Oh hell, another compressor thread!!!

[sharpshooter]

Looking for a vertical, 60 gallon. Not going to be running anything heavy for long periods of time, a grinder will probably be the biggest air hog (short durations). I would prefer to stay with a 110v. Due to the lack of having a 220v in the garage, but Ill do what I have to within reason. I have seen decent reviews of Lowes Kobalt 60 gallon comp. Home depot carries the Husky version. I would imagine they are relatively close in specs and performance. Im looking to spend no more than 500. Help me out folks!! Ive scoured the forums and saw the several page post about the battle of the $400 compressors... I was curious to hear the thoughts from the guys that had posted in that thread after some time with their units..

 

[BLUBAYOU]

I wasn't in the other thread, but my Kobalt 60 gallon has been treating me well for the last 14 months. I got it on some kind of sale and also got a rebate (gift card) with it, so the net cost was pretty cheap. I think I ended up paying a little over $300 for it.

I only have temp plumbing from it right now, but am working on the insulation/drywall in the garage next month. Once that's done I'll plumb some hard lines (most likely with copper).

Mine isn't super quiet, though I have no reference point for comparison. This summer I am hoping to build a shed against the back of the shop to house it. My use is intermittent so I don't mind the noise much. A lot of the tools I run with it are kinda noisy, so I typically have earplugs in anyway (die grinder, 3" cutoff, etc)

 

[PontiacFan]

FWIW, I've got a little Sanborn 30gal from Menard's & it won't keep up with a simple die-grinder. I need to trade it in for something larger, ...

Search Craigslist & Ebay in your area & see if there's anything available.
searchtempest.com for searching area Craigslist's.

There's also aircompressorsdirect.com.

 

[sharpshooter]

Blu... does the unit your talking about have a regular 110 plug in or is it 220?

 

[Falcon67]

AFAIK, all the 60 G uprights with 3.2hp or bigger motors are 220V by default. I imagine the motors could be re-wired for 110, but you'd have to look on the motor plate. That's a 30A circuit on 110 if my internal Jethro cyphers that right.

 

[38Chevy454]

As many have stated before, get as big as you can. You will not look back in regret.

You will need 220v for any decent capacity. Avoid any direct drive oilless compressor. A two stage is better than single stage. Cast iron oil lubed case is better than aluminum with sleeved cylinder.

With above rules in mind, just see what you can find and your budget can afford.

 

[rickycobra]

Another one now were just blowing hot air. haha

 

[rickairmedic]

I did all the research ( looked at every option ) on 60 gallon compressors several years ago . I have had my US General compressor for at least 5 years now and have been very happy with it . The US General had the highest CFM ratings of all the major players ( in the price range ) and has been a good compressor for me . I will eventually upgrade to a 2 stage 80 gallon unit for the ability to do more with it . This compressor has run everything I have put to it including running die grinders and 3" cut off tools ( which are both HUGE air hogs. They are also made here in the good old USA unlike alot of stuff you get from HF .

Rick

 

[pipsters]

I don't think there are any 60 gallon compressors with 120V motors on them. And if there were I doubt you would be able to continuously run any air tools. Most continuous run air tools pull 15-25 CFM @ 90 psi. Look for one that will do that much if you want to run something continuously.

 

[Crazy Car Guy]

i had a real bad experience with the new style kobalt 60 gal blowing up in less than a week and didn't keep up with a inline sander or a 3" grinder like i thought it would. i took it back and got a ingersol rand putting out 18. something at 90 psi and love how it cycles off even with a pressure pot sand blaster running full tilt. the kobalts are not rated for continuous use so if you want to sand blast or use a da sander a lot you have to stop and let them cool. the kobalt is only 220v wont run on 110v

 

[great white tj]

This is something to think about, I had a 26 gal. Husky '2005 year". I was in the same boat no 220. This unit has 120/220 Emerson motor but I was useing the 120 side. I went to a Auction and picked up a 60gal comp. then I just moved the pump and motor from the 26gal. over to the 60gal. This will give you more air but the CFM will not change.
I paid $100.00 for the 60gal with a bad pump, this unit was a 2007 so the tank is in good shape.

 

[Catalyze]

I have used my Kobalt 60 gallong 220v for 4 years with no problems. I have changed the oil twice and replaced the filter media 4 times. I use it probably as your average home owner/shade tree would use one. Drain the water and it will be fine.
Craig

 

[sharpshooter]

Just checked harbor freights site... The only compressor they offer with specs similar to what I need is 800 dollars!!!

 

[antinym]

I was at the HF store and there was a 60 gal for $449. They don't have everything on the website.

 

[rickairmedic]

I was at the HF store and there was a 60 gal for $449. They don't have everything on the website.

Yep check the store I paid less than $400.00 for mine but it was 5 years ago and the 20% coupon was kosher then . My store still has the 60 gallon 5 HP single stage compresors online they only show the 2 stage.


Rick

 

[sharpshooter]

I dont have an HF close to me (closest one is an hour away), can anyone tell me what the 60 gallon single stage is going for? Any clue as to what the specs are?