I currently have a 30 gal./5HP Craftsman compressor that owes me nothing. I've beat this thing to death beadblasting, priming and painting and running small garage air tools for 10+ years. I'm at the stage that I need more air volume for priming/painting my '67. I'd like to try may luck at painting the car myself. Has anyone any experience with the 60 gal. tank Craftsman using the HVLP style gun? I know that it would be minimally sufficient in size but I have a real problem with fitting an 80 gal. tank in my garage. I would appreciate any input. Thanks, Ken.

Do you have 220v in your garage? If so, 60 gallon would be best. If not, you may can get by with 25-30, though spraying a car might take a while.

Forget about the HP ratings of these things,..they're a joke. Find out the needed flow of the tools you'll be using (SCFM and PSI) and pick from compressors that will handle the tools' requirements.

For a paint gun, this is usually around 6-8 PSI at 40 SCFM, which again, is usaully a larger tank (50-60 gallon or more).

Good luck!

Thank-you for your reply. Yes on the 220 volt. I have read some bad reviews on the Craftsman 60 Gal. Any ideas on that? Thanks again.

I like Craftsman, especially the Professional Series. I'm currently using this and very happy:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916778000P?vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman+Professional

For a spray gun, this would likely be a better choice:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00918419000P?vName=Tools&cName=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&sName=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&filter=Brand%7CCraftsman+Professional

The above requires oil maintenance but that's no big deal. Plus these typically run quieter, though my 'maintenance free' compressor isn't loud.

Others make comparable compressors,..Ingersol-Rand, DWalt, etc.

Are you currently using the 25/30gal or the 60gal compressor? I assume you have done some base/clear coat painting with your set-up and am wondering if you have ample supply of air without any waiting. I am currently using the 25gal with a 9.1@40psi/7.1@90psi and I have to say that I have done a lot of priming of the car with success but when I painted the firewall it was "panic time" when I found myself waiting for more air. I could see all my body prep going right down the drain. It came out well in the end but I decided to update the compressor before trying to paint anything else. By the way I have a '67 that has been a labor of love for 4 yrs now. I've done everything(almost) on the car myself and would like to paint it myself as well. Thank-you, Ken

My paint and body days are over, so I'm using the 25 gallon two-stage 175 psi tank listed above. It runs on 110v and is perfect for my needs,..ratchets, impact, grinder, and of course, inflating tires (8 cars x 4 tires).

For painting, I'm pretty sure you'll need a bigger tank than what I have. Probably a 60 gallon, or you'll be running out of air. You say you have 220v and most any tank over 50 gal, will require 220v so, that's what I'd do.

If not Craftsman, here's a good buy. I see it around for about $500,..not bad at all:

http://www.cpocampbellhausfeld.com/air_compressors/professional_air_compressors/vh6111.html?ref=nextagvh6111

Thanks for all your input.
Ken