So my old 20gal compressor is at the end of its life. It’s just a cheap Campbell hausfeild. One of those blue ones from like Walmart or something. I saw harbor freight has new line of compressors and was at menards and the master force compressors are all new as well. I was looking at a 17 gallon master force compressor with a max psi of 225. How much of a difference does the max psi have on compressor performance? My current one goes up to 150psi. I do light auto work with impact wrenches for tire changes and air ratchets for nuts and bolts, fill tires, inflate kids toys, blow off things. Would the 17 gal 225psi be a good fit for me or should I go bigger to a 20gal or 30gal?
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New compressor questions?
- Thread starter ride92
- Start date
pattenp
Well-known member
What ever tool you use that requires the most cfm's is the min size compressor you need. The more tank volume the less the pump will need to run.
marinusdees
Well-known member
It's not the gallons or pressure that measures performance under use, it's the cfm capacity of the compressor head.
dagofast
Well-known member
Luckily for me, my old Campbell Hausfeld 20 gallon is still running great, although it does have a new black tank to replace the original blue one. I did supplement it with a new Porter Cable 20 gallon horizontal compressor for the times I need more volume. I got a smoking deal on the new one; on sale at Tractor Supply for $299 which is only a bit more than the new tank cost me. They should both outlast me since I'm old and gray.
I do hear great things about the large vertical 60 gallon Harbor Freight compressors. If you need a 2 stage or one that large, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal on a comparable air compressor.
I do hear great things about the large vertical 60 gallon Harbor Freight compressors. If you need a 2 stage or one that large, you'd be hard pressed to find a better deal on a comparable air compressor.
Can’t imagine I’d ever have a need for something over about 5cfm @ 90psi. Reading the discription and specs I see the ones with higher pressures saying they have more usable air. The 225psi 17gal master force says it has more then 80% of the usable air then a 17gal 150psi model. I’m also looking at the fortress 27gal model from harbor freight. 200psi says has up to 150% more run time.
I am going with the HF 2 stage 60 Gal compressor as soon as my epoxy floor job is done next week. That's the best deal going for a mid-grade 2 stage with good airflow.
You will NEVER wish you bought a smaller Compressor but you might wish you bought a BIGGER ONE!
You will NEVER wish you bought a smaller Compressor but you might wish you bought a BIGGER ONE!
driftpin
Well-known member
Where are you? Someone may have a deal close-by but ya gotta show your location by the screen name.
So my old 20gal compressor is at the end of its life. It’s just a cheap Campbell hausfeild. One of those blue ones from like Walmart or something. I saw harbor freight has new line of compressors and was at menards and the master force compressors are all new as well. I was looking at a 17 gallon master force compressor with a max psi of 225. How much of a difference does the max psi have on compressor performance? My current one goes up to 150psi. I do light auto work with impact wrenches for tire changes and air ratchets for nuts and bolts, fill tires, inflate kids toys, blow off things. Would the 17 gal 225psi be a good fit for me or should I go bigger to a 20gal or 30gal?
I'm concerned that is one of those noisy, oil-less, direct-drive machines that doesn;t last a long time.
I've been using this 240V portable Speedaire for over 20 years.
https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/en/product/AIR-COMPRESSOR-3-0-HP-240V-135-PSI/p/GGF1NNF7
SGKent
Banned
So my old 20gal compressor is at the end of its life. It’s just a cheap Campbell hausfeild. One of those blue ones from like Walmart or something. I saw harbor freight has new line of compressors and was at menards and the master force compressors are all new as well. I was looking at a 17 gallon master force compressor with a max psi of 225. How much of a difference does the max psi have on compressor performance? My current one goes up to 150psi. I do light auto work with impact wrenches for tire changes and air ratchets for nuts and bolts, fill tires, inflate kids toys, blow off things. Would the 17 gal 225psi be a good fit for me or should I go bigger to a 20gal or 30gal?
on some of those the real culprit is that the inlet filter is dirty. I bought a twin cylinder one from a fellow who thought it was weak. Only needed a filter.
I’m in Wisconsin, about 30min west of Milwaukee. I do t know if budget allows for a 60gal compressor? The fortress and the master force are suppose to be ultra quiet. I feel like the new oil less compressors have recently made strides in reliability. They seem to have gone up in price quite a bit as well.
PWC Repair
Well-known member
Lowes has a Kobalt 60 gallon 2 stage for $550I am going with the HF 2 stage 60 Gal compressor as soon as my epoxy floor job is done next week. That's the best deal going for a mid-grade 2 stage with good airflow.
I have almost that same unit. Mine is older and says commercial, rated for continuous use.I've been using this 240V portable Speedaire for over 20 years.
https://www.acklandsgrainger.com/en/product/AIR-COMPRESSOR-3-0-HP-240V-135-PSI/p/GGF1NNF7
If I were going for quiet I'd be looking at the California air compressors. Harbor freight has a similar version but I haven't heard one running.I’m in Wisconsin, about 30min west of Milwaukee. I do t know if budget allows for a 60gal compressor? The fortress and the master force are suppose to be ultra quiet. I feel like the new oil less compressors have recently made strides in reliability. They seem to have gone up in price quite a bit as well.
Looked at those. Has the same average (low) airflow, around 11 cfm, as the one I just got rid of if I remember correctly. Not enough for me, tired of waiting for mine to catch up the last 20 years.Lowes has a Kobalt 60 gallon 2 stage for $550
You will NEVER wish you bought a smaller Compressor but you might wish you bought a BIGGER ONE!
I disagree. A large 60 or 80 gallon compressor needs a permanent spot and needs to be hardwired to 220V AC. I have one and would much rather have a 33 gallon, dual voltage, oil lubricated portable compressor.
About the only thing that needs the CFM of my 60 gallon unit is a DA sander but I'd rather just use electric. (quieter and more efficient)
The OP needs to decide on his pneumatic needs and then choose his optimal compressor size. (usually dictated by the highest CFM tool that has a high duty cycle).
Electric and Lithium can take the place of many traditional pneumatic tools.
I do t know if budget allows for a 60gal compressor? I feel like the new oil less compressors have recently made strides in reliability.
I don't buy into the hype. At least not yet. I like traditional machines.
I recommend going to 240V. It's twice the cfm for only slightly higher cost. Lots of tank sizes available. You could get a 20-30 gal portable and add a tank later if your needs increase. (Or even add your old compressor tank.)
sberry
Banned
The 11 cfm is a little light for sanding but it would run mechanic tools or blowing up truck tires just fine. At 550$ it's not that much of a stretch. Agree, the 240v are 2x as good for 1/2 more money in that case. Not so limited from a small general circuit.
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