Need air compressor buying advice

[Quickstep192]

It's time to replace my air compressor. I'd like to get one that can produce ~5 SCFM@40PSI, able to produce 100PSI, SCFM at 100 doesn't matter too much. I'm thinking a tank in the 26 gallon range. I'd like a US made unit. Anybody got any suggestions?

[DohertyCM]

I bought a craftsman 33 gal and have been happy with it. Works with everything but large painting jobs.

[Joeaksa]

Its not "American made" but I got mine at Harbor Freight on sale. 60 gallon, 14 cfm @ 90psi, its more than I can use most of the time.

I would not get the minimum you need, go one or two steps above it as you will "grow into" the unit and need more CFM faster than you think!

[Neel]

IMO, buy the biggest one your budget will allow...

[kodioneill]

Don't waste your money on a reed type compressor they're noisy take a long time to recover and they get very hot. Spend the extra for a professional type with a piston compressor. As the previous post says " get more than you need as you will grow into it" You'll be happier down the road. Especially if you want to paint or sandblast.

[kodioneill]

This is a great compressor on Amazon but you may find one locally used or rebuilt. Make sure not to buy a 3 phase.

Amazon.com: 2-Stage Pressure-Lubricated Air Compressors Compressor,Air,7.5 HP: Power & Hand Tools

[SpeedracerIndy]

I recommend belt driven oil filled. They are quieter and recover faster than direct drive. I ended up with a Sanborn after lots of research, available at Menards. It's made in Springfield, MN by a company that makes them under many different brands. Here's the one I have as another brand, but I only paid around $350 for mine at Menards: IP1682066 Industrial Air 1.6-HP 20-Gallon (Belt Drive) Cast Iron Air Compressor

There are hundreds of types and sizes as well as an opinion on each one so good luck with your search.

Edit: found the one I got: http://menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/20-gallon-horizontal-portable-air-compressor/p-1655326-c-9076.htm

If you compare the two links they are the exact same unit with a different brand. For some reason the Sanborn from Menards is significantly cheaper.

[wildcat077]

I would agree as well as to getting the largest one you can afford ... I picked up a humongous industrial unit and i couldn't be happier as it runs my sandblast cabinet and i would have to say that it does everything i need and more !

Cheers !
Phil

[1990C4S]

Buy a used piston compressor. Do not buy one of the new oiless type.

[indyducati]

Pay attention to motor rpms. A compressor with a 1700rpm motor will be MUCH quieter than a 3400 rpm unit.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Dublinoh]

Originally Posted by Quickstep192

It's time to replace my air compressor. I'd like to get one that can produce ~5 SCFM@40PSI, able to produce 100PSI, SCFM at 100 doesn't matter too much. I'm thinking a tank in the 26 gallon range. I'd like a US made unit. Anybody got any suggestions?

If you think you might buy an air wrench in the future, you will need 15-20 cfm output at a higher pressure.

[T77911S]

go bigger than what you think you will need, unless you just want to blow parts dry, pump up tires and use things like nail guns.
for air tools, you will want bigger.

i bough a craftsman 5hp 40g roll around back in the 90's. that was an INCREDABLE compressor. i sold it to my brother, who still has it, and bought a bigger 2 stage one that does not work as well.
i dont know the quality of the craftsman these days, but that was and awesome comp.

[porterdog]

Buy quality, cry once.

Cast iron, made in USA, hi pressure, designed to run continuously.

[caitov]

Finally a chance to contribute to this forum...
Having just purchased my first Porsche, I've been on here constantly soaking up all the great information from everyone else.

Air compressors are a product where I am probably as much an expert as you will find.

My advice is first establish what you feel you will use the compressor for. This should be your priority above all else. Think not just your immediate needs, but also future plans. Based on this you can determine how large (in terms of CFM and tank size) a unit you need.
There are plenty of air compressor buying guides on the net which will help with CFM requirements based on particular air tools.
Generally, inflation and nailers are the smallest, while air sanders, grinders, drills are the largest users of air (CFM).

Next, establish a budget. After that you should choose the largest and best unit you can find. (Belt driven 220V being the best)
If you are buying a large tank size unit, your chances increase of finding one made (or at least assembled) in the USA, as freight from Asia become prohibitive on these.

If your budget allows, Id suggest a smaller industrial tool store in your area. Generally they will have better quality USA made units than you will find at Sears or the home centers.

[Quickstep192]

Thanks everyone. My current compressor is a Speedaire piston pump compressor with a 20 gallon tank. It does pretty much everything I want, but it's probably 35+ years old and I want to get a new one before the tank blows. US made (even US assembled) seem to be few and far between in the smaller sizes, but mobility is important in my small woodshop.

[GaryR]

Not a great pic but Ingersoll Rand, 5HP, two stage 220V.. quiet and works great!

[yelcab1]

I got a 60 gallon home depot 220V unit, installed outside in the shed, run copper lines into the garage, very happy. No longer hear loud noises in the garage. Quiet as a drum inside the house. More air than I ever need for anything. I used to have a Sears 25 gallon, got rid of it after 15 years. It was too small and too noisy. I went big, big time.