Replacement portable air compressor with parts available

[clightle]

My rigid tri stack compressor failed to generate more than 70 psi recently. I tore it down and found the reed valve is broke. Replacement Parts aren't available and the piston seal and head gaskets need replaced, again parts aren't available(although I could find solutions for the gaskets). I have an old 30 gallon Westinghouse aircraft compressor that runs great (and slow speed) for larger work.

I would like suggestions for replacement of my rigid. I use it with coil framing nailers, air hammers, and various other tools. Noise is no so much of an issue because I still have the rigid 4 gallon tank with regulator that can be staged for larger volume capacity and to get the noisy compressor outside (or further away). I move this around some for various jobs, so reasonable weigh is a requirement. I don't care much for wheeled air compressor that can tip over easily. My primary concern is price, performance, and replacement parts available today (so I can stock up and net be in this situation in the future).

My primary considerations have been pancake compressors, which most seem comparable in design, with different pressure ratings that impact scfm rating at 90psi. Most of my work is not pressing, so I can generally pause between work.

I have been leaning towards Hart, Metabo HTP Tank, or Kobalt pancake compressors. Quiet compressors may be of interest, but I don't know about rebuild options especially with the dual piston designs that most at this scfm ratings have. My old Rigid had 4.9 scfm at 90, but I think I can live with a little less now

Thank you for any input that you provide

 

[theoldwizard1]

California Air Tools make "contractor grade" (?) quiet air compressors. Get a 1 HP model. No pancake, but small tanks (1, 2 or 4 gallon). They use a different style compressor head.

Only 2.2 CFM @ 90 psi but it will run a single nailer. Air hammer or impact, you might have to wait. Forget grinders, cut off wheels, sanders or sand blaster.

Parts ARE AVAILABLE.

HF sells a knock off.

 

[GeoBruin]

California Air Tools make "contractor grade" (?) quiet air compressors. Get a 1 HP model. No pancake, but small tanks (1, 2 or 4 gallon). They use a different style compressor head.

Only 2.2 CFM @ 90 psi but it will run a single nailer. Air hammer or impact, you might have to wait. Forget grinders, cut off wheels, sanders or sand blaster.

Parts ARE AVAILABLE.

HF sells a knock off.

CAT also makes 2hp models that make 5ish cfm.

 

[Hohn]

Oil free with spare parts and industrial-level support basically mean CAT. Very few compressors of that kind offer full support.

Otherwise you’re looking at an industrial oil lubed and $$$.

 

[clightle]

California Air Tools make "contractor grade" (?) quiet air compressors. Get a 1 HP model. No pancake, but small tanks (1, 2 or 4 gallon). They use a different style compressor head.

Only 2.2 CFM @ 90 psi but it will run a single nailer. Air hammer or impact, you might have to wait. Forget grinders, cut off wheels, sanders or sand blaster.

Parts ARE AVAILABLE.

HF sells a knock off.

I have seen many knock off in my research, but am unsure if they have direct replacement parts (I know some of the Honda gas engine clones are very close to original Hondas and have heard parts are interchangeable)

Occasionally I will use a die grinder, needle gun, or cut off wheel, but could wait, or hook up to larger air compressor

 

[theoldwizard1]

Occasionally I will use a die grinder, needle gun, or cut off wheel, but could wait, or hook up to larger air compressor

Any of those will make a 1 HP CAT compressor fall behind quickly.

I have used a CAT 4620 (4.6 gal, 2 HP, 5.3 CFM @ 90psi) with my impact and by the 5th lug nut I have to pause.

 

[clightle]

California Air Tools make "contractor grade" (?) quiet air compressors. Get a 1 HP model. No pancake, but small tanks (1, 2 or 4 gallon). They use a different style compressor head.

Only 2.2 CFM @ 90 psi but it will run a single nailer. Air hammer or impact, you might have to wait. Forget grinders, cut off wheels, sanders or sand blaster.

Parts ARE AVAILABLE.

HF sells a knock off.

I checked on the price of parts from some online retail, and they seem expensive for the replacement piston rings (they look to be a ptfe compound (teflon). I always have a tendency to buy higher than my needs in quality and capacity, but I have to balance that out slightly with the current societal "throw away" mentality. My rigid tristack is a prime example of that. I am not a contractor but have a (broken) compressor that was built very well for carrying and delivered 4.9 at 90

I am slightly nervous about the lifespan of the CAT style silent compressors as I don't have any experience with them, and something as little as an irreplaceable reedvalve put my last compressor out of service.

Thank you for your.input

 

[clightle]

Any of those will make a 1 HP CAT compressor fall behind quickly.

I have used a CAT 4620 (4.6 gal, 2 HP, 5.3 CFM @ 90psi) with my impact and by the 5th lug nut I have to pause.

Thank you for this information about capacity in practical use terms.

 

[clightle]

Oil free with spare parts and industrial-level support basically mean CAT. Very few compressors of that kind offer full support.

Otherwise you’re looking at an industrial oil lubed and $$$.

After this comment, I started opening my search to lubed compressors also. I know they have some issues with starting while cold. The last one of these I had was a 5 wheeled compressor. I didn't care for it being so top heavy, resulting in it falling over when I pulled the hose....due to the concern of leaking oil, I would stop and right it, which is a pain if you are doing something like installing trusses.

I am good at finding parts in general and in general don't need support. I will buy replacement parts for any new compressor I purchase within weeks of buying the compressor to have in my inventory when it breaks years down the road.

Thank you for your input

 

[Steve_P]

There are huge tradeoffs with oilless designs that basically guarantee a shorter lifespan vs lubed with all metal parts. Lubed compressors permanently sit outside in many commercial applications and function in below freezing winters for decades, so I wouldn't be concerned unless you're in arctic conditions.

 

[KnurledNut]

Rolair

 

[rancherbill]

My rigid tri stack compressor failed to generate more than 70 psi recently. I tore it down and found the reed valve is broke. Replacement Parts aren't available and the piston seal and head gaskets need replaced, again parts aren't available(although I could find solutions for the gaskets). I have an old 30 gallon Westinghouse aircraft compressor that runs great (and slow speed) for larger work.

I haven't read all the comment, but, RIDGID HAS A LIFETIME REPLACEMENT WARRANTY. Take it to your local depot and they will give you a new one.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Oil lube compressor for winter use, -15C and colder; I wrap a battery blanket around the head and plug it in for 15 minutes before work. The blanket is semi - permanently attached with tie wire.

 

[clightle]

California Air Tools make "contractor grade" (?) quiet air compressors. Get a 1 HP model. No pancake, but small tanks (1, 2 or 4 gallon). They use a different style compressor head.

Only 2.2 CFM @ 90 psi but it will run a single nailer. Air hammer or impact, you might have to wait. Forget grinders, cut off wheels, sanders or sand blaster.

Parts ARE AVAILABLE.

HF sells a knock off.

What do you mean by "they use a different style of compressor head"? From the parts diagram on Jack small engine repair website it appears to be a 2 piston double reedvalve (one on Inlet to piston and one on outlet..this site calls it gassing plate valve) setup with a balancing tube for both Inlet and outlet. The design aspect I like on this over my rigid is that the reed valve.on the CAT seems to be a rectangular reed, rather than the 3 or 5 lobe reed on my rigid (which seems custom which results in difficulty finding replacements.

Thank you for your input

I haven't read all the comment, but, RIDGID HAS A LIFETIME REPLACEMENT WARRANTY. Take it to your local depot and they will give you a new one.

This unit was one I picked up used and repaired. RIDGED only has lifetime warranty on registered products purchased new(and registered within so much time of purchase)

 

[clightle]

California Air Tools make "contractor grade" (?) quiet air compressors. Get a 1 HP model. No pancake, but small tanks (1, 2 or 4 gallon). They use a different style compressor head.

Only 2.2 CFM @ 90 psi but it will run a single nailer. Air hammer or impact, you might have to wait. Forget grinders, cut off wheels, sanders or sand blaster.

Parts ARE AVAILABLE.

HF sells a knock off.

What do you mean by "they use a different style of compressor head"? From the parts diagram on Jack small engine repair website it appears to be a 2 piston double reedvalve (one on Inlet to piston and one on outlet..this site calls it gassing plate valve) setup with a balancing tube for both Inlet and outlet. The design aspect I like on this over my rigid is that the reed valve.on the CAT seems to be a rectangular reed, rather than the 3 or 5 lobe reed on my rigid (which seems custom which results in difficulty finding replacements.

Thank you for your input

CAT also makes 2hp models that make 5ish cfm.

I saw these and would suit would be a direct replacement. After some more thought, I am going with more portability and less capacity. With my mobile tasks, I can afford to wait for the compressor to keep up

 

[clightle]

My rigid tri stack compressor failed to generate more than 70 psi recently. I tore it down and found the reed valve is broke. Replacement Parts aren't available and the piston seal and head gaskets need replaced, again parts aren't available(although I could find solutions for the gaskets). I have an old 30 gallon Westinghouse aircraft compressor that runs great (and slow speed) for larger work.

I would like suggestions for replacement of my rigid. I use it with coil framing nailers, air hammers, and various other tools. Noise is no so much of an issue because I still have the rigid 4 gallon tank with regulator that can be staged for larger volume capacity and to get the noisy compressor outside (or further away). I move this around some for various jobs, so reasonable weigh is a requirement. I don't care much for wheeled air compressor that can tip over easily. My primary concern is price, performance, and replacement parts available today (so I can stock up and net be in this situation in the future).

My primary considerations have been pancake compressors, which most seem comparable in design, with different pressure ratings that impact scfm rating at 90psi. Most of my work is not pressing, so I can generally pause between work.

I have been leaning towards Hart, Metabo HTP Tank, or Kobalt pancake compressors. Quiet compressors may be of interest, but I don't know about rebuild options especially with the dual piston designs that most at this scfm ratings have. My old Rigid had 4.9 scfm at 90, but I think I can live with a little less now

Thank you for any input that you provide

Thank you for all of your input. I ended up ordering a CAT knock off(Fornax) from Amazon for $103.99. It claims to be a 1.2 hp 2.1 scfm at 90, max 125psi. This will be significantly less capacity than my old rigid, but the trade off in portability I believe outweighs the capacity (or should I say underweighs). I still have the bottom part of my tristack which allows me to have a 4 gallon regulated surge tank between my compressor and tool, helping some in capacity. Part of my decision is also on the storage footprint as my garage is full already and a larger wheeled compressor will take up valuable room. I have plenty of capacity with my old v Westinghouse air brake compressor on a 30 gallon tank around the house, which is a workhorse when the motor is functional (I have a 2 hp on it and am waiting for delivery of replacement capacitors for a harbor freight motor I installed about 6 years ago). I may upgrade this to a 3Hp eventually and adjust pulley size to increase capacity slightly. Now it is roughly 12 scfm at 90, if I remember my calculations correctly.

I know I am risking reliability and parts availability, with this compressor, but at the price I am willing to take that risk. I will update this thread after some use experience with my needs Fornax CAT knock off.

 

[clightle]

Thanks again for your input which helped contribute to my decision

 

[GeoBruin]

Thanks again for your input which helped contribute to my decision

We'll, think of it this way, you'll never spend more than $103.99 on spare parts!

 

[theoldwizard1]

What do you mean by "they use a different style of compressor head"? From the parts diagram on Jack small engine repair website it appears to be a 2 piston double reedvalve (one on Inlet to piston and one on outlet..this site calls it gassing plate valve) setup with a balancing tube for both Inlet and outlet. The design aspect I like on this over my rigid is that the reed valve.on the CAT seems to be a rectangular reed, rather than the 3 or 5 lobe reed on my rigid (which seems custom which results in difficulty finding replacements.

I shouldn't have said "head" !

I believe, most small, oil-less compressors basically use a typical piston in bore with the piston coated with something like Teflon. no rings. The coating wears or get overheated and the the piston and bore are no longer sealed.

The CAT "style" piston is connected to a flexible membrane that is attached/sandwiched in between the block/head. The piston is connected to the membrane. The stroke of the crank/piston is short (so the bore has to be large) and it just flexes the membrane up and down.

What I am describing is a WOB-L® Piston Compressors/Pumps

 

[dscheidt]

I shouldn't have said "head" !

I believe, most small, oil-less compressors basically use a typical piston in bore with the piston coated with something like Teflon. no rings. The coating wears or get overheated and the the piston and bore are no longer sealed.

They have a membrane on top of the piston. It's got rings, but it's not like a normal reciprocating engine piston. The membrane can be replaced, it's a wear item on pumps of this design that are intended to be serviced. I'm not sure many of this style of air compressor are, at least as sold for general use. They fall into two use cases. One is jobsite use, where they're used hard and abused, and generally die from being dropped, run over, or stolen before they're worn out. The other is home use, where they're not used enough to wear out.

The picture is of a small CAT compressor I pulled out of a dumpster, which suffered a fall. it wasn't repairable (economically, all the parts were at least theoretically available, but would have been much more than it cost new). you can see the membrane

 

[clightle]

They have a membrane on top of the piston. It's got rings, but it's not like a normal reciprocating engine piston. The membrane can be replaced, it's a wear item on pumps of this design that are intended to be serviced. I'm not sure many of this style of air compressor are, at least as sold for general use. They fall into two use cases. One is jobsite use, where they're used hard and abused, and generally die from being dropped, run over, or stolen before they're worn out. The other is home use, where they're not used enough to wear out.

The picture is of a small CAT compressor I pulled out of a dumpster, which suffered a fall. it wasn't repairable (economically, all the parts were at least theoretically available, but would have been much more than it cost new). you can see the membrane

It looks like you could braze or jbweld the housing back, and possibly jewelry the piston sleeve to repair this item.

The Fornax CAT knockoff that I purchased is pretty much meeting my expectations. There is a cage around the compressor that would help protect the compressor against damage like the compressor above suffered. The capacity is sufficient for my work, but lacks (as expected) volume for running air hog tools like my cheap harbor freight die grinder. It runs my framing nailer like a champ. I do my compressor setup with the 2 gallon fornax hooked to my 4 gallon ridgid tristack regulated split tank and did upgrade the connecting hose to high flow fittings. The fornax fittings were compatible with the high flow male fittings that I purchased at Walmart. I made the change to highflow due to whistling at the Inlet fitting on the ridgid tank Inlet connection. The Fornax did have some slight shipping damage, specifically the compressor mounts were bent putting tension on the flex hose to the tank check valve which is not a big deal to me. Maybe sometime I will bend it back someday.

 

[tarbellb]

Appreciate the update.

For future reference I would include the Makita MAC portable series of oiled compressors, quiet, reliable, and been produced for 10+yrs and parts available last I checked.

 

[clightle]

Appreciate the update.

For future reference I would include the Makita MAC portable series of oiled compressors, quiet, reliable, and been produced for 10+yrs and parts available last I checked.

The Makita big MAC was on my list of possible compressors when I purchased my Rigid Tristack several years ago. If I remember I think I chose the Rigid because I found a cheap used Rigid that needed the reed valves replaced (which were available at the time). The new Makita was about 2.5x the price of the used repaired Rigid....looking back now, the Makita may have been the better option. The used market for the Makita is very limited and price, which should tell me something about the reliability of these compressors

 

[dscheidt]

They have a membrane on top of the piston. It's got rings, but it's not like a normal reciprocating engine piston. The membrane can be replaced, it's a wear

Stefan Gotteswinter took one apart. His is somewhat different.

 

[The Cobbler]

Stefan Gotteswinter took one apart. His is somewhat different.

I think similar but same concept , a different material (plastic?) for the cap of the piston that holds in the ring .

 

[Hohn]

Appreciate the update.

For future reference I would include the Makita MAC portable series of oiled compressors, quiet, reliable, and been produced for 10+yrs and parts available last I checked.

What else is out there in a similar form factor with oil lube pump and reasonably quiet?
The MAC 5200 has the airflow of a 25-30 gallon 120V compressor on a much smaller, more compact setup. It looks to be a great second compressor option.
But what else is there that's 5.5-6 SCFM at 90psi on 120V, oil-lubed and reasonably quiet? I mean, it doesn't have to be CAT quiet, but it just can't be 1990s Craftsman oil free loud.

 

[Hohn]

What else is out there in a similar form factor with oil lube pump and reasonably quiet?
The MAC 5200 has the airflow of a 25-30 gallon 120V compressor on a much smaller, more compact setup. It looks to be a great second compressor option.
But what else is there that's 5.5-6 SCFM at 90psi on 120V, oil-lubed and reasonably quiet? I mean, it doesn't have to be CAT quiet, but it just can't be 1990s Craftsman oil free loud.

Monologuing a little, it looks like this Eagle is nearly a dead copy of the Makita. The pump cover and oil drain looks identical.
Has the same specs, too.

Eagle TS3050L+ 3 HP 5 Gal 140 Max PSI Single-Stage Portable Electric (120 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

Save on the Eagle TS3050L+ from Ferguson Home. Low Prices + Fast & Free Shipping on Most Orders. Find reviews, expert advice, manuals, specs & more.

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

 

[tarbellb]

What else is out there in a similar form factor with oil lube pump and reasonably quiet?
The MAC 5200 has the airflow of a 25-30 gallon 120V compressor on a much smaller, more compact setup. It looks to be a great second compressor option.
But what else is there that's 5.5-6 SCFM at 90psi on 120V, oil-lubed and reasonably quiet? I mean, it doesn't have to be CAT quiet, but it just can't be 1990s Craftsman oil free loud.

AFAIK Rolair is about the only other compressor in a smaller footprint putting out good cfm with a rep for durability

 

[GeoBruin]

The Quincy Q12124PQ and it's vertical brother the Q12124VPQ are the highest output 120V oil lubed "portable" compressors available. They are also resold under other brands like Chicago Pneumatic, Ballaire, and even Napa.

Quincy Q12124PQ 2-HP 24-Gallon Belt Drive Portable Air Compressor https://share.google/bW3p1prIZb6w8LQLG