air compressor comparison need advice

2003 ACURA RSX
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REDSOXSUCK2
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I am looking to buy an air compressor for my garage to power impact wrenches/paint gun/other mid level CFM tools. My choice comes down to either a 20 gallon 4.3cfm @90psi tank or a 4.5gallon 5.3cfm gallon tank. This will be used occasionally.The basic question is is it worth buying a larger compressor or a smaller, more powerful one from a more reputable brand. This is only going to be used for impact wrenches, paint gun, and random other things once in a while for a screw or bolt here and there or a small paint job of a fender there. I would rather go with the smaller one for because of portability, but will 4.5gallons be enough to run a paint gun for 20 or so seconds without failing? Would love input. Thanks again
Nov 6, 2011 at 2:11 PM
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MERLIN2021
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You paint gun should have documentation on the required CFM's. Larger tank=longer uninterupted operation. If you are doing quality painting, go for the larger tank model.
Nov 6, 2011 at 2:40 PM
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REDSOXSUCK2
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95% of the time it will be impact wrenches and other short burst tools. If i was painting, it would just be literally in bursts of 10 seconds long to paint a small part of a bumper. Would 4.5 allow me to do this? Personally, I would rather go with the 4.5 gallon from the reputable brand (dewalt 200psi 4.5gallon /w 5.3cfm) rather than a 20 gallon husky 4.3cfm 125psi. However, I would like to hear from a professional. Thanks!
Nov 6, 2011 at 2:52 PM
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MERLIN2021
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You will spend more time waiting for the tank to refil, your choice!
Nail guns and carpenter tools seem to do OK with these, so light use it should be OK.
Nov 6, 2011 at 5:43 PM