I need some advice on Air Compressors.

[HankRHill]

Hello.

So I am in the market for a new air compressor. I like to work on small engines and really could use an air compressor to help get the job done faster. I currently have some little 3 gallon air compressor that leaks air and it doesn't do what I want at all. I need something a lot bigger. I am currently looking at the campbell hausfeld 20 gallon 1.3 hp compressor, and the Central Pneumatic 21 gallon 2.5 hp compressor. The links will be down below. I just want to make sure that I am making a good purchase for something that will last a while. Hope you all can help!


Hank Hill.


https://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-25-hp-125-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61454.html

https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-DC200100-Air-Compressor/p78082.html

 

[radio2000]

With the holiday weekend, check Lowe's and Home Depot. I bought my 60gal Kobalt during a holiday for cheap, sub $400. Been super pleased with it for automotive, wood working, and everyday household stuff.


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[firebox40dash5]

Never been a Campbell Hausfeld fan, I usually think their stuff is consumer-grade ****. That said, I got one of these:
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-VT6358-Air-Compressor/p7723.html
from Zoro a couple years ago. Fit the bill for me, I needed some semblance of portability, and the ability to work off a 20A/120V circuit... I have a 12x12 shed, and had to install 2 tandem breakers in my panel just to get the dedicated circuit.

I think I ended up around $350 with a coupon, and they charge tax here. It's not shop quality, but it's oil-lubed and hasn't really given me any issues. I did replace the unloader valve with an automatic check valve/unloader, which solved the leakdown from the unloader line, and plumbed a 3/8 tee to a tank-pressure coupler, which lets it easily flow more air than it can keep up with.

I've run my air chisel, 1/2" gun, and whiz wheel off it (not simultaneously, of course...) and it's kept up way better than expected. I honestly can't say that in my reasonable use I've even had to wait on it, that I can recall.

 

[MrGiggles]

Have had the 21 gallon HF compressor for 2 1/2 years now without an issue. I use the heck out of it.

 

[GreyOwl]

FYI! The HF compressor is on a Labor Day sale $149
http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...0016588613&keycode=1011&single=true&main=true

 

[joseph.a.owens.9]

Have had the 21 gallon HF compressor for 2 1/2 years now without an issue. I use the heck out of it.

I have one as well I adjusted mine it runs to 155 psi I have had mine 2 years like this without a problem.

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[theoldwizard1]

I like to work on small engines and really could use an air compressor to help get the job done faster.

I do maintenance on my extended family's small engine. Skip the air compressor and get a good 3/8" drive battery impact (like a Milwaukee M12 Fuel 2454) and maybe a good 1/4" battery ratchet (M12 Fuel 2556).

These 2 will likely cost you more than the compressor and associated tools, but you will be happier in the long run.

If you DO need a die grinder or cut off, you would likely need a larger compressor.

 

[thatguysb]

^what he said, i did some small engine work recently, my m12 1/4 hex, non fuel removed everything from 13mm go down on a briggs pressure washer without a issue.

a 3/8 m18 would be amazing!

 

[hangfirew8]

If you are limited to 120V/15A, for the HF options, skip the 21 Gallon and go right for the 29 gallon. Monday has a lot of deals and coupons, you should be able to get it for a lot less than the list price. The CFM rating is probably very optimistic and closer to the CH 30 gallon.

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html

Whatever you get, remove the factory quick disconnect outlet and toss it, and replace it with a High Flow like the Milton V. Put a Matching High Flow on your 3/8" hose (with 1/4" NPT ends) and then your impacts will hit as hard as the big boys. Your only handicap will be recovery time. I got by for years with a 10 gallon using this trick.

I love my cordless tools, but I don't confuse them with air tools. Air tools don't overheat, are smaller, more powerful (there's no cordless Aircat 1150), last forever, can be rebuilt at home for cheap, and don't need to be tossed every time a battery standard becomes obsolete. If you work on cars, get an air compressor. If you're a carpenter...

 

[Kenskip1]

If you have a Tractor Supply nearby head over and take a look.I have the same 60 gallon compressor that I bought at Home depo for $429. Identical except for the sale decal.

 

[kctyphoon]

The prices of the HF compressors can't be beat.. and they are good compressors.. that said, if you look into buying some cordless stuff, you won't even need a compressor.. it could be a better investment of your money and can make your life easier. A small impact and a cordless ratchet should do you just fine.

Milwaukee makes a good m12 impact wrench, and the new fuel ratchets are about to be released.. the original m12 ratchets are available now, and are cheaper. As far as battery platforms being supported, that's honestly not really a concern. Milwaukee has made a HUGE investment in their cordless tools lines. They won't be left "unsupported" for probably the next 2 decades. You can still walk into Home Depot and buy factory makita 9.6v packs off the shelf, and that line has to be about 20 years old now. After that, aftermarket will be available until we are all in the ground anyway.

 

[HankRHill]

If you are limited to 120V/15A, for the HF options, skip the 21 Gallon and go right for the 29 gallon. Monday has a lot of deals and coupons, you should be able to get it for a lot less than the list price. The CFM rating is probably very optimistic and closer to the CH 30 gallon.

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html

Whatever you get, remove the factory quick disconnect outlet and toss it, and replace it with a High Flow like the Milton V. Put a Matching High Flow on your 3/8" hose (with 1/4" NPT ends) and then your impacts will hit as hard as the big boys. Your only handicap will be recovery time. I got by for years with a 10 gallon using this trick.

I love my cordless tools, but I don't confuse them with air tools. Air tools don't overheat, are smaller, more powerful (there's no cordless Aircat 1150), last forever, can be rebuilt at home for cheap, and don't need to be tossed every time a battery standard becomes obsolete. If you work on cars, get an air compressor. If you're a carpenter...

so do you think I could run these on a 10 gallon tank with the High Flow milton v quick connector?



https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-composite-air-impact-wrench-63061.html



https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/ratchets/3-8-eighth-inch-professional-air-ratchet-47214.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...618-gauge-3-in-1-air-nailerstapler-61694.html

 

[Tallpilot]

The prices of the HF compressors can't be beat.. and they are good compressors.. that said, if you look into buying some cordless stuff, you won't even need a compressor.. it could be a better investment of your money and can make your life easier. A small impact and a cordless ratchet should do you just fine.

Milwaukee makes a good m12 impact wrench, and the new fuel ratchets are about to be released.. the original m12 ratchets are available now, and are cheaper. As far as battery platforms being supported, that's honestly not really a concern. Milwaukee has made a HUGE investment in their cordless tools lines. They won't be left "unsupported" for probably the next 2 decades. You can still walk into Home Depot and buy factory makita 9.6v packs off the shelf, and that line has to be about 20 years old now. After that, aftermarket will be available until we are all in the ground anyway.

I agree with you and prefer cordless to air. However there are some jobs that need a blow nozzle. Spark plugs come to mind. If you take off a valve or timing cover it is nice to be able to blow it out and dry off the brake clean if it was really nasty.

Do we recommend just getting a pancake compressor for that or spend a little bit more for a decent size 150 psi compressor to get additional utility from the purchase?

 

[HankRHill]

I agree with you and prefer cordless to air. However there are some jobs that need a blow nozzle. Spark plugs come to mind. If you take off a valve or timing cover it is nice to be able to blow it out and dry off the brake clean if it was really nasty.

Do we recommend just getting a pancake compressor for that or spend a little bit more for a decent size 150 psi compressor to get additional utility from the purchase?

For just blowing stuff off I would just recommend getting a small pancake air compressor. Anywhere from 2-6 gallon would be fine.

 

[hangfirew8]

I think they would run. I ran my 600 ft lb IR and my Astro Nano just fine. Absolutely the stapler.

 

[clubairth]

I used electric tools until I could move up to a proper setup. Compressed air has dozens of uses and blasting and painting come to mind. I find electric tools heavier and more expensive than air tools. That's because you are lugging around the power source compared to compressed air where the power source is the compressor sitting in the shop.

With the price of Harbor Freight air tools I now have multiples of the same tool with different bits so I just swap tools instead of stopping all the time to swap bits. Real handy when doing body work because I need both a carbide burr and a cut off wheel it's just lay one tool down and pick up another. Really like the extended reach cut off tool and the right angle drill. The air drill is especially small which is critical to it's usefulness!

Cordless always has a big clunky block of battery hanging off it somewhere.

I can't live without compressed air and require a good amount of CFM.

So it really depends on how and what you plan to do.
Any painting or blasting planned?
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