Looking at an Ingersoll Rand 5hp 60 gal single stage.  18.1 cfm @ 90 psi.  Smaller air tools aren't an issue with me but I have never tried to run a 1" impact on a compressor.  The 1" guns I am looking at show usages from 10-18 cfm.  I am not sure whether this compressor will do the job for the occasional tire change on big trucks.  Anyone?

You sure it's a single stage? I suspect it is actually a two stage machine. Should have two cylinders; one low pressure, the other high. I have a comparable two stage unit with 7.5 HP, and it'll put out the air! If you are a business, it may be a bit underpowered, but for occassional use in the big CFM range, you will do OK with it.

If it is really single stage, I'd be leary. About the only way to get that kind of air from a single stage is by overspeeding the compressor (many cheapies run the compressor too fast, wearing them out prematurely, but touting big CFM numbers).

Ohioriverrat, if you would, take a look:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_211720_211720

Aside from everyday light duty use, it would do the occasional big truck tires.  Thanks for the advice.

This may help

http://www2.northerntool.com/air-compressor-buyers-guide.htm

As someone who has done my share of heavy truck tires early in my career, please use the utmost in caution. If you are new to it, take my advice. If you've been doing it then you know where I'm coming from.

Thanks, I read through that a couple of days ago. If your especially referring to split rims, I remember the old days (and the horror stories). Everything I am looking at are all Buds.

Bilgerat, pm sent

By Gawd, it sure is a single stage machine. Didn't see how fast the compressor is driven, but rule of thumb is to try to keep it down below 1000 rpm. My two stage lumbers along at about 870 RPM.

At least it's a cast iron pump, not sleeved aluminum.

I would at least still look for a cast iron, low speed, two stage pump. Buy it once, use it for a long, long time.

Just another $000,000,000.02 shared.

By Gawd, it sure is a single stage machine. Didn't see how fast the compressor is driven, but rule of thumb is to try to keep it down below 1000 rpm. My two stage lumbers along at about 870 RPM.

At least it's a cast iron pump, not sleeved aluminum.

I would at least still look for a cast iron, low speed, two stage pump. Buy it once, use it for a long, long time.

Just another $000,000,000.02 shared.

Going to do some more looking today.  Thanks  8-)