Best Compressor running on 120 VAC?

[ImportTuner]

What's the best compressor on the market that runs on 120 VAC?

 

[Major Ramifications]

What do you need to do with it? Does it need to be portable? Do you plan on doing any automotive painting?

 

[ImportTuner]

What do you need to do with it? Does it need to be portable? Do you plan on doing any automotive painting?

Does not need to be portable, general air tool usage ... I currently have a Craftsman 2 stage 175 PSI compressor; looking to get a backup ..

 

[eschoendorff]

I have the Craftsman Pro oil-lubed 25 gal 120VAC model. I like it so far....

 

[kartracer55]

Look at IR and Bel-Aire. THey both have portable 110, belt driven, cast iron, oil lube units

Jim

 

[mulepackin]

I have a CH Extreme Duty, 5 hp, 26 Gal, cast iron oiled compressor. I don't know if it's the "best" 110 volt, but I've been very pleased with it. I've sprayed, run an air hammer continuously, and most low load applications without any problem.

 

[goodfellow]

I was in the same situation. I have a nice PUMA 60 gal vertical unit, but needed a portable 120v for working around the house. I researched quite a bit and wanted the CFM netween 6-7 at 40 psi and 5-6 at 90 psi. I pretty much eliminated all the direct drive units -- (too loud) and finally narrowed the field down to the following

Husky (made by CH) 26 gal vertical -- $377.00 at Home Depot

Kobalt 30 gal vertical -- $389.00 at Lowes

I purchased the Kobalt and am very happy with it. It'll run all of my impact tools, but won't run my pneumatic sanders and grinders for very long (only 20 - 30 seconds at a time)

all-in-all it's a great deal

 

[Mandres]

I'm planning to get one of those Kobalt 30 gals when my tax return arrives. I've read a lot of good things about them and their (although limited) portability gives them an edge over a larger, fixed tank unit. Don't forget that Lowe's will give you a 10% off coupon if you sign up as a "new mover" on their website.

I figured that in a couple of years if I need more power I can swap the motor and pump for 5-6 hp 220v units fairly easily and double the cfm for a few hundred bucks.

 

[GeorgeH]

I figured that in a couple of years if I need more power I can swap the motor and pump for 5-6 hp 220v units fairly easily and double the cfm for a few hundred bucks.

I was looking at those too, but portability is not an issue for me and 110V is not an issue either. For only about 10 - 20 dollars more they have a 40 gallon 220v ( not portable ), it is basically twice the compressor for just a few dollars more. I only have a $400 budget for an air compressor too and do not have one yet but am trying to decide what to buy also.

 

[goodfellow]

I was looking at those too, but portability is not an issue for me and 110V is not an issue either. For only about 10 - 20 dollars more they have a 40 gallon 220v ( not portable ), it is basically twice the compressor for just a few dollars more. I only have a $400 budget for an air compressor too and do not have one yet but am trying to decide what to buy also.

As most everyone here will pretty much tell you, get the biggest darn compressor you can afford. Make sure it's a cast iron oil lubricated model, and even if you have to wait a few more months to get the $$, you will not ever regret buying a bigger unit.

15 years ago I was itching to buy a comrpessor for my garage. Went to Sears, bought the 33 gal direct drive unit, plugged it in, and pretty much busted an ear drum in my single car garage. Between the noise and the low air output, I took it back within a week and waited another eight months to save enough cash for a Puma high volume 60 gal stationary unit.