Hi Everyone,
I thought I would go ahead and let everyone know my final decision. First thing to note is that if you have $1,500 or more to spend you can buy a very nice high quality compressor. The problem I had is finding one for $1,000 or less that is high quality. When you start looking at what is out there and their reviews, it is horrible. Especially, the big box brands, what ever you do, do not buy one of those. It seems that some on here may have got lucky but from what I can tell you have like a 50/50 chance. First off, I would only buy from this place...
https://www.powerequipmentdirect.com/
They have a great selection with reviews on everything, I read them all and I suggest you do the same. I ended up getting the compressor with the best reviews out of the bunch, a Puma. It was only $699 and meets all the needs you will most likely have. It's pump is a twin cylinder, which I think is better, than a single. Depending on where you are located and the deal available, most likely shipping will be free for what ever compressor you want, tax free, and may include free lift gate service. It took 2 weeks to ship out, and then another week to get here. The shipping company called prior to delivery to make sure I was here, and the guy unloading it with a lift gate put it on a pallet jack and rolled it right into my garage! That is worth it right there, just think what a pain in the butt it would be to actually go pick one of these up at the store and try to load it into your truck and then unload it, you would definitely need a couple of friends. It seems that everything drop ships from the manufacturer so it all depends on how quick the factory is regarding time to ship out. So, far I am extremely happy with my purchase, the Puma is very quiet, and the quality looks great. Time will tell.
As you can see in the pictures, after doing some homework, I found that it is a must to build a condensation trap out of copper, then after that to install the air filter/dryer. Also you don't want the air dryer right next to the compressor, it must be after the condensation trap otherwise you will be going through dessicant for your dryer after a days use. After looking at a lot of reviews I went with this filter/dryer setup.
Devilbiss QC3 Air Filter/Dryer
My compressor is 230V. I had to wire in a new outlet, which I'm sure most of you will. I would like to add, it is very easy, unless you have to crawl into a tight attic space like I had to. Simply get the right double breaker for your box, if your compressor is only three wires like mine, then one wire goes to ground, the other two to the breaker, easy peasy. If you have four wires then the extra just simply goes to the neutral bar in the breaker box. When you go to your local hardware store, make sure you get the correct matching plug for the receptacle. Different amps/volts plugs have different corresponding receptacles and the volts/amps for both must match otherwise the plug will not fit into the receptacle. Note; that none of the compressors will come with a plug. Enjoy the pics below.
