I am toying with the idea of buying a compressor but am not sure what would be the best size. My next project is a 1954 Austin Healey which will require painting so I am going to need to buy one then. However, last week my scooter got vandalised so I need to have that repainted and I am figuring that I could buy one now and do it myself. I can spray so that isn't the main problem. But I have no idea what size of compressor to buy. Space and money are challenges so the smaller the better. Any ideas on what size would be good enough to supply enough air to paint a car?

i would be looking for one that's at least 14 c.f.m
if you thinking about painting,

it depends on how much room you have and also money,
mines 14 c.f.m 150 ltr tank its around 3/4ft long 1.5ft wide, and about 2.5ft high,
bought mine about 5 years ago around £600 but they will be less now
would of thought 100ltr tank would be ok, i know of people who have done it with less
Paul

[Edited on 6/4/08 by ch1ll1]

I would say 100 liters tank would do. i sparyed my chassis with a 6liter compressor, it was a a big pain.

stuart

make sure your power supply can handle the compressor. I believe the startup drains hte most power. I've got a 2hp and a 1.5 which will eventually be linked in parallel, between them i can just run it on a 13amp supply.

Get the biggest you can fit in the available space. If you cant get one in the garage how about a "box" outside? If you go that route use louvred panels so you get plenty of airflow . Also makes working in the garage a bit more pleasant without the noise also safer.

The tank size is not as important as the CFM (cubic feet per min).
15CFM displacment is about the upper limit on a single 13A socket.
My bother managed on a 15 CFM compressor for many years as a profesional car restorer.
Now upgraded to a dual 13A system.
Don't buy a oilless cheapy.
I did that for my work, which was just for blowning dust of circuit boards.
6 months then up in smoke.
If you a can afford a cast iron belt driven one it should last.

Martin

Agree with everything rf900rush has said.
I've had my 15cfm unit for nearly 30 years, only parts it's ever had are a new drivebelt & some sort of little reeds in the intake valves - the electric motors been replaced once in that time but the pump just goes on & on.
I would say that 15cfm is about the minimum I'd have for spraying & using all types of air tools - you might get away with 13/14 cfm & a big tank, but 15 is better if you can get it worth the money. You could use 2 of the cheap Aldi ones in tandem, but I doubt they would last like a "proper" one does.