Looking at two used air compressors

[verbalkint99]

Hello all,

I was hoping for some help choosing between two used air compressor units. I have been looking for an oiled unit, but nothing has come available in my area and price range in a while. So I am going to settle for an oil free unit for a few years to get something in the garage while I save up for a new unit.

That said, these are what I am looking at:

DeVilbiss Pro 4000 20gal/3.5hp that rates 6.8 cfm @ 90psi

or

Craftsman 30gal/5.5hp that rates 6.4 cfm @ 90 psi

I know that DeVilbiss probably made both units and the HP is overstated and reliant on the 120v. Both look to be in good condition though I am curious on the reliability reputation of these.

Anything I should look for other than rust in the tanks?

Thanks!!

 

[ibedayank]

5.5 hp on 120... this I would like to see

 

[verbalkint99]

Like I said, I know to be skeptical of the rated HP. However, dumb question here, should I expect the cfm to be proportionately exaggerated?

Are the DeVilbiss numbers more realistic?

 

[larry_g]

Like I said, I know to be skeptical of the rated HP. However, dumb question here, should I expect the cfm to be proportionately exaggerated?

Are the DeVilbiss numbers more realistic?

The term 'Oil-Free' would be enough to put this compressor on the NO list.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[AndyCBR]

I have an old craftsman 30 gallon horizontal like that.

They are very loud but it served me well for years. I still have it as a spare.

For airing up tires, running a nail gun periodically, and the odd air tool with non continuous use it worked great for me over the years.

I ended up getting a 2 stage 60 gallon vertical when I upgraded.

I think I bought the craftsman for $299 new in the early 90's.

I did have to replace the drain **** and the regulator and one gauge over the years.


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[verbalkint99]

yeah, I have experience with the craftsman one as well. My grandfather has had a sliightly smaller one foe almost 20 years with no issue. I am curious to know how it stacks up to the DeVilbiss

 

[theoldwizard1]

Save your money and wait for a a old Sear/Craftsman (painted green, gold or copper) oil lubed. It might be 30+ years old, but if the original owner kept in in good condition it will last another 30 years.

Those a "peak" HP number. Useless information. Usually anything more than 1 hp requires 240V.

If you want a quiet compressor that still moves a lot of air, check out California Air Tools.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . . look for the 20 gal horizontal oil-splash belt driven compressors. Some were SpeedAire, Craftsman, CH, etc. These are often on CL in the $100 to $200 range.

The "spray paint" version of the SpeedAire was very durable compressor that often was 120v/240v capable.

Don't waste your money on that Craftsman oil-less . . . . yours ears will be thanking us . . . it's an extremely loud screamer with a short life.

 

[driz]

5.5 hp on 120... this I would like to see

That's Chinese horsepower. It's magical[emoji849]


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[driz]

Oiled units typically last much longer. Oil less cant help but get hot and wear faster with ant real use besides bicycle tires and nail guns ect.. 5 hp[emoji12]ya right . Cut that to about half and you get something close to reality. No worries though , they all lie like that. Pure ******** just like politicians, you can believe that![emoji108]


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[BPJOOP93]

As stated above. Wait and don't buy a oilless

 

[verbalkint99]

OP . . . . look for the 20 gal horizontal oil-splash belt driven compressors. Some were SpeedAire, Craftsman, CH, etc. These are often on CL in the $100 to $200 range.

You mean something like this?

 

[larryq]

You mean something like this?

Yes, that's a very worthy compressor, light years past the oiless ones you're looking at.

 

[verbalkint99]

Good, cause I bought it today. Got it for a lot less than the other two I was looking at. Thanks for the advice guys!

 

[CNGsaves]

Good purchase OP. That compressor will be useful as it's mobile, but still has enough power to do some stuff in shop. You'll get best performance by plugging directly into wall outlet (hopefully 20A circuit) - - - thus, NO extension cords. Just use longer air hoses to reach your work.

What did you end up spending ??

 

[redmondjp]

And most of those compressors can also be set up to run on 240V (at 9-10A instead of 18-20A when on 120V). They start up better on the higher voltage, if you have it available.

And for running something like an air impact, plumb an air line directly into the tank bypassing the regulator, with no quick disconnect at the tank. You will get maximum airflow at the gun that way.

 

[larryq]

Great purchase, you should be very happy with that compressor (and your ears will thank you for it.)

 

[Farmall450]

OP . . . . look for the 20 gal horizontal oil-splash belt driven compressors. Some were SpeedAire, Craftsman, CH, etc. These are often on CL in the $100 to $200 range.

The "spray paint" version of the SpeedAire was very durable compressor that often was 120v/240v capable.

Don't waste your money on that Craftsman oil-less . . . . yours ears will be thanking us . . . it's an extremely loud screamer with a short life.

I agree, have a little speedaire like that and it's a sound unit.

 

[verbalkint99]

Thanks, picked it up for 100. May be bugging you guys in the near future for plumbing advise. I plan to set it up under one of my benches and run rigid pipe to a hose reel. First I have to put a new chord on it as the one on it now has no ground.

And yes, 120/240 options are there. Though if/when I run a 240 circuit it will be for a stationary unit if/when the need arises.