need a *new* air compressor

[redline9k]

Im a weekend mechanic and home DIY'er looking for something that will run a small HVLP gun (5-7 SCFM) for small around-the-house jobs (doors, small parts, etc) and an air ratchet, etc a few times a month. Thinking 30 gallons +/- would be the min, not sure I can afford 60 (space or $). Needs to be 115v - Its a 20A/12g outlet, but im not running 240v.

I havent had very much luck with purchases on CL lasting, so id like to get your opinion for whats a good buy in the new air compressor category in the 4-500 range. 5 is really my max, and id rather not go that high if i dont have to. I know its easy to say "get more than you'll ever need", but we all have budgets to stick to.

Id prefer CI and oil-lube, but not sure i can get that in my budget. Looking around at the big box, HF, sears and have come up with a few that seem to get good reviews;

Craftsman Pro 27g
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...rtical-portable-air-compressor/p-00916474000P

HF CI 29g
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-horsepower-29-gal-150-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-68127.html

Husky/Kobalt - dont know much about, but looks like theres something similar between all of them.

What would you get if you were me?

 

[SRX]

I just subscribed as I am in the same situation; especially space and budget wise.

 

[k-os]

If you end up going for the HF compressor someone posted a coupon in this thread.

 

[pipsters]

Before someone talks you into buying a much bigger compressor for roughly the same price if not less, let me say I have the 25 gal Craftsman Pro (horizontal version of the 27 gal you linked to).

They have been made for a long time, the new new ones are importered parts so durability remains to be seen, but check to see if the pump is from Taiwan or not (mine is). I bought mine about 4 years ago and it has all imported components except for the tank.

FWIW, I did some research and fact checking and found that the Craftsman Pro you linked to is one of the best 120v compressors out there as far as output. I have *never* run out of air doing simple things like 1/2" impact, 1/4" and 3/8" air ratchet, light die grinding, 3" cutoff, etc.

Check out this link, the HF is a pig compared to the Craftsman.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138871

From 5' away in an enclosed garage it runs around 78 db. It's nice and quiet, pump spins @ 720 RPM, nice and slow. They use the pump on the larger model and spin it twice as fast to double output FWIW.

You *need* a dedicated 20 amp breaker and even then sometimes that is not enough. Mine is weird, I actually had to get a 30 amp breaker to run it without popping when plugged into the wall next to the panel. If I bring it out back it runs mine on a 15 amp circuit. I posted on here but I did not have the right tools to fully diagnose the problem.

 

[pipsters]

Also there is a $35 off $300 coupon floating around for Sears...

 

[Fireball027]

I would check out Home Depot. Spend the extra and get one that uses oil.

I have been looking at these ones.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/204068...d=10051&N=5yc1vZc27p&R=204068467#.UVyzSTewWSo

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100063...d=10051&N=5yc1vZc27p&R=100063473#BVRRWidgetID

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203187...d=10051&N=5yc1vZc27p&R=203187352#BVRRWidgetID

 

[darkk]

If the prices are reasonably close and you must buy an *oil less* compressor, buy anything other than the HF compressor. If you can afford more, just buy a better bigger compressor. Above all, try like hell not to buy an *oil less* type compressor....generally they are LOUD and seem to run forever. I also think the hp and cfm ratings on those cheap compressors are a lot less than stated...

 

[redline9k]

i think i actually mentioned oil-lube as a requirement.

either way, Ill stop by my HF this weekend, but think the Cman sounds like the way to go. Reviews seem to be good/better all around.

Is 27g going to be enough to run a small HVLP gun for a closet door or small bookcase once in awhile?

 

[BobKovacs]

Is 27g going to be enough to run a small HVLP gun for a closet door or small bookcase once in awhile?

Should be fine for short duration projects like that. If you ever try to use it on larger projects (like painting a car), the compressor will have a hell of a time keeping up.

 

[pipsters]

You need a turbine hvlp gun or airless for latex paints, no way will any sort of compressor be able to run house paint without thinning it down to ridiculous levels.

 

[DirtRoad]

Dude you can get a 60 gallon 240v single stage brand new for under $500.
Home depot, lowes, tractor supply, menards etc.
They only need 20amp 240v, some 12-2 wire and a breaker, really not that expensive at all.

 

[Madc]

Redline9k- I posted the exact same question a few months ago- I wanted a do everything, 30 gal, 120v Compressor and reality is there isnt one. As long as you understand the limitations of that voltage and tank size you'll be fine. In my opinion, best new options at that price- for the work you described are the Craftsman Pro you mentioned and the tan IR 20 gal GarageMate (right now at $700- but I've seen as low as $475) compressor Sears also sells. Lowe's sells a rebadged 30 Gal-Kobalt-Same motor as the IG for about 450.

I was ready to buy the Craftsman Pro and afound a used/cheap SpeedAir 30gal- comparable performance numbers. Hope another opinion helps.

Mike

 

[redline9k]

found a "like new" cman pro 27g at a local sears outlet + 10% off, so ill be picking it up at lunch. Still carries same warranty,etc, so makes the price hard to beat.

it seems to get the most solid reviews, and for my use, should work out well....thanks everyone for the input.

 

[aka Larry]

Dude you can get a 60 gallon 240v single stage brand new for under $500.
Home depot, lowes, tractor supply, menards etc.
They only need 20amp 240v, some 12-2 wire and a breaker, really not that expensive at all.

I concur. I caught my Husky 60 gallon on sale at HD for $399.00.

 

[DirtRoad]

I concur. I caught my Husky 60 gallon on sale at HD for $399.00.

Its kind of hard to recomend these things sometimes.

I had a 33 gallon oiless for over ten years. It was the only choice i had at the time because the old house i owned i would have had to consolidate breakers to make room, run a new line under ground, install a new panel and then buy the wire and a breaker. All said and done a $400 60 gallon single stage air compressor would have ended up costing me at least $1500.

But if your in the situation where all you need to do is buy wire and a breaker and spend a day or two installing it you would have to be slightly retarded to not go with a 60 gallon compressor.