Air Compressor Purchase

sweet97m3 · 12-03-2005, 04:09 AM

Okay, been contemplating going the air compressor route for tackling a number of projects, not the least of which are vehicle repair and maintenance related. From what I can gather it seems rather easy to spend too much or too little on a compressor you really don't need (either too much or too little PSI and capacity). Also did not want to get something gargantuan that presents storage/placement problems. Would appreciate hearing from anyone with their thoughts on minimun PSI and holding capacity to get just about any job done. Smaller the better (size-wise) but I don't want to find out I didn't get enough either...is this making sense???...damn it's early...need more coffee....

Thanks!

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Pressure is almost irrelevant, most do 100 to 150#s, volume is the important spec. Decide on the tools you want to use then spec the compressor and tank to suit. Keep in mind that there is a pressure drop through the lines, bigger lines are better in this respect.

Form factor is important, at home, I have a 200# horizontal in one garage and a 150# vertical in another, they can not swap positions.

Mysterytrain · 12-03-2005, 05:23 AM

I think it depends on what you are planning to do with it as far as what to pick. For me another factor was noise. Those little 'oil-free' guys scream. I decided on a Craftsman 60 gallon last year. Its been great..but so far slightly over kill.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00918419000

rfuerst911sc · 12-03-2005, 05:26 AM

I am not a fan of "oiless" compressors and these are many times the loss leaders Sears and others use to get you in the store. If your a tool guy then you appreciate buying something that will last a long time. I recommend a 20 gallon tank as a minimum with 26 or larger preferred. I also like 220volt vs. 110 but that's dictated by your situation. Twin cylinder cast iron pumps and motors with 4 to 5 H.P. will do a very good job for most applications. Keep in mind you will only be able to run one tool at a time but for the DIYer that's fine. If you shop around you should be able to get one in the $300.00 to $400.00 range. I also would not rule out used. Good luck with your purchase.

sweet97m3 · 12-03-2005, 05:39 AM

Good thoughts and comments already, thank you. I'm heading out today to do some looking and this really helps. Thanks guys.

toolman · toolman's Garage

Try looking at Tractor Supply Co., they have Ingersoll Rand compressors cheaper than I can buy them wholesale. Get something with a 60 gl tank or bigger. You can fill any little tank with 100lbs, but you need volume for painting, sandblasting, sanders, grinders, and most air tools. Always buy one bigger than you think you will ever need.

Shocker · 12-03-2005, 08:18 PM

I know everyone goes for the big oil'ed compressors. I bought a Campbell-Hausfeld at Home Depot 3 years ago for $100. It was an oil-less design with a 25gal tank upright and 90psi.

I thought I would give it a try for $100. What the hell.

It has to be the best tool I have ever purchased. I use it all the time for everything. It just goes and goes. No problems at all. From brakes to Costco playsets it has been great.

Here is the good part: They don't last as long as the oil'ed piston models true, but it takes about 30 minutes and $40 in parts to "rebuild" it. The piston in it is a small teflon coated nylon jobbie running in an aluminum cylinder. When the "rings" wear out, you just buy a new piston. Swap it out and done. The cylinder doesn't really wear and you are good to go. I have been told/read that they should last about 6 years with an average home user.

I have a couple of tool sets from Costco (Mastergrip). They have been pretty good. Everything works fine, but the DA sander takes a bit more than this compressor can put out. It works for awhile and then you need to let the compressor build up pressure to continue. I was able to sand my last long hood with it, but it ran out of pressure near the end.

So, I feel I have gotten my $100 and more out of it for sure. If money was less of an object and space was OK, I would opt for the dual stage 60gal Husky at Home Depot. Should last a long time, but it is $700 and I am not a professional, so I think the oil-less are a good way to go for the home guys.

Mike