Air compressor? (Not for Impact)

[EmptyWallet]

Any suggestions on an air compressor for an average tool guy? Anything that's a fantastic value? Hadn't really needed one until now. Kiddo got a flat on his bike and Dad was outta luck.

I'd use to for more industrial purposes as well, not just that.

I don't really need anything to run air tools, at all.

 

[RECox286]

There are lots of used compressors for sale on sites like Flea-Bay and Craigers' List along with

other printed publications such as the "Trader", and newspaper classifieds. If you want

new, never been used, then try a discount tool outlet such as Harbor Freight.

Figure out how much you can afford, how much capacity you think you would like

to have, and what type and configuration of machine would suit you. There are

many posts here, on GJ, that deal with all the above variables.

If you have any specific questions, then feel free to ask questions on this site.

You should get some very interesting answers, to be sure.

Good hunting

Uncle Bob

 

[EmptyWallet]

An electric pancake compressor interests me.

 

[pipsters]

It will only take a few posts before someone suggests you go get a $1500 compressor because you can never have too big of a compressor. Just you watch.

My first was a 25 gallon horizontal. I've never used a pancake. Perhaps you might want to look into the extreme quiet compressors.

 

[EmptyWallet]

Extreme quiet? Gonna do a search here and see what I find.

 

[KPSquared]

even the cheapy pancakes or other small compressors will do what you need. My cousin has been using the same Chinese pos for years without a problem. runs nailers, fills bike tires. . .

 

[Jawn]

What do you want to do besides air up tires (bicycle and/or automotive)? I have a 1 gallon CH I bought from Wal-Mart years ago to run an airbrush... works fine for that kind of tasks, but it's noisy. (I've since upgraded, so it's destined for a friend's house)

 

[GeneralDisorder]

Yes - beyond airing up a tire what is it you plan to use compressed air for?

If that's it then get a 12v emergency inflation pump for your trunk.

GD

 

[GeneralDisorder]

It will only take a few posts before someone suggests you go get a $1500 compressor because you can never have too big of a compressor. Just you watch.

That isn't going to happen.... most likely....

But really - a mans worth in this world is judged solely on the size of his compressor.

It was there in the fine print when you signed up for a GJ account.... I swear I saw that.

GD

 

[cbracer]

I have a Porter Cable pancake compressor. 6 gallons. I like it, except that the unit is loud which is typical for oil-less compressors.

 

[EmptyWallet]

So is the general consensus oil-less is louder than oiled?

 

[EmptyWallet]

Hmmmm, taken an interest to the Makita Mac700 and Mac2400.

 

[Jawn]

So is the general consensus oil-less is louder than oiled?

Yes. I despise the sound of an oilless compressor.

 

[EmptyWallet]

I found a used Makita 2400 on CL, but someone bought it!

 

[bsaint]

You dont want an oilless.

How much do you want to spend? What big city are you by? Maybe we can help you find a deal on Cl?

 

[LG63]

I've used a MAC700 and it's a nice unit, fairly quiet. A little top heavy, probably not ideal for transporting from job to job but it doesn't sound like that is how you would use it anyway.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

You still haven't told us what you want it FOR?!?

THE most important aspect of buying a compressor is how it will be used. CANNOT tell you what to buy if we don't know how it will be used.

Inflating bike tires is really just an ancillary use as you can easily do this with a hand pump....

GD

 

[EOC_Jason]

For home use that isn't too big, but also not annoyingly small (and always waiting to build up pressure), you should be able to find a decent 25-30 gallon used unit on CL if you are patient... Those are small enough to fit under a bench or in a corner. Most have two wheels and a handle to cart around. You can run pneumatic tools on them too if you ever end up having the need in the future to get an impact gun or maybe a nailer...

 

[EmptyWallet]

Not for impact purposes, as in running and IR gun or anything like that.

Possibly using a nail gun, and inflating tires. The odd air tool. Nothing heavy duty.

I'm really deciding between the Makita 700 and 2400 at this point.

 

[EmptyWallet]

For home use that isn't too big, but also not annoyingly small (and always waiting to build up pressure), you should be able to find a decent 25-30 gallon used unit on CL if you are patient... Those are small enough to fit under a bench or in a corner. Most have two wheels and a handle to cart around. You can run pneumatic tools on them too if you ever end up having the need in the future to get an impact gun or maybe a nailer...

I'm going to CL around for one of these. I'm in Texas, and have the DFW, Austin, San Antonio areas available to me.

 

[chevy302dz]

Being swapmeet season I'd go to a couple and look around. You will really be amazed at what you can find dirt cheap. I've seen working oiled 30 to 60 gallon compressors going for under 150 more than several times. Also if you really want a pancake compressor you should be able to find a bunch too though they usually sell closer to their new value.

 

[StaggeringGoat]

So is the general consensus oil-less is louder than oiled?

Yes, but don't get the idea that a cheap oiled compressor is anything resembling quiet. I have a couple oilless compressors and some chinese oiled compressors - I'd say they sound about the same.

 

[vjlobel]

I know its probably too late, but check out the ultra quiet compressors. GMC air tools puts their name on a verson, but there are a lot of them that appear to have the same design. They are just as robust as the others, but so much quieter!

 

[RECox286]

But really - a mans worth in this world is judged solely on the size of his compressor. GD

The truth comes out...Size does count !

Uncle Bob

 

[CNGsaves]

Done some searching for quiet mid-size compressor and come up with:
CALIFORNIA AIR - - Model 10020
that has a 10 gallon tank and 2 HP motor. Claims to be only 70 db.

See at:
http://www.homedepot.com/buy/califo...-quiet-and-oil-free-air-compressor-10020.html

These are oil-free and dual piston so curious if anyone has any experience in their reliability, and if this model would be enough to at least run an 1/2 inch impact gun??

Any realworld experience with this model or California Air brand in general?

Thanks for any input.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Good god that's expensive for an oil-less

For that budget get an oiled belt driven unit. It will be much quieter than 70dB.

If you just want a small compressor, this one is 74dB and less CFM but it's a quarter of the price and if you don't want to keep it you can give the nail gun as a gift: http://www.cpobostitch.com/factory-...t,pd.html?start=4&cgid=bostitch-reconditioned

 

[woody 73]

The truth comes out...Size does count !

Uncle Bob

Man that hurts...

pick up a used set-up on CL, start with a light weight small size unit and that should last you for many years as long as you take good care of it.

You will be surprised at what you can do with a small unit, I watched a carpenter complete a whole kitchen and his compressor did not wake up the dead.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

73dB, $425 with free shipping and no tax, 4.6CFM at 100PSI, quality brand, oil lubed for longevity: http://www.tylertool.com/dewalt-d55...ml?start=4&cgid=compressors&pmin=400&pmax=600

78dB, $375 with free shipping and no tax, 5.4CFM at 100PSI, quality brand, oil lubed for longevity: http://www.tylertool.com/dewalt-d55...ml?start=3&cgid=compressors&pmin=300&pmax=400


78dB, $250 with free shipping and no tax, 5.2CFM at 100PSI, quality brand, oil-less:
http://www.tylertool.com/factory-re...d.html?start=1&cgid=reconditioned-compressors



That third one is a helluva good deal

 

[cheechi]

It will only take a few posts before someone suggests you go get a $1500 compressor because you can never have too big of a compressor. Just you watch.

I suggest you go get a $1500 compressor because you can never have too big of a compressor.

Let me tell you a story, I got myself a 3 gal pancake that I was planning to fill car tires, use a blow gun, impact for tire changes, and nail guns. 'oh sure, I know i'll have to wait for it, but I won't mind waiting' I told myself. While waiting, I reminded myself I wouldn't have to wait long. I found other things in the garage to straighten up and other projects to come back to while it ran.

So when I saw the cman 33 gal went on sale I wound up buying it. You will wind up doing something similar if you buy the smallest you can find, you'll wind up with 2 compressors.

Here's what you don't realize about small pancakes. It's not the waiting for it to get back up, it's the speed you'll use up your 3 gallons that does it. There isn't anything wrong with my 3 gal, if I use it for a small brad nailer I will probably never have to wait for it. Filling small tires, same thing. But I ask more of it than it can give me. I'm putting it up for sale since I've replaced it with a bigger pancake now since I still need a small one to take to my parents house.

 

[dandan111]

I have a porter cable pancake it's been a champ. Loud a hell though. Bostish makes a nice pancake you can get cheap and looks good to me. The newer style compacts look awesome and are oil type and would be more quite. They do cost more than the good old pancake oil less.
Mine came with a brad nailer and its came in handy a few times.