Rattle Guns

[Paul in NZ]

We have to think backwards for an electrical dude like you .

half that setence is right - just think backwards for me...

[laRIKin]

Yup! Most compressors will only go to 15cfm on single phase, Airforce will do a 16cfm in single phase but you can compensate to some extent by getting a bigger tank capacity. Most smaller compressors have either a 25lt or 50lt tank and for what you want I'd suggest a 50lt as bare minimum. 120lt would be ideal, though. Of course it's all down to $, eh?

After thinking about it, mine is 14cfm that can go to 16cfm by changing the gearing on the belt drive as the motor is big enough to handle it and is a soft start. OTTOMH

[Pancakes]

I have a mate who changed the pulley for more pressure, we thought the pump or something would fail after a while but no leaks yet. It fills slower now but he got a free busted compressor with a massive tank and has that inline with the other one for more volume, he uses it quite often (most weekends) for an air D/A and can do most of a car body before a smoko break to let it fill up again. Air dryer/oiler is a must for your tools lifespan too.

[roadracingoldfart]

Just look around for a used LPG or old CNG cylinder to add to the air volume you have in the pump tank.
I have a 55 litre cng tank and its great , but it still wont power my snapon IM5100 gun as the little pump couldnt feed enough air if you beat it with a hammer.
Supercrap autos has a cute set of tools and a spray gun and all sorts for a good price and it will add to the tool shelf nicely. They are ok for home use (but a guy at work has one , the cheap bitch) so give it a wizz.
PS; the air line to the tool is the secret , if ya can get a 1/2 inch bore hose.
Air tools work better with air volume / flow , not just sheer pressure.

[Edbear]

Just look around for a used LPG or old CNG cylinder to add to the air volume you have in the pump tank.
I have a 55 litre cng tank and its great , but it still wont power my snapon IM5100 gun as the little pump couldnt feed enough air if you beat it with a hammer.
Supercrap autos has a cute set of tools and a spray gun and all sorts for a good price and it will add to the tool shelf nicely. They are ok for home use (but a guy at work has one , the cheap bitch) so give it a wizz.
PS; the air line to the tool is the secret , if ya can get a 1/2 inch bore hose.
Air tools work better with air volume / flow , not just sheer pressure.

Good points! You're right, it's flow as much as pressure. However, unless you're using a 3/4" gun or something really big, the best answer is to switch to high-flow fittings. NZ is somewhat unique in using 1/4BSP tail-pieces and simply changing to high-flow will work wonders. Even a 3/4 gun will work well with high-flow fittings (and a 30cm piece of 1/2" line before the gun to act as a reservior).

[Max Preload]

...it's flow as much as pressure.

Indeed. It's the pressure that creates the flow. The less pressure drop from a larger accumulator, the longer it can flow at a high rate. And unless you're using 16cfm constantly, there's no need to have a compressor that can deliver that. Unless you don't have any accumulation.