can someone suggest a good portable air compressor?

[wowturtles]

Hey all!

Although I would prefer to have a good stationary air compressor to use my air tools with, I just don't have the space. I live in an apartment complex, so even my classic 78 has to sit in the middle of my living room. lol. anyway, I'm looking to get an air compressor that has wheels (or at least something portable that I can bring in my car without too much trouble). I seen one being used at a jobsite but im not sure if or what will be adequate for use with automotive air tools. I'd like to make full use of my IR2135 as the ONLY TWO times in the last year and a half of ownership I've used it was at a friends house.

Need some help. I'm having a hard time understanding CFM and single stage, etc. so I'm coming to you guys for help! trying to keep the budget under 300 if that's even possible.

Thank you guys!

 

[cagullett1]

Makita MAC700

 

[RivennHewn]

Portable means small, small means you're going to run out of air quick.

I'd look at the DeWalt 200 PSI unit. http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-4-5-Gal-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-D55146/100497925

on budget, 5.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI.

Wheels.

Relatively quiet at 78 dBA.

 

[wnstwolf]

I have had a textron bostich pancake compressor for over twenty years. The think is rock solid and runs a single tool great. Start branching off and having two or three guys working off of it and starts to show its limitations

 

[themiller]

Portable means small, small means you're going to run out of air quick.

I'd look at the DeWalt 200 PSI unit. http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-4-5-Gal-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-D55146/100497925

on budget, 5.0 SCFM @ 90 PSI.

Wheels.

Relatively quiet at 78 dBA.

I have this unit and love it. It is LOUD but it will run your guns. Just be sure to pickup a nice thick goodyear hose and get good flowing connectors. It is heavy to carry up/down stairs but doable by one person.

 

[southalabama]

I've had good luck with my porter cable. Got it a few years ago as part of a deal with a couple air nailers.

 

[Tanshanomi]

I bought a refurb Rigid twin hotdog 5cfm/5gal wheelbarrow for $180 a couple of years ago and it has done everything I've needed.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I seen one being used at a jobsite but im not sure if or what will be adequate for use with automotive air tools.

If you are willing to limit your definition of "automotive air tools" impact guns, air ratchets and air hammer, then almost any 1/2hp and up pancake compressor will work. The reason such a small compressor will work for you is that these tools generally have a short "duty cycle" (percentage of time you are pulling the trigger compared to when you are not). Anything that you will have your finger continuously on the trigger for longer than 30-45 seconds and you will be out of luck. The good news is that this size compressor will easily run on a 120V circuit protected by a 15A fuse/breaker.

Small compressors are typically "oil-less" and are very loud.

 

[hosz]

I bought a 30 year old 12 gallon Craftsman off Craigslist for $40. It has wheels and is small enough to fit in my car. It's oiled and runs my 2135Ti, air hammer, air ratchet, and cut-off wheel.

It only has trouble keeping up with the cut-off wheel. I have to stop every 6 or 7 seconds and let the compressor catch up.

If you're looking for a small oiled compressor, getting a used 25+ year old compressor is probably the only way to go.

 

[wowturtles]

Thanks for all your guys' input! Great suggestions. Really helped me out

 

[mr overdunne]

I've had two dewalts for the last 15 years. Flawless.

 

[rbjenterprises]

+1 on the Makita MAC700. Have had one about 7ish years on my work van and use it several days a week. Heavy but quiet, low amp draw is big plus working in old houses or off a generator

 

[nehog]

I have (basically) this: http://www.ingersollrandproducts.co...ble-air-compressors/oil-lubricated-twin-stack and I'm very happy with it. Bit noisy, reasonable amount of air (4.5 CFM) and capable of running almost 100% duty cycle.

 

[nfk]

I have the dewalt that was mentioned earlier and it has worked great for me.

Moto X

 

[cashishift]

Puma makes an upright 20 gallon, and a horizontal 20 gallon.

good compressors, i almost bought one.

 

[Bellcon]

Been using and abusing Rolair compressors for years.
Highly recomend them. We have also had good luck with Emglo in the past.
But Rolair is the probably the best in my book.

http://www.rolair.net/products/index.html