Small compressor

[vette-kid]

I'm trying to downsize but want the capability of a compressor. I just don't want a noisy pancake deal. Currently using an older 30gal oil lubed kobalt. I'm hoping for something a little smaller that can fit under a work bench out of the way but still be suitable for occasional air tool use, impact wrench, cut off tool, etc. Not a heavy user really, I just hate the loud clunky oiless ones.

Is there something that fits my need without breaking the bank? Any recommendations?

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[wildcatvette]

I used to have a porter cable with the same specs as this:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-4-Gal-Portable-Electric-Air-Compressor-D55153/202514521

I also have a have a 3hp direct drive Craftsman.

I also now have a 60 gallon 5hp 2 stage

I will just say, the Porter Cable provided more air and quieter than the craftsman.

 

[Voi]

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...c-vertical-air-compressor/p-1471978733665.htm

Compressor above was posted in another thread recently. The CFM specs look decent for that price range. I have the 5.5 CAT compressor and it is very quiet.

I'd love to know if the 10 gallon CAT is true to specs or if the listed is inflated to some degree.

 

[R-mm]

California Air Tools is all you need to know. They are good to specs well made quiet affordable. I have two joined at a T junction.


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[Rarified27]

I have a CAT 4610AC and it was so quiet when I turned it on, I thought for sure it was malfunctioning. Not bad for under 5gal with a 1hp pump.

Mind you, this is compared to the other deafening compressors a lot of folks have endured for too long.

 

[Den69rs96]

If your going to run an impact gun and cut off wheel with such a small tank, I would check out the duty cycle of those compressors since they will run pretty much the entire time time your using the tool. Here is another option. IR makes a 4.6 gallon twin tank compressor will 100% duty cycle.

https://m.northerntool.com/products/shop~tools~product_122381_122381?adv=false

 

[Citation]

The cutoff wheel is going to be the limiting tool. I've played with several smaller compressor and this is my take. I've got a 4 gallon Emglo similar to the one in the second post. No trouble with an impact. The impact duty is bursts so it often can run on a smaller compressor. The smaller compressor is useless with the cutoff wheel. The same is true with my CAT 5510. I've found the cutoff wheel was mildly usable with a cheap 8 gallon husky. I never had trouble with my 20 gallon 5.7 cfm belt drive compressor.

So in my experience I would be worried about anything under 8 gallons. That CAT 10020 seems like it might work. Plumbing in a second tank can help. The CAT is expensive for the specs and I don't think the bills quality is great for the price but the quiet part is no lie.

 

[Chromdome35]

I love my California Air Tools 6.8 gallon compressor. I put it out of the way on top of a tall cabinet in the garage. It charges quickly and is quiet compared to most small compressors.

I think my model has been discontinued at this point, but they have other similar.

https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-CAT-6310-6-3-Gallon/dp/B00889ZYPQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[Citation]

Note that CAT compressors generally come with either the 1hp pump or the 2hp pump. The 1hp models are rated around 2.3 cfm @90 psi. Not great. The 2hp models are around 5.5 which is good for a 120V compressor.

I know some say the smaller CAT compressors refill quickly but for the tank size I disagree. My Emglo takes about 15 seconds to recycle with no load. It's a 4 gallon tank and rated at 4cfm @90 psi. My CAT 5510 takes about 3 times as long to refill a tank that's 38% larger. The CAT isn't close when it comes to flow but the CAT is in another world when it comes to noise. Also, my garage wiring needs to be updated. The Emglo has a lot of starting issues in the winter. These are due to the cold oil plus line voltage sag. The oilfree CAT doesn't draw as much current and runs just fine in sub freezing temps.