compressors under $300

[jtbinvalrico]

My 30 year old compressor sprung a leak and has been deadlined.

Any thoughts or opinions on these models:

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.lowes.com/pd_340273-4365...?Ns=p_product_price|0&facetInfo=#BVRRWidgetID

The CH is interesting.....200 psi seems like a lot of oomph on tap even with only 15 gal.

 

[JMartel]

The CH one doesn't show how much CFM it'll put out. I don't know what you're using it for though so not sure if it's a big deal to you.

What about craigslist? Some good deals on there.

 

[99_xc600]

I bought this.

http://www.sears.com/powermate-26-gallon-air-compressor-1.5-hp-vertical-tank/p-00916500000P

It work's well for what it is. However I had no options to put a Oil Compressor in my garage. I have voltage drop issue going out to the detached garage.

 

[Zick]

I wouldn't look too much into PSI ratings. You really want a high CFM rating.
Also, those models are oil free and will be noisy.

If I were you I'd look into something like this; http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Or try and find something used on Craigslist. I see models like the one I listed going for $200-250 all the time and even some bigger one too for about the same.

 

[Bill_Brasky]

Patience and Craigslist can be your friend. Scored this for $200 a week and a half ago.

 

[petee_c]

or kijiji (more popular near me than CL)

$140 cdn back in April. 25Gallon, oil, with some hose.

 

[Gary S]

IAlso, those models are oil free and will be noisy.

That rules all 3 of them out for me. I bought a small compressor 20 years ago. It has the crankcase filled with oil. It runs quiet and lasts year after year. I would never consider an oil free pump.

 

[1Garageman]

Patience and Craigslist can be your friend. Scored this for $200 a week and a half ago.

$200
Damn you got lucky and scored good on that one!

I agree %100. Take your time and put that $300 towards a good used on and get a 60 gallon *** kick'en one like Bill_Brasky got. Trust me having less that a 60 *****, I know I own a 33 gallon!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would never buy an "oil free" compressor.

 

[RKA]

For a small oiled compressor, this is your best deal (use a lowes 10% coupon and it's close to your budget)
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=221495-14989-LLA1683066&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3115861&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

I think Northern Tool sells the same (refurbished under the name "Morgan") for $299. Only works out if you have a local store because shipping will add another $100+.

Craftsman Professional and Ingersoll both have small oiled compressors, but they are in the $475-525 range which is over your budget.

 

[jtbinvalrico]

.....that Kobalt just might be a winner. That looks really nice and is very well reviewed.

 

[antinym]

yeah, I was looking at the Kobalt before I found a 60 Gal Huskey on CL for $275.
I had to run a 240v line and some misc plumbing and was all in for $350ish. Definitively worth it.

 

[gte718p]

Don't do an oil free.

I got my craftsman pro belt driven oil filled compressor from osh on sale for $300. You can't even compare an oil filled and an oil free. I'll never go back.

 

[torqueman2002]

yeah, I was looking at the Kobalt before I found a 60 Gal Huskey on CL for $275.
I had to run a 240v line and some misc plumbing and was all in for $350ish. Definitively worth it.

+1 I paid $250 for a 2 year old Husky 60 gallon /2 stage; CL also. I replaced a CM 26 gal. oil less that was fine for all my needs until I made a sand blaster.

Depends what you need to do, both are fine given what you will ask them to do.

 

[Jawn]

I'll echo the cry for Craigslist.

I scored this one for $65. Needed a few things (drain ****, manifold, power cord, belt guard), but for the price I'm not complaining.

 

[Cryo Gal]

check your local sunbelt or other rental store. I used to work for Sunbelt and every year in Oct/Nov-ish they liquidated all of the aged equipment and with an average fleet age of 3 years..aged isnt always old. Rentals are usually well serviced and I have seen some incredible deals. Doesnt hurt to give it a look.

 

[jtbinvalrico]

.....****....now I'm getting 60 gallon compressor fever.

I found a 60 gal Husky on CL for $270.....got a call out to him now.

Thanks for nothing........

 

[petee_c]

those 60gal ones would be nice..... I would also need to put 220V in the garage, but I am running out of room in the main panel.... I've spent enough in the garage this year.

P

 

[hyisbm]

you haven't mentioned what you mainly use it for. Either way, if you can I would also recommend at least a 60 gallon. Even if you have to do wiring, it's definitely worth it. The thing with 30 gallons or less is they almost always have to be running. My brother has a 30 gallon and it won't even take off a wheel without turning on. I don't have to turn my 60 gallon on unless I plan on using it for most of the day.

 

[jtbinvalrico]

I use my compressor for basic diy stuff....bust nuts loose on the truck, running a cut-off or die grinder....No heavy production, no painting, no long stretches of sanding -- but you never know.

I'm going to go ahead and rule out oil-less. I also like the idea of having something with a serviceable motor. The 60 gal I found on CL is gone. Based on the perspective I'm getting from you guys, I'm upping my minimum to the Kobalt oiled 33 gal....with an eye towards trying to score a 60 gal.

Anybody have an opinion on this:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396620_200396620

It's reconditioned, and would be $335 including the one year warranty. I've got plenty of room in my subpanel to wire up the 240v.....Anyone familiar with Morgan?

 

[jtbinvalrico]

....Northern said they have no more of the Morgans.....too bad, looked like a good deal.

I did, however, take GJ advice and found this on CL:

Picked it up for $300......took a bit of a leap of faith because no 240v was available to test it.....but, you read people and their circumstances the best you can.

As soon as I unloaded it, I borrowed the dryer outlet and it fired right up. Runs nice, shuts off at about 150psi....opened the drain valve and got clear water - no rusty mess.

Looks like a nice unit. The plate on the tank indicates it's made by CH, the motor is Emerson, its got made in the USA stamped all over it....a nice thing to see these days. My first days off will include filling that spot in my subpanel with a 240v GFCI breaker and a little wiring.....change the oil and play with it some more.

Some questions: I've looked everywhere and cannot find a user manual for it...not under the terms "husky", "home depot", or CH. The CH site refers to the model number, VT631402......but no manual. All I really need to know is if there is any adjustments to be made to the switch setup....I see some contacts and spring-loaded adjustment screws under the switch cover, but these have a green paint on them and appear to have never been adjusted. I see no reason to mess with them otherwise, it runs fine.

Second, when I pull it off its little pallet, any ideas for some rubber feet? Buy 'em, make 'em.....?

And, what's this white plastic thing?


Thanks for the all the helpful advice and direction.

 

[Kanticoy]

I've got the same one, great compressor! The little white thing is an oil fill breather. Mine just has a standard cap. I made my rubber feet out of a cut up wheelbarrow tire.

 

[ibedayank]

My 30 year old compressor sprung a leak and has been deadlined.

Any thoughts or opinions on these models:

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

http://www.lowes.com/pd_340273-4365...?Ns=p_product_price|0&facetInfo=#BVRRWidgetID

The CH is interesting.....200 psi seems like a lot of oomph on tap even with only 15 gal.

all 3 are oilless diaphram compressors that won't last long running airtool blaster cabinets or painting
and will be louder than heck when running

 

[Jawn]

Nice find.

 

[bigdummy30]

.

Second, when I pull it off its little pallet, any ideas for some rubber feet? Buy 'em, make 'em.....?

hockey pucks????

 

[kams1973]

And, what's this white plastic thing?


It's a dipstick.

 

[Zrexxer]

And, what's this white plastic thing?


It's a dipstick.

And crankcase breather, all in one unit.