Air Compressor opinions......help me dicide

[protouring72]

I'm looking for a larger air compressor, I have a little portable one, but really need something more serious. I've been looking at these 2 models and the pricing is just about right and what I was looking to spend.
Whats your take?
Thanks guys!
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...0_158284_158284?cm_sp=RVC-_-Footer-_-Products

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...65168_200365168?cm_sp=RVC-_-Footer-_-Products

 

[yiranhu]

Instead of the CH, I would consider the Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=3848&CategoryName=AIR COMPRESSORS AND ACCESSORIES&SubCategoryName=Air Compressors . It's often on sale for 400 and you can apply a 20% off coupon to make it 320 + tax. HF and CH don't differ much on quality.

I like the IR one but the only thing that would prevent ME from buying it is the price difference.

 

[montecarlo31]

I have been down the cheap compressor road. I purchased one from sears with a gift card once, it worked on in College and early years. I then graduated to 3/4 ton tow rigs and larger mud/rock/sled pulling trucks. I picked the Belaire up for a cool grand. It's gas but I planned on keeping the compressor outside for space and noise reduction in the garage. I'd have had probably 200 in electrical work if I went went a electric unit too. It isn't a hassle at all to use the gas either, one flick of the key and it's going. Idles most of the time it's running and only ramps up once in a while, I've used it quite a few hours and haven't even run two tanks through it. My best advise is a good two stage oil compressor with the biggest pump you can get. Also make sure you are looking at ACFM not just CFM. There is a big difference in the two. You want to look at ACFM when shopping.

1st Compressor

2nd and last compressor.

 

[protouring72]

Hmmm, what is ACFM? Actual CFM?
I've thought about harbor freight, as there is one very close to me, but am a little scared that its a no name brand and would be hard to service in the future if need be. I'm not opposed to spending a little more coin for a better/reliable product that will be easy to service in the future!

 

[montecarlo31]

Hmmm, what is ACFM? Actual CFM?
I've thought about harbor freight, as there is one very close to me, but am a little scared that its a no name brand and would be hard to service in the future if need be. I'm not opposed to spending a little more coin for a better/reliable product that will be easy to service in the future!

ACFM vs SCFM

ACFM vs SCFM x2

Those might help. ACFM gives you an example of what the compressor will actually do vs SCFM that is at sea level, just the compressor.

 

[protouring72]

Thanks for the tip. I received the craftsman club newsletter yesterday and there's a 80 gallon 2 stage in there for 899. I can get it down to about $760 with all the discounts by purchasing online and picking up in the store. This mught be the way I'll go, as it might be the last compressor I'll ever buy!
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00916781000P?keyword=air+compressor

 

[MrMark]

Since ACFM is based on local conditions, I don't see how a compressor manufacturer could ever use that measure on its product.

 

[yiranhu]

Hmmm, what is ACFM? Actual CFM?
I've thought about harbor freight, as there is one very close to me, but am a little scared that its a no name brand and would be hard to service in the future if need be. I'm not opposed to spending a little more coin for a better/reliable product that will be easy to service in the future!

CH and craftsman compressors are actually no better than Harbor Freight. They are all made in China probably in the same factory. That said, people usually don't have lots of issues with these in a home DIY setting... So it's basically upto you as to what you are comfortable with.