HarleyTechTalk

I am getting ready to do my own tire changes and need to get an air compressor - don't think I want to set the beads the red-neck way with lighter fluid as shown on youtube.  However, I know nothing about air compressors and what to look for.

I see they list hp and gallons for the compressors.  And they come in all sorts of price ranges.  Since I don't have any air tools (yet) it is probably likely I will mostly use it for tire inflation.  What's the important thing - hp or gallons? What size of compressor do I need to do tire changes and set the beads (tubeless tires on mag rims)?  How small of a size can I get away with?

And if I want to eventually start using air tools, what other things should I consider?

this is one of those " It depends" answere.  I use alot of differenht size compressors at work. most and the same size I have at home is a 5 hp 20 gallon compressor. It runs all my air tools plus an old coats 10/10 tire changer for me that size is plenty. 1 thing I would sugest is getting the oil type of compressor IMO they last alot longer then the oil less type yes they require alittle more maintenance and cost a few $$ more but it will pay for itself in the long run.

to answere ur question on how big I would go with the size that the tire machine recomends

Frisco- those 25 gal. roll around ones they sell at Lowes/H'depot are hard to beat for ability to do many things...I'd put quik-connects and a moisture filter...good to go..get hoses that dont twist and kink....causes less swearing. Hard plumbed mine to my work bench with flexible dis-connect so can unhook and roll out to driveway to air up cars ..

I'm a cheap bastard,I just use my tire spoons and a small tankless 110v compressor,yet to have any trouble seating the bead,but I've changed tires all my life so maybe I use tricks that I don't even notice.     Coff 06

Thanks.  I am hoping to stay with as small (and cheap) as possible since space is an issue.

Quote from: kybagger on August 20, 2010, 01:17:38 PMI would go with the size that the tire machine recomends

Tire machine?  No, no, these changes will be by hand - I got the noscufftiretool and a tire spoon, I think I need lube too...

Quote from: Coff 06I just use my tire spoons and a small tankless 110v compressor

I have a Sears 12V compressor... but thought it wouldn't spurt out enough air quick enough.  What brand is your 110v compressor?  Would it be possible that my little 12V one would work?

Checking out lowes.com, I see a small 2 gallon 1/3 hp Campbell Hausfeld for $79, http://www.lowes.com/pd_103500-43657-FP209599DI_4294895811_4294933768?productId=1205535
If I don't want to spring out for a bigger 20-gallon on wheels, would that little one work?

I  agree on the 5 hp 20 gallon compressor. I bought mine from Sears so many years ago I cannot begin to guess. It sits in the back of the garage under the boat swim platform with a hard line run to the front of the garage for all uses. To answer the question directly though, look at the cfm it will put out at a steady running. Air powered grinders, drills, ratchet wrenches and sanders use a big volume of air but not necessarily a high pressure. If you think you will use these tools, get the bigger compressor i.e. 5 hp and 20 gallon. Paint guns need lower pressure but a good amount of volume also and it has to be filtered. Any size will build enough pressure to pop an air nailer or air up tires. They need high pressure but low volume. So think about what air tools you might be wanting and go from there.

Yeah, if you have to choose between CFM and pressure, opt for the CFM if using tools.

I think it's a Black & Decker Air Station,paid around $50 4 or 5yrs ago.Made for household type junk,bicycles,air mattresses.About the size of a loaf of bread,works great for what I use it for.I've even used it for changing my 4x4 tires.  Coff 06

Thanks.  I may just have to try it with my little dinky 12V compressor before going shopping for something bigger...

To set the bead with my small compressor I have to spread the sidewalls with 2x4's first. Other have used an innertube to spread them. Set it out in the sun for the day with the spreaders in there and the bead is right there.

Look on Craigs.  I got my 5hp, 20 gal for $45.00 (Craftsmen)

You can also wrap a ratchet strap around the circumference of the tire after it's on the rim. When you tighten the strap, the sides will bow out to the rim.

Dan
Where did you get your ratchet strap. Any info appreciated.
Bob

Quote from: HogBob on August 21, 2010, 08:38:09 AM
Dan
Where did you get your ratchet strap. Any info appreciated.
Bob

any auto parts store.  like motorcycle tie downs etc.  also a rope and a stick work.  wrap the rope around the tire and twist it tight with the stick.

Bought my 2 hp 20 gallon from Sears  over 40 years ago.  One of the most useful tool ever purchased.   You'll find that you can use compressed air for many many chores.  I'm 75 years old and still using my compressor  for lots of things.

Yeah, you need to decide if you're gonna be using air tools in the future. They require higher CFM, regardless of tank size. As far as popping tire beads, CFm of compressor unit isn't as important once the tank is fully pressurized, because it doesn't use much volume.
As has been said, you would be amazed at what uses you will find once you have a compressor in the garage.
My philosophy (for what it's worth), if you're gonna buy a major product; get what you want the first time. Otherwise, you'll find out that, while it saved you money at the time, it ends up being a waste of money because you need to upgrade to what you originally wanted.
My other investment that I'm real happy with, is the hose on a hose reel attached to the ceiling. No hoses laying around for people to trip over.

I also had one of those Sears 2HP, 20gal comp. for many, many years. I had it so long in fact ( about 20-25 yrs) that  the tank rusted through before the compressor ever died. I don't think they even make that model anymore. I agree with getting the oil lubricated type versus the oil-less. My son has one of the oil-less type, and I'm amazed at how noisy it is; and has a large (60 gal) tank, but low CFM on the compressor. He hates it, and thinks it was a waste of money.
This started out as just putting in my 2 cents worth; but I think it ened up with about 4 cents worth. LOL
Bob

 

Get an oil lubed compressor with a cast iron head.

 

and this is what I use as a filter to ensure clean dry air.

http://www.velcon.com/cartridges/aquacon.html