Most affordable air compressor that will run air tools?

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

I don't need to use them everyday, but in my garage from time to time I'd like to be able to use a die grinder, cut off wheel, or impact gun. What's the most affordable air compressor out there to suit this need? Will something that puts out 4 cfpm be enough, or should I be looking for something at least double that?

 

[FMC1959]

Not trying to offend you but affordable is another way of saying cheap. Not just the compressor, but the tools also can be expensive or cheap. Cheap tools usually have lower CFM requirements.

With a 4 CFM I think an impact would not be a problem, but even the cheapest die grinders and cutoff wheels will struggle. Probably better with 6-8 CFM.

Oiless will be cheaper. At the end of the day, for real occasional use, a cheap compressor and tools can do the job but when they lack CFM, very frustrating and you'll regret not having gone with better quality or you'll shove them in a drawer and not use them.

Sanders, die grinders and other high CFM tools, my opinion is get good quality or maybe look at the many cordless options becoming more available.

 

[Finky198]

You Might want to stick with electric tools check out harbor freight, Home Depot, or Lowes

Otherwise Your going to spend way more money buying a compressor air tools, air tool oil, air lines fittings and everything else that you're going to need to go along with it. and unless you spend a decent amount of money on quality tools you're probably not going to be happy with the performance. Electric tool don't run out power and will cost a lot less in the long run Don't forget an air compressor uses electricity which is not free

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

Not offending at all, I know affordable means cheap. I've got my nice tools at work, and I know quality usually comes with a price. In my garage, where I won't be working on anything 8hrs a day, I'm just looking for something to get by with a few times a month. I've got a lot of DeWalt cordless impact guns which I love, maybe it would make more sense to take your advice and look into some cordless grinders and other non-air powered tools. Then I could just buy a pancake compressor to fill tires and minor things like that.

 

[Finky198]

Now your on the right track

Air is a big investment for the most part tools, compressor, and accessories When you go cheap on your air system it'll end up putting you in the loony bin constantly having to stop wait makes simple task a serious chore

 

[MrGiggles]

To answer your question, the 21 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight isn't too bad. 4.8cfm at 90 psi. Works fine for an impact, not so well for die grinders. It's 159.99 with coupon.

It's easier to buy the bigger compressor and install it once, rather than get a small one and upgrade later.

 

[86k10]

You can get away with one of those Husky 8 gallon air compressor that cost $99. I can run air ratchet in short runs and use a 1/2 impact. It is not the greatest but you can get by. Its rated at about 4 cfm.

 

[rick carpenter]

You can get away with one of those Husky 8 gallon air compressor that cost $99. I can run air ratchet in short runs and use a 1/2 impact. It is not the greatest but you can get by. Its rated at about 4 cfm.

They're oil lubed too. I have one and like it for what it is but wouldn't use it for constant rotational tools.

 

[Rico.]

I have a 3hp v-twin 50 litre compressor... I think that equates to about 14 gallons.

It's good enough for my DIY garage, but I wouldn't want anything
smaller... It will do 8-10 whel nuts and a few bolts with an air ratchet
before it kicks on.

Using a die grinder is ok, but it does cycle on frequently... thankfully with
a decent sized motor it doesn't take very long to recharge.

If you're just using an impact and filling tyres, a small one will be ok,
but an air ratchet or die grinder will frustrate you very quickly.

If the budget will allow, whatever size tank you get, try and go for a powerful
twin cylinder oiled motor, it makes even having a small tank not a problem.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I'd scour the local estate sales and craigslist for a good used one - much better deals on used compressors (better made vs the new crapola currently offered )

I no longer turn wrenches for a living but stumbled upon a giant(to me)18 month old I.R. two stage, 80 gallon, 7.5hp single phase monster for $650 a few years ago. Overkill for the home garage.........

 

[PCMusicGuy]

The cheapest new compressor I've seen with a oil lubed pump ~5 cfm @ 90 psi is the porter cables that Tractor Supply sells.

 

[bdk1976]

I'd go used - look for a clean and well maintained 60gal 10-12cfm upright unit as a minimum. There are a lot of these in the wild and if you're patient you can probably get one for $200-300.

 

[86k10]

They're oil lubed too. I have one and like it for what it is but wouldn't use it for constant rotational tools.

I got it more for non-automotive uses around the house. But I have been using it since I sold my stationary 30 gallon Speedaire compressor about a month ago. I have the Northstar upright 20 gallon from Northern tool at the freight company terminal as we speak. I am picking it up tomorrow.

 

[retfr8flyr]

This unit from HF is about the best bang for the buck in a casual use compressor. http://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-25-hp-125-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61454.html You can get away with the tools you mentioned except the Die grinder. Die grinders use lots of air and you need a big compressor to keep up with them. The cut off wheel will also use lots of air but you usually don't use on as long as you would a die grinder. It depends on what you will be using them for, for short periods this compressor will keep up but if you use it for any length of time you will need to stop and let the tank build back up.

 

[dnschmidt]

The true answer is minimum needed to use a die grinder for any length of time is 5hp 80gal 2-stage vertical putting out at least 17cfm. About 2K.

Anybody that thinks you can do this with less is wrong.

 

[warweapon762]

To answer your question, the 21 gallon compressor from Harbor Freight isn't too bad. 4.8cfm at 90 psi. Works fine for an impact, not so well for die grinders. It's 159.99 with coupon.

It's easier to buy the bigger compressor and install it once, rather than get a small one and upgrade later.

When my husky model craps out I'm going for the 29 gal oiled model from Harbor Freight. You can get them for under $300. Friend has one in his garage and its very well done. The plate for adapting different motors and pumps open all kinds of options that you don't typically have with oil-less models.

I also agree the 21 gal is a great entry level air compressor. We have one on our work truck and its great for field use.

 

[troyks]

If you can spend about $350 on one the Harbor Freight 29 gallon compressor would really be your best bet, at 5+ CFM @ 90 psi it can provide enough air for basic usage of a die grinder or cut off wheel, and the few extra gallons of air will reduce starts and stops of the compressor a bit. The bonus to this one is really the separate compressor pump, and that it runs at only 1100 RPM compared to the cheaper compressors where the motor and pump are one combined unit and runs at the full 3600 RPM motor speed. The pumps that run at full 3600 RPM experience far more wear and tear, and once that pump is shot the whole unit is basically trash, with the separate pump you can possibly repair or just replace the pump and not have to buy a whole new compressor (motor/tank) again.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Another vote for a used, quality, two stage unit that has been well maintained.

Heavy Duty or Commercial grade compressors vs homeowner units.

Built to last vs built to sell for a low price.

How often does someone come of GJ and say "I have too much compressed air"?
It is nice to have the capacity.

 

[GTA Matt]

My first compressor was a 30 gallon 8? cfm unit. Sure, it could do tires one at a time, not a huge hassle there. But it couldn't keep up with a wiz wheel, die grinder or air drill at all. Very frustrating. I recently upgraded to an 80 gallon 2 stage unit. No comparison at all. You really need to step back and look at your intended use and recalculate or reconsider what you want to do.