Air Compressor Recommendation?

[ChicagoRob]

Hi All.

I think that I have saved enough pennies to finally get an air compressor. Besides general inflation duty, I plan on using it to drive an air gun to paint motorcycle-sized things.

These three at HF are in my budget with the last one really pushing it.

I guess that this question could be summed up, what's good enough?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95386
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90234
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94667

[tkent02]

Hi All.

I think that I have saved enough pennies to finally get an air compressor. Besides general inflation duty, I plan on using it to drive an air gun to paint motorcycle-sized things.

These three at HF are in my budget with the last one really pushing it.

I guess that this question could be summed up, what's good enough?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95386
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90234
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94667

Size does matter, get the biggest you can afford.
Vertical is a lot better if you are short on shop space.

Edit, a used big compressor should be as cheap as a new toy one.
A used one will last forever if it is oil lubed and if the tank has been drained properly.
Start scanning Craigslist.

[Steve]

Yep, size matters.

Also make sure that the compressor is oil-lubricated.
Besides lasting longer, they are quieter.

.

[ChicagoRob]

Shoot. I figured as much, but I was hopeful.

Should I shoot for a minimum 2hp and 20Gal?

Something like these?

http://racine.craigslist.org/tls/1454903753.html

http://racine.craigslist.org/tls/1445719503.html

[bonanzadave]

I would consider a Craftsman. I have had one for 16 years and beat on it with air sanders, body grinders, and air drills. They are loud but how much $ is a pair of ear plugs. I can dial down the pressure to airbrush and it works great.

Dont know if they build em like they use to. Wait for a sale and put it on the Sears card.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ir+Compressors

[rustybronco]

I would like to offer my point of view.

If you can find an old "working", cast iron, 2 stage compressor, I would grab it. or at least find a 2 stage cast iron if at all possible. those aluminum single stage compressors $uck...

I would try to find something on the order of a 2 hp, 220 volt with a 20 gallon tank. I you can't find, or if your wiring won't allow a 220 volt compressor, a 1 hp 110volt 12 gallon, 2 stage compressor will work just fine. in fact, an old craftsman 110 volt, 2 stage 12 gallon (1970's model) is what I used to paint the Honda bits and pieces.

***edit***
something like this old beast... http://www.jacksykes.com/images/Tool...Compressor.JPG

[posplayr]

Hi All.

I think that I have saved enough pennies to finally get an air compressor. Besides general inflation duty, I plan on using it to drive an air gun to paint motorcycle-sized things.

These three at HF are in my budget with the last one really pushing it.

I guess that this question could be summed up, what's good enough?

Thanks in advance,

Rob

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95386
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90234
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94667

I have that lower standup one and it is extremely loud. It works OK but depends on what you are trying to do. Agree with the biggest you can afford. Mine will not run a phnematic grinderl for example , not enough flow. I use it for a touch up paint gun. It struggles to sand blast.

If you need high volume go 220V if you can deal with the wiring. The 120 units are just limited.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I would go for the sears one if it is deceint shape. I had one like it from MonkeyWards 2hp 20 gal tank. had it over 20 years until someone pos stole it. Check to see if 120v or 220v

[twr1776]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...ir+Compressors

I have the Sears 25 gallon tank older version of this one and have been happy with it although it is pretty loud. The vertical tank ones would be better on floor space if you do not have a lot of room. If you are running spray guns & other tools the CFM is the key rating to look for. Your spray gun owners manual should have a minumum compressor rating recommendation. Most of the larger compressors are set up for both voltages.

[bwringer]

The HF compressors actually work pretty well, but those SCFM ratings are pure fantasy. I don't think any of them would run a spray gun, but I'm not that familiar with spray painting.

As far as Craftsman compressors, they're all made in China now and are absolutely identical to the HF stuff aside from price tag and paint -- you figure it out. Hmmmm...

If you just need to get by and inflate a few tires until you save up some more gold pieces, I'd get the smallest one. It's oil lubed, compact, decently quiet, and works pretty well.

Around here, at least, people selling air compressors on Cracklist always want crazy stupid money, and the compressors are almost always broken or worn out. I've been looking for a good deal for a couple of years, and haven't seen anything worth calling for. Maybe it's different in your area, but hardly anyone ever sells a compressor that's working right.

HF does sell a very nice two-cylinder belt drive compressor that you can snag for around $340. It's 220V, though, but that's the one I'll upgrade to when I get the chance.

[Nessism]

Those HF units are also sold by various lower end companies, like auto parts stores, but I haven't seen any Sears compressors like them. They are very cheap and I seriously doubt how long they will last but that 3 hp/ 21 gallon job will do the job for spray painting and general garage use. Sears units tend to be better in general, and they cost more. The type called "oil less" are scroll compressors and don't have the durability of an old fashion piston compressor, particularly the cast iron type. Scroll compressors are also noisey as heck. I'd stay clear.

Regarding dual vs. single stage, good luck finding a new dual stage compressor for less than $400 - if you know of one please send me a link.

[sschering]

I say watch CL and auctions for an old Dual stage..

I got an old Devlibis (1956 model) 5hp 80 Gal Dual Stage for $300 from a guy who was closing up his shop..

Those old cast iron oil bath compressors only turn 300-500 rpm so they last forever.

[koolaid_kid]

Some things to look for (my brother gave me this lecture after seeing mine):
Separate motor from compressor. When/if the motor burns out, you just replace the motor, not the whole thing.
Cast iron compressor (cast iron lining may be good enough)
Vertical if it is to stay in one place, saves room
220v if possible, uses less current (P = VI)
As large a tank as you can afford, compressor runs less often
Enough CFM for the tools you want to use.

This one appears to have good specs, but I'd ask around:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=65903

Here is a pretty good write-up to peruse: http://www2.northerntool.com/air-com...yers-guide.htm

[distraction628]

Well since air compressors are what I do for a living.......It's best of I give you my work phone and I will get you in the right direction. Stay away from oilless compressors.. Name brands don't always have the best for the dollar. I/R makes some junk . Snap On sear's and auto parts stores all have someone else make them for them. The best for dollar is a BelAire. I can drop ship them to any place in the lower 48. Other great brands Champion, Curtis, Jenny/Emglo, Devaire, Rolaire... Tell me how much you can afford and I will tell you the best for your dollar.
PM me if you want more info.
Some say single stage suck, well that isn't always true. Some alum pumps have cast iron sleave and work very nice. 2 stage is great if you need 175psi.



Later
Kevin

http://www.belairecompressors.com/p_piston-2stage-electric.html

http://www.belairecompressors.com/p_piston-1stage-electric.html

[distraction628]

If anyone wants a great deal on a new aircompressor please PM me.
we get used ones all the time they go fast, If you want used you would have to pay freight. We are selling 5hp belaire compressors fast we get 5 in there gone within a week. We have some great deals on rotary screw and vane compressors also. So if your work needs one send me contact info.
Take care
Kevin