What is the minimum SCFM necessary to drive air tools?

SEARS has an air compressor (30-gal. 6hp, vertical) kit (1/2" impact; air-hose; 3/8" ratchet; air hammer) that runs on 120-VAC, and it's rated as follows:
SCFM Delivery At 40 psi 8.6 SCFM
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi 6.4 SCFM

If this is good deal for $299, and more importantly, will it work for the weekend mechanic?

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

I have an older Craftsman compressor with a much smaller tank and only 5 hp, can use it to take my lugs on and off, so should work ok. I believe I have seen this compressor on sale for $279, though.

Browse the tools section. Each tool will have the required scfm on the package. Some tools require more than others. My 6hp compressor won't power some high-volume-low-pressure spray guns.

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Good advice from " blackmercedes ".
Check the requirements of the tools you may want, and then leave some reserve capacity.
Size DOES matter.

__________________
2007 C 230 Sport.

Another suggestion when you are looking, some tools like "DA" sanders take a bunch of air. If you plan on paint and body work and using a sander a lot - look for those requirements. Paint guns can take a lot too if you spray continuously. Most other tools like impacts use less air and are used for a shorter time allowing the compressor to catch up. One last thought.. when checking the tools note the pressures they operate at. Many operate at around 90 psi, that will assist you in sizing. Overall, it sounds like plenty of compressor but check your needs.

Chuck

Hey Neil,

My dad bought the one you are speaking of, but it broke the first night he used it (He was using mini die griner). So he bought an IR vertical 60 gallon one, but he decided that wasn't big enough and the autoshut off accessories dont fit it, so hes going to buy the 80 gallon vertical unit.

You might buy that one at sears, and have no trouble with it. I do have to admit that sears does have a good return policy. I dont really buy many sears tools anymore, they have lost their feel. I mostly buy snapon and german tools. Which by the way in germany are cheaper than craftsman tools (for wrenches) at least.

My point, buy bigger than what you need. Sanders, you need at least 60 gallons at continuious running of the compressor. For just impact gun stuff, 30 gal. is probably fine.

Austin

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.