contractor grade portable compressor recommendation?

[EW57]

Greetings, I'm looking for some recommendations on contractor grade oiled air compressor. Most that I've seen look to be using a very similar motor/pump (same manufacturer?) and I havent been impressed with the durability/build quality, and replacement components seem to be nonexistent. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good quality smaller jobsite compressor (approx 3-5 gallon)? Thanks!

 

[cabranch47]

I have had a Makita MAC700 for about 1 1/2 years and have been very pleased with it. "Big Bore" model, 2 HP, 2.6 gal tank, 3.8 CFM @ 40 PSI, 3.7 CFM @ 90 PSI. Oiled compressor and very quiet. I am a weekend warrior and remodel houses. It keeps up with my framing gun etc. Amazon has them now for $194 with free shipping. The only downside is that it is a little heavy (about 65#) but well made. I have no affilliation with Amazon or Makita, just a happy customer. Hope this helps.

 

[Toolfool]

If you're using it to make a living, price shouldn't be a factor. Look at Thomas compressors. Well made, quiet.

 

[rockchucker]

I use a Hitachi on a daily basis. They last forever if you take care of them.

This one...



http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100323157/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalo

 

[Zeke]

Most of the pancake styles are oil-less and seem to work well albeit pretty loud. And you're right, the pump on all of them looks the same to me too.

I use an older version of this:

I like the way it is protected. Mine is made in Italy and I've had it for 30 years and used it a LOT.

 

[wnstwolf]

We used one for building our house and barn over the past two years. The compressor and the generator it was plugged into seemed to never be turned off. We had a small bostich but it was no way commercial grade or big enough for 3 nailers at once. Not wanting to spend a lot we picked up the Dewalt 55146. many reviews on this have it either a 5 star or a 2 star. I am a 4.5 star reviewr as it worked hard and never let us down but 1/2 star deduct as it needed common sense to tell you to not used while standing upright, it will quickly be pulled over. If the design was that you could not stand it up it would eliminate that issue. Framers are cheap labor (don't throw rocks at me I hired cheap labor) so at least once a week I would hear the crash as someone needed that extra foot of line and yanked the compressor over. We had on average 3 guns going at once and always a good delivery with never a beat missed..

 

[5lima30]

Makita.

 

[GarageEnvy]

Rolair

 

[premierplayer]

Emglo, I agree pump/motors look very samey on many units.

 

[Zeke]

When there is a need for 3 nailers I drag out the 40 gallon. Nice and quiet so I can at least yell and be heard. Those pancake things are so noisy inside that no one can communicate.

 

[Kev442]

Being from Wi, I have to plug Rolair too. Very popular with contractors around here.

 

[trboxman]

I've used the **** out of this one:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005NMUZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I take good care of it and it takes good care of me...

 

[jhelrey]

This is the one I have... I use the hell out of it...