Air Compressor, Specifications? Options

[WALKER]

Hey guys, I am looking for some advice as to buying an air compressor.

I know I read somewhere that said you shouldn't get any less than about a 20 gallon tank and it should do a minimum of 5 cfm at 90 psi for it to be good for an impact wrench and pneumatic tools.

I guess I am looking for advice from you guys as to what you have for air compressors and what your thoughts are for minimum specifications.

Right now I need to buy the air compressor to work on my house (hardwoods and brad nailer for baseboards), but I don't want to buy an air compressor that won't be good for working on the vehicles down the road.

Let me know what your thought are.
Thanks.
David

[jc47]

It really depends on exactly what you will be using it for. For nailers and impact wrenches, you really don't need a big compressor, and you may want to get a smaller one since it will be more portable (can fit in trunk, etc.). Tools like drills, sanders, cutters, etc. are the ones that really use a lot of air; these will usually use a lot more than 5cfm at 90psi. Most tools list the air flow requirements right on the box, you can usually get by with a little less if you don't mind waiting for the compressor to pump up.

Also, if you ever plan to do any painting, make sure you get an oil less compressor.