Used air compressor, what to look for?

[thehazmatguy]

I've been looking for an air compressor on CL for a while. I think I found one that would fit my needs. It's a Craftsman Professional 2 stage, direct drive 120v compressor with a 25 gallon tank. The reviews say this compressor is very quiet - that would be nice. I'm expecting to go look at it tomorrow morning.

I did a search on the Garage Journal about what to look for when buying a used compressor. I found a thread or two but the discussion usually turns to "buy the most CFM, don't go less than 60 gallons" direction. First, a 60 gallon tank will not work for me... I just don't have the space for something like that. I'm also not excited about wiring another 240v line in the garage.

So... What problems should I look for on a used air compressor? How long it takes to pump up? Make sure the air filter is in place?

Here it is:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/tls/3135329908.html

The only review I could find besides the Sears/Craftsman website:

http://www.aircompressoranalysis.com/craftsman-professional-25-gallon-air-compressor.html

Here's the specs:

This portable model has a 2-stage patented oil free pump which is the highest pressure capability on 120v models. 175 max [TT_PSI] cut-in at 140 [TT_PSI(PoundsperSquareInch)] means more useable air in a smaller tank.
The 120v household circuit operation requires no special 240v circuits or wiring. If noise is a problem then this compressor is perfect. It is quieter than most other oil free compressors. The low maintenance direct drive means no belts and pulley to come loose or wear out. One year [ALL_Warranty].

Craftsman Professional

25 gal. Air Compressor, 1.6 hp, Vertical Tank, 2-Stage Oil Free Direct Drive Pump

SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) delivery at 40 psi at 5.6

SCFM (Standard Cubic Feet per Minute) delivery at 90 psi at 5.1

Model Number 919.167783

Tags Product Overview:Item Weight:150.0 lbs.

 

[AndyA]

Open the tank drain. Water in the tank is bad. If the compressor has been run recently and you only get a spoonful of water out of the drain, that's probably OK. If you get a cupful then you have to assume the seller never drained the tanks. At that point I'd probably walk.

Oil free is generally a bad thing. These are "disposable" compressors.

What do you plan on using it for? Filling tires and an occasional impact wrench would be ok. A die grinder is going to be really pushing it. A sandblaster would probably be unusable.

Bigger is better, but you buy what you can.

 

[pipsters]

I wouldn't buy that Craftsman Pro. There is an oiled belt driven Craftsman Pro 25 gal and vertical 27 gal that are good buys.

 

[Jawn]

I'd just look for a ~2hp oil lubed compressor. Good deals are out there, I got my 20 gallon compressor on CL for 65 bucks. Had to throw a few parts at it to make it right, but I'm probably in it for less than 150 right now.

 

[thehazmatguy]

What do you plan on using it for? Filling tires and an occasional impact wrench would be ok. A die grinder is going to be really pushing it. A sandblaster would probably be unusable.

I'm expecting to air up tires, tire rotations... small stuff. I don't think I'll ever port heads or anything like that. Maybe, someday, when I have a bigger shop I'll get a sand blaster = then it will be time to upgrade the compressor.

 

[RECox286]

Once you get a compressor, you will have an Epiphany: Wow ! How did

I ever get by without one ?

Ok. Settle down. I would stay at least a mile away from any oilless

compressor, especially Cman. If the motor goes bad, or the compressor

goes bad, a belted arangement makes it easy to do the replacement. Stuck

together, it makes for a much more difficult repair. Sears has a very nice

manual, with a parts list, and trouble shooting and all, however, by the time

you need any parts, they will have long since removed any such items from

their warehouse inventory. Guess we need to replace rather than repair...

Not my idea of the best way to deal with the person who bought the

item in the first place. There is a reason why most of the guys here

like the way compressors have been assembled for many years, using

a motor, oiled piston compressor, belt in between the two, etc, etc.

It is a formula that works over the long haul. Oilless compressors are

noisy, run too fast, get hot, yada, yada. Not saying that you shouldn't

look at this one you found, but I'll bet there is a good reason why it is

up for sale. (I do believe that I would pass it up.) I've said my two

scents worth, thank you.

Uncle Bob

 

[rodm1]

Here is your problem with this one "2-stage patented oil free pump" no way it will be quiet.