New Compressor Recommendation

[Corvette Dad]

Planning out my shop build......going with a 30x64..Going to be oversized 2.5 bays and then a man cave on the end.
Looking to put in a standing air compressor for light duty stuff. Lug nuts, tire air fills, car cleaning etc. I don't do any type of serious stuff like running heavy duty air tools or anything like that.

Looking to spend $1500 or less and have Lowes / Home Depot close by and a local tool store called Mann Tool that specializes in all kinds of stuff. I'd prefer Lowes / HD so I can use gift cards.

Once installed, I'll run air lines throughout. So....there we go....what's the group suggest?

 

[GeoBruin]

If you're looking at HD and Lowe's, you're really looking at Dewalt and Kobalt, which (for the most part) are made by Sanborn and Campbell Hausfeld respectively. The will all have imported pumps and motors, but realistically, for the type of use you're describing, they should be more than sufficient for a long time if maintained. Decide if you want 60 or 80 gallon, which will cut down the decision a little more, then see if you can determine which pump is being used if you really want to try to research a little more. Otherwise, pick the color that goes best with your shop.

I'll note that Home Depot technically sells other branded compressors (Ingersoll Rand for example, and even Emax) but they definitely not going to carry them in the store, and it's probably not the best place to buy those brands in any case.

Good luck!

 

[johnre]

• To fit well within your $1,500 budget: 60 gallon, single stage, 3-5 HP, 10-15 SCFM @ 90 psi. That's all you need for what you describe.
• If you just want it corded, not wired in: A few 3 HP units offer this.
• For durability: Oil lubricated only; stay away from oil-free.

I'll note that Home Depot technically sells other branded compressors (Ingersoll Rand for example, and even Emax) but they definitely not going to carry them in the store, and it's probably not the best place to buy those brands in any case.

Home Depot may not appear to be the best price point outside of their in house Husky-brand, but the price quoted includes free shipping to the store, or free delivery, if they don't stock it. Be sure to compare apples-to-apples.

And if there are issues, I believe they'll take care of returning it to the supplier.

 

[Corvette Dad]

I'm planning a little 2x2 closet off the back of the shop that will house the compressor (it will be properly vented) so I can definitely have a dedicated power supply run there.

 

[GeoBruin]

I'm planning a little 2x2 closet off the back of the shop that will house the compressor (it will be properly vented) so I can definitely have a dedicated power supply run there.

Your ears will appreciate it.

 

[mikedodge]

For what you listed you don't need a 60 or 80 gallon, a typical 20 gallon compressor would do. But the problem is once you've got the space how do you know you won't get into something that needs more air? Any store bought 60 or 80 gallon would do and a lot less than your budget. Don't be afraid to look at used too.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I think I paid $500 for a 60gal Kobalt about 15yrs ago.

Now it appears the Kobalt has been replaced by Craftsman. Craftsman and Husky 60gal both $799 currently.

Both probably more than you need.