which had a small tank sufficient to run his Pasload nail gun when he was doing installations on housing tracts. At home, we connected the compressor tank using a short hose to a large disused propane tank in the corner of the garage. A regulator and air connectors were attached to the tank for hoses. When needed, the volume of air was there to provide adequate power and duration for use of other air tools. Sure, the compressor took longer to pressure up the two tanks in series, but it worked well.

The problem is it’s only a 6l compressor - the pump will not be up to filling a bigger tank, they are really only intended for portability and intermittent operation.