i have a generalized question. what size air compressor will i need to purchase just to be used for personal use. the main use of the compresror will be running small air tools and a paint gun. what hp should i look for, what size air tank, and how improtant is cfm? i'm looking at a craftsman 1.6 hp 33 gallon tank.........

 

Not sure about everything but I've read cfm is the most important to look for. 33 gallons sounds ok to me but I'm not an expert and bigger is probably better.

 

CFM is the most important rating. That air compressor is small to paint a car with, but you can get by with it. It would help if you used a conventional gun or a lvlp gun. It is definitly too small for a DA sander. I painted three cars with a 2hp, 30 gallon tank compressor.

 

get the biggest comp you can afford. It will be the best advice you ever get

 

I think that 1.6hp motor is going to stall you. With a sizeable tank like that, that motor is gonna work pretty hard to pressurize it.
Try maybe between a 3hp and 5hp.

Also make sure you put that thing where its convenient as you will have popeye arms moving it around all the time.