Compressor or a Lift

[dreamingmuscle]

Going to be building a shop soon. When It's done I'll most likely have enough $ for either a good compressor or a lift but not both at the same time. And it will be quite a while before I can afford the other if ever.

I have a small 20 gallon compressor it won't run my cheap HF blast cabinet but will keep up with my air tools with a break now and then. It's loud as all get out too.

I'm tired of laying on the cold *** ground while working on cars. So a lift would be nice. I have Jack stands, ramps and good floor jack.

So which one would you choose?

Glen
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vapir air one

 

[KNS Autosport]

since you already have a small compressor I would say the lift would be a good option it

 

[Ironcrow]

Lift.

It easy to steal a better compressor later.

 

[rsanter]

it seems that you have a compressor that works but does not do all you need to do.
also I think the chances of comming into a deal on a compressor is more likly than a deal on a lift.
thats a point for getting the lift

you need to ask what you think you will need first. if you have an upcomming job that will require the compressor and do not see a need for the lift in the hear term...
that would be a point for the compressor

bob

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Lift.

It easy to steal a better compressor later.

Good point
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Yamaha RX-135 history

 

[bobemmerich]

I'm with the general concensus here...LIFT. If I had a concrete floor in my "garage" I'd definitely get one....

 

[Roughshod]

Get the lift. Yes, a high end compressor is comparable in cost to a lift, but medium sized ones can be had at absolute bargain prices. Limp by on your current compressor while enjoying the lift, and surely you can then scrape together another $400 to pick up a less than top of the line but way better than you currently have compressor. I've been running a compressor like that for a couple years now and I'm actually quite happy with it. Mine came from Lowes on a SUPER sale a couple Christmases ago- a Kobalt 60 gallon 5 horse compressor I picked up for under $300, and it can bang air faster than my blasting cabinet can go through it. Damn impressive for how cheap it was. Buy the lift now, compressor later.

 

[DannyG]

I think if theres alot more bodywork ahead, than maybe a nice score on a 2 stage compressor. If more time is spent on brakes, suspension and engine work, maybe a lift in favor since you have a 20 gal for now.

 

[ovilla]

If you have the money, go for the big purchase now and get the lift. You can always sell your compressor on craigslist (or to a friend that doesn't have one) and help offset the cost of a newer unit later on. Also, with the lift you'll be able to take on some maintenance side jobs (brakes, tune ups, etc.) and help gather more funds for the new compressor. Best of Luck!

 

[dreamingmuscle]

I think if theres alot more bodywork ahead, than maybe a nice score on a 2 stage compressor. If more time is spent on brakes, suspension and engine work, maybe a lift in favor since you have a 20 gal for now.

Definitely more wrench turning then body work at this time.

Glen
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no2 review

 

[krooser]

keep your eye out for a used lift AND a used compressor... you can have both!

 

[LWW]

LIFT. Seriously, Craigslist is over-populated with mid-size compressors for dirt money. Even some older commercial size compressors are going for pennies on the dollar.

 

[tatra]

lift.......................

 

[jamesemery728]

Get the Lift. Craigs List is loaded with good compressor deals. All it takes is patience and a good one will show up.

 

[thirdmouse]

I would say compressor myself. You can do a lot without needing a lift and you're not doing bodywork. That's a convenience item in a home shop. Your compressor right now doesn't keep up with what you want one to do and drives you out of the room with the noise. There's nothing like having a quiet compressor that makes plenty of air. Cold floor? Lay down an old rug. Get higher jack stands and use a creeper. Put in some heat, even if it's just temporary. But all this is just me.

 

[Joe69]

Another vote for a lift. I just layed on the floor putting a clutch in Mom's car yesterday. I would have killed for a lift, I hate laying on the floor. It doesn't take much of a compressor to run an impact.

Joe

 

[Mr_fixit]

Lift! Most people take many years to get one and then learn that they don't know how they lived without one. Used compressor deals can be found.

 

[Nutty 5.0]

Another lift vote here.

 

[bazzateer]

Has to be the lift, much easier and cheaper to upgrade the compressor later.

 

[djd99]

Get the lift you can always watch craigslist for a good deal on a compressor, I see them all the time for under 400 used.

 

[slicktoptt]

Lift all day, everyday without question. I use my lift 5 times more than my compressor. The jobs you would use a compressor for are much easier to do by hand when you are standing under a lift rather than laying on your back.

I usually only use my compressor for the impact gun, everything else I have a cordless impact driver that I use.

 

[rustbucket49]

Which lift would you guys recommend?

 

[mikeceli]

Lift completehydraulic.com Go w/ the 10,000 # (or more).

I have the SL10000BP. It's a good unit. If I had the height, I would have got the clear floor.