Looking for Quality Portable Compressor

[KLars1]

Hi All -

I'm looking for a portable compressor for primarily working inside the house. The primary application will be for nail guns (framing, finish, brad, staplers, etc.)

I have a 60 gallon IR that is in my garage for bigger tasks. I just hate dragging a 50 ft - 150 ft of house through my house (dirty hose, I might add) just to shoot a few nails.

Like you other junkies, I want quality tools.

Since this will be used inside the house, primary concerns are noise and quality. Features need to include low noise, oil lubricated, low RPM, low duty cycle, good performance, air regulation, etc.

I have started some research, so far I have found two that look promising:

Mikita MAC2400

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC2400-Horsepower-4-2-Gallon-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VPK/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

13 amp, 2-1/2-horsepower, 4.2-gallon oiled twin hot dog compressor with handle
4.2 cfm delivered at 90 psi; low 1,720 rpm extends motor life and lowers noise
Cast-iron pump and roll cage construction
1/4-inch brass Makita universal coupler
19-3/8 by 18 by 18-3/4 inches; 77 pounds; 1-year warranty



Eaton Contractor Compressor with Roll Cage

http://www.eatoncompressor.com/catalog/item/733537/1710502.htm

4-Gallon Tank
115V, Single Phase, 14 running amp draw
2.5 PEAK HP
CFM Displacement of 7.5 CFM
Free Air of 6.5 CFM @ 40 PSI and 5.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
5 Year Warranty
RPM?


Where are these compressors built?

The Makita is more expensive ($319 at Amazon) vs. the Eaton ($169)


Are there any other recommendations? Anyone have comments or experience with either of these models?

[eric87]

i have an emglo. it has been going strong for about 12 years now

[mrb]

I like the style of that makia.

Wouldnt it be cheaper though to buy a long brand new polyurethane hose (wont mark up walls like a rubber one does, and isnt stiff like pvc) and keep it clean for using inside the house only?

[balrog]

Check out Thomas compressors.

[KLars1]

I like the style of that makia.

Wouldnt it be cheaper though to buy a long brand new polyurethane hose (wont mark up walls like a rubber one does, and isnt stiff like pvc) and keep it clean for using inside the house only?

It would definetely be cheaper, no doubt. But definetely less flexible and convienient in application...

[KLars1]

TTT

Any more advice? I guess everyone here runs 80 Gallon, Dual Stage, Cast Iron, Oil Lubricated beast compressors and doesn't worry about this small stuff.

the bigger the better, huh? :pimpflash :pimpflash :pimpflash

[boiler7904]

Don't count out Quincy's line of portable compressors. Rol-Air and Thomas make good portable compressors too. They get used a lot by framing and roofing contractors. If they can stand up to all-day use by one of those type of operations, you'll be more than ok.

I have a small oil-less Porter-Cable. It's alright for small jobs like you're talking about but not much more. I use it from time to time to add air to a car tire or two but that really taxes it. I should have spent a few extra dollars and bought a better unit.

[jwith68]

As far as the motor/pump units on these portables, I'm not sure how much difference there really is between them - they sure all look similar. I bought a HF cheapo version (twin stack arrangement) on sale for $90 in 2002 when we were ready to start framing my 30' x 60' garage. At that price, I considered it basically disposable. It handled 2 Bostitch framing nailers, sitting running in the rain with a piece of plywood over it for protection, and has run a bunch since then. It does seep a little oil now between the pump and motor.

[ShadowMan]

I don't post often, mostly just gleen information from all the guys here. For once I can actually chime in with useful information.
I have that Makita air compressor and I have no complaints.
It's heavy but it is very quiet, you can carry on a conversation without raising your voice. It is well built too. My dad has a cheaper porter cable that we had to tape the oil fill/breather on, none of that on this Makita. The automotive style air filter on the side is a nice touch too.
So far I've only used it for trim work but I wouldn't worry at all about running two shingle nailers off it.

[KLars1]

Don't count out Quincy's line of portable compressors. Rol-Air and Thomas make good portable compressors too. They get used a lot by framing and roofing contractors. If they can stand up to all-day use by one of those type of operations, you'll be more than ok.



Thanks Boiler, I'll check out Quincy, Rol-Air & Thomas.