Air Compressors......

mede8er · mede8er's Garage

I'm in the market for a compressor thats powerful enough to drive pneumatic tools but small enough to fit in my already cramped garage...what are you guys using.......

MikeSid · 08:52 AM

It all depends on the tools you intend to use. Burst tools like nailers and impact wrenches require less CFM of air than continuous use tools like HPLV gun, grinders, sanders, etc.

For burst tools (and filling your tires, etc.) a little Dewalt (made by Emglo) or Thomas compressor works fine and is pretty compact. I've used both and while the Thomas is a little loud and heavy it's a fine compressor. The Dewalt is relatively quiet.

For continuous use tools, a 2 stage compressor is recommended. These can get pricey. But if space is a concern and you need to run sanders, grinders, etc. you'll need a two stage because nothing else will keep up with your air requirements and size constraints.

Basically, pick the tools you'll be using, find out how much air they require, then pick a compressor that can provide that. Don't rely on horsepower ratings. That's virtually meaningless for compressors and is often the suject of marketing "exaggerations".

RickM · RickM's Garage

Perhaps a horizontal config will be the most efficient spacewise.
As mentioned in other threads, get the most compressor you can for your budget.

Here's another post asking the same question: which air compressor to buy?

mede8er · mede8er's Garage

Thank you, gentlemen....

scottb · 01-14-2005, 09:32 AM

I have an older version of this compressor. It's great for air tools, filling tires, and I've even used a small paint spray gun with it. There have been times I wished I'd had more "umph," but on whole I'm very happy with it.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Does it have to be in the garage? Can you put it next to the garage, and plumb your air and wiring through the wall?

mede8er · mede8er's Garage

Quote:

Does it have to be in the garage? Can you put it next to the garage, and plumb your air and wiring through the wall?

Unfortunately I'm surrounded by HOA Nazi's....

Sears has an adequate 2 stage on sale this weekend......

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by mede8er
Unfortunately I'm surrounded by HOA Nazi's....

Sears has an adequate 2 stage on sale this weekend......

If it's oiless then I don't believe it's the type of 2-stage unit mentioned before. IMO, it's a marketing misrepresentaion by Sears.
They can also be much louder than a conventional piston type unit, especially one that runs at lower rpms.

Additionally, the Sears oilless compressors have traditioannly experienced many problems.
I had purchased one that was on sale at Sears. Last day of sale, last unit and the price was great. Before I uncrated it I decided to go on the net to research....yeah, kind of backwards. Anyway, I happened upon a site that showed a silmilar 6 or 7 "hp", 2 stage unit where the compressor head had literally exploded. Replacement parts not available...just the entire, expensive head. I sold the unit the next week.

I tried to locate the site a couple of times for reference but I don't believe it's around anymore.

Here's what one owner had to say back in October:

"Ive had nothing but problems with the sears oil-less compressors, from
stress cracking of the compressor mounting platform on top the tank, to the
cooling fans repeatedly exploding to cracked and broken piston rods and
damaged cylinder linings and the list just goes on and on........

Suggest avoid these at all costs--now you all been forwarned."

http://www.diybanter.com/printthread.php?t=73081

David · David's Garage

I would NOT buy oilless due to noise and reliability.

jet911 · 01:32 PM

Interesting, I bought a Sears 6 HP 33 gal oil-less unit a couple of years ago and have not had one single issue. I don't use it daily, however I have used it quite a bit. The reason I settled on Sears is several construction guys I know recommended it. It is a bit noisy, however most compressors are noisy IMO. To each his own...

Good Luck!

SLO-BOB · 01-14-2005, 12:59 PM

There are really only two choices-cheap or the right one. Right now (as we speak even) I'm using a Coleman 5 hp portable that cost about $200. It's fine for nail guns and putting air in tires. I tried to use it to run a DA. That lasted about 5 seconds before the compressor had to start. If you are going to use anything like a DA or paint gun you need to take a giant step up the compressor scale. Anything in between what I have and the compressor in the link is a compromise at best. Best to spend more and get what you need, or spend little ($200) and it'll do as bad a job as a $600 compressor. This is the one I would get based on my research and needs.

the right compressor

MikeSid · 01-14-2005, 01:09 PM

Unless you're running multiple tools at the same time, 16.5 CFM at 175 psi is plenty of air. Not a bad price for that one either. A similar CH, PC or IR compressor would be closer to $1500.

mede8er · mede8er's Garage

My basic needs are just to run an impact wrench, air ratchet, etc. while I dismantle/reassemble my current project car.....

RickM · RickM's Garage

Sebring, that is a really nice compressor for sure but I'm thinking that a serious DIYer would be well off with a less expensive unit. $500-$550 at Lowes gets a nice CH unit.

MikeSid · 01-14-2005, 01:11 PM

If those are the only tools you'll use, then the little Dewalt would probably be plenty.

But as others have said, air tools breed. Plan for those future children.

SLO-BOB · 01-14-2005, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RickM
Sebring, that is a really nice compressor for sure but I'm thinking that a serious DIYer would be well off with a less expensive unit. $500-$550 at Lowes gets a nice CH unit.

For the impact wrench and air ratchet that would be fine I'm sure, but then again, so would a cheapy like mine.

Rufblackbird · 01-14-2005, 06:04 PM

I'm pretty happy with my Craftsman 25 gal 2 stage compressor...was like $400 but it has served me well the past couple of years, even though I wish I bought a bigger one at times.

scottb · 01-14-2005, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mede8er
My basic needs are just to run an impact wrench, air ratchet, etc. while I dismantle/reassemble my current project car.....

I've never used mine with an impact wrench, but it's fine with air ratchets.

rfuerst911sc · 01-15-2005, 03:05 AM

I have a Campbell Hausfeld 4.5 hp 20 gallon tank compressor that I picked up from Home Depot about 6 years ago for about $350.00 and it has served me well.I run ratchets,nailers,impact wrench and small detail paint gun with no problem,however if I had to do it all over again I would have purchased a bigger tank,some tools use up the volume of air quickly.I remember my dad had a setup similiar to mine except he picked up an old hot water heater tank(aprox. 40 gallon) and used that as an auxhillary air tank,from what I remember it worked great.I agree with the others,I am not a fan of the oiless compressors.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Please excuse my side question here: I need a very small unit to fill tires, blow off a part, maybe pull a lugnut off the Ford... I've been looking at something around 2-3 gal 1.5-3 hp. I won't use it that often and space is limited. Am I wasting my money buying one of these $1-200 units? Also, from what I'm reading, sounds like I should steer clear of oilless units. Am I right on this? Thanx.