Need help deciding on an air compressor..

[AndrewH]

Hey guys, I've been looking to upgrade my 8 gallon Harbor Freight air compressor. It has served me well but now that I have a garage and have a place for a semi-stationary compressor I'd like to upgrade. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices:

HF 2HP 29 gallon compressor
$329.99 with coupon
5.9 CFM @ 90 psi
150 psi max

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-hors...-iron-vertical-air-compressor-68127-8026.html

Or..

Sanborn 1.6HP 30 gallon compressor
$377 with 10% off coupon
5.5 CFM @ 90 psi
135 psi max

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...portable-air-compressor/p-1655325-c-12910.htm

I am renting and I'm unable to wire the garage for 240v so that's out the window. I like the price of the HF model, and the 150 psi max and the higher CFM though I've heard that might be slightly inflated. On the Sanborn I like the twin cylinder pump, the 2 year warranty and the fact that it's able to be wired for 240 when I do own my own place plus it's 1 gallon larger.

So out the two which one would you guys choose? I appreciate any and all advice, however a larger compressor is not an option both financially or space wise. Let alone the power requirements.

 

[zkling]

If I HAD to choose between the two, I would go with the Sanborn. However with that said, I would first scour CL and the like for an older ~30gal belt driven sears or campbell hausfiled unit. ~$100 give or take a bit depending on condition.

 

[AndrewH]

If I HAD to choose between the two, I would go with the Sanborn. However with that said, I would first scour CL and the like for an older ~30gal belt driven sears or campbell hausfiled unit. ~$100 give or take a bit depending on condition.

Thanks for the response! I've actually been looking on Craigslist for a few weeks and apparently no one is really selling compressors in my area during this time of the year as i haven't found anything at a reasonable price or if i do its a larger compressor that runs on 240v. My biggest issue though is that no one can ever give me any information on the older units such as what CFM they put out at any PSI or what size motor it's running. Plus the ones i have found look pretty rough so I'm about to just say forget it and buy new.

Thanks again,
Andrew

 

[zkling]

Another one you may want to check out is the Kobalt from lowes or even a CH or IR from tractor supply.

One tip if you do get one of the 155psi models. Detune the pressure switch to ~130psi max pressure. It will save quite a bit of stress on the compressor. This is another case of where marketing wins out over engineering. Cause you know 155psi is so much better than 125psi. In reality they are truly single stage pumps.

 

[Danglerb]

What you have works, take your time and look for a good used compressor.

 

[Major Ramifications]

You can't add a 220 outlet, but is there an electric dryer outlet in the garage area?

 

[AndrewH]

You can't add a 220 outlet, but is there an electric dryer outlet in the garage area?

Unfortunately there isn't, the garage is detached and is about 30 feet away from the washer / dryer room in the house. I definitely wish I could wire it as I'd also like to buy a heavy duty welder and that certainly won't be happening on 110v.

 

[Davefr]

I'd find out the motor RPM specs on both those units. I'm pretty sure that Sanborn unit is 1750 RPM. It's a very quiet unit. Sanborn also made similar compressors for Lowes and HD.

That HF unit could be 3450 RPM. If so, it would be substantially louder.

In addition the Sanborn unit has a 2 yr. warranty vs. 90 days for the HF unit. For a compressor, I think that's fairly important because it's not uncommon for some of these units to have pump or motor problems down the road.

 

[djjsr]

Check the Campbell Hausfeld compressors. The ones I've looked at have a 3 year warranty and have good reviews. They have all of the specs on their website.

 

[AndrewH]

I'd find out the motor RPM specs on both those units. I'm pretty sure that Sanborn unit is 1750 RPM. It's a very quiet unit. Sanborn also made similar compressors for Lowes and HD.

That HF unit could be 3450 RPM. If so, it would be substantially louder.

In addition the Sanborn unit has a 2 yr. warranty vs. 90 days for the HF unit. For a compressor, I think that's fairly important because it's not uncommon for some of these units to have pump or motor problems down the road.

Agreed, I'm really leaning towards the Sanborn based on the warranty and the noise factor, I believe you're correct about the RPM. I'd rather spend a little bit more now than have to do it all over again in a year or two.

 

[Ad13]

Dont bother with cheap compressors like that HF. That Sanborn seems pretty good. Unfortunately with a standard outlet, the most cfm you can get is around 5.7.

 

[jimgerken]

I like the little Puma, usually on sale in my area for about $350 or so. Its a 2Hp so will usually run on a 110 volt circuit without trouble. V-twin compressor, nice vertical tank for less floor space used up, etc. Great unit! Here is a link, http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Pum...earch&gslfah&gclid=CKLE2_yzg7wCFct9OgodGl4A8g

 

[AndrewH]

I like the little Puma, usually on sale in my area for about $350 or so. Its a 2Hp so will usually run on a 110 volt circuit without trouble. V-twin compressor, nice vertical tank for less floor space used up, etc. Great unit! Here is a link, http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Pum...earch&gslfah&gclid=CKLE2_yzg7wCFct9OgodGl4A8g

I wish we had Fleet Farm around here, but unfortunately the closest one would probably be WI, which is a pretty far drive for me. Plus that compressor is only 20 gallon, I'm trying to go as larger as I can on 110v which seems to be 30 gallons.

 

[jimgerken]

The Meanrd's 11% off sale goes through this Sunday I believe. You get the 11% in the form of a rebate certificate you have to spend at Menards again, but it seems there is always something you need from 'Nards.

 

[AndrewH]

The Meanrd's 11% off sale goes through this Sunday I believe. You get the 11% in the form of a rebate certificate you have to spend at Menards again, but it seems there is always something you need from 'Nards.

That's my plan, except they accept competitors coupons of up to 10% so I'm planning to use a Lowes Movers coupon at menards, I doubt I'll get both the 10% and the 11% but maybe, just maybe I'll get lucky! lol

 

[AndrewH]

Well guys, maybe I'll get lucky, I found this compressor on CL for $300 and since it's been up for sale for awhile i might be able to talk him down slightly. What do you think?

 

[Major Ramifications]

Oh yes, the little Campbell Hausfeld (relabled Husky for Home Depot) with the VT pump.
If his price is good, buy it. They are good units and CH stands behind their stuff and their service centers.

 

[Davefr]

Well guys, maybe I'll get lucky, I found this compressor on CL for $300 and since it's been up for sale for awhile i might be able to talk him down slightly. What do you think?

At $300, I'd prefer to spend the extra $77 and get the brand new Sanborn unit with factory warranty and whatever discounts you can get from the store.

Now if this CL guy sharpens his pencil and can get down to <$250 then that could be a decent deal. It looks like a nice unit.

Those older 30 gallon units tend to be taller/thinner and more top heavy. The new ones are shorter/wider and probably a little easier to cart around.

 

[djjsr]

That's my plan, except they accept competitors coupons of up to 10% so I'm planning to use a Lowes Movers coupon at menards, I doubt I'll get both the 10% and the 11% but maybe, just maybe I'll get lucky! lol

Buy a gift card, get the 11%, use the gift card to buy the compressor, get the 11% again.

 

[zkling]

Agree with Dave, ~$250 if not a little less for that unit. It is a bit challenging to give a used compressor a thorough check up without looking like a complete jack a$$.

 

[zakmartin]

A few years ago, I got a good deal on a 27-gallon Craftsman Professional upright compressor and have been pleased with it. If you're looking for something in that size, it delivers nicely.

Craftsman Pro 27 gallon compressor
$479.99 (but will go on sale on holidays, i.e., President's day - I paid $340)
5.8 CFM @ 90 psi
150 psi max

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-27-gallon-vertical-portable-air-compressor/p-00916474000P

 

[AndrewH]

Buy a gift card, get the 11%, use the gift card to buy the compressor, get the 11% again.

That my friend is a very smart idea! I think I just might do that and get nearly $100 back, granted it's only able to be used at Menards but I have no issues finding stuff I could use from there.

 

[compressornew]

Sanborn 30 Gallon air compressor is best for me.Because this compressor take more working capacity and their descriptive functions more clear it works.Dual motor voltage capacity is efficient for work in some industries.I think 2 year warranty period is best for every customer.