Choosing a compressor for home workshop

[revkev6]

hey guys. I'm currently building a 28x24 detached garage two car garage. It's up and weather tight at the moment. soon I will be running wiring, putting on the siding and starting to close things up. my question is, how much air do I really need?? In the past I've made do with a little craftsman 29g 110v ********, and worked in my uncle's garage with a 5hp 2 stage 60g compressor. I think the 60g compressor would be at the high end of my needs, but noise is a big concern as well.


I have been looking into several models and would like some opinions.

the U.S. general from harbor freight.

5 HP, 60 Gallon, 165 PSI Two Stage Air Compressor
* Air delivery: 13.5 CFM @ 165 PSI, 15.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 16.4 CFM @ 40 PSI
* Cast-iron cylinders and stainless steel valves
* Automatic start/stop
* ASME tank with safety valve
* No mag starter required

it's listed at $850 but I find 20% off coupons all the time. so, for $680 I'd get about the most compressor I think I would need. thoughts?? quality etc?? it's harbor freight so I'm leery of quality

the next couple are from tractor supply

campbell hausfield 60g 3hp

Campbell Hausfield® | Tank Capacity : 60 gal. | PSI Rating : 135 Max PSI | Flow Rate : 11.5 SCFM @ 40 PSI, 10.2 SCFM @ 90 PSI, | Power Rating : 3 HP | Length : 27 in. | Width : 30 in. | Height : 71 in. | Material : Steel

it's single stage, low pressure, lower cfm, probably much louder. listed at $399. Don't really know about this one

the comparable IR compressor from tractor supply lists at $629

Air Compressor; Vertical Type; 60 gal Capacity; 3 HP; 90 PSI; 11.3 CFM Flow Rate

and then there's this puma listed on harbor freights web site:

With some of the highest air deliveries on the market, this industrial compressor outdistances the competition in long lasting high performance.

* Heavy duty motor, cast-iron pump, pressure switch, copper tube after-cooler, and safety valves
* ASME coded tank
* Single stage, two cylinder
* Single phase
230 volts; Air delivery: 12.9 CFM @ 40 PSI; 11.4 CFM @ 90 PSI
Shipping weight: 300 lbs.

the puma lists for $499 but again, the 20% discounts bring it down to $400


if the US general is any good and harbor freight has a sale on them soon I don't think I could pass them up if they are any good.

any brands that I'm missing?? I can't see spending much more than $700 on my compressor right now. BTW, I'm planning on mounting this up in the ceiling of my garage, If anyone knows of a 60g horizontal unit that meets my criteria that would be even better.

thanks
Kevin

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I know a LOT of guys running the US General from HF. I haven't heard a one say they regretted buying it. As an FYI, most of them did upgrade to a mag starter though. The upper end units have US made pumps and motors (7.5 HP) but I think this one is a Asian pump (like the rest of them you have mentioned) and a made in Mexico motor. I think the tank is still USA made though...

Drop by one of their stores and take a look at one.

 

[cyamaha2007]

I have the 3.5hp 60 gallon hf one. I like it alot.

 

[revkev6]

I know a LOT of guys running the US General from HF. I haven't heard a one say they regretted buying it. As an FYI, most of them did upgrade to a mag starter though. The upper end units have US made pumps and motors (7.5 HP) but I think this one is a Asian pump (like the rest of them you have mentioned) and a made in Mexico motor. I think the tank is still USA made though...

Drop by one of their stores and take a look at one.

there's a huge price difference between the 7.5 and the 5 horse. just can't justify spending the money. I see the 5 as more than I really need.

I have cruised by them a couple times at the stores to look, but I didn't want to linger. I have a VERY strong fear of making impulse buys at harbor freight that I will regret. I always try to learn from others mistakes, and that one would be an expensive one to learn on.....

I have the 3.5hp 60 gallon hf one. I like it alot.

what are you using it for?? i won't be doing much if any, paint work or blasting. mostly grinders, da's etc.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

there's a huge price difference between the 7.5 and the 5 horse. just can't justify spending the money. I see the 5 as more than I really need.

Didn't mean to scare you....I was just saying that the 7.5HP units are USA made and the 5HP units are not if you happened to see something posted about them. The guys that I know have the 3.5HP and 5HP units (except for one) and are very happy with them. One friend bought one of the re-man specials not long ago for less than $300 and still laughs everytime he thinks about it. He runs a one man paint shop with it and never runs out of air.

 

[Iroc-Z]

Get the us general. You will be happy you went with a two stage.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I've had the puma for about 10 years and it has been worry free. They did suggest putting synthetic oil in the compressor. It runs my big blast cabinet very well. Good luck.

 

[VegasBruce]

I have this on and no complaints.


http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00918419000P?mv=rr

 

[rwhite692]

I have not seen any US General compressor in their entire line, with a US-manufactured pump nor electric motor.

 

[Kev442]

I have the US General you referenced. It's pretty loud, but a less annoying loud than my old oilless. Only a year old with fairly light use as I hurt my hand last year and didn't use it as heavy as I planned. I am going to look into the modifying the intake muffler as it has a pretty small one. It will run a DA all day long, catches up and shuts off.

 

[Falcon67]

Really depends on what you want to do, but better to buy a larger if it's in the budget rather than the smaller. I have the CH model and it works great. It was affordable for me and will do everything I need in the space I have. If you will search for the compressor noise thread, I have dB measurements posted there. It would be easy to engineer a 3x3 space to hide a compressor and turn the noise down. The 3.2HP CH unit is louder than my 1.5 HP Port Cable unit, but not by a whole bunch.

 

[revkev6]

I have the 3.5hp 60 gallon hf one. I like it alot.

looks like this one is on sale now.

Didn't mean to scare you....I was just saying that the 7.5HP units are USA made and the 5HP units are not if you happened to see something posted about them. The guys that I know have the 3.5HP and 5HP units (except for one) and are very happy with them. One friend bought one of the re-man specials not long ago for less than $300 and still laughs everytime he thinks about it. He runs a one man paint shop with it and never runs out of air.

what's your buddy with the 3.5hp unit do with it??


this is the 3.5 hp unit, on sale for $399 although I don't even know what the regular price would be as I haven't found it in the catalog:

3.5 HP, 60 Gallon, 130 PSI Compressor

* Air delivery: 12.8 CFM @ 90 PSI, 14.5 CFM @ 40 PSI
* Single-stage oil lubricated pump
* Belt-driven motor
* Automatic shutoff
* Thermal overload protection



last time I was in my local HF I don't remember seeing this one, only the 5 and 7.5 hp units. they list referb 3.5 and 5hp units although I imagine it's spotty finding those either. Anyone know what they do if they don't stock the sale item?? will they order it and give me a rain check?? Should I ask about pricing on the referbs?? hmmmmm

 

[dulmer]

Top that 399 off with a 20% discount and thats not a bad price. I am seriously thinking about buying one myself...

 

[revkev6]

Top that 399 off with a 20% discount and thats not a bad price. I am seriously thinking about buying one myself...

at $849-20%= $680 for the 5hp model you end up at half the price! I can't even justify that to myself nevermind the wife! for the price difference I can buy the nice rolling tool box they sell too and have $50 in beer money left over!

 

[dulmer]

Im trying to figure out how I am going to get it home without the wife noticing...

 

[revkev6]

Im trying to figure out how I am going to get it home without the wife noticing...

it's black, just do it at night

 

[chrgdrt]

The 5hp @ HF is on sale for $799 till the 25th so -20% now you're down to $640. If you buy the floor model they might take another 5% off if you ask.

I have one and am very happy with it.

 

[revkev6]

The 5hp @ HF is on sale for $799 till the 25th so -20% now you're down to $640. If you buy the floor model they might take another 5% off if you ask.

I have one and am very happy with it.

got a link to that one?? I've only seen the 3.5hp model on sale

 

[revkev6]

just got back from HF for a recon, looks like they've got the 3.5 and the 5 hp models in stock. the 3.5 is in the flyer on sale, but I didn't see anything abou the 5 being on sale. it's still listed as 849.99

so, for 319.99 I could get the 3.5hp
or for 680 I could get the 5hp model. I think I'm getting the smaller unit. that extra $360 will get me a LOT of the tools I need.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

what's your buddy with the 3.5hp unit do with it??

He uses HVLP paint guns, impact wrenches and air ratchets with it without a problem. He sold his big air sanders and grinders and went electric with them. If he still had them, this would not be a big enough compressor.

 

[Tom2]

The 5HP is $800 right now. My store still has the tag saying $850.
It should ring up right, otherwise just tell them about it (they probably have flyers laying around with it)

I'd get the 5HP one. Should be enough power to do about anything other than heavy frequent sandblasting.

I bought a 4HP 80gallon 2 stage CH/Husky from HD. It's loud and slow to fill. I regret it. I'd probably get the HF one if I did it over again. Was a few hundred less.

 

[chrgdrt]

got a link to that one?? I've only seen the 3.5hp model on sale

I don't have a link but I have the cirular in front of me February 2010 issue 4571, page 10 top center of the page right above the 3.5hp one.

hope this helps.

Gary

 

[Brad1234]

Pick up a Craftsman catalog,because it has a wide variety of tools, & pick out the tools that you dream of having someday. Then pick out a compressor that puts out at least as much cfm as the tools that you picked out. Then make sure that you go with a belt drive. They are quieter & have a longer life. I have had a Craftsman Professional 6HP / 25 Gallon for about 7 years & have not had any trouble with it. I built an insulated closet with a 24" electric baseboard heater in my garage & piped the air out from inside the closet. The closet cuts the noise down & gives me a place to keep paint & other items that I don't want to get too cold. Also when I was trying to pick out my compressor there are many sites on the net that give advice if you want to collect opinions before deciding.

 

[revkev6]

well, I went and picked out the 3.5hp model. thanks for the help guys. I ended up paying just about $400 for it with a 3 year replacement warranty. all your help was much appreciated. I'll chime back in when I get the electrician to run power to the shop and I fire it up!

 

[Falcon67]

He uses HVLP paint guns, impact wrenches and air ratchets with it without a problem. He sold his big air sanders and grinders and went electric with them. If he still had them, this would not be a big enough compressor.

Same stuff I use, also a small air sander. Works good. Was by TSC today - the CH units are still $399. They also carry IR but I didn't look at the prices.