Small cheap air compressor suggestions

[signcrafter]

I have a bigger compressor in the garage and also a smaller emglo that I take places if needed. But the emglo is still pretty heavy and bigger then what I'd like to be able to just grab and throw in the trunk of the car. The emglo is great for roofing or framing or spraying texture or something that takes a lot of air but it's pretty big and heavy. I'd like to get a "baby" pancake compressor or something that is lite and doesn't take up much room. Would use it for filing a tire or maybe small finish nailers or just a blow gun or other jobs where I don't want to drag one of the other heavy compressors around. Also not looking to spend a ton of money since I won't be using it much, so doesn't have to be top of the line but just be able to put out a little bit of air. If I need more air I will have to use the emglo which is a two stage.

Are the HF compressors like this one for 49 bucks worth the price? http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gall...LCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk IjoiMzE0MSJ9 #.UycX-PldW50. Or is there something else around this price that works decent for small jobs?

 

[jjjrmx5]

Are the HF compressors like this one for 49 bucks worth the price? http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gall...LCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk IjoiMzE0MSJ9 #.UycX-PldW50. Or is there something else around this price that works decent for small jobs?

I have that HF pancake.
Bought using $39.99 coupon after I borrowed my neighbor's for a week.

Works just fine.

Easy to tote around, great for airing tires with a short curly-Q hose and inflator as well as running air staplers and nailers all day long.

I;ve used it in short bursts to run die grinders and sanding discs as well.

At $40, if it dies , just by another is my motto.

It is what it is, but damn handy indeed.

 

[d.mcfarland]

There are coupons for 39.99 so keep your eyes out for one if you decide to get this compressor.

 

[signcrafter]

Thanks for the replies. I realize it's a cheap compressor and won't expect too much out of it but just want to make sure it is worth the 40 bucks it costs and will work halfway decent for what I want. Like I said I have a bigger two stage "medium" sized emglo I can take with me if I need to run anything that takes a lot of power. Just be nice to have a small one to throw in the trunk to go pump up a tire or use as a blow gun or some trim work.

 

[Danglerb]

Use a coupon, puts some hours of use on the compressor while it has a warranty.

Filling tires I am fairly happy with the Craftsman C3 inflator, but I picked it up on sale after buying C3 impact, for $20 bare and used the battery I already had from the impact. Downside, I have yet to have a C3 NiCad pack last a full year. First one died and got warrantied, but second one was weak a couple months later.

 

[d.mcfarland]

jjjrmx, is the compressor giving any signs of problems because it's oilless??

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

My BIL has a 1 gallon Senco. It is great for running a finish nailer. Small enough that I can carry the the compressor, hose, nail gun and nails in one trip (probably a short extension cord too). I think they are a little over $100.

 

[jjjrmx5]

jjjrmx, is the compressor giving any signs of problems because it's oilless??

Nope. not a lick.

I keep it on the floor when filling due to vibration, and it's not overly loud but a little annoying if I;m using in the basement, but I;ve put a LOT of refills on it and it's fine (bought back last summer in July or Aug) as I need to repair or replace my 33 gallon upright unit soon and this fills in more than it should.

My neigbor has been using his HF pancake for quite a few years and he does a lot of workworking out in his garage.

It can do 4 tires pretty easily and acts like an air tote with the cord stowed and filled with air.

Just do the "break-in" procedeure as listed in teh owners manual and that should suss out any problems.

If I had not borrowed my neighbor's I would have been suspect.
After over 6 months of solid use I have no qualms.

 

[cburnscrx]

I am sure the Harbor Freight is fine for what you're doing, but keep your eye open for clearance models at the big box stores. I picked up my Porter Cable from Home Depot for less than $50.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-Cable-3-5-Gal-135-PSI-Pancake-Compressor-PCFP02003/203254365