Air compressor, want to hear your opinions.

[rnln]

My old belt driven 14 gal air compressor finally gave up. It put a hole on the tank and one of the valve is busted. I am in search of a compressor and have several ideas.

1- a used 5 gal to 20 gal compressor between $50-$100 bucks. I see some old 4.5 gal Rigid as low as $20-$30 bucks in working condition.

2- Either get a new 15-20 gals ultra quiet compressor from harborfreight or Vevor for around $200-$300 bucks.

3- get a new tank alone and transfer motor/compressor from my old air compressor to the new tank. Off course I will need some miscellaneous parts here and there.

I tend to lean to option (3). This way, I still have a belt driven compressor for the lowest cost and brand new tank. Does anyone have any idea how much a 20 gal tank cost and where to get it?

Thanks.

[WPOZZZ]

I rarely use my air compressor, but if I were to replace it, I would get something about 20 gal so I can do media blasting, and maybe painting. My smaller compressors were just not powerful enough.

[rnln]

If I can go with option (3) building it myself. I can go with a smallest tank, maybe 1 or 2 gal only. Then have a 20 gal next to it. For pumping tires, I switch to 1 tank only. If I do anything bigger, I will switch on the second tank. This is best for me ... if I have a chance

[look 171]

What will you use this for Ron? Those 'lil oil-less compressor will cause you to use a hearing aide by the age of 36. They are damn noisy. We have this at our shop now. Our big shop compressor gone south some time ago and we really no longer need an air compressor anymore as we have gone completely battery operated tools beside the few machines that require compressor air for clamping.

This 14 gal is plenty for us since we aren't doing much production our of the shop. Its quiet, super quiet but don't use it to shoot a spray gun. Its a bit too small for that. https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Quiet-Air-Compressor-Inflation/dp/B0F2S7DWRL?crid=26IJ3AGOCWQRS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iDdATrbQjCsx2dQB6D4q0QgO8tNwDMdmj Wt5hD5FDxqDOewDrkMFxXAHwB8ks_a3_5Djawwvy0njNJ1rzaA mkZy_WAcHbl2kaXs2VD2-vp78U0buEqRXlJmL9P5wvt17PICnrkPvZUHx77e7x5D4u8L3ez BE2KCFW5ckiPIuz2TFW4Jxdiu6lz0f7YNDdluwbFUnCm7w5eYH Y_lHlaZw56wbuFRhSbcugbDfI6h9_JN3vqa8bxn7oACjArLz20 nGVDZeDS1mn4mXOX3pJU0KYP05fyYbgFdtLWqsDzdVmh0.OOoQ kY-cU4M9JSwgqvR6M6tiQM0EW19toa_HdLYjU7g&dib_tag=se&keywords=air%2Bcompressor&qid=1753346528&sprefix=air%2Bcompresso%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-27&th=1

[rnln]

Hey Look, how have you been?
I have used several air compressors from 1 gal up to 20/25 gal, my latest one is 14 gal. I like it because it is the belt driven, quiet. Generally, 14 gal is enough for 90% of the time, only when I sand or grind.

Your link: Nessxa looks like a nice one.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by WPOZZZ

I rarely use my air compressor, but if I were to replace it, I would get something about 20 gal so I can do media blasting, and maybe painting. My smaller compressors were just not powerful enough.

Pretty sure Zeke said a long time ago get a compressor with a belt drive. I have had only two compressors since 1978. They just dont have problems. My Harbor Freight 30 gallon is almost 20 years old but similar today costs over $500.

Go 30 gallons for any type of body work and that's if you are doing small projects. Anything bigger, take up cigareete smoking, as that's what you will be doing while the tank fills back up.

[1990C4S]

I would buy a used 'not working' compressor with a good 14 gallon tank. Should be well under $100.

Transfer the motor/compressor over and move on.

[rnln]

The thing is how do we know if the tank still in good condition? I know that most users don't drain the tank often. When I touch 90% of friends' compressors, all have rusty water come out. Some don't even know it exists lol

[look 171]

Originally Posted by rnln

Hey Look, how have you been?
I have used several air compressors from 1 gal up to 20/25 gal, my latest one is 14 gal. I like it because it is the belt driven, quiet. Generally, 14 gal is enough for 90% of the time, only when I sand or grind.

Your link: Nessxa looks like a nice one.

I am find, still working staying out of trouble. You get that 911 out running yet?

You run a grinder off air? Go battery or just pick up a small corded Makita Grinder. They are cheap, around 100 bucks. Any larger, stick to a cord and its cheaper for DIY. You will be shock at how quiet that Nessxa is. I only buy quiet compressors. Nowadays, my wife is the main contributor to my hearing loss not compressors

[look 171]

Originally Posted by rnln

The thing is how do we know if the tank still in good condition? I know that most users don't drain the tank often. When I touch 90% of friends' compressors, all have rusty water come out. Some don't even know it exists lol

You touch your friend's what and rusty liquid comes out of it. 90% of your friend's let you touch it? I need to make new friends or become your circle of friends.

[cabmandone]

I'd replace the tank and move on. I have a 500 gallon propane tank as my air tank.

[rnln]

the solution for that problem of your hearing loss doesn't cost money. You heard of happy wife happy ears?

Originally Posted by look 171

I am find, still working staying out of trouble. You get that 911 out running yet?

You run a grinder off air? Go battery or just pick up a small corded Makita Grinder. They are cheap, around 100 bucks. Any larger, stick to a cord and its cheaper for DIY. You will be shock at how quiet that Nessxa is. I only buy quiet compressors. Nowadays, my wife is the main contributor to my hearing loss not compressors

[Deschodt]

I bought an ultra quiet aluminum tank compressor years ago. I am saying that's what you need, but the joy of being able to use it *whenever* for whatever reason and not wake up the entire hood/house, nor having rust issues, is undeniable. I had no idea those existed, they are so cool and I would never go back to a loud one. Wasn't horrendous, $250 as I recall

https://www.californiaairtools.com/contractor-grade-ultra-quiet-series-of-air-compressors/1-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-8010a/

[rnln]

Finally, I just got a used simple 20 gal, still working. Not too loud out side but close garage door, it is loud. Well, I can always swap my old motor and compressor when I have time.
Thanks everyone for opinions.

[rnln]

can't stand the screaming type of noise after a while. Sold it. I don't feel safe restoring everything and keep an old tank. I think this size/type is perfect for home used, 20 gal. Even 15 gal is fine too. Too bad, looks like they don't make it anymore?

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Air-Pneumatics/Air-Tanks/Compressor-Replacement-Tanks/20-Gallon-Vertical-Wheel-Style-Air-Tank-4-1915.axd

[rnln]

can't stand the screaming type of noise after a while, even if it can be quieter. I don't feel safe restoring everything and keep an old tank without knowing how the previous person treated it.

I think this size/type is great for home used, 20 gal. Even 15 gal is fine too. Too bad, looks like they don't make it anymore?

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Air-Pneumatics/Air-Tanks/Compressor-Replacement-Tanks/20-Gallon-Vertical-Wheel-Style-Air-Tank-4-1915.axd

[Paul T]

Originally Posted by rnln

The thing is how do we know if the tank still in good condition? I know that most users don't drain the tank often. When I touch 90% of friends' compressors, all have rusty water come out. Some don't even know it exists lol

This is key…I “try” and remember to do it on a semi regular basis but sometimes I forget. They make automatic drain valves but I’ve never used one….

[zakthor]

I am not understanding the prioritizing of big tanks. You all seem to be conflating tank size with compressor capacity.

I used to borrow my friends 30 gallon craftsman. It was super loud and I indeed spent all my time waiting because compressor couldn’t even come close to keeping up with undercoating gun and it felt like 30 seconds on and then 2 minutes waiting.

I bought my own 5 gallon compressor with 6.5@90. Sure it still runs constantly with undercoating gun but I don’t need to stop nearly as much.

Small tank, big air capacity is a least usable while a big tank with small air capacity is hell.

[dad911]

After using a california air tools compressor, I can't go back to the noisy ones.

[Zeke]

As mentioned, air compressors are not the top item for the home shop anymore. The are handy and shouldn't overlooked as they do a lot more than run air tools.

Yes, I did say on the average that belt driven were more quiet than direct drive. California Air Compressors started a revolution and now there are more brands to choose from.

However, there are plenty of good used ones for sale and should be cheap. Used tools are not selling well with some exceptions. I don't want to go on record as making a statement that might ultimately be wrong because there are always exceptions to any rule. But oil filled compressors tend to send oil into the tank and that is why we use water traps and filters when needed.

Since this is generally accepted, the inside of most tanks is oily, not rusty. You can tap an empty tank and listen for dead spots on the bottom. You can take the fittings out of the air outlet bung and look inside and even listen as you roll the tank or tip it up where the hole is at the bottom. If you detect rust flakes, pass. If the outside is rusty as in scale rust, it's trash.

I don't recommend removing the larger hole threaded inspection plugs as they are nearly impossible to remove and hard to reseal. If in doubt, don't buy it.