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Help me buy my first compressor

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tjpavlov

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May 18, 2012
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Location
Providence, RI
I am hoping to source the brains at GarageJournal once more. I have seen threads like this before, so I figured that some of you would be willing to help me out.

I'm in the market for my first compressor. I want something that I can move around the house for jobs. I am thinking that the primary use will be nails guns/staplers at first. I am gradually getting into carpentry as a hobby. I don't intend on doing any major paint spraying or automotive applications.

That being said, I would like something that I have the potential to grow into, or to be more accurate, to just not grow out of.

I have settled on a California Air Tools model out of consideration for my hearing. They seem to get great reviews here. My big question is, what model should I go for? Cost is a consideration.

1.6 gallon, 1hp:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00889ZYD8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

4.6 gallon, 1hp:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00889ZYDI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

6.3 gallon, 2hp (oiled):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00889ZYZG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

There are different variations of all of these models and the differences are lost on me. So consider this a $250 budget and let me know what way you think I should go.

Any help is most appreciated!
 
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Ponchoguy

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tjpavlov said:
I am hoping to source the brains at GarageJournal once more. I have seen threads like this before, so I figured that some of you would be willing to help me out.

I'm in the market for my first compressor. I want something that I can move around the house for jobs. I am thinking that the primary use will be nails guns/staplers at first. I am gradually getting into carpentry as a hobby. I don't intend on doing any major paint spraying or automotive applications.

That being said, I would like something that I have the potential to grow into, or to be more accurate, to just not grow out of.

I have settled on a California Air Tools model out of consideration for my hearing. They seem to get great reviews here. My big question is, what model should I go for? Cost is a consideration.

1.6 gallon, 1hp:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00889ZYD8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

4.6 gallon, 1hp:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00889ZYDI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

6.3 gallon, 2hp (oiled):

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00889ZYZG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

There are different variations of all of these models and the differences are lost on me. So consider this a $250 budget and let me know what way you think I should go.

Any help is most appreciated!
Click to expand...

My .02:

1) Make sure the compressor's CFM delivery rating (how much air it produces) exceeds (not equals) the tools you are going to use or plan to use, otherwise, it will be playing catch up forever and might not last. Don't buy what you will use today, because tomorrow you'll want to add a tool and be disappointed that your compressor can't run it. Think for the future.

2) Oil lubed generally are quieter than non-oil lubed (and last longer).

3) Stick with a major brand so you can get parts for it.
 
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Jo Diesel

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St. Johns MI
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMUGQNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
51pCZSRl-fL._SX425_.jpg


I have this one. Been using if for at least 10 years. Light weight but it is pretty loud. Just try to put it in another room. Keeps up with 2 roofing guns.

I use it on my impact when wrencing and don't want to fire up my 7 1/2 HP comp for small jobs
 
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Ponchoguy

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Jo Diesel said:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMUGQNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
51pCZSRl-fL._SX425_.jpg


I have this one. Been using if for at least 10 years. Light weight but it is pretty loud. Just try to put it in another room. Keeps up with 2 roofing guns.

I use it on my impact when wrencing and don't want to fire up my 7 1/2 HP comp for small jobs
Click to expand...

I have that one too. It was given to me with a broken regulator. I got a new regulator for it, fixed it and it has been parked since. :).
 
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Rarified27

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Jan 22, 2010
Messages
763
Location
Between PA and NJ
I've heard the CAT compressors in action before- they're tremendously quieter than most others I've been around.

The comment above about CFM higher than your tools is accurate. It helps when you want to add, but also prevents any situations from being underpowered.

The only hesitation here is that CAT customer service gets mixed reviews online- some people think it's amazing and others say they can't even talk to a human. For $250, IMO, it would be worth the chance.
 
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tjpavlov

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May 18, 2012
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Location
Providence, RI
What is everyone's thoughts on steel vs. aluminum tanks? The aluminum tanks clearly add a premium to the cost, but is it worth it? This is for occasional use at best.
 
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tjpavlov

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Messages
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Location
Providence, RI
Oh, and I am pretty much set with California Air Tools. I really like the idea of a quite compressor. With three kids under the age of 5 in my house, my hobby time generally coincides with nap time. A really loud compressor would negate that!
 
A

afmrick

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Joined
Aug 7, 2012
Messages
95
I sold my 33-Gallon Craftsman and bought a 10-Gallon CAT. It's amazing! My ears (and probably my neighbor's ears) thank me every time I turn it on.

1610: 3.80 CFM @ 40 PSI, 2.35 CFM @ 90 PSI; 35 Lbs
4610: 3.80 CFM @ 40 PSI, 2.35 CFM @ 90 PSI; 53 Lbs
263DLH: 4.30 CFM @ 40 PSI, 3.50 CFM @ 90 PSI; 52 Lbs

Based on just the specs, the 263DLH, because of its wheels, are probably the easiest to drag around. It has the highest CFM and is the cheapest on your list. If the occasional maintenance doesn't bug you then that might meet your needs well.

None of those will likely be able to run a sander or a saw. The first two could be a little wimpy for some framing nailers too.
 
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