help picking a compressor

[rnscustom]

OP needs 110v ( easy to add a 220v outlet ) even the one I posted was 220v but gives you an idea of whats out there for the money . I'll make the statement but could be wrong , once you get over 3hp your probably 220v . Most these days are not true hp but developes ??hp . I think most will be 2hp but the older ones are closer to true hp , again ??

 

[jimmy-ray]

Thanks for the recommendation near my desired price range, but I want to go oil-less.

I did get to looking at other offerings from Menards, and this one caught my eye if I was going to roll with a higher budget:

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/sanborn-reg-belt-drive-30-gallon-portable-electric-vertical-air-compressor/p-1444439608275-c-12910.htm?tid=4786925633831130697&ipos=4&bargainStoreId=3206

I do need a 120 volt compressor as I don't have a 240 volt outlet and don't feel like learning how to wire one. I should have put this in the original post.

ETA: Or there's this from Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-30-Gal-155-psi-Ultra-Quiet-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-C302H/206695048

Ive had that home depot one for a couple of weeks and its doing fine. I got the oil-less one that is 299 with the same tank. I was looking at that one and would have preferred it but i think the offset in my electric bill is going to make mine the better choice for me. The oil-less version is 110, i have 2, 220 in my garage but worried about the bill with a 30 gal tank running all the time, i could be wrong though. So far no leaks, no problems, runs all my snap on, matco and cp air tools just fine, im actually pretty impressed with it, hopefully it holds up to my abuse. Ive noticed it works a lot better if i set it so the pressure is at 90psi or a little higher while the tool is actually running.

It runs a cheap tire machine fine, it breaks beads fine, ive seated beads on some hard to bead harley tires and a few easy car tires. Lifts my motorcycle rack easy with a bagger on it but slower than my shops compressor. Also there is a big difference in how fast it will inflate tires compared to my shops compressor. So far so good, if it last a couple of years id be happy. I think i might run into trouble using a die-grinder but we will see. The car lugs were 100ftlb motor cycle axle was 100ftlb, and motor cycle lugs were 80ftlb, it broke those no problem. Ill test in on a harley compensator and maindrive gear nut as soon as i get a chance, would be nice if it could handle those, if not ill use a breaker bar, no big deal.

 

[larryq]

Have been perusing CL and have run across some air compressors that look interesting. What do you guys think of the following air compressors?

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/tls/6211862647.html

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/tls/6206477568.html

https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/tls/6206902994.html

https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/tls/6208406322.html


What about the Campbell Hausfeld ones? They look like a better bargain and would be at the bottom end of my needs but that's ok if I get a really good deal on it.

The first Sanborn you have listed is what I have, under the 'Craftsman Professional' line-- it's perfectly fine for running impacts, filling tires, light grinding duty etc. It's not built for running sandblasters. I paid $150 for mine, which is a good (not great) price, but as I mentioned in my first post, it was clean and had been taken care of. It also does 150 PSI, which is nice.

The third one in your list, the $75 campbell hausfeld, looks interesting though it has been outside and well used, you can tell from the tank. That one you'd definitely want to wipe down first, fire up, see how the pressure holds, see if any oil is leaking, then release the pressure and see how the water looks coming out.

 

[nolan7120]

The first Sanborn you have listed is what I have, under the 'Craftsman Professional' line-- it's perfectly fine for running impacts, filling tires, light grinding duty etc. It's not built for running sandblasters. I paid $150 for mine, which is a good (not great) price, but as I mentioned in my first post, it was clean and had been taken care of. It also does 150 PSI, which is nice.

The third one in your list, the $75 campbell hausfeld, looks interesting though it has been outside and well used, you can tell from the tank. That one you'd definitely want to wipe down first, fire up, see how the pressure holds, see if any oil is leaking, then release the pressure and see how the water looks coming out.

Besides looking much older and being a little pricey, why did you pass over the second Sanborn compressor I linked? It looks to have the highest (I think, pic is kinda blurry) cfm rating of all four at 8.1 @ 40psi and 6.5 @ 40psi.

Also, same question pretty much but regarding the two CH compressors. I don't know if the black one is oil-lubricated (waiting on the seller to answer), but they appear to be pretty similar except maybe the blue one was kept or spent a majority of its life outside.

I'm not doubting your analysis, I'm just curious as to what sets them apart from each other because they appear to be mighty similar. Thanks

ETA: What price would you shoot for if you were going to purchase the first Sanborn I linked? What you paid - $150?

Double ETA: Here are the numbers for the 2nd CH AC I have listed (the one from the 86yo friend's dad):

125 max psi
6.5 cfm @ 90 psi
8.2 cfm @ 40 psi

Those numbers look pretty good.

 

[nolan7120]

Ive had that home depot one for a couple of weeks and its doing fine. I got the oil-less one that is 299 with the same tank. I was looking at that one and would have preferred it but i think the offset in my electric bill is going to make mine the better choice for me. The oil-less version is 110, i have 2, 220 in my garage but worried about the bill with a 30 gal tank running all the time, i could be wrong though. So far no leaks, no problems, runs all my snap on, matco and cp air tools just fine, im actually pretty impressed with it, hopefully it holds up to my abuse. Ive noticed it works a lot better if i set it so the pressure is at 90psi or a little higher while the tool is actually running.

It runs a cheap tire machine fine, it breaks beads fine, ive seated beads on some hard to bead harley tires and a few easy car tires. Lifts my motorcycle rack easy with a bagger on it but slower than my shops compressor. Also there is a big difference in how fast it will inflate tires compared to my shops compressor. So far so good, if it last a couple of years id be happy. I think i might run into trouble using a die-grinder but we will see. The car lugs were 100ftlb motor cycle axle was 100ftlb, and motor cycle lugs were 80ftlb, it broke those no problem. Ill test in on a harley compensator and maindrive gear nut as soon as i get a chance, would be nice if it could handle those, if not ill use a breaker bar, no big deal.

Thank you for the input. My main AC needs would be for occasionally removing a few tires and suspension parts with an impact gun, airing up tires, air blow gun, and maybe for an impact hammer. Nothing too crazy or heavy duty. If I go new, I'm leaning towards a Sanborn from Menards.

 

[nolan7120]

It looks like the ones you posted are all direct drive. They are extremely loud too. Do you have room for a upright 60 gallon ?

Here's one sounds cheap $400.00
https://racine.craigslist.org/tls/6178957056.html
I have a 60 gal sanborn air compressor that comes with a dryer for painters and hoses (except blue one in pic) . Has manual and in perfect condition. Will take 2 guys to load. Pick up only.
First 500 or best offer takes it.
Thanks

I do have room for a 60 gallon but I think that would be overkill for my current needs. Yes, I know, buy once, cry once LOL, but I just don't see myself needing something that big. It also needs to be a 120 volt AC.

 

[nolan7120]

I have never spent more than $100 for any item at harbor freight and if I don't have a coupon or 20+% off I don't buy , as far as things that should have good fit and finish like pistons , I'll buy their alum race jack on sale for $59 but the engine hoist look at the finish on that piston how long you think those seals will last . I'm not bashing HF I love going there . But some things you have to step up on or find a used bargain if you can't afford . 99% of my big ticket items are used but I'm able to fix what I buy . My rule is no more than 50% of new if its mint .

I think a HF compressor is out of the picture now. Having to spend an extra $50 for a two year warranty (which comes standard for almost every other brand) for a Chinese-made compressor gets mighty close (within $100) to the "Made in USA" price territory of the Sanborn ACs that I've been eyeing.

 

[jimmy-ray]

Thank you for the input. My main AC needs would be for occasionally removing a few tires and suspension parts with an impact gun, airing up tires, air blow gun, and maybe for an impact hammer. Nothing too crazy or heavy duty. If I go new, I'm leaning towards a Sanborn from Menards.

I dont know much about compressors either, Ive only had small ones and then my last one was leaking and cycling all the time so i gave it to a buddy. I was looking at the HF ones you posted but went with the home depot one because of the reviews. There are some reviews on youtube also, besides the websites.

I was thinking of buying used, thinking that anything new under 1k would be junk. I was afraid of getting burned though. Most of what is on my local craigslist is junk, they all look like they live outside, looks like mostly construction work. The few good ones i did find were sold, or priced like new.

Also one little weird thing is when i bought mine, i dug though all the boxes to find one that looked new/unopened. There was only one like that at my local home depot, all the rest were clearly opened before, maybe returns. Hope that will help if you decide to get a new one.

 

[nolan7120]

I wouldn't suggest a used compressor. Too many downside risks, especially re. Tank conditions.

Compressors that sit around with water in the tank develop pinhole leaks from the inside.

Take a drive out to Farm and Fleet in Montgomery. They have a good selection.

I checked out Farm & Fleet just now and they only AC that they have that catches my eye is this one:

https://www.farmandfleet.com/products/648666-industrial-air-20-gallon-oil-lube-belt-drive-air-compressor.html

I do like the Sanborn (https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/sanborn-reg-belt-drive-20-gallon-portable-electric-horizontal-air-compressor/p-1444439610633-c-12910.htm?tid=-2895729927465371802&ipos=2&bargainStoreId=3206) from Menards a little better though. It has a slightly better CFM rating, is much closer (5 minute drive), has 155 max psi vs 135, and assembled in the USA (not sure if the IA one is or not). Both have a 2 year warranty, but the IA is cheaper by $40. If I get the Sanborn during one of those 11% rebate times then that almost offsets the price difference.

On a side note, I noticed that Home Depot has the exact same IA air compressor as Farm & Fleet except for being almost $170 (off the sale price, $128 off the regular price) more. Wow.

 

[aka Larry]

Thanks for the recommendation near my desired price range, but I want to go oil-less.

Wait, am I reading that right? You actually WANT to go oil-less? Are you legally deaf? Would you like to be? It's been said here, but it's worth repeating about an oil-less compressor. Buy one, take it to your neighbor's yard, dig a hole six feet deep, bury it, go back to your house and shut all the doors and windows...you can STILL HEAR IT RUNNING!

Seriously man, assuming you have a choice, and can afford it, run away fast from any oil-less compressor.

 

[nolan7120]

Wait, am I reading that right? You actually WANT to go oil-less? Are you legally deaf? Would you like to be? It's been said here, but it's worth repeating about an oil-less compressor. Buy one, take it to your neighbor's yard, dig a hole six feet deep, bury it, go back to your house and shut all the doors and windows...you can STILL HEAR IT RUNNING!

Seriously man, assuming you have a choice, and can afford it, run away fast from any oil-less compressor.

LOL I meant oil-lubricated. I don't know why I put that. Big typo. I must've forgot the "don't". No oil-less, yes to oil-lubricated.

ETA: Fixed that previous post.

 

[rnscustom]

Now you have some good info , whatever you decide you've at least done some more shopping research and got some good opinions here. Used is not for everyone , if you can't fix it or if you don't buy it for less than half ( expecting some repair or common wear items ) . It's probably not for you . Lowes is a good store for having clearance , every so often they will put one of their big compressors ( not quick sellers ) on the floor for half price . You might keep an eye out there for one of those . I passed up on their $799 unit for $359 a couple times ( I usually get the manager and ask if he will do $300 and of course he won't but I try , it's the elcheapo in me . ) I'd just re sell it if he bit on it . You can always ask if they have any way to get a discount too ( elcheapo again ) . Got a $1500 lawn tractor at sears that way for $999 . Guy did some discounts from different promotions . ( yeah my wife won't go in the stores with me when I'm buying tools )

 

[larryq]

Besides looking much older and being a little pricey, why did you pass over the second Sanborn compressor I linked?

I'm not doubting your analysis, I'm just curious as to what sets them apart from each other because they appear to be mighty similar. Thanks

ETA: What price would you shoot for if you were going to purchase the first Sanborn I linked? What you paid - $150?

Double ETA: Here are the numbers for the 2nd CH AC I have listed (the one from the 86yo friend's dad):

125 max psi
6.5 cfm @ 90 psi
8.2 cfm @ 40 psi

Those numbers look pretty good.

I wasn't as intrigued by the second Sanborn for the reason you mentioned-- it's considerably older. If you can get the first one for $150 I think you'll have done well.

The numbers on your friend's dad's compressor look fine for your application, and if you're sure he maintained it well that's a big plus.

 

[nolan7120]

I wasn't as intrigued by the second Sanborn for the reason you mentioned-- it's considerably older. If you can get the first one for $150 I think you'll have done well.

The numbers on your friend's dad's compressor look fine for your application, and if you're sure he maintained it well that's a big plus.

I don't know the guy selling that one. The seller says he is selling it for his friend's father so I have no clue as to what the maintenance is like on it. I mentioned the lingo in the ad so it was easier to differentiate between the links I posted.

I reached out to all four sellers and so far only the guy selling the CH for his friend's dad has gotten back to me. He also happens to be the closest (which is still not close lol). I might follow up once more with the guy who has the newer Sanborn and offer him $150. That seems like a fair price.

Thanks to everyone that posted here. I feel much better prepared to tackle this purchase, whether used or new.

 

[nolan7120]

Just updating this thread. Still haven't bought a compressor yet, but have it greatly narrowed down. This guy (https://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/tls/d/sanborn-air-compressor/6211862647.html) won't go below $200 for his compressor which is supposedly 2 years old. I offered $150, he countered with $200, and then I put $175 out there as a max and no bite.

One of the Campbell Hausfelds I was looking at on CL ended up selling. Not sure how much for though. This guy (https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/tls/d/gallon-air-compressor/6206902994.html) dropped his price down to $45. I'm highly considering the 50 min drive to go and check it out.

If the first compressor listed doesn't come down to $175 or the second one has issues, then I'm going to go with this 20 gallon Sanborn (https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/air-compressors-pneumatic-tools-accessories/air-compressors/sanborn-reg-belt-drive-20-gallon-portable-electric-horizontal-air-compressor/p-1444439610633-c-12910.htm?tid=-9048670594844210929&ipos=3&bargainStoreId=3206) from Menards. They're having their 11% rebate this week so I figured it would be a good time to jump on it. If nothing promising pops up on CL by Friday, then off to Menards it is for the Sanborn.

 

[Infinia]

The new Sanborn says 155 psi BUT strangely both their linked documents say cutoff 130-135 max? I wonder which one is for sale. makes a BIG difference when running an impact at the end of a 50ft hose and 20Gal tank!

 

[nolan7120]

The new Sanborn says 155 psi BUT strangely both their linked documents say cutoff 130-135 max? I wonder which one is for sale. makes a BIG difference when running an impact at the end of a 50ft hose and 20Gal tank!

Yeah that's rather strange. Technical specs say 135 but the website says 155. I'll probably just stop in there tomorrow and look at it in person to verify.

ETA: I bet it's 135.

 

[rnscustom]

$45 , worth the drive , maybe you can set up another one to look at on the way . Specs look the same as the sanborn , not as clean looking but that doesn't mean it wasn't maintained , it's a tool

 

[boosteddsm92]

My main concern with buying used is that since I don't know squat really about compressors I'm not exactly sure what to look for.

One thing to look for that will weed out the crappy compressors is the motor/pump rpm. Look for one that is 1800-1850. Every compressor I've seen to run at that speed are quaility units and run much quieter/smoother. I'd stay away from the 3450 rpm compressors.

 

[Infinia]

Yeah that's rather strange. Technical specs say 135 but the website says 155. I'll probably just stop in there tomorrow and look at it in person to verify.

ETA: I bet it's 135.

Verify the tank nameplate max ratings WP >160 psi and pop open the pressure switch you may be able to adjust it higher than 150 psi> It's becoming common for the newer compressors to have factory set non user adjustable pressure switches make sure this isn't yours.
I run my 125 compressor re-adjusted at 140-145 b/c the tank says WP 150 psi.

 

[rnscustom]

Slower rpm are usually the bigger more expensive ones . Even the big 2 stage ir is 3450 now . You have to get into the t30 model to be 1725

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I've heard and seen bad things from the Harbor Freight, and Husky compressors. They're good for 6 months and start failing after that. my evidence is purely anecdotal. But you can see a LOT of huskys on CL cheap...there is a reason for that.

 

[aka Larry]

I've heard and seen bad things from the Harbor Freight, and Husky compressors. They're good for 6 months and start failing after that. my evidence is purely anecdotal. But you can see a LOT of huskys on CL cheap...there is a reason for that.

AFAIK, the Husky, Kobalt, and CH are all the same compressor with different paint and decals, or at on least the 60 gallon model I have. My Husky is going on 9 years old now with no problems, but I empty it after every day of us,e and change the oil yearly.

 

[rnscustom]

I think it's like anything you buy , an Anderson window you buy at the box stores is not the same one as your local lumber yard . Body patch panels are mostly pressed on the same press and rebranded ,they don't all come out of the press the same . goodmark gets one grade where as year one might get the better ones that come out of the press and the ones on eBay are also different grade . Same with tvs and such

 

[nolan7120]

So I had a chance to go check out the Sanborn 20 gallon and 30 gallon in person today. They both have a higher rpm motor at 3450 and made in China as well. For roughly twice the money of HF's 21 gallon compressor, I was expecting a different country of origin for the motor of the Sanborn.

The compressors that I had been eyeing on CL have all sold or are no longer listed so that's no longer an option.

It looks like the HF compressors are back in the mix given that my budget will only allow something of Chinese origin. I think it boils down to getting the 20 gallon Sanborn (2 year warranty, 5.5 CFM at 90 PSI, 6.3 CFM at 40 PSI, 155 Max PSI, better availability of parts) or the 29 gallon HF (90 day warranty but I'd buy the two year, better CFM at 5.9 CFM @ 90 PSI & 7.3 CFM @ 40 PSI, 150 max PSI). The price is pretty close with the HF model being a little more expensive by about $25 after the warranty. I would get a rebate check from Menards for an additional $38, so that's a factor too.

I just might wait for something else to pop op used or a nice sale on a comparable unit.

I wonder if the Husky 30 gallon 155 PSI model from Home Depot has a Chinese motor... It looks almost identical to the 30 gallon Sanborn from Menards.

 

[Infinia]

They both have a higher rpm motor at 3450 and made in China as well.

All new compressor motors in the consumer class will be imported and 3500 rpm, whether oiled or oilless. Have we decided somehow this is the weak link on these things? I missed that thread / discussion. Direct drive pumps VS low RPM cast iron pumps are key IMO.
I wouldn't worry about 90 day warrantees just use the heck out of it during those 3 months, if it lives it will go easily another 5+ years. Find something wonky during those 90 days you can exchange it straight across or even upgrade. On CL you'll have zero warrantee and wont know what to look out for! There's crooks selling their worked over junk out there, some probably pieced together from all their leftover repair jobs. CL is a total minefield! I'd buy CL ONLY if I knew how to repair them AND at pennies on dollar not at the prices yer reporting! Recently some poor old soul signed on to GJ for help, unlike you it was after the fact. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=365756

 

[nolan7120]

I was looking at compressors today at Home Depot, Lowes, and Harbor Freight today. The Husky's that I looked at used the same motor manufacturer as Sanborn, which is made by MAT Industries and assembled in China. According to their website, MAT Industries manufactures Powermate, Industrial Air, and other "established private label names sold at home centers" (they must be referring to Sanborn @ Menards & Husky @ Home Depot for example). I found this to be rather interesting.

Lowe's, on the other hand, uses a Marathon Electric motor for its 30 gallon, as does Harbor Freight on their 29 gallon compressor. However, the motor for Lowe's is assembled in Mexico, while the motor for HF's 29 gallon is assembled in China. Lowe's also has a 3 year warranty while most other compressors have a 2 year warranty.

@ Infinia,

Yeah, I've decided I'm not buying anything through Craiglist. I'll be buying new, and either going with the 20 gallon Sanborn from Menards or the 29 gallon compressor from HF.

One thing I'm concerned about is powering the compressor. I have to change the outlet to a 3 prong outlet (it's only two). The outlet box is grounded so that's a plus. However, when I was looking at the breaker box, I discovered that the garage is on the same 20 amp breaker as the kitchen and one light in the basement. With the appliances running in the kitchen, will this interfere with the compressor while it's running? I don't really know anything about electricity or current so that's why I ask.

This is my mom's house btw and it was built in the 50's.

 

[Infinia]

@ Infinia,

Yeah, I've decided I'm not buying anything through Craiglist. I'll be buying new, and either going with the 20 gallon Sanborn from Menards or the 29 gallon compressor from HF.

As long as theyre 150+psi and yer ok with the noise go for it.

One thing I'm concerned about is powering the compressor. I have to change the outlet to a 3 prong outlet (it's only two). The outlet box is grounded so that's a plus. However, when I was looking at the breaker box, I discovered that the garage is on the same 20 amp breaker as the kitchen and one light in the basement. With the appliances running in the kitchen, will this interfere with the compressor while it's running? I don't really know anything about electricity or current so that's why I ask.

This is my mom's house btw and it was built in the 50's.

I'm not an electrician either but I suspect you may be popping the breaker at inopportune times when the refrig cycles on, try it out and see. BTW ask somebody to check your wiring/outlets I doubt its rated for a 20A breaker so it maybe overloaded already. Ideally you could add another 15A breaker and dedicated branch ckt.

edit heres a reference http://www.thecircuitdetective.com/basic_house_wiring.htm#fi I'm sure you cant just replace a 15A breaker with a 20A one, a surefire recipe for no Bueno! AFAIK 20A needs 12AWG everywhere and the outlets are special.

 

[anndel]

So I had a chance to go check out the Sanborn 20 gallon and 30 gallon in person today. They both have a higher rpm motor at 3450 and made in China as well. For roughly twice the money of HF's 21 gallon compressor, I was expecting a different country of origin for the motor of the Sanborn.

The compressors that I had been eyeing on CL have all sold or are no longer listed so that's no longer an option.

It looks like the HF compressors are back in the mix given that my budget will only allow something of Chinese origin. I think it boils down to getting the 20 gallon Sanborn (2 year warranty, 5.5 CFM at 90 PSI, 6.3 CFM at 40 PSI, 155 Max PSI, better availability of parts) or the 29 gallon HF (90 day warranty but I'd buy the two year, better CFM at 5.9 CFM @ 90 PSI & 7.3 CFM @ 40 PSI, 150 max PSI). The price is pretty close with the HF model being a little more expensive by about $25 after the warranty. I would get a rebate check from Menards for an additional $38, so that's a factor too.

I just might wait for something else to pop op used or a nice sale on a comparable unit.

I wonder if the Husky 30 gallon 155 PSI model from Home Depot has a Chinese motor... It looks almost identical to the 30 gallon Sanborn from Menards.

Yes it does have a chinese motor. Not sure on the pump as I can't find the COO on that yet. I have the 30 gal 155 psi dual-cylinder compressor before the current model as after I bought it it was discontinued and replaced with the current. Had it for 3 years now and no problems so far.

 

[nolan7120]

@ Infinia,


As long as theyre 150+psi and yer ok with the noise go for it.


I'm not an electrician either but I suspect you may be popping the breaker at inopportune times when the refrig cycles on, try it out and see. BTW ask somebody to check your wiring/outlets I doubt its rated for a 20A breaker so it maybe overloaded already. Ideally you could add another 15A breaker and dedicated branch ckt.

When you say "I doubt it's rated for a 20A breaker", what size do you think it should be on?

There is at least one other open breakers (15A I think) with nothing going to it. Not sure what to do with it though as I don't want to burn my mom's house down.

In regards to the Sanborn, here's a pic I snapped off the tank the other day. On the website, it does say under technical specs that the max pressure is 135 PSI but elsewhere it says 155 PSI. According to the tank, the 135 quote is wrong.

 

[nolan7120]

Just looked at the manual for the Sanborn and here is what it says:

Can the kick-out pressure be adjusted upwards to 150 PSI?

Also, here is what the manual says about electrical wiring:

"For best performance and reliable starting, the air
compressor must be plugged into a dedicated circuit,
as close as possible to the fusebox or circuit breaker.
The compressor will use the full capacity of a typical 15 amp
household circuit. If any other electrical devices are drawing
from the compressor’s circuit, the compressor may fail to start.
Low voltage or an overloaded circuit can result in sluggish
starting that causes the motor overload protection system or
circuit breaker to trip, especially in cold conditions."

It appears that I may have trouble trying to run the 20 gallon Sanborn or 29 gallon HF compressor on the same 20A breaker as the kitchen appliances. Great, another hurdle to overcome. I may say screw it and just buy one and run it and see what happens, or I might look into trying to remedy the breaker issue first, of which I have no idea on how to do. Hmmmm...

 

[Infinia]

When you say "I doubt it's rated for a 20A breaker", what size do you think it should be on?

I was just wondering if "it", E.g. the house wiring was correct for 20A> did someone swap out a 15A breaker for a higher one?

There is at least one other open breakers (15A I think) with nothing going to it. Not sure what to do with it though as I don't want to burn my mom's house down.

Sounds ideal to connect a new run to the garage.
Should be easy for DIY, have someone (an electrical guy) inspect your work.
edit> hire a C.L. handyman should be less than half a day work. LOL

In regards to the Sanborn, here's a pic I snapped off the tank the other day. On the website, it does say under technical specs that the max pressure is 135 PSI but elsewhere it says 155 PSI. According to the tank, the 135 quote is wrong.

yeah I was the person who pointed that discrepancy out.
Well perhaps you can adjust the pressure switch upwards (maybe). The tank says WP max = 175 psi. note: I adjusted my 125 psi CMan running around 140-145, its on 24/7.
It's gonna be sweet for you to have the EarthquakeXT @full pressure!
My gun barely gets 1/2 rated torque at 140 psi at the regulator through 50ft of 3/8 and one fitting! At 125-100 psi fugettaboutit, not usable!

 

[nolan7120]

I just talked to my mom and she misquoted me on what shut off when the kitchen breaker was flipped. Apparently the stove is on a separate breaker (good) but the microwave shut off for sure. She has a dishwasher that is not in use so I'm not worried about that. There is no garbage disposal to worry about either. So that just leaves the fridge, kitchen outlets and lights, and the garage outlet and light all on the same 20A circuit.

I'm just going to go ahead, replace the outlet in the garage with a grounded one, and move forward. As long as the microwave isn't in use at the same time as the compressor, hopefully it should run OK. If the fridge is 725 watts (which I think it is), it should draw about 6 amps, which leaves me with close to what I need for the compressor. We'll see what happens.

If I have any problem with the breaker tripping or the compressor failing to start, then I'll look into setting up the compressor on its own circuit. At that point, I might start another thread in the electrical section of this website, and will post a link to it.

 

[redmondjp]

That compressor needs its own dedicated 20A circuit as a minimum. Household breakers are 80% rated - they are designed for a constant 80% of their trip rating and no more.

And ambient temperature will be another consideration, since the breakers are thermal-trip in the overload portion of the curve. If the breaker is at 20 degrees F, it may work fine, but nuisance trip at 80 or 100 degrees F.

 

[nolan7120]

So I was at Menard's again today picking up an 8" ground wire to redo the outlet in the garage and decided to look at the Sanborn one more time. This time, I checked the manual that was attached to the compressor and it contradicts the manual available for it online. The manual attached to the compressor (Revision C vs Revision B online) clearly states a kick-out pressure of 155 PSI. It also reflects the ability to go 120V or 240V, and the correct model #. So that clears that up for me.

As far as running the compressor on its own dedicated circuit, the main thing that concerns me about the job is running the wire through the walls. As far as what wire to run, how to wire it up, installing the box, etc. - I can figure that out with google searches and GJ's help. No one can help me run the wire lol.

It doesn't have to be look really good either, just as long as it's hooked up properly and is safe. My mom has a old dump of a house in a nice neighborhood that will be a tear-down when she eventually sells it. I'm going to try and better assess the situation when I go there in a little bit.

 

[Infinia]

No one can help me run the wire lol.
.

Buy a 12 AWG 50' (max) extension cord, shorter the better. done
Put an outlet box on the back of the meter pan..look for the knockouts. Hook it to the open 15A breaker use 14 or 12 AWG solid wire. easy yet safe.
Consider unplugging the washer machine they usually have a dedicated branch ckt.

 

[CobraJake]

AFAIK, the Husky, Kobalt, and CH are all the same compressor with different paint and decals, or at on least the 60 gallon model I have. My Husky is going on 9 years old now with no problems, but I empty it after every day of us,e and change the oil yearly.

which one is that?

good info in here...I'm looking also. Ive had an "oilless" for 5 years. Stopped working a couple weeks ago,,,,Time to move on

 

[The One]

Hijacking this thread because my 15gal Craftsman stopped making pressure today in the middle of derusting my daily driver restoration project, a Jeep (I'm hoping I can get a new compressor in within the week so I can still finish by winter!). On a more positive note this allows me to buy my dream compressor!

I have 240v in my garage (this is the same as 220v, correct?) and I want a large shop sized compressor that can provide power for 2-3 people. I've never used my compressor outside of the garage, only sometimes setting it out the door to cut down on noise, but soon I'll have a dedicated space for the compressor so mobility isn't a big issue beyond light enough for 2-4 people to move without a forklift. I will be eventually connecting it up to a hardline throughout my garage.

Currently my most used tool is a smaller die grinder but I see that expanding if I have a better compressor. I'd probably like painting with it too, but can I add a air dryer later or does that need to be part of the system now? Figure on 6 hours/day some times, and 1/2 hour/week other times. It's my hobby and I don't mind paying a premium so that I actually enjoy it.

What brands should I look at?
What size?
Any recommended retailers I buy through?

 

[The One]

I browsed Air Compressors Direct and these caught my eye:

BelAire 318VLE
BelAire 6312V (will 3-phase work with my home electricity? Is it something simple a electrician can setup for me?)
IR 2475N7.5-V
Quincy 271C80VCBM

Any thoughts on these?

 

[The One]

Also is it worth buying one with a auto tank drain or can I add that easily later?