To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Another "which compressor" thread

Flatsbroke

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
95
I've done a search and can't quite find someone that was in the similar boat as me.

I am looking for a portable compressor under $250ish. This will be used for nailers and staplers (but who knows what else I could get in to).

I have looked at the 8gal husky and kobalt models. Which is proffered between oiled and oil-less?

I know that I should be looking for at least 5cfm at 90psi but I can't seem to find one in this price range. I really like the 20gal porter cable hotdog compressor but only wish it was 8gal smaller and about $200 cheaper (wishful thinking, I know).

Any models/brands I should look at? My total budget is mid $300s but I would like to get a hose and a tool to start out with.

Thanks and I apologize for another one of these threads-I know they are on here daily
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

CompressorPros.com

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 27, 2014
Messages
411
Location
SC
Anything that price will be considered a "consumer" model. There are a million choices for smaller compressors. If you are looking at oil-less or oil lubricated, a big difference is the noise. Oil-less units are typically a good bit noisier than oil lubricated.

Good luck in your search
 

frankd

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 5, 2014
Messages
677
Location
Long Island, NY
For nail guns and staplers you don't need anywhere near 5cfm. Have you checked out used compressors on craigslist? Harbor freight has a 26gal compressor that's 4CFM at 90PSI for $200. Otherwise on a $250 budget I think you're best bet is searching for a used one on craigslist.
 
OP
F

Flatsbroke

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
95
Well I don't need quite professional quality but so want it to last. What are some decent brands/sizes for a weekend warrior? I'm really looking for an all around compressor (which could be a bit complicated). It would be nice to already have the option of using an impact wrench or other similar components occasionally.
 
OP
F

Flatsbroke

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
95
How are the quality of the kobalt and husky and California air tools compressors?

Edit: I think I would like 10-20gal and 4cfm @ 90psi and preferably hotdog style
 
Last edited:

pipsters

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
4,899
Location
USA
If using nailers and staplers primarily inside I would look into those ultra quiet ones from California Air Tools. They don't need anything large at all.

If you want something to run air tools in the garage you're gonna need a 20 or 30 gal one to get any run time off the tools. But those aren't portable in the sense where you can take them inside.
 
OP
F

Flatsbroke

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
95
Well I don't want stationary.

I know it all depends but if I got an 8gal like that puma how well would that work with a basic 1/2" impact wrench. I don't need anything fancy but to accomplish a couple projects a year - like last weekend when I replaced the torsion axle on my boat trailer.

I just like the idea of being able to do more with it later rather than only buying one to fit my needs today
 

creativecars

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 15, 2010
Messages
4,300
Location
Indiana- where horse and buggies still roam
Well I don't want stationary.

I know it all depends but if I got an 8gal like that puma how well would that work with a basic 1/2" impact wrench. I don't need anything fancy but to accomplish a couple projects a year - like last weekend when I replaced the torsion axle on my boat trailer.

I just like the idea of being able to do more with it later rather than only buying one to fit my needs today

Wow, running a 1/2" impact off any of these hobby compressors is asking a lot. An older used 1 hp Sears may be better.

Something like this on CL.
http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/tls/4570006677.html
 

Attachments

  • air compressor.jpg
    air compressor.jpg
    31.6 KB · Views: 11
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

creativecars

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 15, 2010
Messages
4,300
Location
Indiana- where horse and buggies still roam
OP
F

Flatsbroke

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
95
I think I've settled on the 10gal California. Is there any reason I shouldn't or consider something else?
 

188slo50

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2009
Messages
643
Location
Virginia
I bought a small one from HF for $69 and been using for 3 yrs now with out a problem. Mainly use it to air up mower tires and my brad/finish nailer
 

pipsters

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2010
Messages
4,899
Location
USA
Your ears will thank you for buying a quiet compressor. If I didn't have one now and was buying new I would think hard about them.
 
OP
F

Flatsbroke

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 7, 2014
Messages
95
That size motor and tank should at least suffice if not exceed my needs, correct?

Anyone have one?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom