Not Ranked
I'm surprised that none of you guys have mentioned the difference between "Single stage and Dual stage" compressors.
Also Aluminum heads vs cast heads. Aluminum is light and the only plus as far as I'm concerned. They heat up to fast, (causing condensation in the tank AND your airlines much faster than a cast pump) and wear at a much faster rate.
A single stage is almost half as efficient as a dual stage- only compresses once during a piston cycle causing the compressor to run as twice as much or longer than a dual stage.
CFM is everything you need to know! A larger storage tank will obviously hold more air and require less running of the compressor.
If you really want to set it up right, run at least 20' of 3/4" "black" pipe, in any configuration if you don't have room for a straight run, keep it angeled downward-toward the compressor. (When condensation does build up in the lines it will run back to the tank vs. coming out your tools!)
5 HP - 220v, dual stage of any brand name will handle anything in a normal shop. (Paint guns actually use very little air, especially compared to every other shop tool!)
Buy a good quality "Dryer", Devilbis, Binks, Sharp, etc. to terminate your air line. Will add years to the life of your tools and are usually around $100.00.
DV---It's going to be a long winter.....
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