air compressor
 

all other things being equal which one would you buy


14.5 cfm @ 40 psi
12.85 cfm @ 90 psi
130 psi max
60 gallon tank

13.1 cfm @ 40 psi
11.2 cfm @ 90 psi
155 psi max
60 gallon tank

I want to be able to use it to some light paint work and media blasting in the future but for the most part it will see duty with impact guns, air chisels and other similar work

#1

I've been looking at various ones for the same exact use (mostly blasting). As far as I've been able to tell, flow at 90 psi is the most important thing.

Max psi is not that important. Cannot remember anytime I needed more than 125 psi. Cfm is the key.

#1, but they are very close . Could be different manufacturers fudging specs like they do with audio amps, etc. Media plasting needs cfms.

the top one is one that I saw at harbor freight for $400 (does not appear on the website) and the bottom one was one that I found at Northern Tool for $439

I was leaning towards the Northern Tool one as at least from a perception standpoint I view it as better quality. Now the question is that the actual case or not.

Any experience out there
The NT one can be seen here http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311707_200311707

I would get a 20 gallon tank that you can use for 90% of your stuff, and keep the 60 gallon tank on a shut-of valve. Open the valve and fill the 60 gallon tank only for sandblasting, or jobs that use a LOT of air. Otherwise it will be slow to charge, and you will waste a lot of energy filling it up.

Either compressor is fine, I can't imagine why 155 psi might be required. I never set mine over 120.

THE ONE not made in china
PERSONAL i BUY USED
JUST TO AVOID THE NEW CHINA MADE JUNK!!!!!!

I have checked out some in the past and after a lot of this and that I am going to get one made by Eaton. Do a search. The one I like is 80 gal, 230 volt, 5 hp, runs at lower RPM, auto clean out or drain, a real compressor not just aluminium crap. Price to run around 1600.00 with about 150.00 delivered. Talked to their President one Saturday and was real impressed. Good luck. schamp

Top one for the above reasons. You can set the pressure lower to use less electricity if you get the other one. CFM is also a function of ballast, so if you're using more than the pump can replace, a 60 gal. tank makes sense. Good idea about the 2 tank system.

I can't echo this enough on a compressor. My compressor is the cornerstone of my garage, it's a Devilbiss 80 gallon, one of the last companies that I could find that still makes their compressors and tools in America. I refuse to bring cheap tools into my garage, especially potentially lethal ones.

Personally I'm leaning towards a gasoline-powered unit since electrics are a bit limited until you get to 220V service (which unfortunately, I don't have access to). If you have it, I'd look at a bigger 5 HP or larger 220V electric unit.

Where is the limitation? I think my electrician installed a 208 for mine in about 20 mins....

Not to hijack but...

I have an air compressor with a 15 gallon tank. I have a second 5 gallon tank. How can I run them in series? The 5 gallon tank uses an automotive-style valve stem. I own a chuck that is supposed to lock on, but it won't depress the valve pin at anything over 20 psi. I've looked for something that I can screw over the valve stem, but haven't found anything.

Apartment building. Plus even if I owned this place I probably wouldn't touch the electrical system - parts of it are 1920s.

Gotcha, OK.

I would not go for cheap on a compressor.

Get the best you can afford and it will last you a lifetime, and you will be able to will it to your sons or son-in-laws.

I have a 5hp Quincy, 1725 rpm motor, 2 stage compressor, 80 gal tank, runs quiet, like 20 cu/ft/min at 125psi. Will pump up to 175psi. Go cheap on the air tools like cut off tools, die grinders, saws etc, and consider them to be "consumables" ie use til they quit and toss them. My son recently got a cut off tool from HF for $9. He bought 2! Use til they quit and toss em. You will never be sorry you put in a really good compressor, or buy a really good welder, or a really good plasma cutter, or a really good steel blast cabinet. The cheap crap is just crap.

Have you looked at local store offerings? Lowes, HD, Costco and US tractor Supply (especially)?

Personally I would look to buy locally wit a good warranty.

Take the valve stem out and install piping with a quick connect.SmileWavy

Here's the one I bought a while back.
DeWalt, bought at Lowes or Home Depot.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HZI6F4/ref=nosim/?tag=yahoo-tools06-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B000HZI6F4&linkCod e=asn

So far I love it. For a permanent, fixed position unit, I might have wanted a bigger tank delivering more CFM, but I haven't run into the need yet. I needed something that can be portable if really necessary. I've lugged a buddies' bigger unit around, and it was a MUTHA !!

-interesting to hear about the 2 tank method, I was actually wondering about that. Anybody have pictures of their "home made" 2 tank system? Do you put a check valve between the 2 ?

both are local to me - and when I looked at lowes / HD they basically appeared to be the same thing just more $$

Wish I could afford a $1600+ compressor but I just can't. That said I want to get the best I can.........

Damn 401 and 529