Small shop air compressor recommendations 120 volt

[adamant118]

I currently have a little Craftsman air compressor that I can like it up to maybe 90 PSI. I am looking to upgrade it in your compressor but I do not want something that's going to run for 10 minutes to build up air. My requirements are not that great as I just use it to occasionally paint and work on my equipment using air tools. Filling up tires Etc. What do you guys recommend for a reasonable air compressor? Thank you

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[Tallpilot]

Quite a few threads on this, feel free to search for more information. I have the Harbor Freight 29 gal. It fills fairly quickly and runs my impacts, die grinders and hammer quite well. It is relatively quiet and the motor is US made. It's about $350 with a coupon.

Some people will suggest used. I am sure with enough looking and the knowledge to properly evaluate the condition and repair any problems that is a fine method.

The next step down in new compressors will be oiless and quite a bit noisier with less CFM. The next step up is going to be 220V. So in my opinion the one I chose gives you the most capability with 110V.

Others will disagree and of course duty cycles matter. I usually have one project or so per week that will require air tools and the pump cycles less than 10 times before I am finished. If you will require it to run significantly more than it is probably not a great choice.

 

[crewchief888]

most 120V air compressors dont have the "balls" to keep up with die grinders, air sanders/grinders/DA's

even the gas powered compressor (9CFM) wont keep up with an air grinder for long.

 

[Lelandwelds]

most 120V air compressors dont have the "balls" to keep up with die grinders, air sanders/grinders/DA's

even the gas powered compressor (9CFM) wont keep up with an air grinder for long.

Trading time for money? 230 volt is easy to get. Just swap out breaker and receptacle. That would allow for a machine exactly twice current size.

Do the same with bigger wire and more is possible. Within reason, you can swap storage for pump capacity.

 

[BTL-A4]

I was in your situation awhile ago. I had an 8 gal. I found a used Craftsman 33 gal, 8.6/6.4 scfm on craigslist for about $250 in 2017. I use die grinders and a DA sander with it and it can barely keep up (it runs all the time). That said, I do like it and it runs most of my other air tools just fine. I don't really have room for anything bigger.

I would get the biggest one you can afford. You won't regret it.

At my last house, I added a 220v subpanel. Had a local handyman come and check it and do the final connection to the house panel.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Here's a reasonable compressor you will not need to wait for.

https://www.eatoncompressor.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=68_243_245&product_id=396

 

[adamant118]

thank you

 

[laser3kw]

I currently have a little Craftsman air compressor that I can like it up to maybe 90 PSI. I am looking to upgrade it in your compressor but I do not want something that's going to run for 10 minutes to build up air. My requirements are not that great as I just use it to occasionally paint and work on my equipment using air tools. Filling up tires Etc. What do you guys recommend for a reasonable air compressor? Thank you

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Honestly, that's about the limit for a 120v compressor. I just sold a Craftsman 3.5hp (120v), 25 gallon (oilless) that could do that sparingly. If I needed to use a die grinder with sanding disc on it for more than a minute at a time, it contumely cycled. But it built up air fairly fast

 

[BillD]

most 120V air compressors dont have the "balls" to keep up with die grinders, air sanders/grinders/DA's

Those tools are the textbook definition of what electric motors were invented for.

If you need a 5hp compressor (3725 watts) to drive something that could be powered with a 200-300w direct drive electric motor, you know it's an efficient way to do it.

 

[PNWguy]

It depends on what air tools you have.
My nail guns run just fine on my pancake compressor, but my die grinder & impact gun struggle. I wouldn't even think of painting or sandblasting with it.

Before you spend money, try and figure out the cfm & psi that the tools you plan to use require. Then buy a compressor that can put out that psi at the desired cfm.

Otherwise, you're just guessing that the new one is big enough.

 

[crewchief888]

Those tools are the textbook definition of what electric motors were invented for.

If you need a 5hp compressor (3725 watts) to drive something that could be powered with a 200-300w direct drive electric motor, you know it's an efficient way to do it.

so true

thats why most of what i use in the garage is electric.
most places ive worked at have had more than enough air for everyones needs.

ive worked in several smaller 3 or 4 man const eq dealer shops, and the largest dealer i was at had 18 guys in the shop....
the 1st machine shop i worked at back in the 70's used nothing but air powered grinders, sanders, ect, had a huge rotary screw compressor that had more than enough balls

 

[knobby]

Those tools are the textbook definition of what electric motors were invented for.

If you need a 5hp compressor (3725 watts) to drive something that could be powered with a 200-300w direct drive electric motor, you know it's an efficient way to do it.

Quoted for truth
Bill you are far too reasonable to be posting here.