Recommendations on a portable compressor

[theoldwizard1]

First, "portable" means that one person can pick it up and put it in the trunk of a mid size car or hatchback. It will be used with 1/2" impact for changing tires, filling tires and cleaning. If I can find a used 30+ gallon tank I might plumb that into the garage.

It must run on a 15A 120V circuit.

It must be oil lubed.

The pump should be cast iron or have a cast iron liner.

Durability and cost are important.

Here is what I have found so far

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC2400-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VPK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D55152-4-Horsepower-4-Gallon-Compressor/dp/B0000CCXTK/ref=sr_1_1?s=power-hand-tools&ie=UTF8&qid=1347373027&sr=1-1&keywords=D55152

http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-D55153-1-Horsepower-Gallon-Compressor/dp/B00005NMUZ/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_4

 

[mryyc]

Might want to consider this IR as well:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035HYJN4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[signcrafter]

Rolair, http://www.nailgundepot.com/RolAir-FC2002-The-Bull-2HP-Portable-Air-Compressor-Details.html. As far as I know they are still made in the USA. All the construction trades use these and beat the heck out of them and they keep on pumping.

Here's another one, http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Rolair-D2002HPV5-Air-Compressor/p7260.html

 

[GarageEnvy]

First, "potable" means that one person can pick it up and put it in the trunk of a mid size car or hatchback. It will be used with 1/2" impact for changing tires, filling tires and cleaning. If I can find a used 30+ gallon tank I might plumb that into the garage.

Funny I alway thought it meant safe to drink. I don't know of any air compressors (especially oil-lubed) that are safe to drink but I'd second the recommendation for Rol-air for a poRtable compressor.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Funny I alway thought it meant safe to drink.

Thanks, I fixed it !

Hmm I thought always was spelled A-L-W-A-Y-S

 

[stanford1621]

You can get that third one on our list at home depot and use a harbor freight coupon for $50 off

http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...rhf_se_p_t_4&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13473962998903

 

[GarageEnvy]

Thanks, I fixed it !

Hmm I thought always was spelled A-L-W-A-Y-S

Touche. I alway check my spelling before I post too.

 

[bobcatdan]

I have been eyeing up a puma. They have them siting next to an IR garage mate, they are identical down to tag on the tank.

 

[theoldwizard1]

BUMP one last time.

Okay roofers and finish carpenters what do you guys use ?

Durability/longevity followed by cost are my top priorities. Seems that too many reviews talk about compressors that leak out of the box or have some part break within the first year.

 

[dandan111]

My porter cable pancake has been great. It's loud and no oil but it's been a real workhorse for me. it's ran nail guns for guys a few times because their bigger compressors trip breakers.
The dewalts and makitas you listed are awesome. I would go for ether one. If I as doing it over a ir garage mate would be my choice.(I kind of jumped blindly on the porter cable but have no real regrets).
It's a **** shoot on quality and I hope you get a good one out of the box!

 

[carterbeauford]

Durability/longevity followed by cost are my top priorities. Seems that too many reviews talk about compressors that leak out of the box or have some part break within the first year.

I have the older style of that IR and it's been bulletproof. only complaint is the plastic gauges broke off but they seem to have fixed that design flaw with the new one. I've put untold hundreds of hours on it.

 

[willhollin]

I've had one of these Stanley Bostitch compressors for a few years now, very portable and added security with the roll cage.

Model number is - SFC-RC6HP

 

[6-Speed]

I have been eyeing up a puma. They have them siting next to an IR garage mate, they are identical down to tag on the tank.

I believe the Puma PK5020VP has the added flexibility of operating on either 115V or 230V and it's less expensive.

I have the IR 20-gallon Garage Mate, which I really like, but the Puma comes in a cool blue color.

 

[dandan111]

Are the puma a new brand? I looked at them on amazon and didnt find any reviews.

 

[6-Speed]

Are the puma a new brand? I looked at them on amazon and didnt find any reviews.

I don't know whether Puma is a recent brand, but you can find reviews on their compressors at Northern Tools:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/NTESearch?storeId=6970&Ntt=Puma+compressor

 

[NedNorton]

The little Rol-Air has been flawless for all my carpentry crews. It will run 3 framing guns or 2 guys nailing off sheeting or subfloor and you can lift it into the truck a the end of the day.

 

[PCO6]

I have this little 3 HP / 5 gal. as a portable compressor. It also serves as the backup to my 6.5 HP / 60 gal. compressor. The small one goes on every time I enter my garage and turn on the lights. It's good for light duty bench work when I'm only in the garage for an an hour or so and it saves wear and tear on my main compressor. It now sits on a car wheel dolley and is easy to move outside when needed (also gives me a good place to store one of the 4 dollies). I picked it up on sale for about $100 at Canadian Tire and have been surprised at how well it has worked.