Cheap air compressor - HF, used, or other?

[n8n]

I'm coming to the conclusion that I need an air compressor, thinking I'm just going to buy something for a couple hundred bucks and it really only has to last 2-3 years. But I've worked myself into another corner where I need a die grinder to finish the install of my trailer hitch on my beater Jeep Cherokee, and I have no air nor do I own an electric die grinder. (the reason I need it is I need to grind off two bolts that hold the tailpipe bracket and gas tank skid plate on so I can install new nut strips; those bolts will be used now to hold the trailer hitch on as well. I got the driver's side bolts all out OK and two of them back in, but the passenger side nut strip kinda blew apart the second I tried to run the bolts out, which I totally expected and have replacements already in hand. I was thinking that I'd be able to sneak my angle grinder in there, but that was optimistic.) I am not looking for something super big because it will have to run on a 15A circuit for the time being as that's all I have here in this rented house. So, Harbor Freight? Other low end models available at Lowe's, HD, etc.? Or would a "vintage" 2HP compressor be a better deal overall, assuming the tank doesn't have issues?

A neighbor is lending me an electric die grinder so I can finish this job, but I hate relying on stuff like that even if he's a good dude.

 

[The Cobbler]

I would look for a used piston oiled compressor over a new oiless type that will be noisy as heck . they can be had for not a lot of $$$ usually

 

[n8n]

I would look for a used piston oiled compressor over a new oiless type that will be noisy as heck . they can be had for not a lot of $$$ usually

That was my thought too, but the one time I saw a likely suspect online the seller either replied after drinking or was a complete fruitcake, hence looking at other options.

 

[iagsxr]

A while back I lost one leg of the three-phase into my shop so couldn't run my big compressor.

Got by with the 10 gallon HF roll around out of my race car trailer much better than I imagined I would.

Mine's one of the old black ones, not sure if you can even get anymore. I wouldn't be scared of comparable McGraws they sell now. $199 list, wait for a sale or coupon.

 

[GeoBruin]

You're going to hear this a lot, so I'll just lead with it...

You need a BIG compressor to run a die grinder for any length of time. Need to cut off a bolt with a cutting wheel or dress up a weld real quick? A smaller 2hp 20-30 gallon compressor will probably get it done with just a little waiting in between while you're refilling the tank.

But for anything more than that, it's going to be pretty painful. I started out just like you. Bought a quincy branded true 2 HP machine that required a 20 amp circuit. I can't fault that little compressor. It did great. But it wasn't long before I realized I needed something bigger.

Since then, I've started spray painting and bead blasting which are other things you just can't do with a smaller compressor, plus I run a couple air die grinders, a DA sander, and a needle scaler, so it was worth it to me to upgrade, but if I just wanted to run grinders, I'd skip the air and go electric (corded or cordless depending on your requirements).

Let me be clear, in addition to the things I've mentioned, I use air for blowing things off, I have an air over hydraulic jack on my press, and I run less air hungry air tools all the time, so I would never discourage you from getting a compressor. I just want to manage your expectations about what kind of compressor you need to run a die grinder. You're looking at 5hp 60 gallon machine minimum.

 

[zendriver]

Buy your own electric die grinder for $70 bucks?

You are not going to get much airflow on a 120V 15A circuit.

 

[Iridium rand]

If this is the only thing you’ll ever need air for, just buy an electric honestly, sounds like an angle grinder might work just as well too. I’m really big on air tools personally but even still i admit The compressor is only worth the investment if you’ll be using it often and with multiple tools

 

[tarbellb]

Team electric

You do need a compressor, just not a big one.

Get the HF Fortress and go electric for air hungry tools

 

[n8n]

Just to clarify, angle grinder won't fit for the job I need to do. If I undid one of the shackle bolts and let the axle droop it would, but this my daily driver and its also 20 years old and rusty...

I know a non 240 compressor will be slow and **** but I already have the air tools just no way to use them now. If I leave the small compressor behind when I move out no big deal.

I looked again and there's not a single decent compressor on FBMP here...

 

[Technologyteacher]

I have both a HF one and an old hand me down Sears. The HF will get higher PSI but is extremely LOUD

 

[Citation]

Air cutoff wheels are great if you have the air to run them. I've got a 26 gallon belt drive unit. It's OK to marginal depending on the job.
I would suggest looking at something like this (example only, no specifically recommending this no name thing)

Amazon.com

As for compressors, oil free can be some of the loudest consumer grade compressors and some of the quietest. I agree with the view that many people would never need more than an 8-10 gallon, ~4 cfm model. For a while I was using just my CAT 1055 which is just 5.5 gallons, 2.3 cfm. It had sufficient pressure and capacity to run my impact when pulling wheels. Yeah, it had to cycle a lot (at least once per 4 lug wheel) but it's low noise so I don't mind.

I like having my bigger belt drive compressor and thanks to a decent intake muffler it's not bad to be around (still quite a bit louder than my CAT). The belt drive model has all the air I could ever need for a blow gun, impact wrench, filling tires without cycling. However, it's just not going to keep up with my cut off wheel work and is just not sufficient for even a small sand blaster. In general I think if you are limited to 120V you should go smaller, quieter. I think the number of tasks where a big 120V compressor is good but a smaller one isn't sufficient is very small. Most of the time it's either a smaller 120V is fine or you need to step up to a 240V model.

 

[619DioFan]

Get yourself a dremel and a pack of the little cut off wheels. will fit just about anywhere. I use my dremel anywhere the air ct off tool wont fit, my compressor only has a 30 gal tank and will not run a die grinder or cut off tool for any length of time , always has to re-fill

 

[dchawk81]

I pretty much burned up my old 21 gallon harbor freight compressor doing what you want to do because it was on a 100% duty cycle that it wasn't designed for. Lots of waiting, lots of frustration.

I'm with others who say at least 60 gallons. It's what I have now and even that feels lacking sometimes.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

Do you already have any cordless tools? the Milwaukee M12 right angle die grinder is great for things like this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...der-Kit-w-2-2-0Ah-Batteries-2485-22/310153457

 

[nadogail]

Time for an Oscillating Multi Tool, mine was less than $50 and you can buy carbide tipped blades to cut bolts and nails.

Before I bought a Multi Tool, I asked the cabinet maker doing a job at my house about them. He said; "Once you your hands on one, you will ask yourself how did you ever get along without one"

 

[n8n]

Get yourself a dremel and a pack of the little cut off wheels. will fit just about anywhere. I use my dremel anywhere the air ct off tool wont fit, my compressor only has a 30 gal tank and will not run a die grinder or cut off tool for any length of time , always has to re-fill

I actually have a pretty good Dremel, but will it cut through a M14 10.9 bolt head? That's what I need to do, twice.

 

[Citation]

In general a Dremel will cut through anything a bigger tool will cut through, it will just be slower and you will use a dozen ( or more ) of those disks in the process.

 

[dchawk81]

I actually have a pretty good Dremel, but will it cut through a M14 10.9 bolt head? That's what I need to do, twice.

Only twice? Use the dremel. Just get a stack of disks.

 

[nmk_61802]

As others have said Die-Grinder/ Cut-off tools need massive amounts of air to generate RPM's. RPM's provide the cutting power. A small compressor may generate enough RPM to cut for 15 sec, but then it's done till it refills the tank. Electric/ battery power or 240v/60 gallon compressor is really the only choices that make sense for that particular tool.

 

[Prospecter]

I've had several of the old Sears horizontal, belt driven compressors. Ran well. The problem with the used ones is the the tanks didn't have a lot of life in them. Didn't really lose $$$ on them, but annoying to replace every couple years. I bought a HF McGraw, which was supposed to be very quiet. It's not. It's very loud. When I have some time I am considering passing that along in favor of something about 30 gallons and 2-3 hp. Belt drive. Works fine for my impact wrench, painting, blowing stuff off. I don't sandblast, or run a bunch of air tools.

 

[619DioFan]

I actually have a pretty good Dremel, but will it cut through a M14 10.9 bolt head? That's what I need to do, twice.

Mine does although the small cutting discs wear down fast
You will need a couple packs

 

[mikedodge]

If you want an excuse to buy an air compressor a 20 gallon one will run a mini die grinder but you'll heve to expect some stops for it to catch up. An air cut off tool might work better for what you're doing.
They're a die grinder with a disc attachment and shield stuck on it.

For that size of compressor you're better off new. Used ones that size have usually been over worked and ones in good shape are usually over priced.

 

[n8n]

Mine does although the small cutting discs wear down fast
You will need a couple packs

what do you use, the ones that look like little mini cutting wheels for my angle grinder? or something else?

 

[n8n]

If you want an excuse to buy an air compressor a 20 gallon one will run a mini die grinder but you'll heve to expect some stops for it to catch up. An air cut off tool might work better for what you're doing.
They're a die grinder with a disc attachment and shield stuck on it.

For that size of compressor you're better off new. Used ones that size have usually been over worked and ones in good shape are usually over priced.

I'm just not seeing any at all for sale used at the moment.

What would you recommend for a new inexpensive compressor? I looked at Hazard Fraught and it looks like the only options are oilless.

 

[619DioFan]

what do you use, the ones that look like little mini cutting wheels for my angle grinder? or something else?

I use the dremel brand discs that look like mini cutting discs for a cut off tool or angle grinder.

 

[mikedodge]

I'm just not seeing any at all for sale used at the moment.

What would you recommend for a new inexpensive compressor? I looked at Hazard Fraught and it looks like the only options are oilless.

Honestly I don't know. I see they have this one

20 gallon 1.6 HP 135 PSI Oil-lube Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 20Gal 135Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

But personally I only like compressors where the compressor and motor are one unit like that on smaller ones. I have the feeling you might be disappointed in the performance of it but for the price it might be worth trying if there is a harbor freight near by to return it to?

30 gallon seems to have better options but higher price so you might want to try to find one of those on sale?

Keep in mind with a die grinder unless you have a big compressor it won't keep up. My home compressor won't cut through a bolt without stopping. It's a bit annoying but not as bad as trying to do it with a dremel. I don't know what cfm it is but I've used it with air tools for years.

 

[GeoBruin]

Honestly I don't know. I see they have this one

20 gallon 1.6 HP 135 PSI Oil-lube Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 20Gal 135Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

But personally I only like compressors where the compressor and motor are one unit like that on smaller ones. I have the feeling you might be disappointed in the performance of it but for the price it might be worth trying if there is a harbor freight near by to return it to?

30 gallon seems to have better options but higher price so you might want to try to find one of those on sale?

Keep in mind with a die grinder unless you have a big compressor it won't keep up. My home compressor won't cut through a bolt without stopping. It's a bit annoying but not as bad as trying to do it with a dremel. I don't know what cfm it is but I've used it with air tools for years.

If you're going that route, get this one. A little more flow, a little less capacity, but honestly, the difference in the noise will make it worth it.

10 Gallon, 175 PSI Ultra-Quiet Horizontal Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 10Gal 175Psi Horizontal Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[dchawk81]

If you're going that route, get this one. A little more flow, a little less capacity, but honestly, the difference in the noise will make it worth it.

10 Gallon, 175 PSI Ultra-Quiet Horizontal Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 10Gal 175Psi Horizontal Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

That cover though.

*inhale* Luke, I am your air compressor. *exhale*

 

[Citation]

OP,
If you get an electric cutoff wheel what else will you use the compressor for? Walmart sells a Goodyear branded 8 gallon horizontal low noise compressor for around $160. I picked up one for a friend. It it's every bit as quiet as my CAT unit. Also like the CAT it has a low flow pump. Still, if tires and a blow gun and perhaps an impact wrench are your needs it will do fine.

The oil lub direct drive pumps seem to be robust but they are often every bit as noisy as the old oil free models.

That quiet HF model looks decent but the $300 price seems high. Then again I have to remember we are dealing with post pandemic inflation prices.

 

[mikedodge]

If you're going that route, get this one. A little more flow, a little less capacity, but honestly, the difference in the noise will make it worth it.

10 Gallon, 175 PSI Ultra-Quiet Horizontal Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 10Gal 175Psi Horizontal Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I'd be more interested in recovery time and how long you can actually run a continuous tool with both of them.

 

[Mr_B]

20 or 26 gallon with 135 to 150psi do you no problem if use within limits and not intending long run times.
I would hunt around for best deals .
don't overlook 2 smaller units with tanks linked and run in tandem, this works well and cheap way get some better capability for minimal $ and basic home property power supply .
150psi best but some of the 135psi can be tweaked to 140 to-145psi .
My brother runs a couple of Husky15 gallon units he got clearance at HD with tanks linked and switches tweaked to 145psi trip and he does basic air hammer and cut off wheel work with no real issues ...

 

[GeoBruin]

I'd be more interested in recovery time and how long you can actually run a continuous tool with both of them.

As are most people but when you're limited to a budget of a couple hundred bucks and a 15 amp 120 volt circuit, the options are limited.

I've owned the highest flow 120 volt, 30ish gallon compressor available and it was a great machine but it was definitely bumping up against 20 amps when nearing max pressure. It was also much closer to the 85 dba than 69 dba. It was also $650.

 

[Sneezer]

I have this one:

Kobalt Quiet tech

I bought it a couple years ago for around $200 on clearance at the time. It replaced an old 21 gal Coleman Black Max I bought from Sams long ago. I don't have 240v in the garage and my old one could be heard 2 streets away. This one is super quiet, and runs my driveway diy tools fine. Impact hammer worked great on some Taurus shocks I had to replace for my FIL, big impact wrench handled stuck axle nuts with no issue, and a little bit of die grinding and cut off wheel work did ok as well. For my needs it was and continues to be an excellent purchase although at some point I do want to put a different regulator on it. I did replace the connections with high flow fittings which also helped some I think.

 

[n8n]

Honestly I don't know. I see they have this one

20 gallon 1.6 HP 135 PSI Oil-lube Vertical Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 20Gal 135Psi Vertical Air Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

But personally I only like compressors where the compressor and motor are one unit like that on smaller ones. I have the feeling you might be disappointed in the performance of it but for the price it might be worth trying if there is a harbor freight near by to return it to?

30 gallon seems to have better options but higher price so you might want to try to find one of those on sale?

Keep in mind with a die grinder unless you have a big compressor it won't keep up. My home compressor won't cut through a bolt without stopping. It's a bit annoying but not as bad as trying to do it with a dremel. I don't know what cfm it is but I've used it with air tools for years.

Well I bought this one. With a 50' 3/8" hose and a pack of quick couplers it came in right at $300 with tax. Found my tools now I need to find the burrs I bought a few months ago. Will let you all know how I get on when this is up and running.

 

[nadogail]

i asked my cabinet maker about a small compressor for a nailgun; he said "they are all ****, just buy whatever is on sale at the moment".

The Harbor Freight oil lubed twin tank, 5 gallon, compressor still serves whenever I take it to a job. I have a 20 gallon for my shop compressor.

 

[Jagmandave]

I use my electric angle grinder to cut off bolts and grind down nuts and things.....for decades I used my little 25 gallon Campbell Hausfeld, just had to let it catch up, especially using an angle grinder.
For most jobs people only need a small 25 gallon compressor. If you're going to use high volume grinders, sanders or other tools, then you need volume as well as pressure. I now have a Harbor Freight 60 gallon, 16CFM that I pretty much can't outrun......