Compressor

Right up there at the top of the list of shop "must haves" is an air source, namely an air compressor. The tools and equipment that make restoration easier are mostly air powered therefore the compressor should be considered the heart of your shop.

My only advise is to get as much as you can afford. A 7hp, 2 stage unit should be more than enough for even the most well equipped hobby garages.

You don't have to start with some humongous monster compressor... hell, that wouldn't leave you any cash for air tools! Do what I did. Start with a 4 or 5 hp roll around. They will run most any tool and work great for siphon fed sand blasters. As your shop and needs grow, sell it to a fellow enthusiast just starting out and put the money towards a bigger one. You may do this a couple of times before you have more than you need... if that's possible. I started with a 4hp single stage roller, sold that to a buddy who had not a compressor, bought a 6hp single stage upright, sold that to another club member who gave it to his dad, and then I bought the one I have now, a 5hp 2 stage upright with an 80 gallon tank. Yes, I have a hankering' to upgrade again...