First time air compressor help??

[nicholam77]

Anyone able to shed some light on air compressors for a newbie?

I've never had an air compressor but am interested in getting one for two purposes:

1. Finish nailer / nail gun / stapler... that sort of thing
2. Impact wrench for lug nuts and other high torque automotive bolts

I know the impact gun requires more cfm. But since it is only used occasionally (not like a paint sprayer) could I get away with less cfm on the compressor side? And just wait for the tank to re-fill if necessary? I am on a bit of a budget and am wondering if anyone has suggestions for a quality yet relatively inexpensive compressor I could use for both of those purposes.

Oiled vs. Oil-free / "Maintenance Free"? What size tank, max PSI, and cfm values should I be looking at? Any specific brands to take notice of or avoid?

On the quiet side would be a bonus.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Have been trying to research and search the forums but the amount of options is a bit overwhelming.

Thanks!

-Nick

 

[d.mcfarland]

http://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal...5016b&utm_source=1021&cid=mEmail_s1021_c5016b

 

[md21722]

A 26 gallon air compressor will be able to remove about 2 wheels before it kicks on. Given your widely separate needs (nailer, impact wrench), and the availability of powerful cordless impact wrenches, you may want to get a smaller pancake for your nailer and a DeWalt or Milwaukee cordless impact.

 

[woody6904]

I started with a 20 gallon 120 volt Oiled Campbell Hausfeld portable compressor that was on sale at TSC when I was renting. Did everything I needed and would do everything that you are looking at doing. Was planning and saving to get a bigger compressor after I bought my house and if I ever get the shop finished that I'm putting in my old barn. There is a lot of different brands of this style to pick from.

But, this compressor still performs every task that I ask of it. Sure a 60 or 80 would be nice, but not everybody needs a monster compressor.

Doing a search on this site, or a google search with "garagejournal" after your search words, will find hours of reading material on this subject.

And I have come to the conclusion that cordless tools are here to stay. I'm taking the money I was gonna spend on a bigger compressor and put that towards a high torque cordless impact. Probably Milwaukee...

 

[NJScreenwriter]

Anyone able to shed some light on air compressors for a newbie?

I've never had an air compressor but am interested in getting one for two purposes:

1. Finish nailer / nail gun / stapler... that sort of thing
2. Impact wrench for lug nuts and other high torque automotive bolts

I know the impact gun requires more cfm. But since it is only used occasionally (not like a paint sprayer) could I get away with less cfm on the compressor side? And just wait for the tank to re-fill if necessary? I am on a bit of a budget and am wondering if anyone has suggestions for a quality yet relatively inexpensive compressor I could use for both of those purposes.

Oiled vs. Oil-free / "Maintenance Free"? What size tank, max PSI, and cfm values should I be looking at? Any specific brands to take notice of or avoid?

On the quiet side would be a bonus.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Have been trying to research and search the forums but the amount of options is a bit overwhelming.

Thanks!

-Nick

Hey Nick. As the others have said, the main issue is that you have needs that span two very different purposes. Nailers come in kits now with a pancake compressor for $200ish. The impact wrench is going to need a larger compressor with more CFM. Could you use it with a small one? Perhaps, but like another poster said, it's not going to work well because air is the engine for the impact. Not enough air will make it seem like the impact wrench isn't working well, when in reality it's the lack of air from the compressor side.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[jhnlngn]

Those pancake compressors that come in the nail gun kits are going to be anything but quiet though. If you decide to go for a cordless impact instead and want a compressor to go with the nailers, I've been happy with my Makita big bore compressor. Much quieter than the kit compressors.

 

[NJScreenwriter]

Those pancake compressors that come in the nail gun kits are going to be anything but quiet though. If you decide to go for a cordless impact instead and want a compressor to go with the nailers, I've been happy with my Makita big bore compressor. Much quieter than the kit compressors.

I looked at that one for a while, almost bought it. Good compressor.

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[jhnlngn]

I looked at that one for a while, almost bought it. Good compressor.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I have the little 2hp model. I think if I were to do it over I would go up to the 3hp model.

 

[phred]

Stay away from oilless. they are loud and I have not had much luck in them lasting very long under heavy use. When I was running a framing crew we used a 20 gallon 1 hp single stage compressor. Framed many houses day after day and the oilless ones only lasted a year at best. That was over 30 years ago and i still have that 20 gallon compressor and it still runs and holds pressure. I use it for small jobs around the house now. Get the best compressor you can afford now. You will never be sorry.

 

[American Locomotive]

Any kind of direct drive compressor is loud, oiled or oil-less. If you're not looking for a big compressor, find a belt-drive in the 20 gallon range. They're a bit heavier than the direct-drive equivalents, but they can be so much quieter.

I'm not sure who still makes small belt-drive compressors, but I still do see them around. I know SpeedAire used to make a lot of decent, cast-iron, belt drive "portable" compressors. Not sure if they still do.

 

[Citation]

OP, I think you have good if sometimes conflicting advice.

I don't think you need even a 20 gallon compressor to run an impact wrench. I used my IR 231 wrench with a 4 gallon, 4 cfm compressor. The impact wrench really only needed short bursts and even the small tank was sufficient. But that was making do rather than ideal. The blow gun was frustrating and the air cutoff wheel was useless. Bigger tables have their pluses.

If cost isn't an object but you want to stick with 120v outlets then the best option (and least portable) is a 20-30 gal, belt driven, oilless compressor. They typically aren't too loud and have about the best flow you will get out of a standard wall outlet.

If cost is a bigger concern then something like the 8 gal horizontal oiled compressor from HF for $100 is a great starting point. Easy to deal with, small and takes about 2 min to fill from empty and about 30 seconds to refresh. One drawback to a big tank is how long they take to fill from empty. No big deal if you are planning to really work but lousy if you just want to air up some tires.

The 21 gal above is a good option. Still cost effective but with a good sized tank. Recently I've seen those on eBay for around $100 claiming to be new.

You also might consider one of the California Air Tools silent compressors. They have a 2hp model that's over $200 (not the lower cost 1hp model). Its flow rates are as good as any 120v compressors but they are very quite. Think decent window AC unit. They are oilless so they can't be run nonstop.

About oilless vs oiled. Oiled generally are more durable and can handle the added heat of running for long periods of time. Oiled is generally quieter but I suspect that was an old role of thumb from when oiled compressors were typically belt drive things. Direct drive oiled compressors are typically only a little quieter than oilless models of similar size. Oilless isn't bad of you don't use the compressors much. Most can be rebuilt with little trouble and for not to much money. They do have an advantage of your garage gets cold. In my current garage with so-so wiring I have trouble starting my little compressors when the temperature is under 50*. Oilless generally don't have issues with cold weather.

So if noise is a concern then my first suggestion would be one of the Cal Air Tools 2hp units:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QFH5NCM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Or even two of the 1hp units plumbed together (more work but lower cost, must be on separate circuits)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NOSCDPA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If cost is a big deal this ebay deal is about the most bang for the buck (no idea if the seller is good or bad)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/21-gal-2-5-...361933?hash=item3f732e6c8d:g:d5kAAOSwEzxYczxn

If new from a store and minimum cost is the deal, get the HF coupon and get this one
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-gal-2-hp-125-psi-oil-lube-air-compressor-69667.html

If cost isn't a concern, the something like this
http://www.harborfreight.com/29-gal-2-hp-150-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html
Finally, I would suggest getting two hoses. A 3/8" ID for your air tools that need flow and a 1/4" coiled hose for filling tires, both 50 footers. The coiled hoses aren't good for air tools but they are just much easier to deal with then all you want to do is put some air in the tires or use the blow gun. They are also cheap and often come with a pack of quick connectors, air chuck and blow gun.

 

[nicholam77]

Thank you everyone for your input and good advice.

While I like the *idea* of a larger compressor in the garage for wheel swaps with an impact, realistically I don't do it very often. Portability is probably more important (so I can use the compressor around the house for finish nailing baseboard for example).

I will think it over but right now I am leaning towards a smaller compressor for nailing and stapling, and then as suggested getting a cordless impact wrench (or even a corded one) for automotive uses.

The other thing is I live in MN and my garage is detached and DOES get very cold. It seems like a lot of the oiled compressors can't be used under 40-50 F, which is a no go for me.

Any thoughts on a corded electric impact wrench like this one? http://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-amp-impact-wrench/p-00927990000P?rrec=true

VS. a battery powered?

Not sure what I would use it for besides busting lug bolts or other car stuff.

Thanks.

 

[American Locomotive]

Electric impacts can be okay, I'm more familiar with battery powered ones though.

 

[Citation]

I might recommend the $130 California Air Tools in your case. It does have enough flow for nail guns but 2.2 with a 5.5 gallon tank may be too little to be happy with an impact wrench.

My only thoughts on the electric impact is I consider all battery operated tools as good for perhaps 10 years. After that the batteries are dead and typically not cost effective to replace. Corded tools (and air tools) can be lifetime purchases.

 

[nicholam77]

I was eyeing that California Air Tools model as well. Looks like the $130 version has a steel tank, and the aluminum tank version is ~$180. Besides weight reduction, is the aluminum tank really necessary? Is rust prevention something I should be concerned with?

 

[cabranch47]

I have the makita big bore compressor and have been pleased with it. Two issues though, it is heavy, about 60 - 65# and it is top heavy, would need to tie it down if transporting.

 

[CompressorPros.com]

Everything is relative based on actual usage, but if it helps, we have some general guidelines for choosing the right compressor for your needs...

Air Compressor Selection Guide

 

[mindz]

Anyone able to shed some light on air compressors for a newbie?

I've never had an air compressor but am interested in getting one for two purposes:

1. Finish nailer / nail gun / stapler... that sort of thing
2. Impact wrench for lug nuts and other high torque automotive bolts

I know the impact gun requires more cfm. But since it is only used occasionally (not like a paint sprayer) could I get away with less cfm on the compressor side? And just wait for the tank to re-fill if necessary? I am on a bit of a budget and am wondering if anyone has suggestions for a quality yet relatively inexpensive compressor I could use for both of those purposes.

Oiled vs. Oil-free / "Maintenance Free"? What size tank, max PSI, and cfm values should I be looking at? Any specific brands to take notice of or avoid?

On the quiet side would be a bonus.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Have been trying to research and search the forums but the amount of options is a bit overwhelming.

Thanks!

-Nick

I've been down this road.... ending today.

I picked up a 30 gallon 1.7 HP (not the oil lubricated) today at Home Depot. I paid $269 for it. I strongly considered the same tank with the oil lubricated but opted for this because I will not use this heavily at all.


it's the Husky (owned by Home Depot) 30 gallon. here's a link
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30...table-Electric-Air-Compressor-C303H/206532808


I am shocked at how loud it is. i knew it was louder, but on the docs it says 78 db which is reasonable but not quiet (i think it's around washing machine loud).

I can say with a lot of confidence this thing easily breaks 90db at 20 feet away.

it's so loud, i would have to almost scream anywhere in my garage to be heard. I can hear it running all the way in the furthest bedroom from the garage, and actually i can hear it in my neighbors house across the street with the door closed.

I honestly don't know how much quieter the oil lubricated version is but it's a $170 price increase, that's a lot. honestly I think while quieter, neither are going to be great. One nice thing, i can roll it out of my garage so it doesn't get so loud, i'm just not sure what I'm going to do. i'm considering returning it and waiting till i can afford a bit smaller california air ultra quiet (incredibly quiet).

Here's the thing I registered to say. someone posted a picture of one from harbor freight. I would want to hear it in person, because the one I read up on listed it at 110 db and buddy that isn't loud, that's obnoxiously loud. like, jet engine loud and likely the reason for the cheap price. I can't find this info anymore though. it might be that it listed it on the docs at HF (i did go look at them)

I would want to verify this, there's a chance i'm wrong but I swear I read it.

consider this and look up how loud 110 is
http://www.industrialnoisecontrol.com/comparative-noise-examples.htm

 

[American Locomotive]

ALL direct drive compressors that you find in big box stores are loud. Oil or oil-less. They're direct-drive compressor heads spinning at 3600 RPM. A typical belt-drive system has the compressor head spinning between 500-1000 RPM.

The only quiet direct drive compressors are usually the low-speed, low volume, low pressure ones used for air-brush work.

Seriously, if you care about your sanity or hearing in your garage, avoid direct drive compressors at all costs.

 

[Citation]

ALL direct drive compressors that you find in big box stores are loud. Oil or oil-less. They're direct-drive compressor heads spinning at 3600 RPM. A typical belt-drive system has the compressor head spinning between 500-1000 RPM.

The only quiet direct drive compressors are usually the low-speed, low volume, low pressure ones used for air-brush work.

Seriously, if you care about your sanity or hearing in your garage, avoid direct drive compressors at all costs.

As a semi-exception to the above, the Cal Air Tools are direct drive but the use twin, large, low rpm pistons. I just wish they had something between the low cost 2 cfm and the $400 5+ cfm models.

 

[Denwad]

ALL direct drive compressors that you find in big box stores are loud. Oil or oil-less. They're direct-drive compressor heads spinning at 3600 RPM. A typical belt-drive system has the compressor head spinning between 500-1000 RPM.

The only quiet direct drive compressors are usually the low-speed, low volume, low pressure ones used for air-brush work.

Seriously, if you care about your sanity or hearing in your garage, avoid direct drive compressors at all costs.

the military uses a system for markship called the Engagement skills trainer, and it uses compressed air to simulate weapons recoil

they use a 6 head Jun-Air (direct drive ) compressor that puts out about 10 CFM and its super quiet, you barely hear it at all.

of course its about 2800$

 

[Jersey Mike]

Nick,
Did you end up making a decision yet?

I'm in a similar boat as you, but decided I'd rather just buy one of each; a pancake strictly for the upstairs trim work, and medium-sized compressor for the small garage I have.

Currently looking at this Craftsman 33-gallon unit: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-33-gallon-vertical-air-compressor/p-00916572000P
Supposedly it's a good compromise between size, noise, quality & price.

 

[HaroRider]

Your best bet is a pancake compressor as said before. Get a long air hose so you can keep the compressor in another room and work in a different room. They are loud as hell. The HF one goes on sale every now and again and is super portable.

Get your self a Milwaukee 1/2 gun. They are great, I only use my 1/2 air gun on things that my Milwaukee cant remove, and honestly its not very much that it can do over my 1/2 IR.