Any experience with this compressor?

[vette gator]

I'm looking for a roughly 30 gallon compressor to run air tools for my car restoration work and came across this one from Coleman Electric:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...isplay?storeId=6970&productId=861256&R=861256

Anyone used this or have information on it, good or bad?

 

[krooser]

Kinda weak on the cfm's...you won't be able to run a DA/sander/air ratchet/sandblaster or other big air users. But you'll be ok with an impact wrench or air chisel.

 

[motorheadjohn]

If I was going to buy a portable compressor in the 25-30 gal range, this is the one I would buy:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...isplay?storeId=6970&productId=207226&R=207226

It's more money than that Coleman, same CFM at 90psi rating, but it's got a 100% continuous duty cycle on the motor and pump. Any compressor at this size is not big enough to run high-consumption continuous tools for long periods of time (blast cabinets, die grinders, air saws, etc). But I'm sure you'll be happier with a quality compressor over that Coleman.

I actually considered this compressor as my first purchase, but a good friend with extensive body shop experience and access to a lift gate truck talked me into an 80-gal IR twin-stage 5hp model. I'm glad he twisted my arm. He tried to get me to step up one more level for the V-twin model but I balked. Now I know better. Mine keeps up but it's a noisy beeyotch.

 

[l_bilyk]

I'm looking for a roughly 30 gallon compressor to run air tools for my car restoration work and came across this one from Coleman Electric:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/...isplay?storeId=6970&productId=861256&R=861256

Anyone used this or have information on it, good or bad?

People say bad things about those sleeved pumps

 

[krooser]

The IR is cast iron, I believe. Good compromise...and USA made.

 

[rdnkjeeper]

I have the same one labeled Sanborn (don't know if it was made before coleman bought them out) and I have been very happy with it. When it built my garage we had at one time three, but most of the time two nail guns running off of it and it didn't bother it at all.

 

[kartracer55]

Dont buy the coleman whatever you do. Coleman makes good camping gear, nothing more. All thier other stuff is is just rebadged ****.

IR is the way to go for that, but I dont think they are USA made.

Any reason your goign for this size unit? IF your goign to be doing a car restoration, your going to be doing SERIOUS impacting, and most likely having to do some cleanup work with adgrinder as well. Go for something larger if you can, you will NEVER regret it. You will find your waiting for air with this one. Alot of huys say you need to buy the biggest you can afford because youll grow into it.

Jim

 

[vette gator]

Thanks for all the input. This is a great site and I'm glad I asked before rushing into anything. The IR compressor looks good, and if I can swing it with the boss (wife), I may go for this one. I've been looking at a 25 - 30 gallon tank size to fit into the available space and also to avoid having to do a lot of wiring to accommodate the load.

 

[krooser]

Dont buy the coleman whatever you do. Coleman makes good camping gear, nothing more. All thier other stuff is is just rebadged ****.

IR is the way to go for that, but I dont think they are USA made.

Any reason your goign for this size unit? IF your goign to be doing a car restoration, your going to be doing SERIOUS impacting, and most likely having to do some cleanup work with adgrinder as well. Go for something larger if you can, you will NEVER regret it. You will find your waiting for air with this one. Alot of huys say you need to buy the biggest you can afford because youll grow into it.

Jim

Jim...The Northern listing sez "USA".....that's where I got THAT from...

BTW....I'm switching my trucking operation from a flatbed trailer to a dry van...and one of our BIG customers is Northern Tool...I may be able to snoop around the warehouse and get some insider info on stuff...shhhhhhh...it's a secret!

 

[Roadster]

IR is the way to go for that, but I dont think they are USA made.

I would second the Ingersol-Rand recommendation, and it is made in the USA. ("Made in USA" graphic right below the photo.)

However, I would urge vette gator to initially size the compressor based upon his expected needs (cubic feet per minute), and then get a larger one. Even the IR Garage Mate is only 5.7 CFM @ 90 psi, which covers only half the tools on this chart...

Air Tool Description, Average CFM @ 90 PSI

Angle Disc Grinder - 7", 5-8 CFM
Brad Nailer, 0.3 CFM
Chisel/Hammer, 3-11 CFM
Cut-Off Tool, 4-10 CFM
Drill, Reversible or Straight-Line, 3-6 CFM
Dual Sander, 11-13 CFM
Framing Nailer, 2.2 CFM
Grease Gun, 4 CFM
Hydraulic Riveter, 4 CFM
Impact Wrench - 3/8", 2.5-3.5 CFM
Impact Wrench - 1/2", 4-5 CFM
Impact Wrench - 1", 10 CFM
Mini Die Grinder, 4-6 CFM
Needle Scaler, 8-16 CFM
Nibbler, 4 CFM
Orbital Sander, 6-9 CFM
Ratchet - 1/4", 2.5-3.5 CFM
Ratchet - 3/8", 4.5-5 CFM
Rotational Sander, 8-12.5 CFM
Shears, 8-16 CFM
Speed Saw, 5 CFM

Air Compressor Buyer's Guide

If he's going to be doing car restoration work (i.e., drilling, grinding, cutting, sanding) and not just typical garage puttering (e.g., removing lug nuts, filling up tires), then he will be seriously underpowered with the Garage Mate.

For auto restoration work, I would strongly recommend a 5-HP compressor, cast iron construction, with a 60-gallon tank as a minimum size.

Something like this model is just a couple hundred more than the IR Garage Mate. It isn't as mobile, and requires a 240V/30A power source (which can be easily added to most garages, if he doesn't have one already), but it takes up the same amount of floor space, and it will probably meet all of his needs.

 

[l_bilyk]

Dont buy the coleman whatever you do. Coleman makes good camping gear, nothing more. All thier other stuff is is just rebadged ****.

IR is the way to go for that, but I dont think they are USA made.

Any reason your goign for this size unit? IF your goign to be doing a car restoration, your going to be doing SERIOUS impacting, and most likely having to do some cleanup work with adgrinder as well. Go for something larger if you can, you will NEVER regret it. You will find your waiting for air with this one. Alot of huys say you need to buy the biggest you can afford because youll grow into it.

Jim

I don't think IR makes good compressors in that size. I would opt for a Husky/campbell, porter cable or airboss (do you guys have airboss down there or is it a canadian thing?)

 

[kartracer55]

I don't think IR makes good compressors in that size. I would opt for a Husky/campbell, porter cable or airboss (do you guys have airboss down there or is it a canadian thing?)

Portcable's larger compressors use aluminum pumps that are sleeved with cast iron. Strikingly similar to the big craftsman Professional pumps. I also HIGHLY doubt porter cable is manufacturing these compressors, so could it be possible the same company is making both? I wouldnt recommend porter cable.

The chart that roadster posted is a good base point, but what alot of people dont understand is that those numbers on the chart and on the front of the box are marketing numbers. Average CFM is based ona 25% duty cycle... so over the course of a minute, the tool was used for 15 seconds. So, the true draw of a tool to be able to use it continuously or near that, you need to multiply these numbers by about 4... I have heard by 3 will give you very acceptable results. My Impact is advertised as 5.7cfm average draw, but its 23cfm at load... so to get the full torque numbers the advertise, you need a compressor that makes 23cfm.

Now the size of the tank has a bit to do with this as well. At 100psi, 1 gallon capacity is equal to just over 1cfm... so for maybe a second, with a 60 gallon tank at 100 psi youll have 60ish Cfm of air, but as you use the air the pressure drops off and therefor the stored CFM drops off as well. This is what makes tank capacity usefull. Say you have a 15 cfm pump with an 80 gallon tank, and you need to run a grinder that takes 20 cfm...The pump will be supplemented by the tanks stored capacity to be able to run the tool.

Ir has a formula to calculate all this. If you give them the pump CFM and the tank capacity they will be able to tell you how long youll be able to run different tools and stuff


Jim

 

[krooser]

Portcable's larger compressors use aluminum pumps that are sleeved with cast iron. Strikingly similar to the big craftsman Professional pumps. I also HIGHLY doubt porter cable is manufacturing these compressors, so could it be possible the same company is making both? I wouldnt recommend porter cable.

The chart that roadster posted is a good base point, but what alot of people dont understand is that those numbers on the chart and on the front of the box are marketing numbers. Average CFM is based ona 25% duty cycle... so over the course of a minute, the tool was used for 15 seconds. So, the true draw of a tool to be able to use it continuously or near that, you need to multiply these numbers by about 4... I have heard by 3 will give you very acceptable results. My Impact is advertised as 5.7cfm average draw, but its 23cfm at load... so to get the full torque numbers the advertise, you need a compressor that makes 23cfm.

Now the size of the tank has a bit to do with this as well. At 100psi, 1 gallon capacity is equal to just over 1cfm... so for maybe a second, with a 60 gallon tank at 100 psi youll have 60ish Cfm of air, but as you use the air the pressure drops off and therefor the stored CFM drops off as well. This is what makes tank capacity usefull. Say you have a 15 cfm pump with an 80 gallon tank, and you need to run a grinder that takes 20 cfm...The pump will be supplemented by the tanks stored capacity to be able to run the tool.

Ir has a formula to calculate all this. If you give them the pump CFM and the tank capacity they will be able to tell you how long youll be able to run different tools and stuff


Jim

HUH? Geez..I hate these smart aleck kids....

 

[l_bilyk]

Portcable's larger compressors use aluminum pumps that are sleeved with cast iron. Strikingly similar to the big craftsman Professional pumps. I also HIGHLY doubt porter cable is manufacturing these compressors, so could it be possible the same company is making both? I wouldnt recommend porter cable.

Wooah hang on a minute. Maybe you guys have a different selection down there. Up here the oiled PC compressors use cast iron pumps. At least they did at one point in time.

But if they are sleeved, then I take that back.

 

[kartracer55]

Wooah hang on a minute. Maybe you guys have a different selection down there. Up here the oiled PC compressors use cast iron pumps. At least they did at one point in time.

But if they are sleeved, then I take that back.

It wouldnt surprise me if at one time they were all cast iron, but the ones Ive come across in catalogs are aluminum pumps. Colonial hardware is the closest retailer of them.

Jim

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Thanks for all the input. This is a great site and I'm glad I asked before rushing into anything. The IR compressor looks good, and if I can swing it with the boss (wife), I may go for this one. I've been looking at a 25 - 30 gallon tank size to fit into the available space and also to avoid having to do a lot of wiring to accommodate the load.

I hate to say so, but a common "thread" that seems to run thru all air compressor discussions, both here and other boards I watch, are the same as yours, (1) I need to fit the space, and (2) I don't want to have to run special wiring for it.

These are the two worst reasons in the world to buy a compressor of any particular size. You need to size the compressor by what you intend to do with it, the CFM draw of the highest consumption tool or equipment you will anticipate using in the future. If you are doing restorations, you will be using a DA sander, these things, especially the cheaper ones (and you always start out with a cheaper one of any air tool, right? ) draw alot of air. An impact also draws alot of air, try a blast cabinet...

Get my point? I understand, money is not free, doesn't grow on trees or anything like that, but buying a compressors you will quickly grow to hate is not a good thing. Buy something you can use. You may eventually out grow even a decent sized unit if you start using something like a blast cabinet. but at least get one that will run a high draw air tool and not only be able to keep up, but get ahead and shut off for awhile. Pick out the best, most suitable compressor, and buy it. If you need to run additional wiring (and you should have a dedicated compressor circuit, no matter how small the compressor) then do it, its not difficult, not really expensive, and if you need to hire it done, do so, you will NEVER regret it.

Charles

 

[krooser]

I hate to say so, but a common "thread" that seems to run thru all air compressor discussions, both here and other boards I watch, are the same as yours, (1) I need to fit the space, and (2) I don't want to have to run special wiring for it.

These are the two worst reasons in the world to buy a compressor of any particular size. You need to size the compressor by what you intend to do with it, the CFM draw of the highest consumption tool or equipment you will anticipate using in the future. If you are doing restorations, you will be using a DA sander, these things, especially the cheaper ones (and you always start out with a cheaper one of any air tool, right? ) draw alot of air. An impact also draws alot of air, try a blast cabinet...

Get my point? I understand, money is not free, doesn't grow on trees or anything like that, but buying a compressors you will quickly grow to hate is not a good thing. Buy something you can use. You may eventually out grow even a decent sized unit if you start using something like a blast cabinet. but at least get one that will run a high draw air tool and not only be able to keep up, but get ahead and shut off for awhile. Pick out the best, most suitable compressor, and buy it. If you need to run additional wiring (and you should have a dedicated compressor circuit, no matter how small the compressor) then do it, its not difficult, not really expensive, and if you need to hire it done, do so, you will NEVER regret it.

Charles

Now THAT'S good advice...

 

[comp]

Dont buy the coleman whatever you do. Coleman makes good camping gear, nothing more. All thier other stuff is is just rebadged ****.

IR is the way to go for that, but I dont think they are USA made.

Any reason your goign for this size unit? IF your goign to be doing a car restoration, your going to be doing SERIOUS impacting, and most likely having to do some cleanup work with adgrinder as well. Go for something larger if you can, you will NEVER regret it. You will find your waiting for air with this one. Alot of huys say you need to buy the biggest you can afford because youll grow into it.

Jim

 

[hornett22]

i'll sell you my snap on 30 gal

for $400.much better and quieter than those models.

 

[snowpro90]

30 gallon tank

For airing up and changing tires ,its great,and is why i bought it.The additional tools i bought are a added bonus,that also work well.air hammer-angle grinder-3/8" ratchet -cut off wheel.I also intend on buying a framing nailer for a future family room addition.I added a bigger air filter to increase cfm,but not sure by how much.This is a kobalt brand frome lowes($377).I am very happy with this purchase.

 

[Scott]

This compressor is on my remodel list. How do you like it? Any gripes? I like the price!

 

[snowpro90]

no gripes at all ,made in the usa,cast iron pump and certified tank.the only other tool i might buy is a detail spray gun,which i think will work fine with this compressor.I love it!

 

[kartracer55]

Hey its got a sweet paint job! How much did it cost (if ya dont mind me asking?) also, who makes it for MAC?

Jim

 

[snowpro90]

It is a kobalt compressor frome lowes.It came black,i just waxed it.I removed the kobalt decal and found the mac decal on e-bay,it fits my tool theme,and thought it would look pretty cool.Nothern tool also carries a similar compressor,same color and specs,but differnt name brand.