Homeowner compressor ideas

[Randydrummer]

Hello all,



I am in the market for a compressor. The compressor would see general homeowner uses, I currently have a Craftsman 3 Gallon/1HP 2.4 SCFM @90 and it has served me well. I recently acquired air tools and my compressor will run some tools, but really can't keep up. I would prefer to have a 120V compressor.



Any ideas would be welcome. 120V, homeowner who wants to run air tools when automobile jobs come up, besides that, I generally am inflating tires, balls, light air cleaning, etc. Thanks GJ.

 

[MattN03]

I have a 33 gallon upright Craftsman, and it's been a good compressor in the 8-9 years I've owned it. I run a Blue Point 1/2" drive impact and a 3/8" drive Blue Point ratchet without a problem. My only complaint is that it's noisy, and I wished I'd spent the extra money on the quieter Craftsman Pro.

 

[CJM8515]

I have a 33 gallon upright Craftsman, and it's been a good compressor in the 8-9 years I've owned it. I run a Blue Point 1/2" drive impact and a 3/8" drive Blue Point ratchet without a problem. My only complaint is that it's noisy, and I wished I'd spent the extra money on the quieter Craftsman Pro.

Same one but horizontal setup. I picked it up for a song so it was worth it to me. I too wish I had an oil driven model and of course a larger tank. However 33 gal will do most things you need and I think it makes like 6cfm which is quite a bit from casual use. Your not gonna use a dual action sander very long with it or similar but it works anything else I want.

 

[Randydrummer]

So, your 33 gallon Craftsman is not oil lubed?

 

[Voi]

I've owned way too many compressors in the ten years we've owned this home. All were 110V.

My first and favorite was a horizontal oiled Craftsman. I think it was in the low 30's gallon-wise. I checked at the time and IIRC it was made by Devilbiss.

I got sick of tripping over it and a friend of mine offered me something for it and I accepted, thinking I'd either get an equivalent vertical or just bite the bullet and get a larger 220V unit.

With hindsight I should've just mounted it up on a shelf somehow to get it out of my way and just ran pipe to get air where I needed it.

Still running strong at my friend's house, by the way.

 

[pattenp]

Do you want it to be portable?

The Lowe's Kobalt 2HP 30Gal is nice.

 

[Randydrummer]

It doesn't need to be portable, I have 2 50" lines, I'm only working in my 2 car garage and driveway.

 

[zkling]

Look for a used, older Sears, CH, Speedair or the like. Horizontal unit ~20-30gal, belt driven, single stage. Most of them are 120/240v and just about the max air you can can put out on a 120v input circuit.

 

[Randydrummer]

Look for a used, older Sears, CH or the like. Horizontal unit ~20-30gal, belt driven, single stage.

Thanks. I have read horror stories on GJ of guys purchasing older used units that had not been properly drained or maintained. I'm sure some older units were built to last compared to new products, but I don't want to purchase someone else's disaster waiting to happen, and honestly I'm not sure I would have the knowledge to determine a good used compressor from a ticking time-bomb. Of course any tips would be appreciated.

 

[jwh]

I'd look for something new with a belt driven compressor (i.e seperate motor and compressor). I had a belt driven Craftsman for ages. Then the tank sprung a leak. Looked for a new tank, Sears had a sale going on, bought a new unit with the one piece motor/compressor. It's ok but takes forever to build air.

In hindsight I should have taken the new one, pulled the compressor and motor off the old one, and put it on the new one.

Sold the old one. Kicking myself for it.

John

 

[Randydrummer]

I don't believe I will put outside as I have enough room for compressor. So a 120V, oil lubed, belt driven 20-30 gallon compressor is what y'all suggest.
Next question. Will I need a dedicated 15 amp 120 outlet to run compressor? My current compressor(s) are small and I have plugged into outlets with other components.
If the answer is yes, and I have to do eclectric work, I might as well go to the 240V? Does that make sense?

 

[Voi]

Will I need a dedicated 15 amp 120 outlet to run compressor?

My oversized three car had one circuit for EVERYTHING when we first bought the house, even the openers. The compressor was one of the first things I bought and I still managed, but had to be careful.

I don't think you'll need a dedicated outlet but I did add three, 20 amp circuits, each with a few outlets. It did make it easier to plug the compressor into a circuit that wasn't being used by something else.

As far as 240v, compressors are like welders and table saws. You won't regret more power.

 

[Showkey]

The newer Bostich and Dewalt are 200 psi max 5.0 CFM at 90 psi. 15 amp and you can be in the same room with them and actually have a conversation. They are portable and have a small tank but they do work. 78 db noise level

I think there a few brands that market this same compresser.

Obviously all these 5 CFM units will not run a bead blaster or big paint gun........but has a lot more capacity than the typical pancake units and more quiet than the typical cheap oil less.


Not a great price just an example:
http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-r...ult,pd.html?start=9&cgid=bostitch-compressors

 

[Kev442]

CAT has about the quietest compressor you can buy, on sale at HD:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Californ...t-and-Oil-Free-Air-Compressor-10020/203245210

 

[themiller]

The newer Bostich and Dewalt are 200 psi max 5.0 CFM at 90 psi. 15 amp and you can be in the same room with them and actually have a conversation. They are portable and have a small tank but they do work. 78 db noise level

I think there a few brands that market this same compresser.

Obviously all these 5 CFM units will not run a bead blaster or big paint gun........but has a lot more capacity than the typical pancake units and more quiet than the typical cheap oil less.


Not a great price just an example:
http://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-r...ult,pd.html?start=9&cgid=bostitch-compressors

I have the Dewalt and it works splendidly. Runs my IR ratchet, nailers, and other intermittent tools with plenty of air. I bought it because of it's footprint during storage. It is NOT quiet, but it does work well the few times every other month I end up using it.

There is a big difference in having a small 200PSI tank and a small motor running on 115 vs a small 135/150PSI tank a small motor running on 115 and being able to use an air ratchet effectively (I use an IR 2135TiMAX). Honda crank bolt, wheel hubs, suspension work, all possible assuming you're not trying to move at F1/pro-mechanic speed.

 

[Randydrummer]

Question. My impact runs 4cfm @90 I'm not sure about other tools. I have 3/8 wrench, air hammer, sander( not DA) and a small cutoff tool. Would 5cfm be enough?

 

[the1nonlyjl]

I have a 33 gallon upright Craftsman, and it's been a good compressor in the 8-9 years I've owned it. I run a Blue Point 1/2" drive impact and a 3/8" drive Blue Point ratchet without a problem. My only complaint is that it's noisy, and I wished I'd spent the extra money on the quieter Craftsman Pro.

all compressors are noisy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jgorm]

all compressors are noisy.

Ever heard a screw compressor? They had to put streamers on them at the sema show because people didn't believe they were running. Too bad they start around $3000 and go up quickly from there. I'm super close to buying the 60g HF compressor. I have a 5 hp peak 30g craftsman, but it needs a pump rebuild and new motor to be decent. I really overworked it with a nibbler cutting a 5" hole in sheet metal.

 

[Todd1803]

Screw compressors are awesome. Tons of air, quiet enough to stand next to and have a conversation. Unfortunately I don't have that much disposable income. I think the two we use at work were like $15k each.
In the real world, there is no way I would buy an oil free compressor for stationary home use. I've got a small one for mobile use, but I consider it to be disposable. I'd go find a good old used model on CL first. It's not just the volume of the noise, it's the pitch / drone. The oiled pumps and their rhythmic thump thump kind of fall into the background, but the oil free are so angry sounding, I just can't tune them out.

 

[Randydrummer]

Thanks for all the comments. Let's try this.

Noise is not an issue for me.
Must be able to run 5cfm and keep up (not running constantly).
Oil lubed
120V preferred.
Space not an issue.
Can be stationary (I have 2 smaller portable compressors).
Homeowner usage.


The Craftsman, Kobalt, Grainger models look good. Any thoughts about HF models? I assume all the above compressors are Asian imports anyhow. I really don't like HF so I'd like to stay away if possible.

 

[Todd1803]

I believe I've seen some positive info on here about the HF oil lubed compressors. They likely have the same parts as the other "budget" machines.

 

[sberry]

Since it doesn't need to be portable and really needs a new dedicated circuit why fukk with 120V? Its not that the comps are bad its just a pitiful circuit for making air from, similar to welding. They are often long and some are 15A. The cost leap to a significantly better unit, about 2x as good isn't much more than a hundred juice

 

[Randydrummer]

Since it doesn't need to be portable and really needs a new dedicated circuit why fukk with 120V? Its not that the comps are bad its just a pitiful circuit for making air from, similar to welding. They are often long and some are 15A. The cost leap to a significantly better unit, about 2x as good isn't much more than a hundred juice

I mentioned that on the fist page, but no one responded. For my situation, to have a dedicated circuit 15A 120, I need to do some electrical work. So if I'm going that route I was thinking what your saying, just get a 240V and be done with it. Should have all the HP, SCFM and capacity I'll ever need.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would prefer to have a 120V compressor.

Common requirement, but few compressors that make 4+CFM @90 psi meet it !

Your typical, oil lubed, 1hp is right at about that limit. You would be much happier with a 2hp compressor, but most (all?) require 240V (Even some 1hp compressor will trip a 120V 15A breaker.)

Check out this GJ thread California Air Tools Ultra-Quiet Compressors on sale at Home Depot

If portability is important, pay the extra and get the one with the twin aluminum tanks.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I mentioned that on the fist page, but no one responded. For my situation, to have a dedicated circuit 15A 120, I need to do some electrical work. So if I'm going that route I was thinking what your saying, just get a 240V and be done with it. Should have all the HP, SCFM and capacity I'll ever need.

I have to agree, but you have to work within your budget !

If changing that circuit to 240V @20-30A IS containable, there is a lot more to choose from. Look for 2-3hp oil lubed.

Also, if you shop CL, you should be able to find a Sears/Craftsman oil lubed 2-3hp compressor from the 70-80s for under $200 (typically painted tan or copper). These were built by DeVibiss or Campbell Hausfeld. It they were maintained (tank drained) these things last FOREVER !

 

[Randydrummer]

Great. Now I am on a mission. Since I already have a 120V, 1 HP oil lube, portable compressor, it seems I'm in the market for a 240V big boy. Has anyone ever installed 240V in standard 2 car garage? What am I looking at here?

 

[Kev442]

240v is what comes into the house from the street, you already have it.
You just need the correct circuit breaker to fit the size of the compressor you end up buying. So, picking a compressor comes first to see if you need a 20-30 or whatever amp breaker and the correct size wire to match the breaker.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks for all the comments. Let's try this.


Must be able to run 5cfm and keep up (not running constantly).
Oil lubed
120V preferred.

YOU CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE !

Die grinders, cutoff wheels, sanders and sand blasters all take >5 CFM. That will require a 5ph compressor and 240V.

You can run all of the above on a 2hp (I have), but you will frequently have to stop and wait for it to catch up. A 3hp with >50 gallon tank will mean you can run longer between stops.

 

[Randydrummer]

YOU CAN'T GET THERE FROM HERE !



Die grinders, cutoff wheels, sanders and sand blasters all take >5 CFM. That will require a 5ph compressor and 240V.



You can run all of the above on a 2hp (I have), but you will frequently have to stop and wait for it to catch up. A 3hp with >50 gallon tank will mean you can run longer between stops.

Cool, yes thanks. I've established that 120V is a no go. I'm I'm the market for 240V 2-3 hp 30+ gallon I believe. Any recommendations?

 

[pattenp]

I believe a vertical 240V single stage 60gal such as the Husky at Home Depot or the Kobalt from Lowes will fit your needs without busting your wallet. Those run around $450-$500.

 

[Falcon67]

Has anyone ever installed 240V in standard 2 car garage? What am I looking at here?

Sure, no problem. This is a 3.5 HP CH compressor that I parked in the corner of my old 20x24 shop. It sat on vibration pads made from stall blanked material and never moved. 12-2 w/gnd wire on a 20A circuit is sufficient for a 3.5HP compressor.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Die grinders, cutoff wheels, sanders and sand blasters all take >5 CFM. That will require a 5hp compressor ...

If you want to use those tools CONTINUOUSLY !

Cool, yes thanks. I've established that 120V is a no go. I'm I'm the market for 240V 2-3 hp 30+ gallon I believe. Any recommendations?

That will handle intermittent use on the tools I listed.


This would be perfect, if you lived near Metro Detroit. air compressor high CFM 12@40psi runs great 150$ today - $150

New, this is about the best deal I can find outside of HF

Campbell Hausfeld 3.2-HP 26-Gallon (Belt-Drive) Cast-Iron Air Compressor - $660

 

[pattenp]

Sure, no problem. This is a 3.5 HP CH compressor that I parked in the corner of my old 20x24 shop. It sat on vibration pads made from stall blanked material and never moved. 12-2 w/gnd wire on a 20A circuit is sufficient for a 3.5HP compressor.

Well... maybe from the aspect that your compressor runs without tripping the breaker, but by electrical code if the motor data tag is listing 3.5HP it should be on a minimum of a 25A circuit. If the manufacturer specifies a 20A circuit, then that's fine.

 

[Bluebeard]

I just picked this Porter Cable 60 gallon up from Tractor Supply for $419 from an Easter sale, even the regular price is pretty good. I'm about to go wire it up, first chance I've had....just picked it up Monday. I'll post back up with my thoughts on it, as I haven't found much online about this model. The price was just too good to ignore. It would be a pain to return if necessary but I was willing to gamble. I recently got a Porter Cable drill press from Lowe's and have been very pleased with it, so I'm hoping this is similar quality.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/porter-cablereg;-stationary-belt-drive-air-compressor-60-gal

As mentioned above, the California Air compressors are nice. I have the smaller quiet 6gal if memory serves me and I love it, but I want to get a blast cabinet so I can media blast guns, knives to prep for Duracoat and bead blast finishes. Also, it just wasn't enough to run my die grinder or cutoff wheel. The larger model may fit your needs, and the smaller one is great if you aren't in need of lots of volume or CFM. My old craftsman was an oil-less and was super loud. This one, you can have a conversation next to it while it runs. I'm sure the new one will be loud...but it probably won't be running nearly as much for my use.

 

[GN4WHLN]

I have this one. http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/29-gal-2-hp-150-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html
It has served me well. It's quiet, keeps up with my needs and is not too big.

 

[Nickshelby]

I bought a husky 60 gallon that is made by Campbell hausfeld and it is used for light hvlp painting (motorcycle stuff) and general air tools like impacts, blow nozzles, and cut off wheels. It does perfectly and the price was pretty damn good $450 currently on sale. It is an oiled compressor and belt driven so somewhat decent on the noise level. Mine is in a closet in my garage. I used to have a 60 gallon craftsman oil less and it would make my ears bleed how loud it was.

 

[Nickshelby]

Here's the closet

 

[-Hey_Now-]

Hey OP, since you already have a working compressor that does what you need, have a considered a 1/2 cordless impact wrench and possibly cordless impact ratchet.

Just a suggestion. I was in a similar spot but settled on a smaller compressor unit for air inflation and nailers. I'm currently saving for the IR cordless impact.

 

[Bluebeard]

Got the Porter Cable hooked up and using the formula found https://mcguireaircompressors.wordp...nd-out-how-many-cfm-your-compressor-delivers/

I came up with 13.20 CFM. It took 6 min 20 sec to fill from completely empty. Using a sound meter app on my android phone it was 84-86bd. This should meet all my needs, was easy to wire. The manual didnt have a wiring diagram but the motor says line one is black, two is white, and the power switch has black and white leads so it was easy to figure out.

I'm optimistic about it. Just need to figure out if I'm going to buy a small blast cabinet or fab my own. Since I want to do gun parts I need it to take long barrels, so I'm not sure the one at the local tractor supply will fill my needs.

 

[Randydrummer]

Hey OP, since you already have a working compressor that does what you need, have a considered a 1/2 cordless impact wrench and possibly cordless impact ratchet.

Just a suggestion. I was in a similar spot but settled on a smaller compressor unit for air inflation and nailers. I'm currently saving for the IR cordless impact.

That is a good question.

My only experience with non- air impacts was a HF electric impact. The tool was heavy, loud and had a serious hammering vibration compared to air powered. The tool did not do the job that I needed it to, so I returned it.

I have air tools (impacts, ratchets, cut-off, sander, hammer) so I'd like to be able to use them under correct CFM.