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Cheapest Air Compressor for Working with Air Tools

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winlinmac

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Was curious to know, what air compressor do I need for working with Air Tools (i.e. Air Ratchet, Impact Wrench, etc.) in the Mechanics area? Is there a decent model available for the budget-conscious?
 
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yossarian19

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Craigslist. Get something you can buy parts for. New and cheap is not a great combination. If ibwas going to go there is try harbor freight and change the oil every hour of run time at first

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winlinmac

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Thanks, was just wondering, what is a good price range for a decent and cost effective air compressor? :)

yossarian19 said:
Craigslist. Get something you can buy parts for. New and cheap is not a great combination. If ibwas going to go there is try harbor freight and change the oil every hour of run time at first

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md21722

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You really want something that is at least 2HP, 26-30 gallon tank, though a 60 gallon tank is better for the air ratchet, and at least a 105 cut in. Some compressors come with 90 psi cut in that are non adjustable. With a 90 psi cut in, by the time regulator and hose pressure drop occurs, your tool will only be seeing 75-80 which will cause tool performance to suffer. In that case you can change the pressure switch. Craigslist prices can be all over the place, but $300 is a nice target. Air ratchets typically run for longer periods of time than impacts which is why the larger tank is helpful. These will not run air drills or die grinders for any length of time, but for basic impact and air ratchet use they will be fine. When buying used be wary of any older tanks that are rusty and or leak. You cannot safely repair a leaky tank and replacing the tank is generally more expensive than the compressors initial purchase until you get into expensive compressors. Buy an oil lubricated belt driven unit because they are much quieter than oilless. The oilless will be much cheaper as most folks selling them have upgraded after they couldn't take the noise anymore, or needed something bigger.
 
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winlinmac

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Awesome, much appreciated, with most of the work being performed on a car, your post really helps, thanks a lot :)
 
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theoldwizard1

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md21722 said:
You really want something that is at least 2HP, 26-30 gallon tank, though a 60 gallon tank is better for the air ratchet, ...
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Overkill, in my book !

If you are just going to be running an impact gun or an air ratchet, you can "get away" with MUCH less. A 1/2 hp pancake that makes 100-125 psi will work, because neither of those tools operate for a long period of time and the have a relatively low "duty cycle" (time "on" versus time "off").

The oil-less models (except for California Air Tools) are LOUD and are not noted for a long life.

I bought my son-in-law an old (30+ years) used Sears 1/2 hp, 10 gallon compressor with an oil lubed pump for $30 last year. This is really what you should be looking for. It will pump up tires, blow dust and run an impact, but don't ask for anything more from it.


If you want to buy something new, I would get this. Should be easy to sell if you ever want to upgrade.

California Air Tools 5510SE Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free 1.0-HP 5.5-Gallon Steel Tank Air Compressor - Amazon $189

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Roberts210

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Ditto getting one on CL. I've bought two from CL over the last few years. Both were 20-gallon, 2-h.p. compressors. Got one for $75, and the other for $80. Both work great.
 
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bczygan

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For your limited requirements, there are a lot of choices, as noted above.

Me, I like my Porter Cable pancake. It's portability allows me to take it to the work, even at the curb. I keep some beefy extension cords for that, and shorter ones for closer to the electric work. I keep short and medium length air hoses for the same reason. Short for when the work is right at the compressor and longer when the hose has to get somewhere (Like around a car).

Be sure to use 3/8" good quality hose and full pass thru connectors. Can run 1/2" impacts with it, just not for long periods.

Bill
 
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theoldwizard1

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Roberts210 said:
Ditto getting one on CL. I've bought two from CL over the last few years. Both were 20-gallon, 2-h.p. compressors. Got one for $75, and the other for $80. Both work great.
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Can't argue with the price !

Any compressor that is >1 hp (true hp, not "peak") will likely need a 20A 120V or 10A 240V circuit.
 
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sberry

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Its a bit like mig welders. For some more and for the price of a better circuit you can get a lot more. Jack Olsen can use a smaller unit, my standard would be 5 hp 2 stage. My helper tried this morning to blow up a flat with a small under filled tank.
We can have the cut in pressure basically the same as the regulator output and have consistent delivery. It allows for running 1/2 impacts down 50 ft of 3/8 hose at rated power.
 
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sberry

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If I wanted to go around the reel and use a shorter hose could hook on the little whip I left on when I plumbed this.
 

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md21722

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I've used those small pancakes with an impact. The only good thing is you can pick them up with one hand. What took 20 minutes with a pancake took 20 seconds with a 2HP, 26-30 gallon compressor. Even my neighbor who I borrowed the pancake from said it came on after one lug nut. Then try using that for a bearing puller... Air ratchets tend to run longer for each bolt and use more air as a result.

Sberry,

Folks like Champion and Jenny make 2 and 3HP dual stage compressors. They aren't very common. I have an old compressor with a Champion RE-4 type pump with a 2HP motor and 60 gallon tank. The tank was Made in 1955. It makes about 5 CFM.
 
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Finky198

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I have had a rigid I've use for year as kinda a contracting air supply but its done quite a bit of painting, automotive, and has even ran our plasma cutter when off site. Its been really handy and very reliable for me only need 20A and seems to run every thing as you would need Breaks lug nuts on my jeep with out issue using an ir2135timax gun... i would not want to work at a shop with one tho we have a big 80gal IR for that.

It just come down to funds man. Can you wait a little longer and spend more money? Thats what you got to ask yourself how soon do I REALLY need it?


But heres my back up :thumbup:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Tri-Stack-5-Gal-Portable-Electric-Steel-Orange-Air-Compressor-OF50150TS/202078695
 
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