Air compressor

Tadams said

I've been using a craftsman compressor for 10 years or so. Still works ok but has an 11 gallon tank.
Lowe's has a kobalt 26 gallon unit that looks like it would supply everything I will need. Planning on painting my Barracuda and my dodge ram 1500 this summer.
At $298 is this a good deal

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Hello Tadams,
It all comes down to tank capacity,output fitting size, hose size, PSI, and CFM, (to name a few) and the uninterrupted continuous duration you will use a things like a tool or paint gun in continues operation.

As an hypothetical example.
If you use a impact gun that uses 5 CFM @ 90 PSI you would be using more CFM that the compressor is making. Yes it should would work just fine for lets say a car 5 lugs an 4 wheels giving that none of the are stuck and require continues hammering of the gun to brake them loose , But if you were doing a tractor trailer with 10 lugs on 6 wheels then you would run out of capacity (CFM) before your task is done.
Also as you use the tool the if the requirement of the tool exceeds the PSI of the compressor the tool is less effective.
Both the PSI and CFM of anything you plan to use should be known and the compressor should be sized to there needs.
When running the compressor continuous the tank / air in it will become moisture laden and will effect any tool / paint gun you use.
Be sure you use some in line moisture dryer to prevent moisture from getting into tools and guns.
Also oil less compressors are not really good for continuous operation.
Typical DIY compressors.
Tank Capacity (Gallons) 26
Air Delivery SCFM @ 90PSI (CFM) 4.5
Air Delivery SCFM @ 100PSI (CFM) 4.3
Air Delivery SCFM @ 175PSI (CFM) 0
Maximum Pressure PSI 150
If I miss quoted anything please feel free to let me know.
Hope this helps,
happy Mopar:)
Arron