Which Compressor to Winterize Sprinkler System?

[Major Blunts]

One of the reasons I want to buy an air compressor is to winterize
my sprinkler system. According to Rain Bird:

To obtain proper air volume, you will need to rent or buy a compressor
capable of providing 10 to 25 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air
volume. Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi)
during the blow-out procedure.

None of the compressors at Sears meet these requirements. I was thinking
of these two models:

Craftsman 30 gal. Air Compressor
6 hp, Vertical Tank, Oil Free Pump
$277.00
SCFM Delivery At 40 psi 8.6 SCFM
SCFM Delivery At 90 psi 6.4 SCFM

Craftsman 4 gal. Air Compressor (55.0 lbs)
3 hp, Pancake, Oil Free Pump
$249.99
SCFM Used At 40 psi 8.0 SCFM
SCFM Use At 90 psi 5.7 SCFM

I know they don't meet the requirements, but will they work?

Thanks!

[j...@noname.com]

i dont live in an area where you have to worry about draining pipes for
freezing, but the cfm and the 50 lbs. of pressure are easy.. dont worry
about the cfm, it will just take longer to push the water out the system
and you wait a little longer,, and the 50 lbs. of pressure or lower is
no problem, you just adjust the control to a lower pressure and push the
water out of your system.. you can probably get a cheaper compressor at
home depot or harbor freight... being as you are only going to use it a
few times during the year it should last a long time as there is not
much use on it......could probably get by with a $200 or less unit as
long as it has a control on it to adjust the pressure below 50 lbs of
pressure so it does not blow the system that you are attaching it to...

[Tim Fischer]

For what it's worth, the sprinkler companies around here use the huge
industrial compressors that are trailer mounted and are commonly used on
construction sites to power air hammers and the like.

Not sure if that's just a speed issue, or if that's what it takes to get the
10-25 CFM.

-Tim

[Eric Kelly]

I bought the Craftsman 30 gal. and it works fine for blowing out my system.
I set my pressure to 80psi since my tubing is rated to this pressure. I've
now blown out my system three times and have had no problems. BTW, once you
own a compressor you'll find it has many other uses.

Eric

"Major Blunts" <blun...@mail.buffalo.com> wrote in message
news:66c21d72.0210...@posting.google.com...

[nJb]

I use a Sears 4hp 25gal. Plenty of air.
--
Jack

I'm just glad I don't get all the government I pay for.

[Bob]

"Eric Kelly" <ekel...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:9ppt9.66004$%d2.29127@sccrnsc01...

> I bought the Craftsman 30 gal. and it works fine for blowing out my
system.
> I set my pressure to 80psi since my tubing is rated to this pressure. I've
> now blown out my system three times and have had no problems. BTW, once
you
> own a compressor you'll find it has many other uses.

Like cleaning the mud off your shoes.

Bob