Help with buying Air Compressor

[bucs012]

It has been years since I bought one and I just have a small Cambell Compressor right now the is SUPER LOUD and 15 years old. In looking at them they seem to have come a long way in over the past 15 years!!!!!!! Confusing..........

I would like a new one for my new garage. I want one that will handle chaning all 4 tires at one time and airing them up. Running a air impact wrench, my air cutting tool etc. NOT for painting any cars or stuff like that, but a good solid garage compressor.

What size of tank, motor should I get? Heck I am even up to exact brands and models too if you want to provide them!

Thanks in advance.

 

[z28snksknr]

What do you mean by "changing all four tires at one time"? Are you trying to do this simultaneously with an air operated tire changer(s)?

Impact wrenches don't require as much as cutting tools. Changing tires with air operated equipment will be much greater.

Do you have a budget in mind? How about voltage- 110V or 220V?

 

[bucs012]

Sorry. I mean to be able to rotate my tires (remove them (lugs) from the car and put them on again) and also check tire pressure and put some air in if need be.

I also have a cutting disk that I have used form time to time but my little compressor does not keep up with it well. I think I have a 15 gallon tank, now but the motor is small.

Budget- $300-$400?

 

[Jack Olsen]

I've been researching this recently as well. If I'm way off base on any of this, I hope somebody will correct me.

I'm pretty sure CFM is a more important stat than tank size. No matter how big the reservoir, the speed a pump can re-fill it when it's depleted is going to determine whether or not you can keep using your air tool.

You get what you pay for, and compressors' prices can go to the sky. But if $400 is what you want to spend (and that's the case for me), then I think you can get a decent 110v or 220v compressor.

On the 110v side of things, the oil-lubricated Craftsman Professional 25 gallon horizontal (model 19541). It's 1.8 hp, with 5.8 cfm at 90 psi, with a 150 psi max. It's $399 through Craftsman Club (or you can get it that price during this season's Black Friday sales).

On the 220v side, there's the oil-lubricated Campbell Hausfeld 60 gallon vertical (model VT6359). It's 3.2 hp, with 10.2 cfm at 90 psi, with a 135 psi max. Campbell Hausfeld's compressor is remarketed under a bunch of different names, including Sear/Craftsman. But you can get it from Tractor Supply for $399 or from Home Depot (under the Husky Pro name) also for $399.

So both units are the same price. Both are oil-lubricated -- which means they'll last longer and be quieter than the never-oil models. Both have pretty good CFM numbers, relative to their voltage. The 220v has better stats (no surprise), but installing a switched 220v circuit adds to the cost.

 

[babzog]

Look at Craigslist and kijiji... you can probably get more of a used one (ie: bigger) for the same money as a smaller new one.

 

[the spyder]

As Jack posted, you will want a Oil Lubricated pump. For your use 2hp-5hp is fine. If you are filling tires, running some small tools occasionally, and blowing off the work bench, anything around a 30 gallon tank size is more then enough.

Brands?
There are so many, just keep these specs in mind while searching.
Nearly any brand oil lubricated pump will give you a good lifetime of service with proper care.
HP: 2-5hp
Tank Size: ~30 gallons
Pump Type: Oil lubricated
CFM: 9-12

Remember, the larger the compressor, the more power it needs. If you buy a 110v (standard wall outlet) compressor, you are limited to a max of 3hp motor. If you buy a 5hp compressor, you need a 220v outlet like your dryer uses.

I HIGHLY suggest craigslist. You can find a small 2hp, 26gal, 9cfm compressor for $150 used.

 

[hetkind]

I would recommend a two stage compressor running off of single phase 220v, using basically the same power requirements as a dryer or a range. Personally I like the IR brand, but Quincy is well respected also. If there is a Northern Tools near you, they have a good selection, at a decent price. Normally anything with wheels is way too small. And avoid oiless, they are far too noisy.

I run a IR 2430 two stage at 17.3 cfm at 90 psi. It keeps up just fine with my 1/2 air drill and die grinder.

Howard

 

[the spyder]

I would recommend a two stage compressor running off of single phase 220v, using basically the same power requirements as a dryer or a range. Personally I like the IR brand, but Quincy is well respected also. If there is a Northern Tools near you, they have a good selection, at a decent price. Normally anything with wheels is way too small. And avoid oiless, they are far too noisy.

I run a IR 2430 two stage at 17.3 cfm at 90 psi. It keeps up just fine with my 1/2 air drill and die grinder.

Howard

He is filling tires? Does he really need a 2 stage? Not to mention anything that large is way way way over his budget.

 

[Falcon67]

Ya, two stage is way overkill in this app. Any of the separate oil bath compressor models, single stage, 1.5 HP with around a 25 gallon tank will serve you very well. If you weren't so far off, I've got a nice one I'd make a good deal on - a Porter-Cable unit the looks like the Craftsman pic above.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

For the upper range in price, try this one with a 20% off coupon to get it down to $400.00

Puma Compressor

You can take the same coupon and get by with less than $300 for this one.

HF compressor

Either one will do what you asked about (air up tires, run an impact gun and other non-airhog air tools). Anything in this price range similar to these will work but, as above, make sure they have an oil bath compressor (prefer cast iron) and that you keep the water drained and change the oil once a year. They will give you years of service if taken care of.

 

[bucs012]

Well I have done a lot of looking at Northern Tools and Sears and Home Depot. The best buy seems to be this Husky Compressor at Home Depot. What I like is that it is also 120v and 15 amps. This means it WILL plug into my normal plug in. Right?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[Falcon67]

That's a nice one, should do well. For "my air cutting tool " - if you mean a die grinder - it will run a lot to keep up with that tool. You will water issues, so I would recommend a water trap/filter at the compressor outlet and a small spin on filter at the tool.

 

[z28snksknr]

I don't have 220V service at my house, so I went with the largest 110V oil-lubed motor unit I could find - it was just under $400 at Lowes with a 10% coupon. My use is a bit heavier than what you stated and I'm happy with it so far.

I suggest either a Craftsman unit like the one shown above or the one at Lowes (i can't find the link online, but it's in the store).

 

[Stinger]

Well I have done a lot of looking at Northern Tools and Sears and Home Depot. The best buy seems to be this Husky Compressor at Home Depot. What I like is that it is also 120v and 15 amps. This means it WILL plug into my normal plug in. Right?

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Yes, that means it will plug into a standard wall plug. If you are willing to do a 220v compressor though, you can get one with twice the output cfm and twice the tank capacity for $330-370 from lowes or home depot.

 

[hetkind]

In my experience, the small, 110v single stage compressors do not keep up with the demands of an inexpensive die grinder or air drill...

 

[billspit]

You could look for a compressor that turns at a slower RPM. That will make less noise. My C-H 4 hp compressor makes a lot of noise. It does handle most of what i need it for, but my siphon sand blaster will wear it out.

 

[Lhorn]

I'd consider going larger if there is a chance you might use it more in the future. In that case, be patient and going "used" will get you what you want. Look for a while and figure out what an items real value is. CL is full of guys wanting to get rich selling their worn out 25 year old compressors, but you do see some good values once in a while and don't be afraid to offer a fair bit less than asking. It's a buyer's market.
For an impact wrench, my 26 gallon CH works well. You gotta go a bit slow to use a die grinder or you'll work the compressor pretty hard. It's tough to paint with a small compressor, forget about things like a DA sander or sand blaster.

 

[aircomparts]

hetkind's post (a few posts back) is correct! ...You are budgeting too little and trying to get an underpowered compressor in comparison to the job requirements you mentioned.

I have a relative who has been both building and selling compressors since 1966 and I asked an expert at that company which compresser they sell would fit your stated requirements best. They mentioned the following one:

http://www.aircomparts-air-compressors.com/U1475/

...which is well above your budget... but, again, you are expecting too much for too little $$ here.

But they said if you had to stay at least close to budget, the following air compressor would be the closest they had to meeting your requirement, and the following one is only a small amount over your price range:

http://www.aircomparts-air-compressors.com/U1017/

(hope this helps)

 

[Falcon67]

In my experience, the small, 110v single stage compressors do not keep up with the demands of an inexpensive die grinder or air drill...

Agreed. Especially if you expect continuous operation, no they won't handle it. But if you control the water production and manage the air supply with the tool use - it'll do good 'nuff sometimes. I've ported several sets of cylinder heads and painted two cars plus other smaller items - all with a 110V compressor. It's not ideal, but if you are on a budget you can make it work within limits.

 

[dfndr]

IMHO, find a 20% off coupon in a car or bike magazine and go to Harbor Freight and get one on sale. Some are very good buys and as long as oil bathed, you'll be ok.

 

[bucs012]

OK, I have it narroed down to this Ingersoll Rand at Northern tool and the Husky. Seems like the one at Norther Toll is more state of the art and quieter...........But has smaller tank. $100 more than the Husky.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200375221_200375221

and the Husky- is loud but has larger tank

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Thoughts before I choose? Not painting cars. just running air tools messing around the garage. Would like to stay portable on 110v and wheels. They BOTH seem to have 135/90 spi..........

 

[z28snksknr]

Not to dissuade you from the above, but I looked at those two as well and ended up settling on this:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=221495-14989-LLA1683066&lpage=none

It looks like they just lowered the price to $399. It's 30 gal, 150 psi max, 5.4 (I think) cfm @90, oil lubed, and runs on 110V or can be wired for 220V if you upgrade later on. I find it to be pretty quiet and keeps up with my air ratchet and impact gun just fine. It's also pretty light and has air filled tires which is nice for moving around.

Just my $0.02 since you ended up where I did on my "internet searching".

 

[neverenoughtools]

Both are good units, so it comes down to $$ and the sound of the unit running. will you be using an impact gun by any chance ?

 

[traditionalcustommuscle]

Just bought a bel aire 80 gal. two stage that was hardley used for 450.00. Including the air dryer and regulator. What a steal. It will not run out of air. I absolutely love it.

 

[poogy]

OK, I have it narroed down to this Ingersoll Rand at Northern tool and the Husky. Seems like the one at Norther Toll is more state of the art and quieter...........But has smaller tank. $100 more than the Husky.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200375221_200375221

and the Husky- is loud but has larger tank

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Thoughts before I choose? Not painting cars. just running air tools messing around the garage. Would like to stay portable on 110v and wheels. They BOTH seem to have 135/90 spi..........

Get the Ingersoll. It is the quietest small compressor of that size Ive ever heard. The first time I plugged one in I thought it would be loud just like every other small compressor Ive heard. I was suprised how quiet it was. I work at Northern. Get a northern credit card and you'll get another 10% off.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I've been researching this recently as well. If I'm way off base on any of this, I hope somebody will correct me.

I'm pretty sure CFM is a more important stat than tank size. No matter how big the reservoir, the speed a pump can re-fill it when it's depleted is going to determine whether or not you can keep using your air tool.

You get what you pay for, and compressors' prices can go to the sky. But if $400 is what you want to spend (and that's the case for me), then I think you can get a decent 110v or 220v compressor.

On the 110v side of things, the oil-lubricated Craftsman Professional 25 gallon horizontal (model 19541). It's 1.8 hp, with 5.8 cfm at 90 psi, with a 150 psi max. It's $399 through Craftsman Club (or you can get it that price during this season's Black Friday sales).

On the 220v side, there's the oil-lubricated Campbell Hausfeld 60 gallon vertical (model VT6359). It's 3.2 hp, with 10.2 cfm at 90 psi, with a 135 psi max. Campbell Hausfeld's compressor is remarketed under a bunch of different names, including Sear/Craftsman. But you can get it from Tractor Supply for $399 or from Home Depot (under the Husky Pro name) also for $399.

So both units are the same price. Both are oil-lubricated -- which means they'll last longer and be quieter than the never-oil models. Both have pretty good CFM numbers, relative to their voltage. The 220v has better stats (no surprise), but installing a switched 220v circuit adds to the cost.

FYI to anyone interested, there is a refurbished one of these for sale NOW at the Home Depot in Whittier, Ca on Washington Blvd for $315. I almost bought it Sunday I was told the 4 year warranty did not apply to it. It looked identical to the one right next to it that was new, not refurbished that was priced at $399. I'm looking to replace my Campbell 20 gal 110v airless (noisy Effer). I want to run the sandblast cabinet I recently bought off CL. I don't think "noisy effer" can cut it.

 

[bucs012]

will you be using an impact gun by any chance ?

Yes, I WILL be running an impact gun as well for short periods of time.

 

[Dan0myte]

Hey bucs.

Honestly, if you're just planning on changing tires and running a basic impact gun, you don't need a 60 gallon oil lubricated air compressor like some of these guys are saying. A 20 gallon direct-drive portable will be fine and save you a lot of money. The people complaining about it being noisy - that's only when it's refilling. If bucs is just filling up a tire and knocking off some lug nuts, the thing will almost never be running.

But, that being said, buying something like that will limit you in the future as to what you can do in your garage. It will only do tire changes and regular impact guns... that's it. If you ever want to get into more professional tools you won't be able to, it won't keep up. If you think you're going to ever want to use an air sander, air painter, air drill, or any other constant use air tool, then you will want something with a minimum of a 60 gallon tank. And in this case you will definitely want a belt driven, oil lubed pump for the added cooling effect and quietness because the pump will be running almost constantly with those type of tools.

So it's really up to you and what you think the goals of your garage are. Buying a $2000 2-stage air compressor to change your wheels is like buying a Viper to commute to work. Sure it does the trick and looks cool, but a Nissan Versa will accomplish the exact same task and cost 10 times less.

 

[radmotorworks]

Some thoughts...its a bummer to run out of air and ****** will not do it for you. Once you get using it, you will find applications that demand more air like sand blasting. Unfortunately, air compressors are highly inefficient at transferring HP from motor to tool--so generally more works better.

At the same time, its hard to find a good compressor on the cheap. The Home Depot one is a common C.H. pump that you see rebranded in a lot of places, its their more premium pump (since their main distribution channel is Walmart), single stage and noisy but should do you for a few years.

Practically very house has 220v service, two hots one ground but you may need an electrician to hook up 220v if only for insurance reasons. Also, phase is another concern as many shop grade compressors have 3-phase which will not work at home...you need 1-phase or a nice wad. A 120v motor can give you a good 1.5 real HP (if I recall, 1 HP = about 745 watts) which is OK. Forget the peak ratings, that's H.S''t. on junk compressors (ever lift a real 5-10HP electric motor?). You can always tell by the wire size what it can really give you.

There is nothing like a shop grade compressor though--feels good, runs quieter etc. Might consider also the economical line from a pro-grade compressor supplier. Plenty of options in the "better quality slightly more expensive" segment.