Recommend me a $500 compressor

[71firebird400]

While most of my power tools these days are cordless I still find myself needing a compressor for my air hammer, blow gun and occasional impact use. I want something that can run a large impact without cutting it off at the knees, but don’t need headroom for a spray gun. Footprint is important as I don’t have a lot of room to spare where this is going.

Here is what I’m looking at;

Harbor Freight Tools – Quality Tools at Discount Prices Since 1977

Harbor Freight buys their top quality tools from the same factories that supply our competitors. We cut out the middleman and pass the savings to you!

www.harborfreight.com

Insights, criticisms and recommendations are appreciated. Steer me in the right direction!

 

[mike93lx]

It's a little over budget, but I would consider a CAT as they are incredibly quiet.

California Air Tools CAT-20020 2 HP 20 Gal Steel Tank 125 Max PSI Single-Stage Portable Electric (110 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

Save on the California Air Tools CAT-20020 from Ferguson Home. Low Prices + Fast & Free Shipping on Most Orders. Find reviews, expert advice, manuals, specs & more.

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

The HF unit you linked is probably the most performance you can get for the money without going used, but I am personally done with loud compressors. I like my CAT a lot

 

[71firebird400]

It's a little over budget, but I would consider a CAT as they are incredibly quiet.

California Air Tools CAT-20020 2 HP 20 Gal Steel Tank 125 Max PSI Single-Stage Portable Electric (110 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

Save on the California Air Tools CAT-20020 from Ferguson Home. Low Prices + Fast & Free Shipping on Most Orders. Find reviews, expert advice, manuals, specs & more.

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

The HF unit you linked is probably the most performance you can get for the money without going used, but I am personally done with loud compressors. I like my CAT a lot

Thanks, the sound difference alone would be pretty incredible based on some of the quiet ones (and loud ones) I’ve been around. The budget isn’t too fixed but I had to throw a number at it so the recommendations didn’t get out of hand. I will dig into that CAT a little more and see why I think.

 

[Aaron_W]

I bought a similar 30 gallon Dewalt compressor from Tractor Supply a couple years ago, during a Black Friday sale. They were $499 and on sale I think I paid $350 or maybe even a bit less. I'm not sure if this is a regular Black Friday deal for them or not. Unfortunately the price has gone up to $699, but if they run the same 25-30% off every year it would be close to your budget.

Very similar performance to that HF, only a lot quieter. That HF runs at 82dB, the Dewalt 75dB. 7dB is a large difference in sound, my Dewalt is not quiet but is about like standing next to a diesel pickup running. My old pancake is also 82dB and is significantly louder, painfully loud standing next to it.

It's not like a 240v stationary compressor, but was a huge increase in capability over the 6 gallon pancake I've been relying on.
30 gallon seems to really push your budget.

If the noise isn't a concern that HF seems like a good deal, and I've heard mostly positive comments about their compressors.

 

[Mr_B]

Those central pneumatic belt drive ones are very usable and pretty generic design meaning long term repair potentially viable/easy .
really do like belt drive & oil lubricated units for simplicity & longevity potential .
Really need evaluate things like easy repair and noise level importance and exact $ preference ...
If the central pneumatic is clearance that price not much of a reduction, 479 is about highest I recall and 389 and 369 on these with coupon .
If you got a HF in your area that got stock I would ask the manager if they willing do better clearance price, generally they can easily do 10% .For sub 400 it pretty good product and value in current economic conditions .

 

[GeoBruin]

The compressor you linked is a good deal, just loud. I would also consider the CAT and the HF Fortress for which there is a coupon currently.

26 Gallon 175 PSI Ultra Quiet Vertical Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 26Gal 1.7Hp 175Psi Oil-Free Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[finn]

HD and Lowes, as well as most other retailers at one time all had similar belt driven two cylinder compressors in the thirty gallon range. I bought a Lowes version, albeit it was a two stage pump with a higher pressure and lower flow when it was on clearance.

Many compressors like that are private label, but actually made by CH.
They are quieter than the old oilfree compressors, but not as quiet an the newer CAT style Silent compressors that seem to be starting to dominate the home market.

 

[mike93lx]

The compressor you linked is a good deal, just loud. I would also consider the CAT and the HF Fortress for which there is a coupon currently.

26 Gallon 175 PSI Ultra Quiet Vertical Shop/Auto Air Compressor

Amazing deals on this 26Gal 1.7Hp 175Psi Oil-Free Compressor at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

The HF goes up to 175 psi vs 125 for the cat, plus the HF tank is larger. That would make a big difference in capacity

 

[GeoBruin]

The HF goes up to 175 psi vs 125 for the cat, plus the HF tank is larger. That would make a big difference in capacity

That's a good point. For constant use (sanders, etc) the higher flow might be better but for intermittent use (impact), the higher tank volume and the higher psi will provide a little longer bursts.

 

[Nvrplzd]

I came in here all ready to recommend just upsizing to a 60 gallon vertical for your usage from a box store.. it would appear that I haven’t been shopping for compressors in many years now so never-mind me!

I think for your operation plans and limited usage it would be difficult to outwork the HF compressor, and if it comes down to requiring more capacity down the road you can always look into plumbing in a secondary storage tank for not much extra. Just a thought!

 

[71firebird400]

Appreciate all the input. I think I’ll lean more towards CFM than sound since I am trying to stick to a budget. Anyone have a 60 gallon they like that isn’t north of a $1000? The budget is flexible if the performance is there to justify it.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I came in here all ready to recommend just upsizing to a 60 gallon vertical for your usage from a box store.. it would appear that I haven’t been shopping for compressors in many years now so never-mind me!

I think for your operation plans and limited usage it would be difficult to outwork the HF compressor, and if it comes down to requiring more capacity down the road you can always look into plumbing in a secondary storage tank for not much extra. Just a thought!

I know what you mean. I have a Dewalt 60 gal compressor that still has the tag on it. Paid $459 or 499 for it 6ish years ago. Same model at Rural King where I got it is now $899.

 

[GeoBruin]

Appreciate all the input. I think I’ll lean more towards CFM than sound since I am trying to stick to a budget. Anyone have a 60 gallon they like that isn’t north of a $1000? The budget is flexible if the performance is there to justify it.

Maybe I can save you some time by saying that I'm subscribed to just about every compressor thread on Garage Journal. It always kind of goes like this:

Someone wants a compressor under $1,000. They want something quiet, high CFM, and USA Made. They post an Ingersoll Rand they saw at Tractor Supply or a Dewalt they saw at Home Depot.

Everyone responds that no such thing exists, and informs them that the Dewalt compressors and (non-industrial) Ingersoll Rand compressors are not made in the USA, and they're loud as hell because the pumps run at crazy high RPM to achieve the advertised CFM. Everyone recommends used compressors and talks about they got their old Saylor Bealle, Quincy, Champion etc. compressor 20 years ago for $300 and haven't had any problems with them.

Someone will respond saying that a home shop guy doesn't need an industrial compressor and that one of the imports will run fine forever with the kind of use a hobbyist will subject it to.

Someone comes out of nowhere and shows a picture of their 7.5 HP, 80 gallon, pressure lubed Eaton/Polar Air/Emax with a factory after cooler and says "hey its a little out of your budget but I just got a deal on this guy..."

Then the OP will comment and say that there aren't any used compressors near them, so they are only considering new options.

A side argument begins about the merits of various compressors that do not meet the OPs price requirements, someone posts a listing for a 50 year old Kellogg American compressor near the OP that looks beat to hell and says "see OP, there are perfectly good compressors on Craigslist for $500!"

Somebody recommends the Eastwood QST 30/60 and says it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, someone else brings up the problems that have been reported with them, and another side argument begins.

Someone says that for $1,000, the OP could get two CAT style 120 volt oilless compressors and run them in parallel on different circuits. A discussion begins about the best way to configure two compressors in parallel.

Meanwhile,the OP doesn't respond for a few weeks as they try to process everything, ultimately realize that the only new options out there in their price range really are the Indian pump IR models through Tractor Supply, and they buy one because shipping is free.

Did I miss anything?

 

[71firebird400]

Maybe I can save you some time by saying that I'm subscribed to just about every compressor thread on Garage Journal. It always kind of goes like this:

Someone wants a compressor under $1,000. They want something quiet, high CFM, and USA Made. They post an Ingersoll Rand they saw at Tractor Supply or a Dewalt they saw at Home Depot.

Everyone responds that no such thing exists, and informs them that the Dewalt compressors and (non-industrial) Ingersoll Rand compressors are not made in the USA, and they're loud as hell because the pumps run at crazy high RPM to achieve the advertised CFM. Everyone recommends used compressors and talks about they got their old Saylor Bealle, Quincy, Champion etc. compressor 20 years ago for $300 and haven't had any problems with them.

Someone will respond saying that a home shop guy doesn't need an industrial compressor and that one of the imports will run fine forever with the kind of use a hobbyist will subject it to.

Someone comes out of nowhere and shows a picture of their 7.5 HP, 80 gallon, pressure lubed Eaton/Polar Air/Emax with a factory after cooler and says "hey its a little out of your budget but I just got a deal on this guy..."

Then the OP will comment and say that there aren't any used compressors near them, so they are only considering new options.

A side argument begins about the merits of various compressors that do not meet the OPs price requirements, someone posts a listing for a 50 year old Kellogg American compressor near the OP that looks beat to hell and says "see OP, there are perfectly good compressors on Craigslist for $500!"

Somebody recommends the Eastwood QST 30/60 and says it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, someone else brings up the problems that have been reported with them, and another side argument begins.

Someone says that for $1,000, the OP could get two CAT style 120 volt oilless compressors and run them in parallel on different circuits. A discussion begins about the best way to configure two compressors in parallel.

Meanwhile,the OP doesn't respond for a few weeks as they try to process everything, ultimately realize that the only new options out there in their price range really are the Indian pump IR models through Tractor Supply, and they buy one because shipping is free.

Did I miss anything?

This is too accurate appreciate the humor.

 

[ycgoat]

I always buy used 60gl Lowes or HomeDepot specials for $300 to $500

 

[Mr_B]

This is too accurate appreciate the humor.

lol it was good ...
I liked your original budget and choice. and sensible potential price ability and footprint .
No real need spend 1K for your intended use.
if you got local branch stocking that clearance compressor see manager and ask if can better deal as was 389 bucks last time you looked at it .
any extra budget best spent on modern efficiency/performance/size air tools making most out of the air you got and 30 gallon allong with that cfm and tank pressure will be good enough beyond your stated requirements .
People have a habit of spending far more than needed on bigger compressors and the running cost and living with lost space that been useful for other purposes ...

 

[david3921]

It isn't widely known but the HF compressor can be wired for 220v. I have one and I noticed that the same motor is used on compressors from Dewalt, Campbell Hausfeld, Husky, and I'm sure others. I think they are all 30 gallon types. HF does not note this in its manual but the others do. It's just a simple switching of wires under the plate and, of course, the needed change in the breaker box. I changed mine a few years ago when I moved my compressor in my garage. I started having trouble because of the length of the run to the box. No issues after the change.

 

[Rinspeed]

Appreciate all the input. I think I’ll lean more towards CFM than sound since I am trying to stick to a budget. Anyone have a 60 gallon they like that isn’t north of a $1000? The budget is flexible if the performance is there to justify it.

I've been very happy with my Dewalt 60 gal. so far, only paid $450 for it on Black Friday. They have gone up a couple hundred since then. Pretty sure they are still made by Sanborn.



https://www.princessauto.com/en/60-...elt-drive-air-compressor/product/PA0008348955



https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/dewalt-60-gallon-air-compressor-155-psi-dxcm601

 

[NUTTSGT]

$500 budget, I'm going to assume you have that set aside in cash for the compressor.

It's the end of August and I would patiently sit back watching and waiting for the Black Friday sales to appear. While doing this, try to keep putting a little more cash back to upgrade to something a little larger for possible future growth. I can't really remember anyone saying they wished they bought a smaller compressor.

Another option to watch now till then is watching for decent compressors on Govdeals. I've seen brand new and uninstalled compressors for sale.

 

[finn]

I always buy used 60gl Lowes or HomeDepot specials for $300 to $500

Which begs the question “why are you constantly buying compressors”

For most consumers, a compressor is a once every thirty year ordeal.

As far as future growth goes, I use my compressor much less now, with the availability of relatively inexpensive cordless tools.

 

[corn chip]

It's a little over budget, but I would consider a CAT as they are incredibly quiet.

California Air Tools CAT-20020 2 HP 20 Gal Steel Tank 125 Max PSI Single-Stage Portable Electric (110 Volt) Reciprocating Air Compressor | Ferguson Home

Save on the California Air Tools CAT-20020 from Ferguson Home. Low Prices + Fast & Free Shipping on Most Orders. Find reviews, expert advice, manuals, specs & more.

www.aircompressorsdirect.com

The HF unit you linked is probably the most performance you can get for the money without going used, but I am personally done with loud compressors. I like my CAT a lot

i got the eagle 2hp 20gal and im wondering if it isnt the same tank and motor as the cat. cat appears to be a few bucks cheaper though

 

[71firebird400]

Well, I ended up grabbing the HF 29 gallon. Seems to do the job and the footprint is perfect for where it sits. At the price I paid I won’t complain if I need to upgrade down the road. Thanks all!

 

[GeoBruin]

Well, I ended up grabbing the HF 29 gallon. Seems to do the job and the footprint is perfect for where it sits. At the price I paid I won’t complain if I need to upgrade down the road. Thanks all!

Glad to hear it. After the snarky post earlier I thought I should share that I think it's a great choice and I recommend it often. As others mentioned, it's a simple machine and should be reliable if well maintained. Also, that 6 cfm mark checks a lot of boxes for general shop tool use.

Also, I'm a fellow "Central Pneumatic" man...

 

[dchawk81]

I have a 21 gallon Central Pneumatic that I ran the piss out of for more years than I had the right to.

It was on a 100% duty cycle towards the end pushing a 1" impact wrench with 1/2" fittings and hoses.

It still works, just pisses oil all over the place. I've since gotten a pre-loved 60 gallon 220v from my dad but that little one did me good for quite a while. No shame in it, and once I un-lazy myself I'll daisy the tank to the 60.

 

[Mr_B]

Well, I ended up grabbing the HF 29 gallon. Seems to do the job and the footprint is perfect for where it sits. At the price I paid I won’t complain if I need to upgrade down the road. Thanks all!

Did manage get better price ?
It pretty sensible basic home use sized machine & really doesn't waste much shop space. Have relative using this model and it been real good bang for buck option, He raised feet in his so space underneath used for axle stands and trolley jack, shelves above it for further storage so it no real space waste and gives him good affordable air capability for game changer tools like good air hammer, small cut off tools and compact hard hitting air impact .
He done a bit of small project spraying with it too, small stuff like fabricated projects with epoxy paint and sprayed a pull-a-part salvage wing for his truck (2k white) actually was nice end result .
Simple machines and likely easy keep running and part swap ... job jobbed and under budget lol ...

 

[Citation]

Op, looks like a good fit for your needs. I would suggest 3 potential add-ons.

1. A ball valve before the regulator (and possibly a higher flow regulator). This will let you shut off air to the hose etc and reduce leaks when the system is off. I've got two hoses basically always attached to mine. With the valve open it might drain in a few days. With the valve closed I see no discernible change in a week. This is handy since it typically means I don't have to fire the compressor up to inflate a bike tire or use the blow gun.

2. The drain on the bottom of the tank is a pain, even if it's a 1/4 turn valve instead of the horrible twist open ones. Anyway, an extended drain hose like this or a DIY model is really nice. The volume of the hose gives the water someplace to collect that isn't the tank itself. It's also much easier to access.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQL2BPY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

3. I'm not sure how good that intake air filter is with respect to noise. The air intakes are a big source of noise in a compressor. My Cambell Hausefeld compressor came with an filter housing similar to yours. Since it was lost in a move I was forced to replace it. I went with an "automotive style" filter housing. I then added about 1.5' of rubber hose to the intake. The combination makes a significant difference in noise levels. The tube is an important part. I learned that by messing with a CAT compressor. You will see they often have a short length of tubing sticking out of the air intake. The difference is noticeable.

 

[ycgoat]

Which begs the question “why are you constantly buying compressors”

For most consumers, a compressor is a once every thirty year ordeal.

As far as future growth goes, I use my compressor much less now, with the availability of relatively inexpensive cordless tools.

LOL; the first one I bought and installed for $200 then moved and left it with the new resident.
The second Is still in the garage where I live $300

I recently bought property, built a large shop and put a third in there $350

 

[71firebird400]

Did manage get better price ?
It pretty sensible basic home use sized machine & really doesn't waste much shop space. Have relative using this model and it been real good bang for buck option, He raised feet in his so space underneath used for axle stands and trolley jack, shelves above it for further storage so it no real space waste and gives him good affordable air capability for game changer tools like good air hammer, small cut off tools and compact hard hitting air impact .
He done a bit of small project spraying with it too, small stuff like fabricated projects with epoxy paint and sprayed a pull-a-part salvage wing for his truck (2k white) actually was nice end result .
Simple machines and likely easy keep running and part swap ... job jobbed and under budget lol ...

Could not get them to come down on price, but they did throw in a bottle of oil which I considered a good consolation prize.

 

[71firebird400]

Op, looks like a good fit for your needs. I would suggest 3 potential add-ons.

1. A ball valve before the regulator (and possibly a higher flow regulator). This will let you shut off air to the hose etc and reduce leaks when the system is off. I've got two hoses basically always attached to mine. With the valve open it might drain in a few days. With the valve closed I see no discernible change in a week. This is handy since it typically means I don't have to fire the compressor up to inflate a bike tire or use the blow gun.

2. The drain on the bottom of the tank is a pain, even if it's a 1/4 turn valve instead of the horrible twist open ones. Anyway, an extended drain hose like this or a DIY model is really nice. The volume of the hose gives the water someplace to collect that isn't the tank itself. It's also much easier to access.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QQL2BPY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

3. I'm not sure how good that intake air filter is with respect to noise. The air intakes are a big source of noise in a compressor. My Cambell Hausefeld compressor came with an filter housing similar to yours. Since it was lost in a move I was forced to replace it. I went with an "automotive style" filter housing. I then added about 1.5' of rubber hose to the intake. The combination makes a significant difference in noise levels. The tube is an important part. I learned that by messing with a CAT compressor. You will see they often have a short length of tubing sticking out of the air intake. The difference is noticeable.

Appreciate the info. I was wondering how restrictive the stock regulator was, and the addition of a ball valve isn't a bad idea. I have actually considered manifolding the outlet for one regulated feed and one unregulated feed. For what I'm doing I leave the regulator full open 99% of the time.

 

[captain14]

There have been some recents threads about installing compressor drain valves. Something else to add on for your new compressor.

Here’s one post

I cut open my air compressor tank. Take a look..

I have the same Sears/Craftsman model (mine is a 2 HP). I try to drain the tank, but I am not perfect. I know there is nothing wrong with the pump and the motor, but replacement "certified" tanks are ridiculously expensive !

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Citation]

Appreciate the info. I was wondering how restrictive the stock regulator was, and the addition of a ball valve isn't a bad idea. I have actually considered manifolding the outlet for one regulated feed and one unregulated feed. For what I'm doing I leave the regulator full open 99% of the time.

I did something like that with mine. When my original tank died I had to pull everything apart so I redid things. In the end I did a mix of what I would want and what I had in terms of parts. I used a manifold block kind of like this off the tank outlet

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075ZLNHZD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

From that I have two air out lines and the pressure switch/blow off valve assembly. One of the outlets has a ball valve and quick connect but no regulator (my compressor peaks at 130 psi so very high pressure isn't an issue). I can use that to tie in my roofing compressor resulting in about 10 cfm. So far I haven't actually done this. I normally have a hose and air chuck here. The second outlet again has a valve then a short hose to larger regulator/filter, one designed for a 1/2 pipe thread. That one is normally connected to a PVC hose (low cost air hose, not pipe) that runs to the other end of the garage where it can be used to air tires, blow dirt off bikes etc. My garage is small and packed so it's nice to have a semi-permanent air outlet on the other side of the garage. I think that hose was something like $10 for 50 ft.

 

[Mr_B]

Appreciate the info. I was wondering how restrictive the stock regulator was, and the addition of a ball valve isn't a bad idea. I have actually considered manifolding the outlet for one regulated feed and one unregulated feed. For what I'm doing I leave the regulator full open 99% of the time.

That pretty much what I done on my home barn compressor .
The standard regulator didn't seem absolute worst so kept all as was with intention only improve when it broke/an issue and simply used an existing blanked fitting on the tank and run a short hard pipe link from it with ball valve inline for direct minimal restriction full beans use, great for a greedy air wrench on a 1/2 inch hose that give gains with the extra dynamic psi .
Worth a try on discount I had some success but it all down to individual managers I guess, oil better than nothing and prices of everything not the best in these tricky times and likely get worse .
Least you sorted all within budget and space usage preferences . Have fun setting it up and testing it out ...

 

[pfbz]

Could not get them to come down on price, but they did throw in a bottle of oil which I considered a good consolation prize.

Every time I think about upgrading my air compressor, I read a thread like this and end up just keeping what I have...

But I will say that swapping out the 'free' oil for a full synthetic makes my old 3-HP 20-Gallon run notably more quiet.... (wishful thinking on that 3-horsepower by the way).

 

[dchawk81]

Every time I think about upgrading my air compressor, I read a thread like this and end up just keeping what I have...

But I will say that swapping out the 'free' oil for a full synthetic makes my old 3-HP 20-Gallon run notably more quiet.... (wishful thinking on that 3-horsepower by the way).

Men say it's 3hp. Women say it's more like 2 and a half.