California Air Tools

[IRQVET]

So before quite air compressors were mainstream, I remember picking up a California Air Tools (CAT) 10g/2HP air compressor. It was super quite and seemed pretty well built. I remember the first one I owned developed an air leak from a bad air rail system. I contacted CAT and they sent me a replacement part free of charge within 48 hours. They were pretty seamless to deal with as far as if you have a product issue.

Owned that CAT for 7-8 years and I abused the piss out that thing, asking it to do things it wasn’t designed for (like sand blasting) and it just kept coming back for more.

I’m now on my 2nd CAT compressor and the quality and performance is still the same, highly recommend them.

My old 10 gallon (left) and my new 20 gallon (right).

 

[Nessism]

Love me some California Air Tools compressor. Got me a 5.5 gallon, 1.0 hp jobby, that's my daily driver in the shop. I've also got a big monster 80 gallon unit for media blasting, but the small quiet California unit gets used more regularly.

 

[westracing01]

My old two horse, 20 gallon hodge podge got a pin-hole leak in the tank so I figure it's time to replace. I'm kind of torn on these two...

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California Air Tools CAT-20040C 4 HP 20 Gal 125 Max PSI Single-Stage Stationary Electric (230 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

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I'm really only running the compressor to fill tires, blow off stuff and run the air impact gun. I'm unsure if the larger 20 gallon compressor is really needed, plus I like the idea of the aluminum tanks and no rust to worry about.

Thoughts?

 

[IRQVET]

My old two horse, 20 gallon hodge podge got a pin-hole leak in the tank so I figure it's time to replace. I'm kind of torn on these two...

Air Compressors | Fergusonhome.com

Shop Top Brand Air Compressors on Ferguson Home

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

Or the bigger...

California Air Tools CAT-20040C 4 HP 20 Gal 125 Max PSI Single-Stage Stationary Electric (230 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

Save on the California Air Tools CAT-20040C from Ferguson Home. Low Prices + Fast & Free Shipping on Most Orders. Find reviews, expert advice, manuals, specs & more.

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

I'm really only running the compressor to fill tires, blow off stuff and run the air impact gun. I'm unsure if the larger 20 gallon compressor is really needed, plus I like the idea of the aluminum tanks and no rust to worry about.

Thoughts?

Running an impact on a 20 gallon will be a challenge IMHO. That’s why all my impacts are electric, it was cheaper.

 

[Jeepster04]

Bought my brother one for Christmas just to air up tires and the like. Its amazing how quiet it is and it fills up the tank in less than a minute (3 gal). Hopefully it lasts a good while.

 

[westracing01]

Running an impact on a 20 gallon will be a challenge IMHO. That’s why all my impacts are electric, it was cheaper.

I wasn't having an issue with it on my current, but I actually just ordered an electric impact that will probably smoke my little IR air impact.

I guess it's a moot point now since I'd really just need air for tires, blowing off stuff, etc.

CAT still leads in my mind. I have a 220 plug already for the current comp, so now it's just a matter of finding another one for the small things.

Thank you!

 

[mike93lx]

My old two horse, 20 gallon hodge podge got a pin-hole leak in the tank so I figure it's time to replace. I'm kind of torn on these two...

Air Compressors | Fergusonhome.com

Shop Top Brand Air Compressors on Ferguson Home

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

Or the bigger...

California Air Tools CAT-20040C 4 HP 20 Gal 125 Max PSI Single-Stage Stationary Electric (230 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

Save on the California Air Tools CAT-20040C from Ferguson Home. Low Prices + Fast & Free Shipping on Most Orders. Find reviews, expert advice, manuals, specs & more.

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

I'm really only running the compressor to fill tires, blow off stuff and run the air impact gun. I'm unsure if the larger 20 gallon compressor is really needed, plus I like the idea of the aluminum tanks and no rust to worry about.

Thoughts?

I have the first one and like it a lot. It's light enough to be easily portable and it's quiet enough to use it in the house for trim work. It is inadequate for using a blow gun when wood working, but it runs a nailer or fills tires just fine

 

[IRQVET]

Thank you!

You bet, can’t go wrong with the CAT no matter what you do with it. I know with mine I plan on adding a 20 gallon external tank to see how far I can stretch it on the seldom occasion I need more air.