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RE: Air compressor recommendations

To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Subject: RE: Air compressor recommendations
From: Kelley Mascher <mascherk@attbi.com>
Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 14:06:39 -0700
The important thing is to get the tools while permission is given. If it won't 
clean the radiators at least you still have the compressor.

Cheers,

Kelley

At 11:09 AM 10/3/02 -0700, Randall Young wrote:

>The main thing to avoid (IMO) is using 'hp' as a rating to compare air
>compressors by.  You have to compare air delivery, as the 'hp' figures are
>flat lies at the DIY level.  My favorite litmus test is to check the
>nameplate on the motor, and calculate how much power it draws.  If it
>doesn't take roughly 1000 volt-amps per horsepower, someone's lying.  Note
>that this means a 5hp compressor running at 110 volts has to draw something
>like 45 amps !
>
>Also keep in mind that air tools (sandblast guns, etc.) are commonly rated
>in cfm, while compressors are rated in scfm.  That 's' (which is frequently
>forgotten by the same people who lie about horsepower) is roughly a factor
>of 7 at 90psi.  So, that "4 cfm @ 90 psi" sandblast gun needs a "28 scfm @
>90 psi" compressor to keep it in air.  (Yes, I'm ignoring all sorts of minor
>factors for the sake of simplicity here.)  Also, watch out for compressors
>rated only in "air displacement", it's a useless number too.
>
>Randall

Kelley Mascher                                                                
206-789-8935
Seattle, Washington USA

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