[Tom Kirkham]

Compressors have been known to start fires. Think about this prior to deciding where you want to place your compressor.

If you pull the intake air from outside the building it greatly reduces the noise. Your neighbors might not like the noise however.

The compressor will heat up the room it is in. (good in the winter, bad in the summer). This is another reason to have the intake plumbed to the outside. (Your compressor will be more efficient)

You need to have water drains and traps. What you don't want is the outlet of an air line to be the lowest point. You want to have a water trap with a valve (to let out the water) at the lowest point.

Spend the extra money and get ball valves. They are much easier, quicker and reliable than gate valves.

You should have an air dryer.

A vertical (vs a horizontal) tank saves a lot of space.

For the most part, the bigger the tank the better.

Three phase (if you have it) is better than single phase.

Two stage compressors are better than a single stage.

Screw type compressors are more efficient and quieter than reciprocating compressors. They are also more money. We have a screw type at the shop and we are very happy with it.