I think this is the best spot on the forum to ask, but I'm curious what size air compressor I should get, I need to get one to paint my car, its between a 5hp 20 gallon, and a 2hp 8 gallon, the big one has the drawback of being 220v, meaning despite that I would be getting it used, it would wind up costing as much as the new 2hp 8 gallon one because I would have to get a 50 ft 30 amp extension cord. I guess I am wondering if a 2hp 8 gallon is enough for general things like air ratchet, paint gun, die grinder etc.? Or will I have to spring for the bigger unit? Cause I'm also not sure the guy will still have it, since someone else is looking at it first. Idk why there aren't any cheap gas powered compressors...seems odd that they are all electric till about the $400+ price range.

 

For the last 2 years I've had the one that you can get right now for $100 from Harbor Freight if you have the coupon.
It runs most air tools well enough, and is okay for airing up most car and pickup tires, but when porting, half the time is spent waiting for the compressor to catch up.
I haven't tried using it with a spray gun of any sort. Partly haven't felt a pressing need, partly don't dare.
Something with double the SCFM and double the tank volume might be adequate.

 

the black horizontal tank one thats 109, 8 gallon 2hp? Thats actually the one I plan to get if the 5hp 20 gallon falls through, drawback to that one is even though the guy is selling it dirt cheap($30!) I would need a $40-60 extension cord for it, hopefully the other guy doesn't buy it, but that seems unlikely at the price...

 

Yes, it's 2 HP 8 gallon horizontal. It doesn't need anything special in the way of power cords, any household / outdoor style cord will do. I use the same extension cord for that as for my 3/8" drill and my weed eater.

 

Yeah, anything 2hp or under electric is a regular 110v, but anything over 2hp electric is either false advertising or 220v due to the amount of electricity required per hp. Hopefully the 5hp doesnt get bought by this other guy, turns out air hoses are much cheaper, I can pick up a 50 ft air hose for like $20, much cheaper than equivelant length 30 amp cord.