30 gal or less air compressor question.

[SRX]

Hi,
I am looking for a slightly larger air compressor than my current pancake. I have a small 12' x 16' shed. I am restricted to 110v. I am looking at most to spray paint on an antique wooden door and other small home projects. Aside from Kobalt, I was particularly wondering if anyone was familiar with these:

http://www.vpowerequipment.com/inde...i-vertical-oil-lubricated-air-compressor.html

https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/tld/6045725086.html

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[gdocktor3]

Um, I'd be willing to bet the VPower stuff is the same as Harbor Freight. I don't know much about Central Pneumatic, Kobalt or V Power, but I do know a buddy of mine bought the 21 gallon compressor from HF a few years ago and since day one it was underpowered and overall a piece of ****. As a professional painter for a military helicopter contractor, he tried using it for painting small things and he told me it was basically good for filling up wheel barrow and bicycle tires, but that's about it.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I love my IR garage mate compressor. Its quiet and can run most tools. Its 100% duty cycle so you can run the heck out of it. If i am using it to run a sander sometimes i have to let the compressor catch up once in a while but its the perfect size for what i need it for...i dont paint cars or anything but I use it to spray fluid film on my cars. Its great for general automotive work and such


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CJM8515]

FWIW I have a craftsmen oil less 33 gallon horizontal I nabbed for a song. It runs most things no issues and I let it catch up if it doesnt. For home use its plenty.

 

[astroracer]

Look at the Craftsman line. They are good quality and you know where to take it if there are warranty issues. I would look into a 33gal vertical. Good storage capacity for most small spraying and air tool usage and the vertical unit takes up less floor space.
Mark

 

[slackdaddy1]

Kmart after all the Sears close ?

Look at the Craftsman line. They are good quality and you know where to take it if there are warranty issues.

 

[astroracer]

Kmart after all the Sears close ?

Yea... Good point...

 

[BFHammer]

I have a craftsman 33 gallon vertical that has been my primary shop compressor for many years. It does fine although the duty cycle is a bit low for air hog tools like die grinders and air sanders.

Recently I picked up a Harbor Freight 21 gallon similar to what you have linked for a similar price. I have it in my wood shop and it has performed fine. Put a desiccant filter on it and I think it would handle the spraying you described. My not be your daily use compressor in 20 years but for the price might work just fine for the intended use.

 

[Scout3918]

I have the HD Husky Pro 30 gal. For home garage it been great but i not done any painting. Just lug nuts, grinder and few other impact wrenching.

 

[SRX]

Thank you all for responding. Its difficult to ask for advice sometimes, especially from others with such higher skill sets. A simple, yet limited request, is difficult to have translate to others that work with higher levels of standards. I do appreciate any and all insights, both parallel and beyond my capabilities.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I have about the same deal as you... 12x16ish space, 120v only as I had to use 2 tandem breakers just to get space for a dedicated 20A (half of one tandem) for the compressor.

I got the vertical 30gal. Speedaire (actually a Campbell Hausfeld) from Zoro, it was just over $300 with a 30% coupon. I didn't have high hopes, but it runs my 2135timax or air chisel pretty well... can't go balls out for minutes on end, but it holds up for reasonable home repair use without noticeable waiting.

Two things though- one, it's on the very edge of a 20A circuit and needs its own. I ran 12/3 (needed new wiring anyway) to said tandem breaker, and shared the neutral. Second, you should modify the outlet plumbing to run real air tools- most simply, it comes with a tiny 1/4 ****** to the switch & regulator, replace it with a 3/8 tee and tap a coupler onto the tee branch for unrestricted tank pressure.

 

[MrGiggles]

The Vpower looks just like this one but cheaper.

http://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-25-hp-125-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61454.html

I have it, spent many hot summer days running a DA sander and HF HVLP gun. Never skipped a beat. I run impacts and die grinders with it in moderation too.

It is pretty loud, you'll want it outside if the noise bothers you.

 

[Bob275]

I have a US made, 20g Speedaire, does most of what I need, a little more capacity would be nice at times. Mine is ok for very small paint projects. I wish I had space for a 60 or even 80. I did pick mine up for $75 on Craigslist so keep an eye out.

 

[SRX]

Thank you again, and especially for the details Firebox. I am only running a 100 amp breaker here with a line that was run to the shed from the prior owner. It's frustrating at times, but it is mine and a constant work in progress.

 

[skruft]

I have a 20gal 2 cylinder Craftsman that ran for about 40 years with no problem. I then bought a bigger one because I felt the 20gal cycled too much, so if I did it all over I would get the larger tank, 30 anyway.

I think the oil piston types are quite reliable, though loud. If you need portability, though, these big heavy ones with wheels are not very practical.

 

[anndel]

I have the HD Husky Pro 30 gal. For home garage it been great but i not done any painting. Just lug nuts, grinder and few other impact wrenching.

I have the same Husky 30 gallon compressor and it's sufficient for my home garage use - wheel lug nuts removal/installation, suspension replacement, crankpulley bolts and wheel hub/bearing work using the OTC hub grappler.