my hunt for a small air compressor...

[bowlofturtle]

i'm looking for a small air compressor for LIGHT automotive work. I just want to put into use my IR2135 and my cheap 3/8 ratchet that i have right now and possible add more air tools later down the road. Its not a ******** thing that i do, i'm more or less the weekend average job mechanic.


i recently tried this out, http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=253750-70-C2002-WK
small 6 gal, .8hp compressor, it was 160$

the compressor was just about the right amount of loudness i wanted but after 2 lugs nuts the compressor kicked on, i figure the problem would be the size of the tank. I had to wait about 2 mins to remove an axle nut, which wasn't too bad because i had time to do other things, like gather tools and take a break. Either way i returned it.



http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00916639000P?vname=Craftsman_Club&intcmp=vc_cc_2008_09

this one shows up for this months craftsman club $148, i assume its going to be exactly the same as my porter cable i had but its slightly cheaper. since this isn't an oil free compressor, i assume this SHOULD last a lot longer and be more quiet. I think i'm going to try it out this weekend when it goes on sale to do a set of brakes for a friend.


aside from that, anyone have suggestions for a compressor with a $200 budget, that i can buy locally or so. lowes did have some $200 17 gal kobalt compressors but i didn't get the details on it.

 

[rickairmedic]

Couple of quick questions 1 do you have 220 available in your garage 2 where are you located . I see decent 220 volt compressors on my local craigslist all the time for under $200.00 . I would say if thats your budget thats your best place to look . I would say at least 30 gallons and 3 HP lotta 3's I know but if you dont want to spend alot of time waiting for air. The larger you can go on your budget the better.


Rick

 

[mkoskinen]

Have you thought about a 20lb CO2 tank, mine lasts me atleast a month or 2 with regular use of the small air tools( 1/2" impact, 3/8" impact, air hammer, etc) and only runs me about $15 to refill.

 

[bowlofturtle]

i'm in chicago, I have your typical stores, HD, lowes, HF the standard hardware stores.

garage is 120v

right now I'm going new so i can return it if i don't like them. I don't mind waiting, i knew the PC i had wasn't going to cut it but it was on sale and i know i needed air for my axle so i tested it out.

my question so i can understand numbers better would be, i know that the PC i had was a 6gal, 150PSI MAX and the reserve kicks on at 125PSI, which was like about 2 lugs nuts.
Now if i get a say a bigger tank like a 20gal, simliar 150MAX PSI and 125PSI reserve, does the PSI in the tank take longer due to the tank, say i can get maybe all 4 wheels off with a 20gal?

 

[rickairmedic]

I gotta admit I like MK's idea of the co2 tank you could get a 20Lb cylinder for under $200.00 no need for 220 volts . I actually picked up a 40 LB cylinder of C25 for less than $200.00 full from TSC. I doubt co2 would cost more actually the gas itself is cheaper and should be the same cylinder price .I would still not go under 30 gallon tank on a compressor.

Rick

 

[Printer Mike]

I have a 15 year old Sears Craftsman 15 gal, 6.8cfm/90, 110v that I used at my printshop for spraying powder on wet inked paper. Now I have it in my basement workshop for light duty. The problem is it's so stinkin' LOUD!!! 'Bout jump outa my skin when it kicks on....

I wish I could find a quiet one, even if it took longer to fill a tank...

The co2 idea sounds interesting......

 

[goodfellow]

I have a 15 year old Sears Craftsman 15 gal, 6.8cfm/90, 110v that I used at my printshop for spraying powder on wet inked paper. Now I have it in my basement workshop for light duty. The problem is it's so stinkin' LOUD!!! 'Bout jump outa my skin when it kicks on....

I wish I could find a quiet one, even if it took longer to fill a tank...

The co2 idea sounds interesting......

If you can score an older SEARS, Speedaire, Wards, etc 12 or 20 gallon compressor in the 1 to 2 hp range it will be sufficient to do general car work. The older units have cast iron pumps and are fairly quiet compared to the oil-less screamers we have now.

For years I worked with a Sears 12 gallon 1HP, and later a 20 gallon 2HP unit because I only had 110v in the small garage I rented. They are absolutely fine for impact air tools and very marginal with high speed tools such as grinders - although the 20 gal. unit did work OK on small grinding jobs.

Older compressor HP ratings were lower because they stated "running HP" vs startup, so you probably won't find a unit with a higher rating than 2HP that will run on 110v.

A few weeks ago I saw three of these older compressors on the local Craigslist, so I'm certain you'll find something of interest.

Good Luck!!

EDIT -- I still have an old 70's vintage 1/2HP 7.5 gal. Wards compressor. It's not very good for working with 1/2" impact guns and frustrating when using a 3/8" air ratchet. The small units are just not up to the tasks that you described.

 

[PAToyota]

My recent review of the Quincy portable

Although it works with air tools, as others have said I think you are really looking for something larger.

 

[bowlofturtle]

while i dont have a problem with going older sears compressors, i just worry about the repairs it might need down the road. As i am complete clueless about how compressors exactly work and honestly i cant tell the diffrence between a bad running compressor and a good one. Unless it obviously sounds like ****.

i've seen a lot of these 5 hp 20gal tanks on and off craigslist. only problem is that they are in the middle of IL and i'm not, it would take aleast 50 miles for me to go get it.


If you guys can give me a quick run down of what to look for in a used compressor, common signs of furture problems and complete things to just aviod that would be great.

if and when i find a compressor close to me i'll post it here before anything, most like craigslist findings in the chicago area.

 

[JohnK007]

How about adding another C-note to your budget and take a ride to Farm and Fleet in either Montgomery or DeKalb and take a look at this:

http://www.farmandfleet.com/catalog/product.aspx?i=467354&h=050104001

Have heard good things about Puma here and on other boards, plus it's on sale. Will be quieter than an oiless unit too. As far as zipping all four wheels off without it recycling I doubt you're going to be able to do that with less than a 60 gal tank. It's all about CFM and storage capacity. Something like the above would be a decent compromise for infrequent automotive work. Has to beat a pancake or hot dog unit.

 

[mhm993]

Last time I looked. Grainger had a closeout price on a speedaire compressor that sold for nearly $500 reduced down to something like $150. I think it put out about 5cfm and was 2hp or something like that. Seemed like an unbelievable deal!

 

[Printer Mike]

If you can score an older SEARS, Speedaire, Wards, etc 12 or 20 gallon compressor in the 1 to 2 hp range it will be sufficient to do general car work. The older units have cast iron pumps and are fairly quiet compared to the oil-less screamers we have now.

For years I worked with a Sears 12 gallon 1HP, and later a 20 gallon 2HP unit because I only had 110v in the small garage I rented. They are absolutely fine for impact air tools and very marginal with high speed tools such as grinders - although the 20 gal. unit did work OK on small grinding jobs.

Older compressor HP ratings were lower because they stated "running HP" vs startup, so you probably won't find a unit with a higher rating than 2HP that will run on 110v.

A few weeks ago I saw three of these older compressors on the local Craigslist, so I'm certain you'll find something of interest.

Good Luck!!

EDIT -- I still have an old 70's vintage 1/2HP 7.5 gal. Wards compressor. It's not very good for working with 1/2" impact guns and frustrating when using a 3/8" air ratchet. The small units are just not up to the tasks that you described.

Thanks for the information!

 

[JohnK007]

Last time I looked. Grainger had a closeout price on a speedaire compressor that sold for nearly $500 reduced down to something like $150. I think it put out about 5cfm and was 2hp or something like that. Seemed like an unbelievable deal!

Whoa, just checked it out on Grainger's site, that's a GREAT deal!! Might just take advantage of this myself. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[goodfellow]

Whoa, just checked it out on Grainger's site, that's a GREAT deal!! Might just take advantage of this myself. Thanks for the heads-up.

+1 -- If the OP is still searching, then this "IS THE DEAL" for a portable machine.

For $158.41, this machine is now much cheaper than a comparable unit purchased in the 1970's or 80's.


http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4B227



Specs:
Type Electric
Tank Type Horizontal
Voltage 115/230
Amps AC 15.7/7.5
HP 2.0
Free Air CFM @ 90 PSI 5.5
Free Air CFM @ 125 PSI 4.9
Max. Pressure (PSI) 135
Tank (Gal.) 20
(F)NPT Outlet (In.) 1/4
Design Oil Lubricated
Replacement Pump 4B246
Length (In.) 33
Width (In.) 19 1/2
Height (In.) 31
Includes High Performance Cast Iron Pump, Oil Sight Glass and Full Metal Belt Guard

 

[kvom]

I have a 20# CO2 tank I used for a couple of years before getting a compressor. For ratchets/impacts/nailers they're hard to beat, and no noise. Not suitable for grinding.

That Grainger unit looks like a great deal.

 

[67pete300]

+1 -- If the OP is still searching, then this "IS THE DEAL" for a portable machine.

For $158.41, this machine is now much cheaper than a comparable unit purchased in the 1970's or 80's.


http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4B227



Specs:
Type Electric
Tank Type Horizontal
Voltage 115/230
Amps AC 15.7/7.5
HP 2.0
Free Air CFM @ 90 PSI 5.5
Free Air CFM @ 125 PSI 4.9
Max. Pressure (PSI) 135
Tank (Gal.) 20
(F)NPT Outlet (In.) 1/4
Design Oil Lubricated
Replacement Pump 4B246
Length (In.) 33
Width (In.) 19 1/2
Height (In.) 31
Includes High Performance Cast Iron Pump, Oil Sight Glass and Full Metal Belt Guard

You guys bought them all! "No longer available." Had to register and give them my credit card info to figure that out.

 

[67pete300]

What about this one?

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3JR85

Never mind, not available either...

 

[rickairmedic]

Grainger likes to play that game alot they will put things on clearancRicke crazy cheap and they actually dont have any in stock . We just went through the same issue with welders over at Shop Floor Talk none in stock anywhere in the country .

 

[jake00]

http://www.farmandfleet.com/catalog/product.aspx?i=467354&h=050104001

Have heard good things about Puma .

which one is rebadged?
http://www.musselmancompressors.ca/detail.php?ID=1057

 

[bowlofturtle]

You guys bought them all! "No longer available." Had to register and give them my credit card info to figure that out.

yea i found that out the day the first guy posted and i got home and tried to order it... ANY other options out there?


i would stay away from Co2. just give me regular air =P

 

[bowlofturtle]

anyone have experience with the HF compressor?


http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94667

not too sure on the name brand. if you guys know if this is a rebadged something or other please let me know.

 

[pmiranda]

Personally, I consider HF somewhere to buy one-time "throwaway" tools on the cheap when you don't have time to find them borrowed or used. A compressor is something you're going to use for years, so it's worth spending the bucks to get a good one. That particular HF one doesn't have very impressive numbers and I wouldn't expect it to live very long from HF.

 

[rickairmedic]

I only see one problem with that compressor which is the same problem you will have with just about any 110 volt compressor it is going to be loud . I have a 60 gallon 5 HP US general compressor I have owned it for 5 years it gets plenty of use and actually ra for I have o idea how log one night when a hose went . This was a couple years ago and it is still running just fine .I did add an inline shut off after that evening to insure that didnt happen again .HF is hit and miss get the extended warranty on anything like that and run the piss out of it for the first month if it fails they will replace it or give you a refund. I had a 21 gallon US general before I got the 60 gallon the freind I sold the 21 gallon to is still using it to this day its just LOUD .That price does seem high for a 21 gallon though the 50 gallon I have was less than $400.00 on sale.


Rick

 

[rickairmedic]

I know I keep saying check your local craigslist . This mornings deals on my local craigslist craftsman 220 volt 20 gallon 2 HP $40.00 also the HF 21 gallon for $100.00 .


Rick

 

[bowlofturtle]

i see a lot of these 220v units but i only have a 120v and i dont know how to rewire things up to make it work....

i did come across a lot of older units but they are still in the 200+ ranges. for that price i might as just run out and pick up a new 26gal craftsman for $250ish

 

[bowlofturtle]

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/tls/832421650.html

i got this responce,

its a craftsman 22 gallon 5 hp oilless compressor, 130 PSI max, 6.4 scfm @ 90 PSI, 8.6 scfm @ 40 PSI model # is 919.165220 i recently replace the piston connecting rod and bearings, parts are easy to get from sears.com...

i know nothing of these things. what do you guys think about price and model.


130psi max seems really low...

 

[67pete300]

I just got dibs on this guy for $75:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/839874720.html

Apparently a Craftsman model about 15 yrs old.

Any immediate feedback before I go pick it up?

 

[goodfellow]

I just got dibs on this guy for $75:

Any immediate feedback before I go pick it up?

Nice machine Pete -- it looks like a 12 gal unit. It'll run all your impact tools without any problems. Those older Craftsman are good as gold. Clean her up, drain and refill the oil and you're good to go. For $75 it's a bargain.

 

[bowlofturtle]

or how about these...

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/tls/839716607.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/tls/835581812.html

 

[67pete300]

Well, I agree with the craigslist idea. Picked this up tonight:

The guy told me "about 15 years old" on the phone, but the ID plate is stamped 1981! But it starts right up and runs nice and quiet. That was just the test drive, I still need to get it set up and test it out properly. It has a 1 hp GE motor and a 125 psi DeVilbiss compressor. No indications of gals or cfm, but I suspect it is about 12 gals as Goodfellow mentioned. It has an air/water filter on the outlet and a tank drain. I still need to take the cover off to properly inspect the belt. This is my first compressor so I am excited to join the club, as it were.

Stopped on the way home and picked up a 50' Goodyear air hose and some fittings. Now I can start prowling for air tools!

 

[goodfellow]

Take the air/water filter off -- it's useless located that close to the receiver. Plumb the filter about 10-15ft away (about a short lenth of air hose). It's not a perfect water problem solution, but will be better than what you have now.

Nice score --

 

[mhm993]

Well, I'm reviving this thread--I was the guy who posted the terrific deal with grainger that didn't really exist--to gloat about an even better grainger deal, and they actually had one in stock only one state away!!

Just purchased a Speedaire 20 Gallon 3.0hp, 220v compressor, puts out about 10cfm, for $171. Reduced from $535. Hard to tell from the ad if the pump is entirely cast iron or sleeved, but at that price, who cares. I think I purchased the last one in the country!! Proof that good things come for those who wait?!

Air tools, here we come!!

Can you tell I'm excited?

Marc

 

[rickairmedic]

Marc I cant believe you actually got a Grainger special . I know alot of guys who have tried and failed CONGRATULATIONS .


Rick

 

[mhm993]

Can you tell I'm excited? Thanks for the good word.

 

[goodfellow]

Congratulations!!! of course we will want to see pics, and lots of 'em

For $131 that is a steal !! In 1978 I bought a 2HP 20 gal SEARS compressor on sale for $199 and thought I'd hit the lottery, so your purchase is definitely worth a "YOU ****!!!!" moment.

 

[mhm993]

Guess I ought to ask a followup: If I'm using the compressor for basic air tools, what filter/dryer/regulator things ought I purchase to properly set this up? I understand the black pipe with risers and drops part, but could use some assistance for the rest of the hardware.

And thank you for the "you ****". Don't mind if I do.

 

[89MustangGX]

And thank you for the "you ****". Don't mind if I do.

I'm assuming you mean the 4B228. You especially such because I've been eyeing that for a couple years now. I have even been watching for the clearance since they came out with the new model. Now you come here and tell me it's finally happened and I get all excited, but it's not available at any stores in WA or available to ship.

So, yes, YOU ****!

Adam

 

[mhm993]

Takes a bow.