Oil or Oilless Compressor after 22 yrs

[pauls340]

So after 22 years my Sears Oil free torpedo compressor needs to be replaced. i'm looking at the Harbor Frt 2.5 HP 21 gallon cast iron vertical OIL compressor. Am i going to notice any difference in the Oil versus Oilless? thx

 

[DemoFly]

You're going to have to break in the motor properly...and of course change the oil every once in a while.

It will also likely pull more amps on cold start than a comparable oil free.

Instead of a harbor freight, take a look at Husky's offerings. I was shopping the two brands around Christmas time and went with the Husky...just felt like a better product.

 

[Dhagan887]

After 22 years of listening to an oil less compressor, you may not, but the neighbors definitely will.

 

[DemoFly]

After 22 years of listening to an oil less compressor, you may not, but the neighbors definitely will.

Ba-dum-tiss

 

[WWShop]

You're going to have to break in the motor properly.

Stupid question, how do you break in a motor properly?

 

[DemoFly]

Stupid question, how do you break in a motor properly?

Probably different for every compressor. But for mine you have to open the drain valve and let the motor continuously run for 10 minutes to set the rings.

I then opted to change the oil, WHICH I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, and tons of shavings came out. Tons.

 

[NuthinFancy]

After 22 years of listening to an oil less compressor, you may not, but the neighbors definitely will.

Ok, I'm new to air compressors; is there significant difference in sound levels between oil and oil-free compressors for a given size?

I see a number of compressors listed as "quiet" and "ultra-quiet", but the decibel ratings don't always agree.

TIA

 

[MrGiggles]

So after 22 years my Sears Oil free torpedo compressor needs to be replaced. i'm looking at the Harbor Frt 2.5 HP 21 gallon cast iron vertical OIL compressor. Am i going to notice any difference in the Oil versus Oilless? thx

I have had that compressor for a year now, and have no complaints about it. It spent many hot days last summer running a DA sander almost continuously. As someone already mentioned, if you get it, open the drain and just let the pump run for a few minutes, then change the oil. It is loud, but not unbearable as long as you aren't standing next to it.

Ok, I'm new to air compressors; is there significant difference in sound levels between oil and oil-free compressors for a given size?

I see a number of compressors listed as "quiet" and "ultra-quiet", but the decibel ratings don't always agree.

TIA

Drive type has more to do with noise level than oil or oil-less. Compressors that are direct driven with the pump bolted to the motor are very loud compared to belt drive units, whether they are oil lubricated or not.

 

[engineer2]

Also consider the Sanborn brand sold at Menards. They go on sale frequently. I've been happy with mine. Sanborn 60 gal.

 

[sld961]

Stupid question, how do you break in a motor properly?

I think he means to break in the compressor pump, not the motor itself.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . . there are few exceptions where Oil-Less compressor would be good:
. . .
. . . . . . California Air, Husky quiet that is in HD Clearance thread, Rol-Air, etc.

These are small mobile compressors that you can run nailers, pump tires, etc.

For anything bigger, get yourself BELT-Driven and oil-splash compressor if you step to medium size compressor.

I suggest having . . . TWO Compressors . . . small mobile one, and larger stationary one depending on your needs.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Ok, I'm new to air compressors; is there significant difference in sound levels between oil and oil-free compressors for a given size?

I see a number of compressors listed as "quiet" and "ultra-quiet", but the decibel ratings don't always agree.

TIA

Yes, it's very significant.

I don't know enough enough about the engineering to know all the reasons why, but it is night and day in my experience.

I have both, and the oil-less is like gravel in an empty paint can being violently shaken. Very loud rattling noise.

An oil filled compressor is more like a dull sound, like a car running in idle.

The difference in sound alone is enough reason to go with an oil-filled in my opinion.