Recommend an air compressor ?

[Smokeshow69]

Hey Guys, I am in the planning phase of choosing an air compressor for my garage... The compressor is going in a shed behind my garage actually... I am looking for advise on compressors... I dont actually know alot about air compressors so any input is welcome...I am an above average diy person but am not a professional but I do like professional quality tools

I want an air compressor that can handle 1/2 impact guns, air ratchets, and automotive repair tools or some air nailers or that type of air tool for construction. I wont be using a blast cabinet or any of those high air flow required tools... I would like to possibly use a compressor to clear coat my old truck but am not running a paint booth out of my garage.

I believe for my needs I want to find a dual stage compressor based on the possible painting aspect ?

I am thinking a 60 gallon/240v probably fits my requirements the best ? I would rather stay around $800 bucks but also don't want to be dissapointed either ??

I was thinking of possibly getting this husky 60 gallon / 175 psi compressor as i think this may be what best suits me? I don't know who makes husky air compressors though ? I do like that this one has an automatic drain valve and is dual stage but i also dont want to cheap out and have to replace it again in a few years anyway...

I was possibly considering this Napa compressor since it is a little bit more geared toward the professional but this compressor has about the same specs as the husky in terms of air flow, etc... this compressor is almost double the cost of the husky but may last longer ?

 

[redmondjp]

I can see by the # of posts that you've been on here for awhile - have you searched this site for an answer? This is probably the most common compressor question asked.

The Husky unit will be fine for your needs. I don't know what box stores are near you other than the orange one, but a 60-gallon farm or box store unit on sale (sometimes as low as $400-450) is probably the best bang for the buck you will find, and it will last for a long time if cared for. My box store 60 gallon IR compressor that I bought in 1990 is still working just fine.

Otherwise, search the site here and you will find hundreds of threads on this topic.

 

[sick467]

I don't mind the number of posts you have...can't a person just want the conversation?...I'll join...

I think the size you have chosen to be adequate for what you are doing. Dual stage is a must in my book. The "oilless" ones are horribly loud (never again). I would not care about the auto-drain. It's just something to go bad. You'll get used to it working and never check it and the next thing you know...it's holding water and rusting out. I don't know anything about the brands, but I can say that the 5HP model should do better with sand blasting and air tools like die grinders, scalers, etc...the ones that you hold on for extended periods of time. Compare the CFM ratings and you'll see what I am talking about, but in order to do that you need to find out what the husky will do at or near 165 psi like the Napa model rating.

If it were me, I'd lean towards the Napa model. The larger motor should mean longer motor life even if all else is the same. A smaller motor doing the same work will work harder than the larger one hence a shorter life...and it's NAPA (the last ole'school parts store, so I support them with my patronage). Try to find out the country of origins too. I try to keep my money at home when I can.

 

[Hobby_Man22]

I don't mind the number of posts you have...can't a person just want the conversation?...I'll join...

I think the size you have chosen to be adequate for what you are doing. Dual stage is a must in my book. The "oilless" ones are horribly loud (never again). I would not care about the auto-drain. It's just something to go bad. You'll get used to it working and never check it and the next thing you know...it's holding water and rusting out. I don't know anything about the brands, but I can say that the 5HP model should do better with sand blasting and air tools like die grinders, scalers, etc...the ones that you hold on for extended periods of time. Compare the CFM ratings and you'll see what I am talking about, but in order to do that you need to find out what the husky will do at or near 165 psi like the Napa model rating.

If it were me, I'd lean towards the Napa model. The larger motor should mean longer motor life even if all else is the same. A smaller motor doing the same work will work harder than the larger one hence a shorter life...and it's NAPA (the last ole'school parts store, so I support them with my patronage). Try to find out the country of origins too. I try to keep my money at home when I can.

I'd do a 5hp 80 gallon Quincy. I have a 60 gallon and it does fine, but their is some hoopla on the internet claiming it's more of a residential compressor than the bigger units. It will do fine for my usage. Only has 3.5hrs and I bought it a year ago. Lol

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, watch for a shop closing because of lack of business or illness.

Compressors, unlike a car, don't change their tail fins every year.

 

[Dave Lagerstrom]

I bought an old Husky 60 gallon, 5 hp compressor from a guy on Craigslist.

The pump had gone bad and he put on a nasty one from Harbor Freight. I used it for a while, but it didn't have much oomph.

Then I found a clue about this place out of Nebraska. Surpluscenter.com There, I picked up a really nice Rol-Air pump, two stage ~20 cfm, made in Italy. Cost ~$500 for the pump, but it is amazing.

Overall, I think I got a really nice compressor for not a lot of money.

Good luck.

-Dave in Minnesota

 

[rburke65]

I have a Champion 2 STAGE 60 gallon tank. Great piece of equipment....but your not buying it for $400 to $500 .....

 

[Citation]

My local Lowes has this one on clearance for a bit over $400
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193

It looks like the same CH based compressor as the Husky. For the price and given the requirements I would pick this. The bigger Napa unit is "nicer" but costs a lot more, takes up more space and, if it matters, more current when running. Really, I suspect you would be fine with a 20+ gallon 120V model so anything 240V is likely to be great. BTW, slip about 2-3' of rubber hose onto the intake tube of the air filter. It's a trick that CAT quiet compressors do. It really does help and it costs just a few dollars to try.

BTW, the Lowes and Husky models both seem to have the wrong flow rate. That compressor is not a 7cfm model. I think the sticker on the compressor says 11 but assume at least 10.

 

[pcmeiners]

I can see by the # of posts that you've been on here for awhile - have you searched this site for an answer? This is probably the most common compressor question asked.
Otherwise, search the site here and you will find hundreds of threads on this topic.

Exactly, with 4352 posts, you know how to search this forum, why waste everyone's time.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

7-10 CFM is probably enough for the needs you listed. I'd prefer a small portable for air nailers, but in a shop no reason not to use a large one.
In the $1k price range I'd be looking for almost twice that (CFM). It's not just blast cabinets check teh ratings of grinders and sanders.

 

[mmb617]

What's up with you guys complaining that the OP doesn't run a search instead of wasting your time? Here's a little tip that I use - if I think a thread is unnecessary based on it's title, I don't open it. So I only waste a millisecond of my time reading the title. How dead would this place be if no one ever started a thread about anything that's been discussed before?

Off my soapbox now. I'm at least a little interested since I've been kind or thinking about replacing my compressor. It's a Craftsman 30 gallon that I've had for quite some time and it's been adequate for most things I've done with it, but it's insanely loud.

As I was looking at what's currently available I remembered that a lot of people had good things to say about some of the Harbor Freight compressors so I looked at what they list online. They list nothing in the way of oil lubed compressors now except one for $1350. I'm fairly certain they used to have a much bigger selection, so things do change over time.

Since my current compressor has a rated air delivery of 6.4 scfm @ 90 psi I wouldn't be willing to replace it with anything that had lower capacity than that. The best candidate I've found is probably this one from HD:


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-60-Gal-Stationary-Electric-Air-Compressor-C602H/205389936


It has a 60 gallon tank so double what I have now and is rated at 11.5 scfm @ 90 psi so that's nearly double what I have now as well. It's 230v which I also see as a good thing over my current 110v model. And of course it's an oil lube type so it would be much quieter. At $569 the price is pretty good I think, I just don't know if I'd use it enough anymore to make the investment worthwhile.

I just thought I'd throw some of my thoughts out there and maybe help the OP.

 

[PWC Repair]

My local Lowes has this one on clearance for a bit over $400
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-60-Gallon-Two-Stage-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000542193
.

My buddy was in a pinch several years back when his shop compressor quit. He does antique car restorations. He IS STILL using that Kobalt 2 stage. It's a real bargain for the money and a typical hobbyist will not need any more than that thing. I've been toying with the idea of getting one myself but other things keep coming up and eating my extra funds........latest is the damn fridge on the fritz!

 

[Stuart in MN]

What's up with you guys complaining that the OP doesn't run a search instead of wasting your time?

I don't think it was a complaint, but rather a helpful suggestion. There's nothing wrong with him asking, but it's a common enough question that there are most likely some other recent discussions that would be relevant and useful to him, and may save him time in getting an answer.

 

[eastbaysubaru]

For your needs, this little guy from Harbor Freight might fit the bill:

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-t...-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61489.html

I've had it for about 4 or 5 years now and it's done everything I ask of it and most of that work is the stuff the OP listed in his post. It's not a dual stage, but it's an oiled compressor and is MUCH quieter than my old oil-less Craftsman. If I had the room and bigger air needs I probably would have considered a dual-stage but this unit has been great.

-Brian

 

[Citation]

...

Off my soapbox now. I'm at least a little interested since I've been kind or thinking about replacing my compressor. It's a Craftsman 30 gallon that I've had for quite some time and it's been adequate for most things I've done with it, but it's insanely loud.
...

I'm going to attack a generalization you used. I agree the old, oilfree compressors were often quite noisy compared to a similar output belt drive unit. However, as more mfrs think about noise levels I don't think that is still a true generalization.

In terms of noise levels, this is likely what a lot of people think of when they think of "noisy Craftsman compressor"

I used one for a while, it was certainly louder than my Campbell Hausfeld oil lubed compressor like this one

It started with a filter housing like the one on top and now has the one on bottom + 14" of vinyl tube slipped over the inlet <-that part matters.

I also have one of these CAT compressors (oil free)

The Craftsman had almost no intake noise suppression and it showed. I didn't credit how much it mattered until the original filter for mine was lost in a move. My temp filter was a bit of pipe+valve cover breather filter. It was quite a bit louder than I remembered. As a replacement I bought the round filter and added the vinyl tube (an idea taken from my CAT compressor). That dropped the noise level by 8-9 db. Per my phone that's something like 6-7 db louder than the CAT compressor but still quite reasonable. Playing guessing games with spec, it would put my CH compressor on par with the "2hp" CAT models vs my "1hp" model. A lot of companies other than CAT have started to see consumers really care about noise levels so I suspect many of the newer compressors are not as loud as they used to be.

So beyond, oil free can be quiet, if you are otherwise content with your compressor you might be able to at least reduce the noise levels. Hold your hand over the intake. I figure that is about as quiet as you can get with some type of intake muffler change.

Here is a partial conversion for a compressor similar to the Cman I showed above

This guy's final setup was similar to what I used as a temp solution on my compressor. However, if he used a different adapter he could add the automotive filter + tube and likely get a significant reduction in noise. For perhaps $20 or so you might get a big reduction in noise. My new filter plus tube was under $20.

 

[andersen24]

I have to laugh now every time I see a post that has been discussed and SOMEONE has to comment on searching (FYI the search feature on this site ***** FWIW).......I think that comment is worse than the person actually asking a question......but with that being said.

I have REALLY been looking at the California Air Tool compressors. With how quiet they are and their reviews, I think this one will be my next compressor. From my internet searching it looks pretty solid and great reviews.

http://https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-60040CAD-Air-Compressor/p81918.html

 

[Citation]

I have to laugh now every time I see a post that has been discussed and SOMEONE has to comment on searching (FYI the search feature on this site ***** FWIW).......I think that comment is worse than the person actually asking a question......but with that being said.

I have REALLY been looking at the California Air Tool compressors. With how quiet they are and their reviews, I think this one will be my next compressor. From my internet searching it looks pretty solid and great reviews.

http://https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-60040CAD-Air-Compressor/p81918.html

Do keep the pump life in mind. I assume the pumps can be rebuilt with new seals but they are rated for something like 3000 hours which is a lot less than most oiled models. For that price I would probably go with a conventional oil lubed model and then work to reduce the noise levels. CAT markets the little one I have at about 60 db, my phone said more like 70 but my garage is hardly a test chamber. My CH+filter mod was coming in at about 75-77db. That puts my home brew about the same as what CAT is claiming on their model and per my phone the 60db is more like 70db so is 75 going to be 85 on my phone?

I suspect if you take a $500 oil lube 3hp compressor and do a better intake you will be at about CAT noise levels for a lot less money. That would also apply to an entry level 80 gallon compressor.

My feeling about CAT compressors is they are low end hardware and other than the noise levels they are expensive for what you get. However, the pumps are quiet and they were the ones who helped show that the market was willing to pay more for a lower performance compressor so long as it was quiet. They are easy to recommend if your needs are light. Currently I'm just airing tires, using my air gun, and on occasion my impact wrench. The 5510 is sufficient. I don't think they are up to heavier duty use.

Finally, given my experience making my compressor quieter I'm kind of surprised how many mfrs aren't taking advantage of relatively easy/cheap tricks to reduce noise levels. Eaton seems to have figured this out with their quiet compressors which appear to be little more than their standard compressor with a good intake noise filter attached.

 

[HPRifleman]

Part of the problem with choosing a compressor is they all seem to be the same. Once you compare tank size, motor power, CFM at pressure, and maybe some other line on a spec. sheet, they look like just another pump on top of a tank. Are there any small nuances (except country of origin) that people should look for that would differentiate one from the other and possibly justify a higher price point.

 

[redmondjp]

Part of the problem with choosing a compressor is they all seem to be the same. Once you compare tank size, motor power, CFM at pressure, and maybe some other line on a spec. sheet, they look like just another pump on top of a tank. Are there any small nuances (except country of origin) that people should look for that would differentiate one from the other and possibly justify a higher price point.

How do they seem the same? It shows that you haven't done your homework (reading the 100s of existing threads on this site). No offense here but come on people we have this thing called a search engine now - there is no excuse for anybody to not know something any longer.

Consumer-grade vs. industrial-grade.

What are some differences?

Duty cycle. Industrial-grade compressors have very high duty cycles often 100%, meaning that they are rated to run 24/7/365. Don't try that with a box store compressor. How many starts per hour is another metric to look at (motor heating).

Life. Better pumps have pressurized oiling systems and roller bearings vs. sleeve bearings. Poppet valves vs. reed valves. Some even have nifty oil filters and pressure gauges on them. Low-oil cutoff. Aftercoolers. Most of these things aren't necessary for the occasional home user, but if you can get a good deal on a used industrial-grade compressor, why not? Pennies on the dollar typically.

Downside of industrial-duty pump? Heavy. Parts/rebuilt kit can be wicked expensive. Sometimes special tools needed to service the valves. You may find that just a pump rebuild kit costs more than one or two box-store compressors. Worth it? You be the judge. Do your grandkids plan on using your compressor? If so, then maybe.

That's a short version.

 

[andersen24]

Do keep the pump life in mind. I assume the pumps can be rebuilt with new seals but they are rated for something like 3000 hours which is a lot less than most oiled models. For that price I would probably go with a conventional oil lubed model and then work to reduce the noise levels. CAT markets the little one I have at about 60 db, my phone said more like 70 but my garage is hardly a test chamber. My CH+filter mod was coming in at about 75-77db. That puts my home brew about the same as what CAT is claiming on their model and per my phone the 60db is more like 70db so is 75 going to be 85 on my phone?

I suspect if you take a $500 oil lube 3hp compressor and do a better intake you will be at about CAT noise levels for a lot less money. That would also apply to an entry level 80 gallon compressor.

My feeling about CAT compressors is they are low end hardware and other than the noise levels they are expensive for what you get. However, the pumps are quiet and they were the ones who helped show that the market was willing to pay more for a lower performance compressor so long as it was quiet. They are easy to recommend if your needs are light. Currently I'm just airing tires, using my air gun, and on occasion my impact wrench. The 5510 is sufficient. I don't think they are up to heavier duty use.

Finally, given my experience making my compressor quieter I'm kind of surprised how many mfrs aren't taking advantage of relatively easy/cheap tricks to reduce noise levels. Eaton seems to have figured this out with their quiet compressors which appear to be little more than their standard compressor with a good intake noise filter attached.

OH WOW! Thanks for the insight Citation! Maybe ill go back to the Quincy I was looking at!

 

[gizardlizard]

We have two big Kaesers where I work. A 60hp and a 40 hp. Both are super quiet. When I need air in our warehouse, I have. Small portable Eagle compressor. That thing is crazy quiet. They are kinda pricey but if you want quiet, eagle or California air pretty much rule in my opinion.

 

[flathead dave]

I have a QUNICY 80 gal, two stage.
Check them out.

 

[Phydeauxman]

I am reading all of the compressor threads here as I research what I should get for my new shop. While I am just a DIY enthusiast, my shop is big (52x56x16) and I want to be able to run things like grinders and a sand blaster. This leads me towards compressors that are in the 80 gallon range which leads me to the question I have not seen answered here...how the hell do you move something that heavy around? Not that it needs to be portable but once I have it delivered to the door of my shop, need to figure out how to move it into place. Curios as to what others have done for this as well as isolated the vibration when the compressor is running. Right now, based on what I have read so far...I tend to be leaning towards a Quincy or IR.

 

[CraigStu]

Rope and an engine hoist.

 

[vwpieces]

I am reading all of the compressor threads here as I research what I should get for my new shop. While I am just a DIY enthusiast, my shop is big (52x56x16) and I want to be able to run things like grinders and a sand blaster. This leads me towards compressors that are in the 80 gallon range which leads me to the question I have not seen answered here...how the hell do you move something that heavy around? Not that it needs to be portable but once I have it delivered to the door of my shop, need to figure out how to move it into place. Curios as to what others have done for this as well as isolated the vibration when the compressor is running. Right now, based on what I have read so far...I tend to be leaning towards a Quincy or IR.

I just bought a used 80gal with a Quincy 2 stage pump. I finagled the seller to help with delivery but I was also prepared to take it apart to move it. New ones come on a pallet and with that size shop a pallet jack is something you should have. Several years back I was looking buying a new one online and that required delivery with a liftgate truck, extra $$$. Extremely top heavy, getting one delivered without damage is a **** shoot. I can barely lift the pump on this one myself, your looking at 200+ pounds sitting on top with a good motor.

But for the OP the Kobalt on clearance shown above will do fine for your needs.
And avoid any oilless models, they are disposable as mentioned at 3000 hour pump life that is unacceptable. So are the noise levels they produce, even if inside the back shed.

 

[Citation]

Engine lift or similar is a good idea. You can also use a dolly. Disassembly is also an option especially with lower end models if neither the pump nor head is too heavy to lift by hand. They weren't in the case of my brother's Coleman 80 gallon. The tank is heavy but with the stuff off the top they are easy enough to walk/wabble into place. He was also able to slide it in/out of his minivan.

 

[TJMtl]

I went with a horizontal tank to minimize the top heavy issue. It was an adventure getting it into my garage, mounted it on a Bora Portamate to make it easier.

 

[vpd66]

Buy once cry once. That is my theory on air compressors. I owned 2 box store compressors ( both didn't last more then a couple years) before going to an IR dealer and buying a real 5hp 2 stage 60 gallon compressor. That was back in 2003 and all I've done is annual oil changes and air filter changes. Back then it costed me around $1100 compared to the just under $400 of the box store compressors, but its still running like new.

 

[D45]

With the invention of powerful, cordless lithium ion tools I haven't used my compressor much, other than just airing up tires or blowing out the shop

My compressor is a 30gall 6.5hp Craftsman thats close to 20 years old.

 

[TheOtherChris]

It just depends.
I bought my 60 gal "Rocket" rebuilt in '85.
I have since moved 3 times and it is still going though I have replaced the caps in it once.
It is used for impact tools, tires, DA sander (can't keep up with that one), grease gun, etc.

I use a smaller HF one when I need nailers and stuff.

 

[PoorUB]

Man! Tough crowd. If everyone did like they suggest the OP should do and search there wouldn't be a reason for a forum. As far as wasting anyone's time, don't read the posts! Heck you hang out in these forums long enough and everything gets brought up over and over again! They could shut off the ability to start and respond to posts and just improve the search feature!

Back to the question, the Husky will probably do just fine, but the NAPA compressor is nearly twice the output. It is simply a larger unit. 1/2 ton versus a 3/4 ton pickup. I would buy once, cry once and buy the larger unit.

Over the years I have had several air compressors. Each one larger than the last. 3/4 HP 7 gallon, 2 HP 20 gallon, 3 HP 60 gallon, (Really it was an Porter Cable with advertised 7 HP. Funny, the motor only drew 15 amps on 240 volts or roughly 3 HP!) and last and pretty sure the last a real 5 HP, 80 gallon Curtis that I bough used for $100!

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

...one that blows!

 

[Monza Harry]

I would like to point out that a search would have given him WAY more info than he has received in this thread so far! Please read them and quote the previous posts/messages and ask for clarifications, or updates then maybe some "has anyone bought Model *** or YYY" questions about how loud, cycle time, how long has it lasted, impressions etc. Now as to try and help we keep, hearing these questions: 120/240 60 Gallon, Sorry useless questions, 240V @ 5A =~1HP 120V @ 20A= ~2 HP That is useful info for purchasing a compressor, 120V realistically tops out at ~ 1HP. For your stated uses I think a 3HP [~15A @ 240V] will do but with little extra. 4HP compressors aren't a common site and the jump to 5HP is usually $$$$ [a real 5HP 240V @25+ amps never mind the silly lying sticker on the front]! Not mentioned in this thread is pump speed, anything over about 900RPM is just an expensive air heater 750 will live long and prosper so to speak. Dual stage compressors aren't for everybody, there are VERY FEW items that can use that pressure. it will add "reserve" capacity but recoup time will suffer 2X the pressure 3+x the recoup time same goes for really large tanks [though that will be more linear than the pressure, [2x the tank will be very close to 2X the time] To me Pressurized oil is more important for more extreme usage, think 16-20 hours a day 5-6 days a week with maybe 40% + use, not as good for once week use, though if equipped with a filter may be worth the minuses of an oil pump [your compressor will allow the oil to drain out of the lube circuit if left to sit and then is running dry for maybe as few as 2-3 revolutions probably more like 10 seconds, splash is wet 1st time it turns over, granted not as good a system but the price difference will shock you for a pressure oil system, I haven't looked in a long time but I didn't see pressure lube on anything under 10HP [this was a VERY long time ago though] Cast iron pump @ 750RPM with a good intake system will be very quiet and should last you many many years, Stay with the name brands, they all value their brand ie; the don't normally make junk, [Ingersoll excepted as they do make a DIY line now for some time (10 years?) but I would still put them over CH and a few others]. As to moving them three strong men lifted mine out of the trailer and then I carefully walk it around the shop. My T30 IR is very quiet and I will be adding an intake system to it and I have some marine/boat trailer bumpers That will go on the feet for further noise reduction [when it is finally in its "forever home"]. Oh someone above referred to Cycle Duty, more is better for sure but comes with a price, as well as the inter(/after)coolers again good advice to weigh into your decisions, and also consider parts and service availability. Hope this was helpful, this has been my experience/thoughts on the subject, as a life long DIY and a nearly 40 yr. toolmaker. Harry

 

[Zeke]

I tried to read every sentence and if I missed it, I missed it. It seems the noise factor comes down to 2 things: oil less vs. oil lubed and (what I didn't see), belt driven vs. direct drive. Old school compressors turned slow and lasted decades.

California Compressors seems to have focused their designs on quietness. I have their little portable one for nail guns and it's really quiet. If their larger models are anything like that, I would be looking at those. I use a Speed Air for my shop compressor but I don't run it hardly at all anymore. For any quicky job or simply blowing dust out, I can wait for the little guy.

 

[strutaeng]

I've seen that Napa air compressor at the local store and it looks pretty darn good and has a Baldor motor. The Husky is not a bad, just a basic unit that get's you into the +10CFM league. Both units would provide enough CFM for just about any DIY project and light automotive use, including painting.

The smaller diaphragm units are really quiet, which is fine for nailing and airing up tires, but I don't really think they not really up to the task of providing a lot of CFM for long periods of time compared to an oil-lubricated reciprocating pump. I mean 10CFM or more.

 

[Citation]

All, please note the date of this thread. I was revived earlier today by a spam account (post now removed).

 

[billspit]

I have a CH 4hp compressor that I bought years ago. It’s the same as the 5hp they now sell. It has been adequate for everything except sandblasting. It was ok for that as long as I used to small diameter nozzles. I burned up the first motor sandblasting. Totally my fault. It is loud because there is nothing on the intake.

You will almost never buy too big of a compressor. Cast iron in my opinion is better than aluminum. Definitely get 2 stage. The compressors that the motor turns at 1725rpm are much quieter than the 3550 ones. I want one of those gas station compressors that turn so slow they go pocketa, pocketa, pocketa. My neighbor had one and sold it at a yard sale.