How to decide on an air compressor for my basic needs.

GoodEnough · Sep 22, 2013

I want an entry level one, just to see if I use it much. I might only use it a few times a year, so I don't need Snap On, etc. Any suggestions for something basic? I could even consider the cheap-*** $55 HarborFreight one, if it actually works. That might actually be perfect for a starter compressor.

I prefer it to be as quiet as possible. So, I really need oil lubed, right?
I just basic home automotive needs: Inflating tires, removing lug nuts, basic suspension work. Maybe I'll see more needs once I actually own one.
Space is limited, so smaller is better.
Lower price is nice, as I don't know how much I'll use it. One of those situations where if it's cheap, I'll bite. But would not even consider it for $500, etc.

I also might try to pick up a used one locally, since it will be cheaper.
About how many PSI do I need?
About how many gallons are sufficient?
About how much HP is good?

larry_g · Sep 22, 2013

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217109

Above is an active thread with the same basic question.

lg
no neat sig line

taumac · Sep 23, 2013

I have a 6 gallon 150 psi pancake from Porter Cable. I love this one and its my portable one to take with me and can run my impact. My other is a 30 gallon 155 psi Kobalt. IMO I dont have room for a big 60 gallon but 30 gallon is a great size. I know Northern Tool has a IR, Puma, and Northstar which are all about the same.

tomshep · Sep 23, 2013

I would look for a small vertical on wheels. You probably won't get an oil unit at your price but if you use it as little as you think that isn't something you need to pay for at this point.

Tom

GoodEnough · Sep 23, 2013

I am going to look for these specs used:

Oil filled one.
30 gallons or so.
2hp or more (for quicker refill time)

GoodEnough · Sep 23, 2013

tomshep,
Can you suggest some small verticals? I think for my needs (removing about 12 bolts, max.) for a given auto repair, I don't need tons of air.

larry_g · Sep 23, 2013

http://www.sears.com/ingersoll-rand...0989225000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

Something like the above is a 2hp belt drive. There are a few on the market in this configuration. Good little home compressor.

lg
no neat sig line

theoldwizard1 · Sep 23, 2013

GoodEnough said:
I could even consider the cheap-*** $55 HarborFreight one, if it actually works. That might actually be perfect for a starter compressor.

I prefer it to be as quiet as possible. So, I really need oil lubed, right?

Unfortunately quiet and cheap don't go together ! A cheap one, even that HF $55 special, will do what you are asking, but it will be so load you won;t want to use it !

Air volume (CFM) is more important than pressure (PSI) for most jobs. Much over 100-125 PSI is a waste.

A bigger tank means the motor runs less often and makes up some for a pump that is a little undersized for the job. For what you have asked for, you can probably get away a minimum of 1/2 hp and 2.0 CFM @ 90PSI and a 2 gallon tank. This would be an entry level compressor.

I also might try to pick up a used one locally, since it will be cheaper.

Always a good way to start ! Better quality air tools actually require less air volume, so spend your money on the tools.

I have no experience with these compressors, but the reviews are good.

California Air Tools CAT-2510 Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 Hp 2.5-Gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor - Amazon $196 FREE shipping
California Air Tools CAT-4610A Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 Hp 4.6-Gallon Aluminum Twin Tank Air Compressor - Amazon $240 FREE shipping

This video is pretty convincing regarding their claim to being quiet !

EDIT : If you want an oil-lubed compressor with a cast iron cylinder (probably the most durable combination) the Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor - Amazon $299 FREE Shipping. It does weigh almost twice as much as the CAT-4610A

GoodEnough · Sep 24, 2013

wizard,

Both of these really might be perfect for me...
Hits all my needs!!

1) Quiet

2) Cheap. $200

3) Small. As far as tiny 2 gallon capacity, at most, I would use it to remove a couple of tough bolts at a time. So, I really don't think I need some huge tank. If it's quiet, it's no big deal if it's gotta refill.

But, that Makita oil-lubed also seems good.
There's even a smaller one for $199.
Hard to lose there, even if I just use it to refill and rotate my tires.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001Q2VK0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

GoodEnough · Sep 24, 2013

What do you think is more quiet,
a typical oil-lubed compressor or that CAT ultra-quiet oil-free?

Ok, the CAT is 60-68db and the Makita is 80db

GoodEnough · Sep 24, 2013

Hmm, the tiny 2-4 gallon tank might be too small for impact wrenches.
It seems the main use of tiny tanks is nail gins

Only disapointment is that it takes a lot longer to remove my truck tire lug nuts as it has to cycle often to maintain CFM and pressure to operate impact gun........

HMCFab9 · Sep 24, 2013

I'd look for a used one that builds & holds pressure.
The older compressors will probably be better quality.

The oilless are noisy, so try to avoid that.
2 gal will run a lot if you use an impact, etc.
A friend has a 30 gal, not sure of the hp / cfm, but if you use it for more than a couple seconds....it kicks in almost immediately (& it's brand new)
Buy the biggest /best one you can.

JS4 · Sep 24, 2013

This is the one I got. It serves me for what I do. Had a CH oil less for 15 yrs then it got stolen. This one is super quiet.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/sto...-gallon-cast-iron-air-compressor?cm_vc=-10005

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

GoodEnough · Sep 24, 2013

You know the more I think about it, I might just be better off with an electrical impact wrench. All I really want air for is for working on the car. Stuck bolt, suspension, etc. I already have a DeWalt drill and batteries, so maybe I should firs try a DeWalt impact cordless. For $75, I will at least have something. If it *****, I can resell it and get some money back. Cheaper, smaller, quieter. Just not as powerful, but how powerful do I really need?

wmartin · Sep 24, 2013

Here's an just an opinion.

I think there's two kinds of air compressors. Small (and portable )ones to fill tires, a smidge of impact wrench, staplers and nail gains. Large ones to run air hungry impacts, sand blasting setups, inefficient air tools like grinders, sanders and the like.

For most people, I'd get a small quiet air compressor and use electric tools for everything else. Those small Rol-Airs are quite quiet and portable. They aren't $55, but buy once cry once and all that.

Subyroo651 · Sep 25, 2013

GoodEnough said:
You know the more I think about it, I might just be better off with an electrical impact wrench. All I really want air for is for working on the car. Stuck bolt, suspension, etc. I already have a DeWalt drill and batteries, so maybe I should firs try a DeWalt impact cordless. For $75, I will at least have something. If it *****, I can resell it and get some money back. Cheaper, smaller, quieter. Just not as powerful, but how powerful do I really need?

Depending on what DeWalt system you have, I'd be willing to sell you mine(bare tool).

I have a DeWalt DC820 (1/2") impact that I don't use much anymore, I think it might suit your needs.

GoodEnough · Sep 25, 2013

Depending on what DeWalt system you have, I'd be willing to sell you mine(bare tool).
I have a DeWalt DC820 (1/2") impact that I don't use much anymore, I think it might suit your needs

I have a Dewalt DC725 1/2" cordless drill
with two 18v DC9099 battery packs (for the base)

GoodEnough · Sep 25, 2013

Just because I have a pair of compatible Dewalt batteries, it might not make sense to buy a Dewalt impact wrench. I have electricity, so I could even get this HF one for $50. Has decent enough reviews, and is prob. more powerful than the Dewalt. And I don't need to worry about batteries dying on me.

Bottom line, I just want a light duty impact wrench, and this would get me there for $40 w/ coupon, and another $20 in black impact sockets. I already have impact adapters and extension bars.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html

RKA · Sep 26, 2013

One con against the electric and cordless models is they are huge. As in you need 12" of clearance in front of the bolt. No big deal for wheels, but for suspension work, not ideal.

Also, I wouldn't think about running my impact wrench with the MAC700. I love it for nailers and other little tasks, but that tank is just too small to give the impact gun any oomph. The MAC2400 might work, but it's not all that light (even the 700 is a little porky to be dragging up and down the stairs). You'll most likely plant it somewhere and leave it there. This makes a case for just getting a 20-30 gallon unit.

GoodEnough · Sep 27, 2013

If MAC700 and MAC2400 don't cut it, this says a 1 to 4 gallon compressor just is not enough to run an air socket wrench. More reason to either go 20+ or just stick with an entry level electric air impact. But, the $50 electric is huge. Lug bolts only. So, maybe cordless, which is more expensive at $200, but is at least smaller. If I just had the room, I'd get a vertical oil-lubed 20+ gallon compressor.

Jas29 · Sep 27, 2013

I have a 6 gallon husky which makes 2.2 cfm at 90 psi. It cannot take off more then 3 lug nuts without having to stop and wait for it to catch up.

I got it basically for free so i'm willing to wait and gather the other tools i need for the job while i wait for it to recharge its air supply

GoodEnough · Sep 27, 2013

Wow, 6 gallon can only do 3 lug nuts?!?!
Ok, it really sounds like for working on cars (beyond lugs), it's go big or go home.

Here are some 20 gallons:
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-20-gallon-vertical-air-compressor/p-00916913000P?prdNo=3
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-hor...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-67847.html
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-Gal-Portable-Air-Compressor-F2S20VWD/203187354#.UkYHcsa-1Bk

30 gallon gets into $400 range
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30...-Air-Compressor-VT6315/100063473#.UkYHgMa-1Bk
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30...c-Air-Compressor-C301H/203187352#.UkYHgca-1Bk

Jas29 · Sep 27, 2013

also the compressor gets hot very fast it is oil lubricated but even with it just filling the tank there will be water in the air

cagullett1 · Oct 5, 2013

I love my MAC700. I wouldn't use it much with my impact, but it is capable of breaking 1 or 2 tough bolts. It is SUPER quiet and I know a lot of contractors who love theirs. I'm able to hold a conversation in my 2 car garage with this running without having to raise my voice. The MAC2400 also is raved about. I bought my MAC700 as my "entry level" compressor and plan to either add a spare air tank to increase tank capacity, or buy an additional MAC700 or the MAC2400 and connect the 2 to roughly double the CFM and capacity.

SeattleKent · Oct 6, 2013

GoodEnough said:
just to see if I use it much.

As soon as you have one you'll find tons of uses for it. First it is just filling tires. Then you use it for blowing things off. Then you use it for an impact gun. Then you use it for a DA sander. Then you use it for....

I was nervous about getting one. Looking back after two years, it was the best purchase I made.

You can them for great prices used. Not sure where you live, but start checking craigslist. Give it three or four weeks and you'll find something nice.

Sureshot · Oct 6, 2013

Don't worry about the tank size for now. It can be added with a simple air coupling. Get the best pump set up you can for the money in a compact size. Watch the classifieds etc for junk compressor with a good tank. You could hang it from the roof or upper wall where it is out of the way.

GoodEnough · Oct 6, 2013

Great advice, I do have the possibility of hanging this think up on hooks or something.

GoodEnough · Nov 16, 2013

Sureshot said:
Don't worry about the tank size for now. It can be added with a simple air coupling. Get the best pump set up you can for the money in a compact size.

I am going to follow this advice, and get the quiet CAT 6-gallon.
If it comes up short for impact wrenching, I will look into adding a 2nd tank.
What exactly do I type for when searching for just an aux. 2nd tank?

GoodEnough · Dec 4, 2013

Just to update this thread, I just ordered this for $188.
Thanks for all the tips from the posters in this thread.

California Air Tools CAT-6310 Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0 Hp 6.3-Gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor

120 PSI.
3.8 CFM
6 gallon. (Good enough for bolt or two at a time? That would be good enough)

I'm looking forward to my first ever air ratchet experience!
I just need to bust a few minor auto bolts with it.
And use an air chisel to pop something off.

For $188, if it works once, it's paid for itself.

How to decide on an air compressor for my basic needs.

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