You might not like the results from an HVLP if there's any moisture or
oil in the lines. Even with filters, moisture comes out when the
compressor gets hot from running in a near-constant cycle. HVLP takes a
lot of air, so I expect the pump will be "on" a lot. If you live in a
humid area, the problem's worse than for me. I use a 30 gal oil lubed
Sears unit that works ok for lug nuts, but has a heck of a time with a
die grinder. That keeps it running and moisture builds up quickly.

Dave

brianlanning wrote:

I'm getting ready to buy a lot of large tools, one of which is a
compressor. I'm having a real hard time deciding how big to make it.
My goal is to get a largish one so that I can do whatever I want in the
future. I can't say that money is no object, but I can spend some
serious money on it. I don't need portability since I have a small
porter-cable pancake compressor for that. I'd also like an upright one
to save floor space. I'd like for it to be quiet, so an oil-lubed
compressos is best. I'll use it maybe an hour a day during the week,
then all day on a saturday as an example. I also have 220, so that's
not a problem.

They seem to cluster into several price ranges. There's the $500
group, the $800 group, and the $1500 group. I'd like to get one from
the $500 group so I can spend the extra money elsewhere. I'm prepared
to spend the $800 though to get what I want. The $1500 is probably out
of the question. Here's a quick list of what I want to use it for:

Automotive stuff like impact wrenches.

I'd like to be able to spray finishes for furniture and possible
automotive paint, hvlp or otherwise.

Nailers (this is trivial)

Hand-held tools like random orbit sanders.

I think you can use your compressor with a vacuum press, but I haven't
done the research yet.

I can see getting into car restoration, so sand blasting is a definite
possability.

I know I could look up all the scfm at psi numbers for each of these
things and then compare it to the compressor rating, but I'm not sure
that would give a complete picture. My pancake can run the impact
wrench, but it runs too much. And I have other questions like would I
notice the difference between 60 and 80 gallons? If both run only once
a day, I don't need the 80. What's the general feeling? Is there a
sweet spot for advanced home users?

brian