time for some new tools

RF Overlord said:
lifespeed, my compressor is a Craftsman 7 gallon, 125 psi. I've always thought you needed one of the big upright units to run air tools. If this one is sufficient, then an air impact would be great.
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Bob, buy yourself a Harbor Freight "earthquale" series 1/2" impact. I think they are on sale right now.

If your compressor won't drive it, just return it. Harbor Freight has a very liberal return policy.
 
RF Overlord said:
lifespeed, my compressor is a Craftsman 7 gallon, 125 psi. I've always thought you needed one of the big upright units to run air tools. If this one is sufficient, then an air impact would be great.
Click to expand...

Check the horsepower and CFM. Tank size is of little importance, although most people tend to equate a huge tank with a "big" air compressor. What really matter are the motor and pump.

I would say if your compressor is at least 1.5 - 2.0 HP and 4 CFM you should be good. Again, the air consumption is intermittent. I am sure you can't run a 1/2" impact at 100% duty cycle with that compressor (I can't with my 3.0 HP unit either), but you don't need to.

The CFM ratings of impact wrenches should be taken with a grain of salt, as there is an assumption of duty cycle.

Although I have heard good things about the Harbor Freight Earthquake, I use and like the classic Ingersol-Rand IR231C.

Edit: One detail that can make quite a difference in air flow is to standardize on the 3/8" ID quick disconnects (instead of the usual 1/4") and a 1/2" ID hose. This greatly reduces frictional losses and improves flow to the tool. Naturally, you won't find these fittings at Home Cheapo.
 
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lifespeed said:
Check the horsepower and CFM. Tank size is of little importance, although most people tend to equate a huge tank with a "big" air compressor. What really matter are the motor and pump.

I would say if your compressor is at least 1.5 - 2.0 HP and 4 CFM you should be good. Again, the air consumption is intermittent. I am sure you can't run a 1/2" impact at 100% duty cycle with that compressor (I can't with my 3.0 HP unit either), but you don't need to.

The CFM ratings of impact wrenches should be taken with a grain of salt, as there is an assumption of duty cycle.

Although I have heard good things about the Harbor Freight Earthquake, I use and like the classic Ingersol-Rand IR231C.

Edit: One detail that can make quite a difference in air flow is to standardize on the 3/8" ID quick disconnects (instead of the usual 1/4") and a 1/2" ID hose. This greatly reduces frictional losses and improves flow to the tool. Naturally, you won't find these fittings at Home Cheapo.
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I use 3/8th connecters on all my air tools and found them at HD/Lowes. Sometimes you need to look in all the bins as people don't always put them back where they found them. Double check them for male/female fit and get some Teflon tape to seal the threads. A good hose that stays flexible in Winter is also a good buy.
I use a Campbell-Hausfield pancake compressor and have had no problems with it keeping up with my tools. For what you are describing as your intent you should have no problem with a pancake compressor.
One other thought is if you are going to use the compressor outdoors in the Winter for long periods of time get an oil-less compressor. Buddy of mine bought an oil one and the oil gums up no matter how thin of an oil he uses.
 
Once you go pneumatic impact, it's hard to go back. The best hoses i've found so far, that don't break the bank, are Goodyear. Made in USA and somehow sold at Harbor Freight. I use mine with a 2 foot or so "whip hose" on the end.
 
fireandice9008 said:
Once you go pneumatic impact, it's hard to go back. The best hoses i've found so far, that don't break the bank, are Goodyear. Made in USA and somehow sold at Harbor Freight. I use mine with a 2 foot or so "whip hose" on the end.
Click to expand...

HF ia either discontinuing or limiting the Goodyear hoses from their product line, which sucks because they were a good buy. I think Northern still carries the GY hoses.
 
Bob just saw your post. Feel free to borrow my Craftsman 1/2 litheium 20 volt impact wrench. Best tool ever bought at Sears. Great torque no cords to drag around light & easy to use. I use it for evrything from change of winter summer wheels brakes to coil/shock change. As for a floor jack mine is way to heavey. When it comes time for another I would like one much lighter.
 
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