1st air compressor

[EDH68]

Hi guys....newbie on here from Ohio...
Just bought a house and am looking for a decent garage air compressor, i am a weekend warrior and have about $200-$250 to spend...
I have looked at kobalt, craftsman, campbell hausfield and husky and have no idea which to buy.....they all look like the would suit my needs...
any recommendations?
Thanks!
ED

 

[Codejack]

What are you planning on using it for? That's the major question.

That being said...

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-69091.html

This can often be found for $150, and is pretty well regarded for a cheap, general purpose unit. Make sure you get the black one, not the red one.

Now, if you don't need as big a unit as that, you can maybe get better quality for similar money, at which point, pick your favorite big box brand. I had a Campbell Hausfield that held up pretty well until the tank rusted out (I left it with my brother who used it and never drained the tank, in high humidity area).

 

[EDH68]

I will be using it for wrenching on the bike and car, finishing nailer, maybe a little grinding and sanding...
I was unsure about the harbor freight....
they look about all the same and damn near have the same specs....i'm probably just going to have to choose one go with it. lol

 

[NUTTSGT]

120V or a larger 220 unit ? What do you have available in your garage ?

 

[Codejack]

I will be using it for wrenching on the bike and car, finishing nailer, maybe a little grinding and sanding...
I was unsure about the harbor freight....
they look about all the same and damn near have the same specs....i'm probably just going to have to choose one go with it. lol

Grinding and sanding is going to be pretty limited on any kind of cheap compressor; you just don't have the air.

I would buy an electric grinder and use the compressor for impact and nails.

 

[EDH68]

it will be a 120 unit......
i might have to get a few electric tools, lol
kinda *****, i already have an angle grinder that i like alot, although since i have not had air, its been in the tool drawer.
I had also looked at the dewault unit that has a max of 200psi but i just don't have the cash to go that high...
i do have a couple buddies that are cert electricians, i could maybe get 220 ran to the garage

 

[NUTTSGT]

Don't forget about the classifieds here, CL and pawn shops. You'll never find a good deals if you're not on the hunt.

 

[Kenskip1]

As to your requirements, may I suggest something with a bit more pressure. 145 psi or better. If you have say an impact wrench in 1/2 drive, 125 pounds is barely going to make it. Consider the length and diameter of the hose 125 is barely enough.Will a 30 gallon work? Do you have 220 available? Ken

 

[Citation]

Check out the deals at Menards. The 20 gallon one is nice.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10551700-s...tore-credit-355-11-11-store-credit-rebate?v=1

 

[EDH68]

I could possibly get 220 hooked up, all of them I have looked at are either 150psi max of the husky is 175psi max....yeah I was wondering about the hose length, like I said i'm new to this and will get a 50ft hose to make sure it reaches everything and goes a little ways outside.

 

[EDH68]

Just checked out that sanborn....that is a good price for a nice little compressor...i'm going to check that one out today!
little more than what I wanted to spend but it looks the right size for me and with the specs, it has plenty of power...

 

[MrGiggles]

As to your requirements, may I suggest something with a bit more pressure. 145 psi or better. If you have say an impact wrench in 1/2 drive, 125 pounds is barely going to make it. Consider the length and diameter of the hose 125 is barely enough.Will a 30 gallon work? Do you have 220 available? Ken

I have that compressor and it runs an Aircat 1055 through 50ft of hose very well.

That's not to say that more PSI isn't useful, but the HF 21 gallon is just about the best DIY compressor for the money.

 

[TexasT]

I'd get two 25' hoses. Trying to goof with 50' sux if you don't need that much length all the time. I've bought craftsman compressors over the yrs. I do have a small speedaire hotdog we use to do mobile stuff or if I just need a little air instead of firing up the big compressor and filling the big tank.

 

[EDH68]

definitely keep that in mind about the hoses......
I got on menards website and I think i'm going to check out that sanborn and they also have a 26gal performax compressor, oiless motor though, that specs say put out decent power, on sale for a little over $200.....i'm probably going to just have to make a decision and go with it, follow break in procedure and just make sure I drain the tank when not in use....
I was almost dead set on the craftsman or CH till I started all this looking....lol

 

[Citation]

In addition to a good 3/8th id rubber hose I would suggest getting a cheap coiled hose. They are really handy for airing up tires or using the air gun. Saves me from having to put away the big hose.

 

[EDH68]

i was planning on getting one of those kits with the coiled hose and a few attachments..

 

[danjayh]

I highly recommend the 29 gallon HF unit. It's a little over your budget, but it has nearly the maximum possible air output on 120V, and will probably be enough for you to squeak by on your grinding and sanding tasks. It will also be quieter since it's belt drive and the compressor runs slower. Whatever you get, I'd get the el-cheapo HF auto drain, upgrade the tubing, and install it immediately. Don't want to let that tank rust into something dangerous! Also, HFQPDB currently has a coupon for it that brings it down to $339 .

 

[danjayh]

In addition to a good 3/8th id rubber hose I would suggest getting a cheap coiled hose. They are really handy for airing up tires or using the air gun. Saves me from having to put away the big hose.

The Tekton rubber hoses on Amazon are quite nice, made in the USA, affordable, and have a lifetime guarantee. Had one bubble on me and they replaced it with just an e-mailed picture. Absolutely great service.

 

[apollo11]

i was planning on getting one of those kits with the coiled hose and a few attachments..

Get a hose reel too.

 

[EDH68]

Tekton...I will look those up, USA made with lifetime guarantee?? I'm in...
hose reel I have picked out is 30ft flexzilla....

 

[MrGiggles]

If you get a reel just get a 50ft hose.. You'll thank me the next time you get a flat in the driveway, among many other things where you may need the length.

HF has manual reels for less than 20 bucks.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The older Sears/Craftman compressors (actually made by Campbel Hausfeld or DeVibiss) can frequently be found on CL for very low dollar. The good ones are pained green or tan or bronze. Stay away from the red ones.

If it looks beat to hell, it is. Pass.

 

[danjayh]

The older Sears/Craftman compressors (actually made by Campbel Hausfeld or DeVibiss) can frequently be found on CL for very low dollar. The good ones are pained green or tan or bronze. Stay away from the red ones.

If it looks beat to hell, it is. Pass.

I generally recommend staying away from old compressors. Even if they look nice, they might have had water sitting in the bottom of them. This rusts the tank internally, which can make it dangerously weak (think explosions)!

 

[Codejack]

I generally recommend staying away from old compressors. Even if they look nice, they might have had water sitting in the bottom of them. This rusts the tank internally, which can make it dangerously weak (think explosions)!

They don't typically "explode," they just rupture. Usually

That being said, this is the death of the majority of compressors, in my experience, especially in the South (high humidity), and a new tank is usually almost as much as an entirely new unit.

------------------------------------------------------------------

OP, you really need to decide what all you need to do with this compressor, and choose capacity and quality accordingly.

You are going to have a hard time getting the air to do serious painting, for example. Most paint guns want 10+ CFM, which requires a dual-stage, 240V unit, at least. Some of the low end HF guns will work on 6 CFM, but...

Grinding and cutting are the next biggest air-hogs; 6 CFM @ 90psi is about average. A really good 110V unit can keep that up for a while, but probably not constantly.

Impact wrenches should be fine on most of these; a big one will want 6 CFM @ 90psi, too, but most people aren't using them constantly, the way paint guns or grinders tend to be used.

Nail guns and such should be easy.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I am personally switching over to electric tools, at least in the near term, but if I was going to buy a shop compressor, it would be either that black 29-gallon Harbor Freight unit or a Campbell Hausfield. Those Sanborn units are well-priced, but I have no idea about the quality.

 

[EDH68]

Yea, the sanborn seems like it has everything i want....also like the husky 30gal...and home depot is 5min from my house....

 

[yamaha0343]

also like the husky 30gal...and home depot is 5min from my house....

I have the 30gal. It's been great for my weekend warrior needs.

 

[MrGiggles]

The Husky is double the price of the HF with only 8% more CFM. And it's oilless, so longevity is a toss up.

In that price range the HF 29 gallon is a much better value, and has a cast iron belt driven pump, quiet and lasts forever.

 

[danjayh]

They don't typically "explode," they just rupture. Usually

Except for when they do ... yes, usually you get pinholes, but when they violently rupture it can mean loss of life or limbs. Rusty pressure vessels are nothing to play around with -- search for 'compressor explosion' on youtube for your horification and entertainment.

 

[EDH68]

I will go down to HF and look around tomorrow.....although i did find out that home depot offers veteran discount of 10%...husky would be $270....and yet i'm still over my budget that i originally wanted to spend lol
but its only $70 more than the 20gal....sooooooo i'm leaning toward the 30....

 

[Georgia Gator]

Good luck, let us know how it works out for you.
Can't go wrong w/10% at hd

 

[Codejack]

Try this one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-69091.html

$180, and you can usually get it on sale for $150.

21 gallon, 125 psi, 4.7 cfm@90psi, 5.8 cfm@40psi.

 

[EDH68]

I will check that one out when i got there tomorrow.......and no 10% off at HD is ok in my book

 

[crewchief888]

IMHO

lot of "weekend warriors" simply dont NEED a huge compressor, about the only thing i use mine for is airing up tires, or running a 1/2" impact.

i mainly use electric, or sometimes cordless in and around the garage..

i have plenty of air tools, use them mostly at work....

 

[sberry]

They don't typically "explode," they just rupture. Usually

That being said, this is the death of the majority of compressors, in my experience, especially in the South (high humidity), and a new tank is usually almost as much as an entirely new unit.

------------------------------------------------------------------

OP, you really need to decide what all you need to do with this compressor, and choose capacity and quality accordingly.

You are going to have a hard time getting the air to do serious painting, for example. Most paint guns want 10+ CFM, which requires a dual-stage, 240V unit, at least. Some of the low end HF guns will work on 6 CFM, but...

Grinding and cutting are the next biggest air-hogs; 6 CFM @ 90psi is about average. A really good 110V unit can keep that up for a while, but probably not constantly.

Impact wrenches should be fine on most of these; a big one will want 6 CFM @ 90psi, too, but most people aren't using them constantly, the way paint guns or grinders tend to be used.

Nail guns and such should be easy.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I am personally switching over to electric tools, at least in the near term, but if I was going to buy a shop compressor, it would be either that black 29-gallon Harbor Freight unit or a Campbell Hausfield. Those Sanborn units are well-priced, but I have no idea about the quality.

You would be correct about the risk of explosion but the air demands of those tools is 3x and closer to 4 of that. The rate you are reading is an industrial average for use in calculation for sizing systems for multiple tools and men. The actual is way above that.
A spray gun is about that but you don't need the air on 100% and a pass on a modern car can be in just a few ninutes.

 

[sberry]

They don't typically "explode," they just rupture. Usually

That being said, this is the death of the majority of compressors, in my experience, especially in the South (high humidity), and a new tank is usually almost as much as an entirely new unit.

------------------------------------------------------------------

OP, you really need to decide what all you need to do with this compressor, and choose capacity and quality accordingly.

You are going to have a hard time getting the air to do serious painting, for example. Most paint guns want 10+ CFM, which requires a dual-stage, 240V unit, at least. Some of the low end HF guns will work on 6 CFM, but...

Grinding and cutting are the next biggest air-hogs; 6 CFM @ 90psi is about average. A really good 110V unit can keep that up for a while, but probably not constantly.

Impact wrenches should be fine on most of these; a big one will want 6 CFM @ 90psi, too, but most people aren't using them constantly, the way paint guns or grinders tend to be used.

Nail guns and such should be easy.

------------------------------------------------------------------

I am personally switching over to electric tools, at least in the near term, but if I was going to buy a shop compressor, it would be either that black 29-gallon Harbor Freight unit or a Campbell Hausfield. Those Sanborn units are well-priced, but I have no idea about the quality.

You would be correct about the risk of explosion but the air demands of those tools is 3x and closer to 4 of that. The rate you are reading is an industrial average for use in calculation for sizing systems for multiple tools and men. The actual is way above that.
A spray gun is about that but you don't need the air on 100% and a pass on a modern car can be in just a few ninutes.

 

[Diesel Mercedes]

Honestly, just buy used. I got my compressor for $40, the oilless ones are LOUD as hell. I have a belt driven oiled compressor and it's much quieter.

For $250 this is a good deal.
https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/d/air-compressor/6299283178.html

 

[yamaha0343]

the oilless ones are LOUD as hell. [/url]

Not going to disagree that oiled compressors aren't more robust, but a lot of the newer oil free compressors are much quieter than they used to be. Husky has one that takes a lot of the noise out. I'm sure the other brands do too. But you're right, they used to be mind numbingly loud.

 

[Citation]

IMHO

lot of "weekend warriors" simply dont NEED a huge compressor, about the only thing i use mine for is airing up tires, or running a 1/2" impact.

i mainly use electric, or sometimes cordless in and around the garage..

i have plenty of air tools, use them mostly at work....

A lot can be done with a small compressor. My first compressor was a 4 gallon Jenny/Emglo/DeWalt roofing type compressor. It ran my IR231 1/2" impact without trouble (ie, I never needed a burst longer than the tank could sustain). However, it was sometimes frustrating with an air gun and useless with my die grinder. Because the option came up I upgraded to a CH similar to the Sanborn I linked to above. For the work I've been doing, no issues. However, I would like to get a bigger compressor for a small blast cabinet... if I can get the garage space... one day.

 

[Diesel Mercedes]

Not going to disagree that oiled compressors aren't more robust, but a lot of the newer oil free compressors are much quieter than they used to be. Husky has one that takes a lot of the noise out. I'm sure the other brands do too. But you're right, they used to be mind numbingly loud.

My only experience was a porter cable pancake, it has annoying to say the least.

 

[Citation]

My only experience was a porter cable pancake, it has annoying to say the least.

Those are about as bad as they come! At least they are light.