Sanity check on air compressor. What am I missing?

[PCMusicGuy]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/porter-cable-20-gallon-portable-belt-drive-air-compressor

This air compressor is currently on sale. It seems to have the same design and specs as very similar compressors that are hundreds of dollars more. For example:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Porter-Cable-PXCMPC1682066-Air-Compressor/p9190.html

I would be using 120v so the dual voltage doesn't hold much appeal to me.

Good deal?

 

[altersaddle]

Looks like a good deal to me. I think the discount price is because this compressor is rated at a 50% duty cycle. So running something that demands 5CFM constantly may burn out the motor.

Not sure what the sale price is exactly, I chucked a WA zip code in their site (one of the few I remember). I'm guessing it's $300?

The Rolair 20gal rated for 7.3 CFM and 100% duty cycle is $1000 CDN (so $800 US right now, or less...), as a comparison.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

It's about average for a portable compressor for light duty use. You won't be running any DA sanders, drills, or paint guns, but it's fine for impact wrenches, tires, etc.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Thanks. The sale price is $300. It is normally $350 (which still isn't bad). I am basically looking to get the most CFM I can, run on a 20 amp 115v breaker, still be relatively quiet, and have at least a 20 gallon tank. Those normally seem to start in the >$500 price point which is why I had to get the sanity check. I would only be using the compressor for tires and occasional blowing off parts. I'm not a huge fan of air tools since I typically use cordless everything.

Originally I wanted to get a used compressor off Craigslist, but deals for a compressor like that are a rarity, even in a market as large as Houston. The ones that do pop up are almost the cost of a new one. The others that need work need a different motor or other work that would add almost 100% to the cost. If I could get one cheap enough that would be ok, and may even give me a small restoration project.

I was looking at this Binks compressor, but there are many unknowns.
http://houston.craigslist.org/tls/4968651436.html
I might take a look at it this weekend to see what shape it is in.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Be aware of what kind of compressor it is. If it has an oil level, then that should be a quieter unit, but the oilless ones are best outdoors or you'll be wearing earmuffs all the time.

 

[altersaddle]

That one's an oil filled unit, and at less than 80 dB you should be able to hold a conversation around it.

I agree, the CL ads seem to be a gamble. I found this one: http://houston.craigslist.org/tls/4964742000.html

It might be more trouble than it's worth though. I rolled the dice and got a good used SpeedAire for $100 cdn. The equivalent to your Porter-Cable find starts at $500 here, and I couldn't swallow that (I just spent close to that on an argon tank).

You might want to consider an electric-powered hot dog unit (10 gallon twin tank). Most of those have beefy belt-drive pumps that are intended for 220V 5HP motors - if you stick a 2HP 110V motor on you can run them a little slower to get similar performance in a very small quiet package, much better than the usual oil-filled units available.

 

[redmondjp]

It's a good price for a new unit and about as big of a compressor as can be used on a 120V 15A or 20A (preferable) circuit. It should serve you well.

 

[zeke67]

From the pic, I have the Northern Tool version of that (Houston, US290). I paid more. happy with it.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Looks like I may just grab the porter cable since it is new with a warranty.

 

[KenC]

I'd grab that old Binks you linked if it runs OK. Far superior unit, even if you need to source a tank to replace that one, if rusted. You'll still be using it when old and gray, you, not it.