small compressor

[jimmfbrown]

looking for some advise on buying a small compressor. mostly going to use for nail gun , detail work, fill tires. hot dog or pancake style is what im thinking. any advise that can help me make up my mind.

 

[boobag]

see this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272875

and here's the store link that shows whats on sale, and use "santa15" for extra 15%off. promo ends soon.
http://www.atgstores.com/search/california-air.html

 

[boobag]

and you'd probably want the 1610a or 4610a. with the only difference being the tank size.

 

[DeluxeManCave4Me]

Check out "rolair". They've got a nice, compact unit thats really quiet, 63 db.

 

[drivesitfar]

JB: I've had my Home Depot Porter Cable for maybe 15-20 years now and it works great for my small nailers and I've loaned it out to friends and as long as they drain the tank after each use and use their own nails it always comes back ready to use again.

HD used to have a package deal with the compressor and a couple nailers for around $200-250 and i think they are still in that range last time i checked. there might be better ones or less expensive, but this one has never had any issues with the compressor or the nail guns.

 

[boobag]

JB: I've had my Home Depot Porter Cable for maybe 15-20 years now and it works great for my small nailers and I've loaned it out to friends and as long as they drain the tank after each use and use their own nails it always comes back ready to use again.

HD used to have a package deal with the compressor and a couple nailers for around $200-250 and i think they are still in that range last time i checked. there might be better ones or less expensive, but this one has never had any issues with the compressor or the nail guns.

decent compressor for the price, but they are noisy as heck.

look at a comparison

 

[CNGsaves]

Don't waste your money on pancake, unless you get it for $40 at garage sale or CL. Those are really best from someone needing very mobile compressor to haul around constantly doing brad nailing jobs, etc. (ie consider these "throw away" compressor).

In your lifetime, you may have 2 or even 3 compressors. This first one should be large enough to actually do something, but not 80 gal 7.5 HP as you likely don't have needs for that now !!

Suggest the sweet spot for your "1st compressor" situation to be either:

a) California Air 10 gal 2 HP as shown above
(This is exception that oil-less compressor being loud. These are quiet and excellent quality compressor. The $230 price after discount is great.)
b) Belt-drive oil splash compressor (Campbell Hausfeld, Speedaire, etc)
(Decide whether you like the horizontal tank around 20 gal, or vertical.)
c) Direct-drive oil splash compressor (Campbell Hausfeld, DeWalt, Craftsman, etc) - - - these are smaller like 1.5 HP 4 gal and very mobile but still have long-term reliability since they are oil splash.

Here's website to look around for ideas (don't buy as high prices):
www.aircompressorsdirect.com

Need to determine the CFM that you'll need to run air tools. This might rule out option (c) above.

However, what you DO NOT WANT is Craftsman oil-less, Central Pneumatic oil-less, etc. as these will be screaming loud and drive you crazy !!

 

[olytdi]

I just purchased the CAT compressor mentioned above to replace a Porter Cable pancake that lasted 8 years of occasional use but was so flipping loud that I couldn't be in the shop when I ran it.

Really looking forward to the upgrade on the California compressor. At that price, it's really a good deal. I don't think you'd regret it at all.

 

[jimmfbrown]

some more details. i already have a large compressor . im looking for a more mobile unit. was looking at a kobalt hotdog or porter cable pancake

 

[SweetD]

I just purchased the CAT compressor mentioned above to replace a Porter Cable pancake that lasted 8 years of occasional use but was so flipping loud that I couldn't be in the shop when I ran it.

Really looking forward to the upgrade on the California compressor. At that price, it's really a good deal. I don't think you'd regret it at all.

^Same

 

[jimmfbrown]

thanks for all the help i think im going with the cat

 

[David C]

Does anyone know why the California Air Tools CAT-10020 costs $270 with the 120V motor and $400 with the 220V motor?

Also is there a difference in performance?

Thanks

 

[boobag]

Does anyone know why the California Air Tools CAT-10020 costs $270 with the 120V motor and $400 with the 220V motor?

Also is there a difference in performance?

Thanks

probably due to lot less demand, and no discounting.

 

[Doug B]

Check out "rolair". They've got a nice, compact unit thats really quiet, 63 db.

I have a Rolair pancake that is nearly 30 years old and it has been bullet proof.Used it at work for framing and roofing for over 10 years,now I just use it around the house.
I would get another one in a minute