Air Compressor Location?

03TorchedMach1 · Nov 15, 2009

I've posted a few things on here about getting ready to move into my first house and garage. I'm thinking about where to put the air compressor....either in attic above the garage or build a workbench and hiding the compressor in a cabinet below the workbench. I like the idea of having it in the attic in hopes of it being pretty quiet and have the hose drop down out of the ceiling in a retractable reel. I would have it wired onto a switch so I can turn it on/off when needed. The other option is to build a workbench that is wide enough to put a horizontal compressor under the workbench that is hidden behind a door with the air hose coming out of the front. Any suggestions or ideas? Thanks in advanced!

the spyder · Nov 15, 2009

Where do you live? Unless you have a very well ventilated attic during the warm summer months, I would not put it up there. The under the bench idea sounds the best, however I am a big fan of having it outside/ in a sound insulated area.

Steve from Socal · Nov 15, 2009

Another problem with putting it in the attic is; out of sight, out of mind. While it likely won't require daily checks, not having it where it is easy to see make checking oil, filters and belts a chore that is often forgotten.

Steve

Number21 · Nov 15, 2009

Oil level needs to be watched just the same as in your lawnmower...and the tank needs to be drained if you don't have an automatic drain. Also, heat is the air compressor's worst enemy. Your attic probably gets pretty toasty in the summer. Attic is probably a bad place...

brownbagg · Nov 15, 2009

mine is outside in the weather, been there over twenty years

onewaydave · Nov 16, 2009

I guess for brownbag this isn't an issue. I've wondered about freezing the collected water in the tank being a problem in the winter. Mine is in the loft, so I can hear it but not as loud as if it were on the main shop floor.

hetkind · Nov 16, 2009

An attic is a poor place, one is the noise will carry all over the house, draining is difficult, maintenance of any type will be a chore. If you want my opinion, an enclosure behind the garage, with good sound insulation. All you really have to do is keep the compressor very well ventilated and the rain off. A small compressor under the workbench is OK but the noise will get you every time...

Howard

bugdust · Nov 16, 2009

Mine is outside behind the shop. I've been meaning to build a cover over it for years.

03TorchedMach1 · Nov 20, 2009

I'm going to be limited on space for a compressor and I saw this at Lowes today when I was looking around...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=131055-1126-WL675000AV&lpage=none

I will be only using a compressor for airing up tires, using for auto detailing purposes(blowing water out of crevices...) and small air tools. Would this be practical for those purposes?

jhn9840 · Nov 20, 2009

03TorchedMach1,

For the money I would consider this:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...cName=Equipment&sName=Compressors+&+Air+Tools

I've owned the next larger size one for about five years and never a problem. I just work on my own vehicles and equipment and run a air rachet, impact wrench ect... It is noisey but for the money I can't complain.

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...cName=Equipment&sName=Compressors+&+Air+Tools

jhn9840
John

DAN 67 CHEVY SWB · Nov 20, 2009

I plan on putting my out back. Build a small shed type structure off the back and put the compressor in there. You can rig the drain up with an automatic timer based valve to do the draining for you. You just have to remember to do your maintance.

ron in sc · Nov 20, 2009

As far away from your garage as possible.

stroked93 · Nov 20, 2009

noise comes with the territory. I keep mine under the workbench convenient and close.

boyAND1 · Nov 21, 2009

03TorchedMach1...I don't think you need to spend that much on a small compressor. I have had a small Brute 10 gallon compressor from walmart that was the best 100 bucks I ever spent on a tool. It will cover any tool operation but a DA sander basically.
Check it out...
http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/8728034/reviews.htm

Air Compressor Location?

03TorchedMach1

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the spyder

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Steve from Socal

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Number21

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brownbagg

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onewaydave

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hetkind

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bugdust

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03TorchedMach1

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jhn9840

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DAN 67 CHEVY SWB

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ron in sc

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stroked93

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boyAND1

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