What does the HP rating on an electric compressor mean to me?
 

I"m looking at a 5-6 year old Craftsman maintenance-free electric compressor on CL.

(yes, I know, 20 gal isn't big enough, maintenance free sucks, you gotta upgrade the hose, blah, blah. . . . thanks, this place is really great, etc.)

BUT, the CURRENT Brand New Craftsman 20 gallon offering is a 1.5 HP motor.

This older model is a 5.5HP model.

What does that mean, and is it a good enough reason to look past the other inadequacies of a 20 gal. compressor for my amateur-wrenching use? The price is right on this one.

Thanks! SmileWavy

What are you going to do with it? Air up tires and use an occasional air wrench on the car? Then its fine, but otherwise you want to get something a bit heavier duty.

Yes, that's about it, Plus blow out the sprinkler.

Thanks, Joe.

20 gallon is fine for putzing around and no heavy duty stuff but once you start to "need air" like for a sand blast cabinet or painting, its time to stop dipping your toes in the water and jump in and get something like a 5-6 hp with 60-80 gallon tank.

Jeremy, I scored a 60 gal HUSKY on CL a couple years ago for 180 bucks,, I'd say hold off and shop around. In this economy there are plenty of used tools for sale..

Todd,

Normally agree but he has not said what he is paying for this. If its like $75 or so its well worth it, but would not pay much more.

Agree what you are saying about the prices of used stuff these days. As well I am going to auctions and lots of good deals there.

Joe A

Have you seen this? http://www.truetex.com/aircompressors.htm Real informative.

Joe, you're right
To answer your question Jer,, it's not the HP,, HOWEVER HP should translate to CFM and PSI .. My guess is the older one is much better rated and built...

That's good stuff. The timeline fits the two very similar compressors I'm talking about, one with a 1.5 hp rating, and one with "5.5 hp".

that hp rating is more than enough for blow up dolls! LOL!

seriously i bought a craftsman 20 plus years ago . basic roll around horizontal tank . its ok,buttttttttttttt...........................it will barely run a die grinder. in other words i bought too small. wont even bust a lug loose on p-car. spend the bucks on a used one(factory rebuilt from campbell hausfield-web) or go to haus of der kompressor in denver somewheres and get one used rebuilt. my next will be a stand up, that can break 1-ton wheel nuts loose with an impact.

remember if ya buy juan on der web.................freight will eat yer ass.

PSI & CFM ratings. Figure out what you need. Forget HP.

Most of the time I use a small, 'nail gun' compressor for filling tires, nail guns, and occasional impact gun.

Occasionally, (when I need the CFMs) I turn on the big compressor, for painting, or sandblasting.........

So If you are going to use air tools continuously, get a big compressor. Or buy a small one, with a small tank, for convenience.

IMHO the 20 gallone ones are too big to be convenient, and too small to power many air tools.

By the way, if that compressor isn't wired to 220v, I seriously doubt it is 5HP.