looking for an air compressor

[dk10438]

Hi
new to the forum and am in the process of closing on a new house so I want to get an air compressor with some pneumatic tools. Realistically it will be for some light duty work although being able to run an 1/2 in impact wrench will be a priority. Space and cost are also important factors although I don't want to buy a pancake compressor and have to buy something 6 months later. So I'm considering

Makita Mac5200 at $360
Dewalt 55146 reconditioned at $200
Northstar 2 hp 20 gallon at $470
IR Garage Mate at $600

Opinions??

 

[jonjon1]

How much room do you have?

Do you have a tractor supply near by or a harbor freight, on easter HF is having a 25% of coupon so you can get there 5hp 60ga for $600 or TS has a 60 ga porter cable for $479...

To run something like an impact gun you will need storage, so you could get away with a small compressor and large tank, to run something like a DA you will need storage and recovery, so you will need a large tank and compressor.

I have also noticed different air tools use different amounts of air, my Mac impact gun seemed to snap my compressor on as soon as I pulled the trigger where my IR and SK guns can take off 5 lug nuts with out dropping the psi low enough to trip the switch...

As far as the air tools go, I like Ingersoll rand, depending on your budget you can get something in a wide array of budgets...

One more thing to think about is maybe a 3/8" impact, I hardly use my 1/2" after getting my 2115timax...

 

[Gotcha640]

1/2 impact =/= light duty. I worked in a rotating equipment repair shop (industrial cooling water pumps, compressors, etc) and most of the mechanics there used 3/8. Plenty of 1/2 and 3/4 drive stuff, but if you're using it several hours a day, and it works, 3/8 is much easier.

You're also looking at bigger hoses, which in addition to being more expensive, are bulkier and more annoying to coil at the end of the day.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

Be careful what you buy. I hate China made stuff and decided to buy a Bosch compressor a few years ago. The compressor is made in China, just like Harbor Freight compressors. I was bummed. When the weather is cold the compressor will not start without tripping the motor overload breaker.

 

[vintage nut]

I got a ch compressor. Biggest wheeled one they make. 28ish gallon tank, but the pump and motor off the 60 gallon (3hp 220v) it handles things like die grinders without much trouble, and will even do light sandblasting.

you can never have too many tools

 

[Davefr]

Do you have a tractor supply near by or a harbor freight, on easter HF is having a 25% of coupon so you can get there 5hp 60ga for $600 or TS has a 60 ga porter cable for $479...

Not true^^.

HF excludes air compressors from their % off coupons.

The compressor is made in China, just like Harbor Freight compressors.

Not always true^^

The HF 60 gallon/5 HP compressor is not Chinese. It's made in USA with an Italian pump, Mexican motor and US tank.

 

[jonjon1]

Not true^^.

HF excludes air compressors from their % off coupons.



Not always true^^

The HF 60 gallon/5 HP compressor is not Chinese. It's made in USA with an Italian pump, Mexican motor and US tank.

Yup, you are correct, no coupons for compressors, that *****...
I would go with this one then http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936 show your lowes card and get 5% off or get a 10% coupon {you can buy 10 of them on ebay for $2} or go to the post office and get a lowes card HD will honor them around here they do anyway...

 

[dk10438]

Not really looking at anything larger than 30 gallons because of size constraints. Honestly, for what I'm interested in doing, I thinks smaller compressor would do the job. I like the 3/8 in impact idea and I'm going to get either a nitrocat or aircat.

 

[Cope]

Not really looking at anything larger than 30 gallons because of size constraints. Honestly, for what I'm interested in doing, I thinks smaller compressor would do the job. I like the 3/8 in impact idea and I'm going to get either a nitrocat or aircat.

If you have the space, this isn't a bad deal. Made by Sanborn. I was picking up some compressor oil last week and looked at this one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60...c-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936?N=5yc1vZc9pi

 

[bran1har]

Craigslist dude, look for a nice 80 gallon two stage for cheap

 

[vintage nut]

I have to repeat my earlier recommendation. CH 28 gallon 3hp. If you have 220v, you can get the same amount of air as a 60 gallon in the space of a little portable. Pump capacity is far more important than tank volume. Any tank will go empty, and if the compressor won't keep up with the tool, its very limiting. A big tank can suffice for things like impacts, but not die grinders or bead blasting cabinets. My compressor isn't even 30 gallon, and it handles die grinders and even sandblasting

you can never have too many tools

 

[vintage nut]

If you take it to the extreme, consider a trailer mounted diesel air compressor. No tank at all, and they can run a couple jackhammers at once

you can never have too many tools

 

[dk10438]

I have to repeat my earlier recommendation. CH 28 gallon 3hp. If you have 220v, you can get the same amount of air as a 60 gallon in the space of a little portable. Pump capacity is far more important than tank volume. Any tank will go empty, and if the compressor won't keep up with the tool, its very limiting. A big tank can suffice for things like impacts, but not die grinders or bead blasting cabinets. My compressor isn't even 30 gallon, and it handles die grinders and even sandblasting

you can never have too many tools

where's the CH made? And what's the build quality? I seem to be reading conflicting opinions on CH.

 

[cagullett1]

The HF 60 gallon/5 HP compressor is not Chinese. It's made in USA with an Italian pump, Mexican motor and US tank.

Sub $700 range, the HF 60 gallon 2 stage is the best bang for your buck. I've had the MAC700 for a couple years and thought it would fulfill all my needs at the time. After much frustration, I purchased the 60 gallon 3HP Puma on sale at Northern Tool for $380 plus tax. Definitely worth it. I know a couple GJ members have bought them at aircompressorsdirect.com for $700 and were happy with them. I would say buy a little bigger unless you want to buy again.

Whatever you do, DON'T buy oil-less.

 

[dk10438]

with these larger tanks, say greater than 30 gallons, can you leave the compressed air in it for extended periods of time or does it need to be drained every time you use it?

 

[vintage nut]

where's the CH made? And what's the build quality? I seem to be reading conflicting opinions on CH.

This is one of their extreme duty ones. Made in USA and rated at a 5000 hour life expectancy at a 70% duty cycle. Really nice compressor and I'm really impressed with it. Got it on sale for 400 bucks. This is one of their good ones, the small ones are absolute ****. This is a belt drive cast iron pump with an American made 220v motor. If it isn't belt drive and has an oil lubricated cast iron pump, stay away

you can never have too many tools

 

[vintage nut]

with these larger tanks, say greater than 30 gallons, can you leave the compressed air in it for extended periods of time or does it need to be drained every time you use it?

Its really not recommended to leave the tank empty, it should really always have pressure. The less change in pressure, the easier on the tank it is. Leave your compressor at full pressure all the time, and just crack the drain valve to remove the water once a week.

One thing I did was to remove the little drain valve, and put on an elbow, pipe ******, and a gas ball valve. Far easier to drain it, and I find it blasts more of the water out

you can never have too many tools

 

[larryq]

Whatever you do, DON'T buy oil-less.

^^^The most important point of all. Should be a sticky!