Recommendation for compact air compressor >3 SCFM

[WilltheEngineer]

Hello,
Looking for recommendations for a compact/portable air compressor less than ~3 SCFM, for trim nailers etc....

Between $100-200.....Low noise/Db would be nice....and would not like to rebuild or replace regulater in a year...

Thanks in advance..

 

[tarbellb]

I think the Big Bore Makita is suppose to be one of the best out there. Its a extra $100 on top the other players which are Porter Cable, Bostich, and Hitachi.

I have the Poter Cable that is on sale on the time ~$150 (refurb?) and it comes with three guns. Its a good enough deal, but the compressor itself leaves me wanting something quieter and more reliable. Had it in twice for warranty work now.

 

[gsmornot]

I have been looking at one of the little Husky units at the Home Depot. I have a bigger unit but thought one of these little compressors would work fine with my nail guns. Nice thing is its oil lubed so it should be fairly quite and the reviews are good.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-...-Coil-Hose-L13HPD/202868804?N=rd#.UbsjZNipcUA

 

[RKA]

I think the Big Bore Makita is suppose to be one of the best out there. Its a extra $100 on top the other players which are Porter Cable, Bostich, and Hitachi.

I have the Poter Cable that is on sale on the time ~$150 (refurb?) and it comes with three guns. Its a good enough deal, but the compressor itself leaves me wanting something quieter and more reliable. Had it in twice for warranty work now.

Yeah, only issue is the regulator on the Makita is junk, just like all the others. Mine lasted 2 years with very little use. The 2" steel coupler just upstream rusted out and gummed up the regulator. I drain the tank after each use. I called Makita looking for replacement parts and was shocked when they said it was going to be $60+ shipping! I put a stainless coupler in and a new regulator/gauge, hopefully that will be the end of it. Ended up having to do the same with my IR Garagemate as well.

But now Craftsman and Husky both have look-a-like models for less than half the price of the Makita. In any event, I think the OP should count on having to replace the regulators on these things.

 

[WilltheEngineer]

I came across the Husky 3-Gal., and it's Sear's twin:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-ga...0P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3#reviewsWrap

A 3-Gal Kobalt I came across, states it has a 3yr warranty on the box, states 1yr on the website. Higher PSI than 3 Gal stacked units.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_57655-30449...l=1&currentURL=?Ntt=air+compressor&facetInfo=

 

[WilltheEngineer]

RKA,
It looks like you might have the right idea...just buying one at a good deal and/or with low noise, than plan on replacing the regulator in the future.

Not for sure if an extended service plan would pay off.....might be better off going with a nice regulator for the replacement...

 

[theoldwizard1]

Hello,
Looking for recommendations for a compact/portable air compressor less than ~3 SCFM, for trim nailers etc....

Between $100-200.....Low noise/Db would be nice....and would not like to rebuild or replace regulater in a year...

Less than or greater than 3 CFM like it says in the title ?

You are NOT going to find one that does greater than 3 CFM @ 90 psi for under $200.

If your only banging trim nails, anything will work. Which ones will hold up is a different question !

 

[WilltheEngineer]

Old wizard1, thanks for the SP catch....big fingers, small key images next to each other, small title window, things happen...

From the text, obviously it's "less than ~3SCFM"

Just looking for suggestions on a small portable/carry air compressor.

 

[jshultz78]

I've got a small 2 gallon, I think. Campbell hausfeld I got a walmart a few years back when I was building speakerboxes with a brad gun, worked great for that, and still works great now.