Okay this may be a dumb question but can you link air compressors together to get more cfm in order to get a paint gun the proper amount of air? Right now I have a ingersoll-rand compressor but it only puts out like 7.5 cfm at 40 psi, can I link that with another cheap air compressor to get more cfm to my gun. I understand that most hvlp guns use about 12-14 cfm at 40psi, is that about right?

You can easily link two or more compressors in parallel for added volume. The only requirement is that they both be single stage or both be 2 stage. Mixing types could create a dangerous situation. I worked in a shop where we ended up with 5 compressors in parallel. If you already have a moderate compressor and a really tight budget, it is a workable option. Some compressor sales people will tell you you should not and quote a list of problems. Most of what they say may be true but it's not really a true problem. They have an interest in selling you a new, big compressor.

what exactly is a 1 or 2 stage compressor?

Without getting particularly technical, single stage compressors make 120 to about 150 psi. 2 stage make 175 to 200 by compressing the first compressed air a second time.

how would you link two together ????

I have been using two compressors. I have no problems with air pressure. I have linked a small portable that puts out about 4.5 CFM and a large portable wheel barrow type that puts out 9-10 CFM.

Both of my compressors have air splitters on them, so I can run three hoses at a time. (These are used primarily for the construction industry). Anyhow, I just assembled a hose about 2' long with male fittings on either end, and connected it to both. I actually have a filter on each compressor, before the splitter, then another filter that my primary hose plugs into.

Hope this helps,
Joe

cool Im going to try my luck....thanks...

Actually, a 2 stage compressor does not necessarily have a higher tank pressure. What they DO is use one cylinder (the large one) to compress the air first, then run through an intercooler into a slightly smaller cylinder which compresses it more.

Two stages, with the air being cooler (less moisture).

Two stages are more efficient for the same amount of horsepower, but more complex, which is why they cost more.

I started with a 5HP COleman oil-less compresser and now have a 7HP CH.

Eventually, I too will have a 2 stage compressor, but for now make do with both tied together when sanding/sandblasting.

While 2-stage can (and often do) run at lower pressures, single stage can only run at a max of about 150. The key for safety is to avoid hooking a 2-stage into a single stage that is not designed to deal with the potential higher pressure of the 2-stage. The shop I mentioned earlier, the 5 were all 2-stage in parallel.

Jim, can you expound on how to do this. A picture would be helpful too. I have a 10-11 cfm compressor. If I can add a second 10 cfm compressor, I'd be set. Lets see that would give me 20 CFM and 120 gallons of tank for about $600. Can this be right?????

Bill