About 8 years ago I was in a similar situation as you regarding a need for
an air compressor and not wanting to buy one that was too big. Well, last
year I bought my forth (final?) air compressor. I work alone most of the
time, but every time that I turned around it seemed like I was waiting for
the air to build back up and realized that it was costing me time and money.
It seems that once you have air available in your shop there's a whole lot
of new things that you discover that you can do with it, and in no time you
are suffering from insufficient air supply (again). Last year I finally bit
the bullet and bought a big one, an Ingersol Rand 18 cfm at 100 psi system
plus a good air dryer (had to add 6' x 6' shed onto the side of the shop for
it) and a complete re-piping of the shop air system. I think that I've
finally got enough air now.

I guess what I'm saying is that you had better buy a big one so you will
save a bunch of money and not do it like I did. But maybe buying something
smaller to start with isn't such a bad idea. If you go this way, then buy
the biggest one that you can run on a standard 15 amp 125 volt circuit with
a at least a 20 gallon tank and wheels so you can easily move it around.
Stick to the oil type rather than oil-less (the oil type are quieter and
last longer - my first compressor mistake). At least then, when it isn't
big enough for the shop anymore it'll be a good portable system to have
around when your air hose won't reach from your shop to your project . Trust
me, compressed air and woodworking go together, and you will continually
find new uses for it once it's readily available in your shop. If you buy
one that's too small, you will work it to death in no time and you will find
yourself waiting on it to catch up frequently.

--
Charley

"j.duprie" wrote in message
...
Hi folks,
I'm thinking about taking the leap into air tools. Sanders, staplers,
finishnailers, etc. I've got a decent basic understanding of air tools and
compressors, but not realy enough to make a good purchasing decision.
I'm a one man (sometimes 2) custom furniture shop, so I don't need a huge
unit. The most air it would us would be 2 folks running sanders....

I'm looking for something stationary.
I can run permanent air lines to the workstations.

I don't know anything about what brands are best (reliability, durability,
etc.). From what I've read and discussed with friends, a 2 stage is the
way
to go....

any comments?

thanks
-_JD