recommendation for a portable garage air compressor

[SALIV8]

Ive been searching and searching and still cant decide on what to buy.

The wife is going to get me a portable air compressor for my new shop, for Christmas

Can you guys give me some help please. My head is spinning and Im lost. Im looking for a smaller, maybe 20 gallon or less (on wheels?), a pancake?, 120v air compressor that will primarily be used to fill tires, and with some basic air tools. Nothing special is needed, just a decent quality unit that will last.

Thanks guys, as always.

 

[CNGsaves]

Only buy pancake or other screaming noisy oil-less . . . IF . . . you have specific task that you'll be doing over-and-over that requires lots of mobility. This might be hauling oil-less compressor around to do trim work with a brad nailer inside the house, etc. This is ONLY circumstance that owning an oil-less compressor is a good idea.

Otherwise, look for OIL-SPLASH belt-drive compressor that is mobile enough to do all the things you want, but still has power to actually do something !!

I'd first suggest 20 gal 120v oil-splash belt-drive compressor by Campbell Hausfeld if you want a quality oil-splash compressor. Most of these are horizontal tank. Some can handle either 110v or 220v wiring.

The next step up would be 20 to 33 gal vertical tank, and also oil-splash belt-drive compressor that is 110v. These are very handy as they don't take up much space on floor, and actually easier to move around. I'd get this if it was my only compressor, because it'd be easy to strap to dolly and haul up & down steps in house if you had to do some brad nailing and didn't own a smaller job-specific compressor.

Here is website to get ideas on what style you like. Prices are high so don't buy here . . . just get feel of what models are out there.
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/tools/portable-vertical-air-compressors.html

Even the Harbor Freight brand of Central Pneumatic aren't that bad . . . as long as you get belt-drive oil splash compressor.

 

[Tronyadorable]

ABAC horizontal. 2-3 hp 50-100 or 150 plus liter. Make sure the 3hp is 120v if you mean 'Portable" as in taking job to job.

 

[LB-1911]

Ive been searching and searching and still cant decide on what to buy.

The wife is going to get me a portable air compressor for my new shop, for Christmas

Can you guys give me some help please. My head is spinning and Im lost. Im looking for a smaller, maybe 20 gallon or less (on wheels?), a pancake?, 120v air compressor that will primarily be used to fill tires, and with some basic air tools. Nothing special is needed, just a decent quality unit that will last.

Thanks guys, as always.

Take a look at the Hand Carry & Wheeled Compressors offered by Rolair Systems.

http://www.rolair.net/products/wheeled_electric/index.html

Good Luck

 

[RECox286]

Looking for your very first air compressor can be, as you

probably know by now, a very confusing enterprise.

First off, if you plan to use any pneumatic tools, or even

just fill tires, you will get real tired of a machine that is too

small, and it will become frustrating extremely quick, like on

the first go-round. Then there is the "used vs new" question.

Lots of us have and do get used machines, but I won't say

with out mixed results. If you are handy at mechanical

jobs, a well used and abused machine can be the way to go,

if you can afford more, then newer used machines are available

all the time on "machines for sale" or "air compressors for sale"

or "misc for sale" in Trader, Craig's' List, and the like. If you

want to start with a new machine, that is fine too, and you

will have lots of choices and they go on sale frequently. As

stated previously, you should aspire to get a machine with the

biggest cfm @ 90 psi that you can afford...bigger, in this case

is better ! Definitely get an oiled compressor b/c they do last

much longer than the oil-less ones. Hey, you won't be disappointed !

Good hunting

Uncle Bob

 

[redmondjp]

Good advice above - if you are going to go used, something like the one in this thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271576

Would be a good start (I wouldn't pay more than $100 for one of these, maybe $150 if in perfect condition). There are usually lots of them for sale used, but you need to be able to check for 1) oil in the tank (bad, water is OK but should have been drained out), and 2) water in the compressor oil (will look like a mocha if there is water in the oil - obviously bad).

For new ones, I agree with above posters, get an oil-lubricated belt-drive compressor, such at this one (other stores have similar models):

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30-gal-Ultra-Quiet-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-C301H/203187352

Any air tool that you use for more than a few seconds at a time will not work satisfactorily on the 'pancake' type or other similar portable compressors, which were primarily designed for contractors using nailguns (very low CFM necessary, completely unlike most automotive air tools).

 

[almac]

I'd buy an 'upright' design. it will take up less floor space and be out of the way.
hell. you could even put it in a closet.
you also might want to get more compressor than you need, because in the end you might find something where you need more CFM, and regret it later. a 10 CFM for home is more than enough IMO.
whatever you choose, stick to a brand name like Makita, Campbell hausfield, or whatever is popular in your area.

 

[OctoMan]

Get a larger compressor than you think you'll need. Once you have a compressor you'll find more uses for it besides blowing up basket balls and filling tires. Make sure you look at The CFM. Some compressors are misleading in that there's a big air tank but they have a low CFM rating. My old Sears is 15.2 CFM and has a 20 gal tank.

 

[SALIV8]

wow, great info. thanks guys. i appreciate the help and education.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get a larger compressor than you think you'll need. Once you have a compressor you'll find more uses for it besides blowing up basket balls and filling tires. Make sure you look at The CFM. Some compressors are misleading in that there's a big air tank but they have a low CFM rating. My old Sears is 15.2 CFM and has a 20 gal tank.

I will say just the opposite ! START SMALL, especially based on your current requirements. There are lots of jobs small compressors can do; tires, nailers, impact wrench, blow gun. You can run all of these pneumatic tools off of a small compressor, because while they may require 100 psi, they are either low volume (CFM) or intermittent use.

Understand, that if thing work out well, you may be buying a bigger compressor, but why spend a lot of money one something that may or nay not be used a lot !

 

[theoldwizard1]

The biggest problem with smaller, oil-less compressors is that they are VERY NOISY ! Their second big problem is that they don't seem to have a long life.

The exception to the above are compressors from California Air Tools.

Take a serious look at the CAT-1610A - Amazon $165. Aluminum tank (lightweight and rust free), oil-less, yet very quiet.

 

[SALIV8]

The biggest problem with smaller, oil-less compressors is that they are VERY NOISY ! Their second big problem is that they don't seem to have a long life.

The exception to the above are compressors from California Air Tools.

Take a serious look at the CAT-1610A - Amazon $165. Aluminum tank (lightweight and rust free), oil-less, yet very quiet.

Thanks!!

 

[MattVette89]

What is your budget?

 

[SALIV8]

I don't want her to spend more than $200, at the most, on this for my shop. A smaller unit, for light duty is all I will need. Like theoldwizard1 posted.

I have a permanent setup at the home garage.

 

[LB-1911]

The biggest problem with smaller, oil-less compressors is that they are VERY NOISY ! Their second big problem is that they don't seem to have a long life.

MODEL #JC10
Super Quiet, ROLAIR Quality, Single Stage, Oilless, Two Cylinder, Ball Bearings,Cast-Aluminum Cylinder, Stainless-Steel Reed Valves, Low RPM for Quiet Operation— 60 dB

http://www.rolair.net/products/spec_pages/hand_carry/JC10.html#specs


MODEL #AB5
Super Quiet, ROLAIR Quality, Single Stage, Oilless, One Cylinder, Ball Bearings,Cast-Aluminum Cylinder, Stainless-Steel Reed Valve, Low-Amp Draw - 4.6 Amps. 68 dB

http://www.rolair.net/products/spec_pages/hand_carry/AB5.html


http://www.rolair.net/index.html

 

[TractorJeff]

At Farm&Fleet last month, I bought an Oil Compressor with a 6 or 9(?) gallon tank for my daughters garage. It has a handle on one end and wheels on the other, yet it is light enough to carry into her basement to run Nailers when the time comes. It has enough to capacity to run an impact to get her flat tire changed.

 

[BlueBomber]

The biggest problem with smaller, oil-less compressors is that they are VERY NOISY ! Their second big problem is that they don't seem to have a long life.

The exception to the above are compressors from California Air Tools.

Take a serious look at the CAT-1610A - Amazon $165. Aluminum tank (lightweight and rust free), oil-less, yet very quiet.

Yep, second that. I have the slightly bigger roll-around CAT compressor and it is very quiet. However, it is more money than you are looking to spend.

Mike

 

[MattVette89]

I don't want her to spend more than $200, at the most, on this for my shop. A smaller unit, for light duty is all I will need. Like theoldwizard1 posted.

I have a permanent setup at the home garage.

I have two compressors as well. I have a larger 30 gallon husky pro for when I want to run air tools or blow out the sprinklers. My smaller compressor is the husky 3 gallon. I've had it several years now and zero complaints. I use it for filling tires, kids pools, trim nailers, etc. It will run a bit if filling up four tires but nothing horrible, just keeping up. I would buy it again without second thought.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...sory-Kit-and-25-ft-Coil-Hose-L13HPD/202868804

(my version is red, not sure if they changed anything else since then)

Matthew

 

[SALIV8]

I have two compressors as well. I have a larger 30 gallon husky pro for when I want to run air tools or blow out the sprinklers. My smaller compressor is the husky 3 gallon. I've had it several years now and zero complaints. I use it for filling tires, kids pools, trim nailers, etc. It will run a bit if filling up four tires but nothing horrible, just keeping up. I would buy it again without second thought.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...sory-Kit-and-25-ft-Coil-Hose-L13HPD/202868804

(my version is red, not sure if they changed anything else since then)

Matthew

Thanks for the link. The only thing I'm hesitant on is that it shows its 82 db. I def want something as quiet as possible, for the price.

 

[SALIV8]

Thanks to oldwizard1 I'm strongly considering this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00889ZYPQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What do you guys think?

 

[CNGsaves]

Google . .. . for "shotgun" approach of looking
. . . . . Chicago tools owner site:craigslist.org

Or more refined search method
. . . . . Chicago compressor site:craigslist.org

and see what pops up in your area.

Didn't find you compressor yet . . .
............BUT . . . found you Speed Lok cool Craftsman set for $ 5
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/tls/4795161997.html
........And a snap ring Craftsman pliers for $ 1
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/tls/4795156281.html
........And a 5 1/2" Craftsman vise for $ 49
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4795019894.html

Here's possibly the only oil-less compressor I'd own (besides California Air) as it's a contractor style DeWalt that is really handy on jobsites, etc. Light enough to haul anywhere . . . but still NOISY. My carpenter brother has twin tank model like this and used for decade building houses. These are over $300 new and this one is priced at $275 which is too high for used - - anything on CL is used !! If you got DeWalt like this for $150 to $200 it would get you by until you found vertical 20 to 30 gal oil-splash belt driven bargain on CL.
http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4789088947.html

 

[JustinS]

The biggest problem with smaller, oil-less compressors is that they are VERY NOISY ! Their second big problem is that they don't seem to have a long life.

The exception to the above are compressors from California Air Tools.

Take a serious look at the CAT-1610A - Amazon $165. Aluminum tank (lightweight and rust free), oil-less, yet very quiet.

I've got a CAT-6310 on order, due to arrive on Tuesday. Bigger tank than the 1610 and about the same price on Amazon.

 

[SALIV8]

Thanks cngsaves.

I think I'll go with brand new, with manufacturers warranty. I appreciate the help.

 

[MattVette89]

Thanks for the link. The only thing I'm hesitant on is that it shows its 82 db. I def want something as quiet as possible, for the price.

Yeah, it's not too quiet. You're welcome to stop over if you are close and hear it run. Not sure what part of Chicago you are in.

 

[SALIV8]

Yeah, it's not too quiet. You're welcome to stop over if you are close and hear it run. Not sure what part of Chicago you are in.

Thanks matt, I do appreciate the offer. I'm on the n/w side. I'm gonna pull the trigger on the link I posted to the California air tools one.

Thanks for the help.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks to oldwizard1 I'm strongly considering this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00889ZYPQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What do you guys think?

Same pump/motor as the other one I linked to, just a bigger steel tank (less portable). The 1.6 gallon tank is quite small, especially for an impact wrench ! Still a decent price.

 

[SALIV8]

Same pump/motor as the other one I linked to, just a bigger steel tank (less portable). The 1.6 gallon tank is quite small, especially for an impact wrench ! Still a decent price.

Thanks for all the help.

The wife bought it for me and its on the way

Appreciate it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks for all the help.

The wife bought it for me and its on the way

Appreciate it.

Post a review !

 

[Miss_Sissy]

The wife bought it for me and its on the way

Congratulations! That's an amazingly quiet compressor.

If it's a steel tank, then drain the water out frequently and thoroughly. Unlike oil-lubricated compressors, oil-free compressors don't carry in a mist of oil that gets deposited onto the tank walls. That's great for painting, but oil helps reduce rust.

 

[CNGsaves]

Congrats on the quiet California Air oil-less compressor.

+1 to post up review of how you like it . . .
. . . and maybe even a YouTube with it running and some Db levels from your IPhone app !!

Get in habit of draining the tank daily when you use compressor.

 

[stikman56]

I had a CH 20 gallon that I couldn't wear out. Only sold it because I got a screamin' deal on a mint Husky 80 gallon for 300 bucks.

 

[SALIV8]

Here's an update for everyone that helped. I decided on a very small oil less California air tools piece, similar to the one theoldwizard1 suggested.

I've only used it once but it did fill up a truck tire without a problem. It's super quiet and enjoyable to be around while it is filling. I can't believe how quiet it actually is. It fits exactly where I wanted a compressor to go and is so small it's out of the way. Posted a link to this exact piece on this thread.

Thanks again for the help.