What compressor would you buy today for $500?

Scott · Feb 6, 2006

I am looking at buying a compressor for my garage as part of my remodel project. I am installing a 60amp 220v sub panel so I would like to buy a 220v compressor. I have budgeted up to $500 for the compressor. This compressor is going to be for working on cars. I don't expect to be doing much ******** painting or blasting so I don't need a huge compressor. What compressor would you guys buy today for $500?

I have looked at Lowes and HD and they both seem to have the same compressor for under $400, anyone have an opinion on it? The price is right and I can just go pick it up.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=215921-71025-KLA1883054&lpage=none

For a bit more money I have looked at a CH unit:
http://www.absolutehome.com/web/cat...944&srccode=cii_14110944&cpncode=07-5856843-2

Anyone have any input on this decision?

Uncle Buck · Feb 6, 2006

Perhaps just a bit more than $500.00 but check out Puma brand. Certainly not Quincy or IR, but not bad for the money.

Tim240Z · Feb 6, 2006

I bought this one and it works great:
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=134819-48540-K7060HFV&lpage=none

BOSS351C · Feb 6, 2006

Get a 60 gal 11.3 cfm @90 psi Ingersoll Rand at Tractor Supply. I got mine there for $500 and love it.

Scott · Feb 6, 2006

The specs on the Ingersoll Rand are certainly attractive. Does anyone have anything bad to say about the smaller IR compressors?

l_bilyk · Feb 6, 2006

Scott said:
The specs on the Ingersoll Rand are certainly attractive. Does anyone have anything bad to say about the smaller IR compressors?

Yeah aparently the pump are made in india and aren't all that great

I was in the same boat as you (small budget) and ended up wish a stationary 60 gal. 3/7hp. It doesn't put up enough CFM to keep up with non stop sanding and whatnot, but the tank is fairly big so by the time tank pressure drops below say 70, i'm usually done doing watever it is that i started

but 90% of the time i'm using an impact wrench or airbrushing model cars

motorheadjohn · Feb 6, 2006

I would not purchase either of the compressors you linked above.

If you've got $500 to spend and you're willing to get 230v circuit, the IR is the best suggestion so far. For one reason, it's 230v, so it should be more efficient than the 115v linked above. It's got a 100% continuous duty cycle rated cast-iron pump. Even if it was cast in India, I'd take it over those other two every time. Those others are likely from China.

Also take a look at what else Quincy and Champion offer in your price range. You can do much better than what you linked above. Just have to look around and do some research.

Scott · Feb 7, 2006

The comprssors linked above can be wired for 220v. I am just wondering if there is a quality difference between the Lowes(Kobalt)/HD(Husky)/CH brands and the low end IR. Are you paying an extra $125 for the IR name but buying the same if not worse quality?

l_bilyk · Feb 7, 2006

Scott said:
The comprssors linked above can be wired for 220v. I am just wondering if there is a quality difference between the Lowes(Kobalt)/HD(Husky)/CH brands and the low end IR. Are you paying an extra $125 for the IR name but buying the same if not worse quality?

That was my point. I don't see an advantage of getting the IR with an offshore pump as opposed to the husky(made by CH) or CH with a USA pump. Especially since you have to pay more for the IR

But, keep in mind, the CH is NOT a fantastic compressor either.

Have you considered buying used? Aparently all these can be as cheap as 100 bux at a swap meet.

bmwpower · Feb 7, 2006

l_bilyk said:
That was my point. I don't see an advantage of getting the IR with an offshore pump as opposed to the husky(made by CH) or CH with a USA pump. Especially since you have to pay more for the IR

But, keep in mind, the CH is NOT a fantastic compressor either.

Have you considered buying used? Aparently all these can be as cheap as 100 bux at a swap meet.

A $500 compressor for $100?? Let me know where you go for this kinda deal.

Scott · Feb 7, 2006

I have been keeping an eye on craigslist, so that is an option if I can find a decent one used. Most are direct drive 110v units though.

optikal · Feb 7, 2006

Yea I was thinking about getting the 80 gallon IR at tractor supply that's pushing around 15.3 cfm.

arthur1920 · Nov 30, 2008

bmwpower said:
A $500 compressor for $100?? Let me know where you go for this kinda deal.

that would be at the next LSD swapmeet.

Charles (in GA) · Nov 30, 2008

I'm not so sure the Husky is USA made any longer. Mine says Made in USA cast right into the pump (at least the end cap over the crank, the rest might be made elsewhere for all I know

) but now, the pumps don't have that Made in USA anywhere on them, even though they look identical.

For the money, the Harbor Freight large stationary compressors, US General, made in North Carolina (at least assembled there) are a real good deal.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=55391

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90836

Charles

JeepsAreBuilt · Nov 30, 2008

Scott said:
I have been keeping an eye on craigslist, so that is an option if I can find a decent one used. Most are direct drive 110v units though.

I was in the market for a bigger compressor, I wanted a big one.. a 2 stage 5 hp, 60 or 80 gal. Well, I kept my eye on craigslist for a month or so and jumped on the the one that fits my needs/budget. Just gotta be patient, I almost gave up looking. I got what I wanted for $550 and its a kickass compressor.

What compressor would you buy today for $500?

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