So wal-mart has a kinda cheap air tool set. I am thinking about asking for it for xmas. I don't have any air tools so the cheap ones would be fine to start with. I don't know much about them, but they are also selling a 125 psi air tank for cheap. Would this tank be enough air for me to run the tools for a job if I fill it before. Or would I need a whole air compressor. Like I said, new to air tools. Thanks for the info guys

 

Air tools are great, invest in a good compresser. You could always upgrade each tool as you need it.

 

JimC,

The tools should list how many CFMs of air and the PSI they require to operate. An air tank won't work. Airtools require a LOT of air in a rapid manner. So you need a constant source of high volume pressure. For best performance you need a compressor that will maintain at least the CFM/PSI rate indicated on the tools. You CAN get by with a compressor that pushes a little less but you will not be able to use your tools continuously as the compressor will need time to rebuild it's air supply. Also, I purchased some cheap walmart air tools once and the tollerances were so far out of whack that they barely worked. I am by no means an air tool expert but I suggest that you spend your initial funds on a compressor with the highest CFM/PSI rating you can afford to give yourself the opportunity to use the widest array of air tools. (I love my AirCat impact wrench! 4CFM @ 90PSI)

Layne

 

Moved to General...

 

Yea air tank wont work, a 20 gal air tank will run a banjo/die grinder/angle grinder/DA sander/ most air tools for about 2 mins. (or less), then you'd have to go fill it up again. A blow gun for about :30 seconds. An air tank is good for airing up tires, thats about it.

 

I agree with the above posts, get a good compressor, decide if you want to go oil lubricated or self lubricating, and get a decent one. You don't have to go huge/poweful but get one that can easily power the tools you will use now and might in the future. Make sure to oil your tools properly, and they'll last you a long time. I bought a cheap set from walmart a couple years ago (ratchet/impact wrench/few other toys) and it still works great. But like what was said above, don't cut things too close with the compressor, make sure it can comfortably drive your tools. That being said, compressed air is the way to go and it will make your jobs much, much easier.

 

I dont know how much your looking to spend but I work at Sears. We have the 17gal, 26gal, and 33gal that would be a good start ranging $180, $260, $300 and the 33gal comes with a tool kit including a air hammer, impact and ratchet

 

Also take a look at HarborFreight.com


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