Air Compressor Recommendations

[dana3132]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Thanks in advance for any input.

I have a 2 car garage where I do light automotive restoration. Current project is a 1965 Chevy truck that I'm starting to do body work. I'm evaluating various air compressor options and need some advice. The compressor will be in a garden-shed enclosure that I built next to the garage so floor space isn't a huge concern, but I would like a vertical compressor so that it doesn't fill the shed completely. Noise isn't too important either as I don't like the neighbors much anyway...

Budget: About $500

For "big" compressors, I'm looking at this 60-gal Kobalt from Lowe's:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-VT6362_0__

For more portable/smaller compressors, I've also looked at this oil-free 33-gal Husky from HD:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-33-gal-Quiet-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-C331H/203995169

Are there any other compressors I should be evaluating?

I know it's a tough comparison because they are very dissimilar units.

The larger compressor will obviously handle air-hungry tools like DA sanders better and allows more flexibility for future projects, but does require me to run new 220v to the shed. I've also heard mixed reviews about oil-free compressors like the smaller Husky. I don't plan on doing any painting at this time, so I'm hoping that the small Husky can handle intermittent use long enough for me to upgrade to a larger shop and act as a spare. I also do a lot of home improvement jobs around the house and we may be moving soon, so I see the Husky being an automotive air compressor for about a year and then retire to a life of being dragged around the house to whatever room is being renovated.

 

[pattenp]

In my garage/shop for air tools and car work I have the Kobalt 60gal. For true portability you need to have a 6 gal or less compressor. I have a Porter-Cable 6 gal pancake that gets used a lot, painting, nailing, etc.

 

[RECox286]

You will find it easier to pull a hose from the larger compressor

to each room, than to get stuck with the smaller compressor that

won't keep up with your shop's project needs. Better to bite the

bullet now, than kick yourself later. IMHO, always go for the

larger, even if you don't need it or want it now, b/c later you will.

It is the law of needs and wants vs now and later.

Uncle Bob

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The big one wont come close to keeping up with a DA sander or other air hog. A 80 gal 5hp two stage might but that will be a grand.

 

[livinloud11]

I have a friend who has a husky 60 gallon from Home Depot and he uses it for painting cars, and he does a lot of them. I looked into the husky vs kobalt 60 gallon and I didn't like what I saw with the Kobalt one, but I don't know first hand.

 

[kazlx]

Do yourself a favor and buy a used one off of CL if you can. $500 will get you a hell of a lot more used that it will new.

 

[C96]

Personally, I don’t think you will be happy with the performance of an inexpensive compressor for doing auto body work unless of course you are a patient man. The sanders require a lot of cfm to operate and you will be constantly waiting around for the compressor to play catch-up.

A good industrial 2 stage unit of 5 real hp or more would be best. By all means stay away from the cheap “SPL” rated compressor motors!

Look around on the used market for one, many people have found good industrial units to purchase in your price range.

Good Luck

 

[dana3132]

Great input. Thanks all!

I have surfed Craigslist for a long time and never found anything even remotely decent. I think with all the auto shops in Charlotte (just up the road) everything gets sucked up in no time at all. I have a little pancake compressor for portability so it looks like the larger one is the way to go. Had a gut feeling that's how it would go but wanted to check.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The big one wont come close to keeping up with a DA sander or other air hog. A 80 gal 5hp two stage might but that will be a grand.

I agree with part of that statement. 5 hp for sure. 2 stage and 80 gallon, nice, but I don't think they are "must have".

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I have Craftsman 5 hp 30 gal oilless. If it hadn't shown up out of the blue for free, it would never have been in my garage. Noisy, VERY frequent cycling even with smallish loads like air ratchets. If I had it my way it would be a belt driven 2 stage.

Tommy

 

[stevekantercool]

I have a 15 year old Blackmax that my wife purchased for me as a gift. I have never had any problems with it. It runs all my air tools including my DA without any problems.

The better compressors have separate motor and pumps, this is very important!

Just my two cents.

 

[WhiteLightning]

I have a Porter Cable 6gallon pancake compressor for nailers/etc.

I plan to purchase either the Husky or Kobalt 60gallon guy for the garage- air tools, paint gun, etc. I know some people with ~30 gallon compressors and they run a lot when doing major work.

 

[Trey T]

If you use air sander or grinder, you'll need a 60gal with at least 10cfm@90psi to do any decent work.

More importantly you'll need to get a high quality air tool for higher efficiency output from tools. Also you'll need a good water separator to minimize moisture entering your tools

 

[WhiteLightning]

If you use air sander or grinder, you'll need a 60gal with at least 10cfm@90psi to do any decent work.

The Kobalt 60gal @ Lowe's is: 11.5 SCFM at 90 PSI

 

[Streetbu]

My 60 gallon single stage 220v is 13.5cfm @ 90psi. Keeps up with my LARGE blast cabinet no issues.

 

[D45]

The Kobalt compressors from Lowes seem to have good reviews

Anyone know who makes them for Lowes?

For $499 new that is hard to beat

http://www.lowes.com/pd_54284-1126-...tURL=?Ntt=60+gallon+air+compressor&facetInfo=

3.7-HP 60-Gallon 155-PSI 230-Volt Vertical

Air Delivery: 13.4 SCFM at 40PSI
Air Delivery: 11.5 SCFM at 90 PSI

15 AMPS
Oil lubricated

 

[D45]

Porter Cable 60 gallon is $489

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/porter-cablereg;-stationary-belt-drive-air-compressor-60-gal

3.7 HP

CFM @ 40 PSI : 13.4
CFM @ 90 PSI : 11.5

MAX PSI: 155

15 AMP

Oil Lubricated

This one seems like the same as the Kobalt

 

[D45]

It does looks like the CH, Porter Cable, and the Kobalt are all same.........and all have the same specs

They look nice for the price!

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455341_200455341

Puma Belt-Drive Stationary Vertical Air Compressor
60-Gallon Vertical
Model# PK6060V

$499.99 right now, on sale.....this is $700 everywhere else

2 Cylinder Pump

CFM at 90 PSI 12
CFM at 40 PSI 13.5
15 AMP
Max PSI: 150


The PK6060V does sound like a nice compressor, especially concerning all the points you addressed:
-The pressure switch
-V-twin pump
-Finned copper lines
-U.S. Motors brand motor

I know Puma has gotten a bad rap in the past, but I would be willing to over look that for a $499 purchase!!!


60-Gal. 3 HP Electric Single Stage Air Compressor-PK-6060V at The Home Depot

Looks like Home Depot sells the Puma PV6060V

I know for a fact they used to match and be prices by 10% too........atleast they did 3 years ago when I bought my Toro snow thrower from them

If I could get them one for $450 that would be a steal

 

[Lans Company]

If more air is needed and you don't want to wait for a fill up, you can always add a extra tank for more storage..

 

[2talltim]

Do yourself a favor and buy a used one off of CL if you can. $500 will get you a hell of a lot more used that it will new.

Plus one on this.

This is my brute, my father in law was trying to sell it for $400, I ended up getting it for nothing but the point remains. Had to buy a $25 start capacitor, check valve, replace the bottom drain valve and changed the oil in it. Even if I paid him for it I'd had less than $500







Example 2, my dad bought this on CL for $350 and all he had to do was change the oil in it and tighten the belt. We took a gamble was sitting in this lady's garage for 15 years untouched. Her husband was a painter and passed away, the garage didn't have power so we had no way to test it, but it all work out perfect.

 

[VolatileBeans]

We are currently running a 60 gal kobalt in our garage. It works very well. No problems yet. Mounted to a rubber mat to reduce vibrations to the slab and reduce noise.

Lot of water comes into the line in humid florida but that's to be expected so have to keep an eye on our inline filters all the time.

Would recommend especially for the price.

 

[94EG8]

Even a 60 gallon twin cylinder single stage wont keep up to a DA. My 60 gallon twin cylinder 2 stage RK will barely keep up. Keep looking for a used two stage.

 

[pgilmore7]

For a die grinder or DA you'll need a good sized tank and a compressor that can keep up. The one we have at the Dealership is a rotary vain style (I think that's what its called). It works like a super charger, it has basically two cork screws that compress the air. It's from 0 to 150PSI before you can blink. I don't think they sell them at Lowes though.

 

[Jon_E]

Sorry to semi-hijack this thread but: if you do manage to find a decent used compressor, on CL or eBay or whatever, is there a way to inspect the inside of the tank to make sure you don't have a rusted out hulk of ****? And if there is rust? What can you do about it? I have a Porter-Cable pancake compressor that I don't take very good care of, and every time I do drain it out, it's nasty red-brown water and sludge. I want to prevent that problem before it starts.