Air tools

[gt40]

the current draw would be in the 10-15 amp range, you would probably require a 1500w inverter, and draw over 100 amps at the battery
I had a 1.5hp compressor way back, and ANY extension cord would cause it to trip a breaker on start up - this suggests that the current draw on startup is very close to the 15amp limit of the breaker.
As for grinding and sanding, your compressor would only be usefull for intermittant duty. Even my 5hp home compressor can't keep up to the air requirements for continous grinding or sanding.
The 5hp industrial compressor at work on the other hand has no problem (22 scfm at 120 psi)

[xortam]

Originally posted by MultimediaMan
Get some sort of a water trap for your new air compressor. ....

I hadn't heard about water problems with compressor tanks. I haven't opened the box yet to look at the manual so I don't know what has been recommended to prevent condensation. Thanks for the warning.

Originally posted by gt40
the current draw would be in the 10-15 amp range, you would probably require a 1500w inverter, and draw over 100 amps at the battery
I had a 1.5hp compressor way back, and ANY extension cord would cause it to trip a breaker on start up - this suggests that the current draw on startup is very close to the 15amp limit of the breaker. ...

I just bought a 400w inverter that will handle short periods of 700w. I'm not sure what the alternator puts out on the wagon. I've only used it for powering a boom box so far (CD changer is broken) but was intrigued by the possibilities. I won't be hooking up anything that approaches the limit of my charging system though. I have no idea why I'd bring along the compressor (no kids in marching band or anything) and it was just a thought. I want portability to bring the compressor between rooms and outside the house. I would also like to paint which begs for the larger tanks and I need at least 6 hp to drive some of the interesting tools. A big vertical stationary tank would be interesting but I wouldn't be able to bring it around for painting. I think I have 15 amp circuits (except 240v) and am a little concerned about your extension cord comment. I may have to get a beefier gauge, shorter extension cord for this puppy. I'll find out the requirements when I finally open the box. I wish Sears had more complete specs on their website.

[Dr Mordrid]

One of the first things I did with mine was install a water drain in the tank to prevent corrosion. Initially this was a manual ball valve, but more recently I replaced it with an Ingersoll-Rand EDV-2000 electronic drain valve;

http://www.irgaragesolutions.com/drain_valves.asp

About $50 USD.

The last F*&$#@! thing you want to find out is that your tank is corroded just as you pump 150 PSI of air into it, the first clues of which are typically a very loud noise and the new "exit" in the side of your garage

Dr. Mordrid