Air Compressor

[ryanp77]

Need some advice, I am looking to add a air compressor to my garage and not sure what to get. I don't need anything huge, it will mostly be used for airing mini-van, truck and motorcycle tires. Also the occasional dust clean out and maybe down the road a motorcycle lift. Any suggestions on size and brand will be appreciated

 

[firebox40dash5]

I have a 20 gallon vertical, 2hp 120V "Speedaire" I bought from Zoro this spring. It's a Campbell Hausfeld, which I wasn't thrilled about, but I used a 30% code and got it for $350 all-in. It has decent reviews, and similar ones from IR or Quincy were running almost twice that and don't have much better reviews.

I never used it as-is, I swapped the anemic 1/4 pipe outlet ****** to the switch/regulator/output for a 3/8 pipe tee and use an unregulated 3/8 NPT coupler, and it's impressive like that. Runs my 2135 and air chisel without any issue. If you have more floor space, I believe the horizontal has an extra 3 gallons of tank, and is easier to move around.

It's probably overkill for your stated needs, but I think it's pretty damn good anyway given the price. The oiled pump is said to be US-made (although I've seen no sign of it on mine) and the motor is a Mexican-made Marathaon. Runs fine on a non-dedicated 20A outlet for me.

 

[930dreamer]

I'd look at an "oiled Pump" for noise control.

 

[redmondjp]

I'd look at an "oiled Pump" for noise control.

That is only partially true. There are plenty of splash-lubricated pumps that are objectionably loud. I worked in one shop with an Ingersol-Rand T30 2-stage (cast iron pump even), and it was break time in that bay when the compressor came on.

Pump speed is something important to look at, and the following is a subjective guide:

Over 1000 RPM - crazy loud.

900-1000 RPM - still really loud.

700-800 RPM - a little less loud.

600-700 RPM - moderately loud.

400-500 RPM - aaaaah, now that's quiet!

 

[ryanp77]

Anyone have any experience

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6-ga...ompressor-and/p-00916575000P?TecPara=159_4156

 

[GirchyGirchy]

For that amount of money I'd buy this instead:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_349204-70-C2002___?productId=4764588

 

[ryanp77]

For that amount of money I'd buy this instead:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_349204-70-C2002___?productId=4764588

I have ben looking at that one and a lot of the websites its on it has been getting bad reviews lately for not

 

[MacMcMacmac]

For that amount of money I'd buy this instead:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_349204-70-C2002___?productId=4764588

Junk.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

Anyone have any experience

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6-ga...ompressor-and/p-00916575000P?TecPara=159_4156

More junk.

 

[ryanp77]

More junk.

Suggestions?

 

[redmondjp]

Suggestions?

What is your intended use?

If you're just going to air up a tire and operate a nail gun, one of these pancake units will be just fine.

 

[Finky198]

I would Check your local craiglist for somthing of decent quality IR, Quincy, Sullair, ect..

I find Most consumer grade big box store compressor ****. they cost a lot, are under powered, and never ever seem to be built well or last. I have gone thru 3-4 cheap compressor $75-$250 over the years I could have spent that time and money on something better and it would probably still be running today. The only small unit I still have is a ridgid it was expensive but has faired very well over a 5yr span

 

[larry_g]

Suggestions?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...0916475000P?prdNo=20&blockNo=20&blockType=G20

I've had the one above for some 10 years or so and it is still doing the job. Good enough for light home garage duty. Big enough to run power tools.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ This is style you want to look for on CL . . . . . Craftsman or SpeedAire or Campbell Hausfeld that are 20 gal horizontal and 2 to 4 HP. Some are even 120v or 240v wiring capable. "Spray painter" model of Craftsman or SpeedAire are a very good little compressor.

OP . . . . used on CL can be had from $100 to $200 and will do all that you need.

 

[theoldwizard1]

An oil-less compressor is fine for pumping up tires. The are LOUD , but who cares if it is only going to run for < 5 minutes a month !

The problem with that type of compressor is they seem to have a very short life !

Both Makita and DeWalt sell small oil lubed compressors, but they are in the $200-$300 range.

 

[MacMcMacmac]

An air compressor is like a lathe. A big one can do everything a small one can, but not vice versa. I'd go for a decent, oil lubed compressor on a 20 gallon tank. It has served generations of home mechanics, tinkerers, painters etc just fine and will last for decades.

They aren't ****, but a simple Campbell Hausfeld or SpeedAire tank mounted lubricated reciprocating compressor is just about all the compressor 99% of all people will ever need. There are other brands like Quincy or Champion that make somewhat higher quality units, but you'll pay for it.