[jb92563]

I have a small 3hp 8 gallon air compressor from Harbor Freight ($130) and it will run most air tools satisfactory but like some of the others said you have to loosen the stubborn bolts/nuts by hand with the lower volume/pressure units. The impact wrench I have is a little underpowered but works none the less.

I would say that my small setup is marginal and if I had to do it again I would go with something bigger like 15 gallons and 5+ hp with 150psi or greater available.

My constraint was that I wanted it to run on 120 volts standard 15amp circuit.

The 5hp+ units require 230v and 20+ amps circuit.

I'd buy a gas engine powered unit if portability is required or your 230v plug is not in a good location near where you will be working.