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I've built two guitars in the last 3 years....and want to set up better in the shop to maybe do 3 in the next year. One area at the front of it all is the air compressor issue. Firstly my little pancake job won't run the Sioux pencil die grinder inlay router I use for the inlay (never shuts off). And I've been sending out to get the finishes done by a pro....I'm thinking I want the compressor to also serve the eventual / hopefull spray system, should I jump in that pond. For the inlay, I would like to be able to run 2 routers at a time ...with the regulated air blower lines to disperse chips during the rout.
There's the $450. single stage 60 gal. thing at Home Depot at the lower end of things...and up from there into the bigger tanks and 2 stage configurations for higher bucks. Money is an issue...but it has to be the good stuff.
I can sort it all out by comparing specs / needs, name brand ...usual method , then hope for the best, or.....


Some input from those who have been here before, would be greatly appreciated.


Michael

Hi Michael
Personally I would go with a reciprocating compressor (piston style) as I think you will find they are much quieter than the alternative. You don't need a really large one to spray but your air router may need a fair amount of CFM so be sure to check it's needs before.

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Thanks John....piston type for sure....would like to hear also..what sort of compressor you use personally in your shop . Name and model if you don't mind.

If you will be doing your own finishing, it's not so much the compressor for spraying as the air powered D/A sander. I got along very well with a 20 gal compressor for spraying, but when wet sanding the finish I went to a 60 gal, which is barely enough. Were I to do it again, I would probably go 80 gal.

Thanks Hans....80 Gal. Air powered DA. sander...right.

Any thoughts as to single stage...2 stage.? I understand the 2 stage best serves higher pressure needs....but to the Luthier?

Campbell Hausfield ...good stuff? Or.?

Mine is an old 20 gallon Campbell Hausfeld don't know the model but single stage. It does the trick for spraying and blowing dust around but would definitely not power a orbital sander. I use an electric or sand by hand so not an issue with me. I almost bought a larger one last year because I was thinking of trying an air orbital but decided I didn't want to spend the money for a big noisemaker in the shop. I suppose I could move it out of the shop and build it it's own little house but that would just be a place for spiders and bees to call home. Guess I'll just wait till it gives up the ghost. It is over 20 years old though so I guess I would recommend their stuff.

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This may be a naïve question but is there any advantage to an air powered orbital sander compared to an electric one?

Good question......

B66, I have a 20 gal DeVillbis for spraying and a Campbell Hausfield 60 gal for D/A. Both are single cylinder.
Charlie, you can't wet sand with an electric!

When I was looking into it I was planning to do wet finish sanding with the orbital so I wanted air versus electric. I decided to continue sanding by hand.

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Ah...I take it electricity and and water don't play well together.

Addam Stark wet sands with an electric. He's been a professional guitar finisher for many many years.....

Here's a picture of him off his facebook page.



It's not like you are immersing the sander in a bathtub. Of course one needs to be careful, but you CAN wet sand with an electric!

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Yes you can and I have done it myself but I did not have a groovy feeling while doing it!

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Tickle your guitar daily, and it'll tickle you back.

...groovy feeling.....that a California thing?

Being a hands on guy for soooo long....probably won't need an air sander at this stage. But the air routers and finish spray are primary. Sounds like a 60 Gal. single stage will do it.

This is the HD unit:http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Air-Compressors-Tools-Accessories-Stationary-Compressors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xn8Zbb2r/R-202043183/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I've also wet sanded with electrics many many times without issue. It's just a thin film on the surface. The air sanders are way easier to control as you have variable speed available on the fly...Sorry that don't help you OP...

Looks like a good way to get buzzed...
Hey, I used to spray spirit varnish through a window fan too!

Actually medfool...your replys do help...as I'm working through all this, and thinking about each suggestion.
Thank you all.