60 gal is not possible. Begged and Begged and Begged. Seems pointless to spend $400 on a 20-30 gallon when i could spend $400 on a 60 gallon. "no space" mom says. And my parents don't like the idea i can't move it around. It's a b-day gift and they finally realize cheap compressors just don't work. They bought me a coleman 26 gal powermate for
, oil-less for a "super good deal" well we plugged it in, and saw an arc flash inside the thing. We thought it was our wiring which it could be (our garage electrical ***** and an electrician just quoted us to add a separate breaker) and we took the coleman back a few days after x-mas. Now i'm leaning back towards the Husky pro since 30 gallon seems really nice. I don't know if 20 gallon will be enough. I want the capability of sandblasting (smaller snowmobile parts) and i'm sure 30 will be enough for what i need but 20 is pushing it. The craftsman pro's seem nice but prices seem steep.
Buying a 30 gallon over a 60 gallon makes a lot of sense in many areas, David's point about not over buying is excellent. Keep in mind guys on here like to many thousand dollar tool boxes when a fraction of that is "needed". Home mechanics will buy Snap On tools just to say they have Snap On when Craftsman will suffice. This site must be based in Texas because apparently on here "bigger = better" in more ways than one. A bigger compressor is a PITA to use when it comes to every day things, and a smaller 120v unit will do you fine. If you are looking at that vertical husky I would strongly suggest you take a trip to Northern Tool if you have one and look at the
$299 unit. It would be equivalent to the husky if it had 34 gallons. IOW it will hold 4 more gallons of compressed air than the husky will in the same size tank. Important things when you are almost 100% using stored air and not produced air as you would with a larger compressor, especially for things like sand blasting. Since you said you want the ability, a sand blaster depending on size uses something like 10-15 CFM @ 90 psi, you need to focus on STORED air not air being produced by the pump when rocking a 120v unit.
A higher PSI in the tank will also allow you to use an impact at a higher pressure. On my Craftsman, I have to set the regulator at the tank to 130 PSI static to see 90 at the tool. If you get the Husky you will barely be above that and only just momentarily. If you do get the Husky don't forget the 10% movers coupon.
You originally mentioned the Sears unit, I had assumed you looked at the price and were Ok with it. Yes it is more expensive. If I were buying again, I would buy the Northern Tool $299 compressor. Best bang for your buck.
Really in your shoes I would buy used, you obviously have an interest at an early age and will probably be buying a bigger compressor in the future. Buy used now so you won't lose all that money in depreciation.
