Air compressor recommendations

[danyo492]

Looking to add an air compressor to my garage (residential). Using it for tools like a DA sander and an air hammer that uses 4CFM. Trying to stay around or under $500. Would a 30 gallon serve me well or should I go bigger? Thanks in advance!

 

[American Locomotive]

It's unlikely your DA or air sander only use "4 CFM". A lot of these air tool manufacturers like to rate them in "average CFM", basically assuming you use them for something like 20 seconds out of every minute.

That being said, $500 should just about get you a ~10 CFM 60 gallon 240v compressor from Home Depot or Lowes.

Edit: Nevermind. Just checked Lowes and HD, apparently the entry level 240v compressor prices have also skyrocketed just like everything else. A few years ago their basic 60 gallon compressors were $500. They're now $900.

 

[danyo492]

It's unlikely your DA or air sander only use "4 CFM". A lot of these air tool manufacturers like to rate them in "average CFM", basically assuming you use them for something like 20 seconds out of every minute.

That being said, $500 should just about get you a ~10 CFM 60 gallon 240v compressor from Home Depot or Lowes.

Edit: Nevermind. Just checked Lowes and HD, apparently the entry level 240v compressor prices have also skyrocketed just like everything else. A few years ago their basic 60 gallon compressors were $500. They're now $900.

Thanks for the reply! Yeah that’s what the average shows for the IR air hammer. I’m really just looking to be able to add some pneumatic tool capacity for my C10 restoration.

 

[American Locomotive]

Try and see if you can find a used 240v compressor in your price range. A DA will require a lot of continuous air. An air hammer can be run from just about anything as long as you're not laying into it for 10 minutes straight.

 

[GeoBruin]

Try and see if you can find a used 240v compressor in your price range. A DA will require a lot of continuous air. An air hammer can be run from just about anything as long as you're not laying into it for 10 minutes straight.

I just happened to flow test a couple of couplers this this weekend using a DA sander as the load. This should provide a good example of what the instantaneous air consumption of a DA sander can be.

Edit: Another video made previously showing a few more common air tools (die grinder, needle scaler, band file, etc.)

 

[theoldwizard1]

It's unlikely your DA or air sander only use "4 CFM". A lot of these air tool manufacturers like to rate them in "average CFM", basically assuming you use them for something like 20 seconds out of every minute.

Sanders (DA) and sand blaster need a lot of air (CFM) and they run continuously for long periods !

Just checked Lowes and HD, apparently the entry level 240v compressor prices have also skyrocketed just like everything else. A few years ago their basic 60 gallon compressors were $500. They're now $900.

Ouch ! HF doesn't show a 5HP 60 gallon anymore !

 

[ColoradoMech]

I recently picked up a 60gal 5hp Campbell Hausfeld air compressor for $300 on FB marketplace. Dumped another $150 in it with new gauge, safety valve, air regulator/separator, plug cord, etc. It needs a new pump because its shooting a bit of oil into the tank but thats just $200 from Harbor Freight. All in all im at $650 for a air compressor that is 80% new and would cost well over $1,000 new.

If you pick up a junk compressor with a good 60-80 gal tank, you can replace the motor and pump for about $450 at Harbor Freight and it will last a very long time and is practically brand new at that point.

 

[danyo492]

I recently picked up a 60gal 5hp Campbell Hausfeld air compressor for $300 on FB marketplace. Dumped another $150 in it with new gauge, safety valve, air regulator/separator, plug cord, etc. It needs a new pump because its shooting a bit of oil into the tank but thats just $200 from Harbor Freight. All in all im at $650 for a air compressor that is 80% new and would cost well over $1,000 new.

If you pick up a junk compressor with a good 60-80 gal tank, you can replace the motor and pump for about $450 at Harbor Freight and it will last a very long time and is practically brand new at that point.

Awesome suggestion! About to check fb marketplace right now!

 

[GeoBruin]

Husky 60 Gallon Air Compressor - tools - by owner - sale - craigslist

175 psi. 240 volt. I have a few more just like this one. Like new condition. Works as it should. I can run it for you.

atlanta.craigslist.org

Air compressor - general for sale - by owner - craigslist

6HP Campbell Hausfield Air compressor for sale for $225 cash text only In person cash only

atlanta.craigslist.org

 

[Rockable]

Do not waste your money on anything less than about 3HP and at least 10 cfm. If you do, you will end up frustrated and eventually buy a larger compressor.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/ingersoll-rand-5-hp-single-stage-twin-cylinder-pro-air-compressor-60-gal

This was my first compressor. It was loud but got the job done. In my mind, it or an equivalent compressor, are a minimum for running air tools and it is fairly noisy. My T30 I-R is outside in a shed and was the first improvement I made when I built my new shop.

 

[Steve_P]

I also agree with 10 CFM being a minimum size if you want to use something like a DA or a cabinet blaster and not wait on the compressor all the time. Keep in mind you'll need a 240V outlet to run anything this large.

The IR above is a great deal for the CFM delivered, and it has a cast iron pump, but it's also significantly out of your price range.

 

[danyo492]

Thanks for the recommendation Rockable! I’ll check that one out

 

[dnschmidt]

With air compressors this is the ULTIMATE TRUTH: BIGGER IS BETTER.

 

[danyo492]

As much as I love that I'm limited by space and budget lol

 

[gatewaysysop]

I just recently gave away my smaller compressor from HF. Leaked like a sieve and was noisy as hell. I haven't picked up a replacement, but I was never going to use that thing again.

IMHO, if you're not wanting or able to put the money into going bigger (and I totally get that, same situation here with space), I'd suggest maybe putting it into a quality unit and, preferably a quieter one. Smaller unit is gonna be kicking on more often and if the noise bothers you (or anyone else) it would be worth the premium. It's definitely on my list while I try to find something better.

 

[ambenz]

I bought a Fortress 26 gallon at 175psi which is Ultra Quiet as someone suggested it here.
And I was not disappointed!!! It is really quiet, and the higher psi allows for some torquing if needed.
I love it and the price is the biggest selling point.

26 Gallon 175 PSI Ultra Quiet Vertical Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 26Gal 1.7Hp 175Psi Oil-Free Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I owned it now for 2 years without fail!!

 

[danyo492]

I bought a Fortress 26 gallon at 175psi which is Ultra Quiet as someone suggested it here.
And I was not disappointed!!! It is really quiet, and the higher psi allows for some torquing if needed.
I love it and the price is the biggest selling point.

26 Gallon 175 PSI Ultra Quiet Vertical Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 26Gal 1.7Hp 175Psi Oil-Free Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I owned it now for 2 years without fail!!

Thats awesome to hear! I was looking at those and the McGraw compressors. Just curious, what tools are you running with it?

I was seriously looking at this compressor as well at Tractor Supply. Lots of good reviews about it, but also seeing that it's kind of noisy.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-30-gal-175-psi-air-compressor-dxcm303

 

[kaymccampbell]

Reading this is frightening. I remember cringing at $300-ish when getting my end-of-model-year C-H 5hp 60 gal floor model from Blowes when they were doing one of their periodic mass brand changes.

 

[Rinspeed]

Thats awesome to hear! I was looking at those and the McGraw compressors. Just curious, what tools are you running with it?

I was seriously looking at this compressor as well at Tractor Supply. Lots of good reviews about it, but also seeing that it's kind of noisy.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-30-gal-175-psi-air-compressor-dxcm303

I have the 60 gal. Dewalt and it's been very solid over the last four years. Both the 30 and 60 gal are made by Sanborn as far as I know.

 

[danyo492]

I have the 60 gal. Dewalt and it's been very solid over the last four years. Both the 30 and 60 gal are made by Sanborn as far as I know.

Are you running this in a garage or dedicated shop? I outfitted my garage with a dedicated 30 amp breaker/plug so I can run my welder and compressor there if I need to.

 

[GeoBruin]

Thats awesome to hear! I was looking at those and the McGraw compressors. Just curious, what tools are you running with it?

I was seriously looking at this compressor as well at Tractor Supply. Lots of good reviews about it, but also seeing that it's kind of noisy.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-30-gal-175-psi-air-compressor-dxcm303

It is going to be noisy, and one of the reasons is its a single stage pump making 175 psi. Typically, you'll only see 2 stage pumps with a max psi that high. That's pushing that pump pretty hard.

It does **** there's aren't many options out there for someone not looking to spend at least $1,000 on a compressor. The used market is an option but I looked at Craigslist around Atlanta and there don't seem to be a ton of options.

I have a small garage/shop and I got real sick of my loud compressor running, especially while using air tools or blasting. I had to kick it out of the shop and made a dedicated shed for it.

The HF Fortress is a great option if you do need to keep it in the shop, and the relatively small gains of the Dewalt over the Fortress wouldn't be enough for me to put up with the noise.

Unfortunately, neither one is going to keep a DA sander going constantly. We could do some tests/calcs to see how long you could go at a clip if you can give me the psi your sander needs.

 

[danyo492]

It is going to be noisy, and one of the reasons is its a single stage pump making 175 psi. Typically, you'll only see 2 stage pumps with a max psi that high. That's pushing that pump pretty hard.

It does **** there's aren't many options out there for someone not looking to spend at least $1,000 on a compressor. The used market is an option but I looked at Craigslist around Atlanta and there don't seem to be a ton of options.

I have a small garage/shop and I got real sick of my loud compressor running, especially while using air tools or blasting. I had to kick it out of the shop and made a dedicated shed for it.

The HF Fortress is a great option if you do need to keep it in the shop, and the relatively small gains of the Dewalt over the Fortress wouldn't be enough for me to put up with the noise.

Unfortunately, neither one is going to keep a DA sander going constantly. We could do some tests/calcs to see how long you could go at a clip if you can give me the psi your sander needs.

Thanks for the input! The DA sander would be a secondary requirement with the main one being the air hammer. I'm stripping down a frame and grinding out each rivet is kicking my ***.

 

[ctandc72]

Anyone recommending a compressor with anything less than well into double digits of scfm at 90psi for use of a decent DA sander has never been through this life changing ordeal before. Hint - you'll be waiting on the compressor A LOT.

Did you already buy the sander? If so - look up the company specs for air consumption. You might be shocked at the VOLUME of air you'll need to run that thing more than a few minutes at a time.

As for buying a compressor and you want to stay around $500? Craigslist or FB marketplace as already recommended. If you are working on a project as you mentioned for that DA - you can 'work around' the air consumption by plumbing in another tank - you can usually score the tank cheap (dead compressor). This will give you more run time on the DA.

Hope this helps.

 

[dnschmidt]

You might be much better off buying an electric DA. No not the **** they sell at HD but an AirVantage, Mirka or 3M model that looks a lot like a Dynabrade air DA and has the balance point down low where it should be. Bosch actually makes a very nice cordless DA that's under $100 that's got the right balance point as well and I've go one and it's great. The model number is GEX18V-5N. It's a five inch model rather than 6" which is what is most commonly used in autobody but with today's smaller cars 5" is often an advantage as the panels are smaller.

I've got a big compressor and at least 20 AirVantage, Dynabrade, National Detroit and Hutchins air sanders of various types and I often wonder why I'm using 25 amps at 240V worth of electricity to power an air sander when I could be using 4 amps at 120V to do the same job. In my case I need the big compressor to power my paint guns so I've got to bite the bullet but between cordless tools and air tools it's not hard to see why my compressor is being used a lot less than it use to be. My air impacts, air ratchets air drills and air grinders sit in a box and seldom see the light of day anymore.

 

[danyo492]

Anyone recommending a compressor with anything less than well into double digits of scfm at 90psi for use of a decent DA sander has never been through this life changing ordeal before. Hint - you'll be waiting on the compressor A LOT.

Did you already buy the sander? If so - look up the company specs for air consumption. You might be shocked at the VOLUME of air you'll need to run that thing more than a few minutes at a time.

As for buying a compressor and you want to stay around $500? Craigslist or FB marketplace as already recommended. If you are working on a project as you mentioned for that DA - you can 'work around' the air consumption by plumbing in another tank - you can usually score the tank cheap (dead compressor). This will give you more run time on the DA.

Hope this helps.

I have not bought the DA sander yet. Was trying to get the compressor situation setup before that.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have not bought the DA sander yet. Was trying to get the compressor situation setup before that.

My advice is DON'T. The size compressor that you're looking at can fill up tires, run impact wrenches, air hammers, pneumatic rivet guns and air drills when used in the conventional way drills are used. It can do this because all of these tools do not require continuous air. Die grinders, sanders, pro level paint guns as well as anything that just blows air against a turbine requires a shitload of air. Air belt files are one example along with the die grinder example. All DIY guys hate this truth. The problem is Physics never has and never will give a **** about what you want to do. Sad fact, you want to play you've got to pay.

 

[boom_bap]

I also have a 26 gal fortress. I fluid filmed a suburban with it yesterday. It worked great no complaints. I don’t have the need for a huge compressor but I have the want. It just didnt make financial sense for my
Needs ( sprinkler blowout, fluid film, air gun, tires inflation). It has done everything ive needed. If your sand blasting small parts it would probably be fine, but anything more than small parts you’ll want something bigger. I will go coordless for everothay makes sense if possible but somethings like blowing and spraying you need air

Ill also add I did a stupid amount of research and in 2023 they just don’t make affordable, quietish, oil driven compressors any more, the market is telling the mfgs to make quiet oilless ones, so in reality outside of industrial units, youre not going to find a keeper compressor in the leas than 30gal range. Lowes had the cheapest 30gal belt driven craftsman but its $700 bucks. For me and my 350$ the fortress is good enough at the cost of I know it isn’t industrial but I’m still going to push it hard and know that it will inevitably break. If the tank is still good ill buy another compressor and combine tanks or rebuild it

 

[Aaron_W]

I have a 30 gal Dewalt I'm pretty happy with. It is fairly quiet, about like a diesel pickup at idle, way better than the teeth rattling noise of my pancake compressor.
It has wheels so pretty easy to move around. It comes wired 120v but can be wired for 240v if you prefered.

It is (I think) rated 6cfm so a lot better than most smaller compressors.
Works fine for air tools like an impact gun, or blowing stuff off, but don't think it would be too good with something like a die grinder or sander that use a lot of air.

Currently about $600, I think I paid about half that a couple years ago when Tractor Supply had a good sale on air compressors.

 

[Steve_P]

I also agree on pursuing some type of electric sander as they're air hogs. I have a nice Dynabrade orbital sander, I don't know the model offhand as it's 10+ years old and I'm too lazy to look, but just looking online, a similar new model is rated at 14 SCFM consumption. So yes, air sanders use a ton of air. I have a 7.5 HP 23 CFM @175 PSI compressor, so it has no trouble easily keeping up.

 

[IRQVET]

I’m a bit of a renegade in the air compressor arena. I had a 10 gallon 2 HP Calif. Air Tools compressor (little guy) with 5CFM that I used for DA’s, sand blasting, painting. Did it struggle, YES. Did it work, YES! (Admittedly, sand blasting was the hardest for that little guy to keep up with. Lots of standing around waiting for the compressor to catch up, but not a terrible amount)

Last year I talked myself into “upgrading” to a Dewalt 60 Gallon, and I HATED to use it because of the noise. So I sold it afew weeks back and opted for a 20 gallon 2HP (5 CFM) Calif. Air Tools (CAT) compressor. I’m of the mindset that once you got CAT, its very hard to go back. Especially when it comes to warranty and parts. That was my barrier to entry when looking at anything Harbor Freight.

I probably won’t be as hard on this compressor as I was on my old one, as I’ve settled on corded DA’s. But at least I know my CAT will allow me to do anything else.

 

[ambenz]

....Just curious, what tools are you running with it?

I was seriously looking at this compressor as well at Tractor Supply. Lots of good reviews about it, but also seeing that it's kind of noisy.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-30-gal-175-psi-air-compressor-dxcm303

I am using a 1/2" impact wrench to loosen tight lugs.


My wife uses it in detailing with a Tornador Cleaning detail gun to get into carpet fibers.

As far as quiet, I have to say it is as quiet as most $$$$ compressers...it really is impressive for the dollars.

 

[danyo492]

Thanks everyone for the advice on this one! Appreciate this awesome community!

I think I am going to nix the DA sander idea and pick up a corded one. The air hammer was my main need right now for the restoration of the truck I'm working on right now. So I think a 27-30 gallon 2 hp compressor will serve me fine.

 

[dnschmidt]

Thanks everyone for the advice on this one! Appreciate this awesome community!

I think I am going to nix the DA sander idea and pick up a corded one. The air hammer was my main need right now for the restoration of the truck I'm working on right now. So I think a 27-30 gallon 2 hp compressor will serve me fine.

When you think of air hammers and impact wrenches you think of these as MEAN TOOLS which would require a lot of air. As I mentioned above that's not the case. The tiny little die grinder is the biggest air hog of all which seems counterintuitive. Moving a piston back and forth doesn't require much air. I have a pneumatic paint shaker that is so violent I had to bolt it to the concrete floor in my garage. It uses very little air considering how hard it shakes gallon cans of primer which are quite heavy.

 

[IRQVET]

Little tool that I used that suprisingly took up alot of air, was my rivet buster.

My 49 Willys had rivets which affixed the bumper to the frame, so I picked up this little rivet buster, my little 10 gallon/2HP air compressor was not happy, lol.

 

[moxford]

I just bought one of these: https://www.rolair.com/air-compressors/hand-carry-air-compressors/vt25big

Small tank, 100% duty, 6.5cfm@90, not expensive. Could pair it or feed to standalone tank and still allow this to be a portable rig.

Cheers,
-mox

 

[Mr_B]

Setting up a dual compressor arrangement can be good way get pretty good capability at lower cost .
(milk some sales coupons or clearance for best bang for buck)
It also allows for less electric use as you can use just one for the smaller general lighter use scenarios.
The secondary unit could be smaller tank and more portable adding even more flexibility to the setup .

 

[Lassen Forge]

We had huge industrial screw compressors on the bridge, more like compressed air plants complete with refrigerated dryers etc., but I always figured that was WAY beyond the realm of a shop... THEN I took a shop class and got severely spoiled by the screw compressor the school had... Air on demand, however much you need, no lag, and quiet as you please... They're ungodly pricey compared to a piston compressor, but after that, I'm not sure anything that goes chuffachuffachuffa will quite cut it. So... Next time I get a spare few thousand, well... yes.

That *****, but there is a basic truth to it... As it's The Way of the Garage...

 

[atikovi]

My 2 cents for a home use compressor.

2 stage that goes up to 175 psi. I leave the regulator at about 140 psi and use it with impact guns, vacuum bleeder, bead blasting cabinet and portable air tank among other tools. The latter would be pretty useless if I could only put 90 psi into it.

Oil-less pump for years of maintenance-free use. I just rebuilt the top end of mine for the first time after over 15 years of regular use.

60 gallon tank is ideal. Anything bigger is too heavy to install. Anything smaller will be running all the time.

 

[Nutria]

I believe that my Kobalt 26 Gal Quiet-Tech is the same animal as the Fortress. It's been pretty good for me, but I don't use it for anything continuous, like sanding or die grinding. One issue: the pressure regulator was a weak link in terms of flow delivery, and I replaced it with one from Grainger. Good now.