To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Used Air Compressor

B

buddhafist24

Member
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
5
New here and looking for some advise. I'd like to purchase an air compressor for basically running an impact for some light car work (changing struts in near future). Maybe small paint jobs around the house in the future.

I think I want a 20-30 gallon with 5+ scfm @90psi. With the little use it will get every year, I don't want to spend too much.

Some options I've been looking at.

https://www.harborfreight.com/21-gal-25-hp-125-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-61454.html
A little worried about HF

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...belt-drive-air-compressor-30-gal?cm_vc=-10005
A little too pricey

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/d/5-hp-air-compressor/6576753942.html
Not sure about used

https://bid.repocast.com/lots/10375...V2W3dpZF09MiZzdGF0dXM9YWxsJnR5cGU9d2F0Y2hpbmc.
Not sure the scfm rating

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
M

mustang68408

Well-known member
Joined
May 14, 2014
Messages
45
Location
Tampa, FL
I have a IR Garagemate... it's on the higher end, but it can keep up with most all home and automotive work I do. Also, I keep mine in a garage and it is fairly quiet with the factory filters.
 
F

FTG-05

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 11, 2012
Messages
1,535
Location
TN
buddhafist24 said:
New here and looking for some advise. I'd like to purchase an air compressor for basically running an impact for some light car work (changing struts in near future). Maybe small paint jobs around the house in the future.

I think I want a 20-30 gallon with 5+ scfm @90psi. With the little use it will get every year, I don't want to spend too much.

Some options I've been looking at.

[snip]

https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/for/d/5-hp-air-compressor/6576753942.html
Not sure about used

[snip]

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

"5hp" HaHaHaHaHaHa!!!!

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=390002

:eyecrazy:
 
L

Lelandwelds

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 6, 2017
Messages
2,443
Location
Central Texas
The CL poster is wrong. Not a 5 hp motor.

Don't buy direct drive. Don't buy oil free. Single stage is fine. Cast iron is better. Some of the HF compressors are great. Some stink. There are threads here and elsewhere with the details.

Most people consider this size to be barely adequate and disposable. I say they are ok if you realize you are trading time for money. Expect to do a lot of waiting.
 
K

kTHREE

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 30, 2016
Messages
222
Location
MN
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
P

PWC Repair

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
3,179
Location
Arkansas
Same pump, older design. Will easily fill a 30 gallon tank.
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/for/d/air-compressor/6575189295.html

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/tls/d/sears-air-compressor-dual/6569436532.html

https://toledo.craigslist.org/tls/d/30-gallon-sears-air/6570647433.html

https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/pts/d/air-compressor-3hp/6563034510.html

You see where I'm going with this? Older, tough, made in USA twin pumps can be had everywhere for a little money. Change the oil any time it looks milky and they last forever!
 
D

Dan in Pasadena

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
13,132
Location
Pasadena, CA
To the OP, avoid the oilless ones if you can just because they’re noisy as hells. Annoying and distracting.

Despite that, for my adult nephew just outfitting his home shop I bought the Harbor Freight vertical one you posted and he’s been very happy with it so far. Light, occasional use as you stated.
 
T

tthornto

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
743
For "light occasional use around the house" I suggest swapping the tools that require High CFM for quality cordless electric tools, and then getting a small hotdog or pancake compressor for the things that do need air. Then you don't have to drag a hose around with you.
 
B

bdbecker

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Nov 18, 2015
Messages
5,557
Location
Iowa
For what its worth, that Porter Cable you linked is made by a different company and sold under a few different brand names like Powermate, Magna Force, Industrial Air, and Sanborn. I was actually looking at the 20 gallon horizontal version of that compressor and stumbled across this info awhile back. Do a web search for "1683066" and you'll see what I mean.

Looks like Menards has the Sanborn version of the same compressor for the same price - might be worth watching the Tactor Supply and Menards websites, I know the 20 gallon version I've had my eye on will go on sale for about $50 off from time to time.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...air-compressor/sla1683066/p-1444439608275.htm

Finally, here's a link to the 20 gallon compressor I was watching - it appears to be the same pump and motor setup as what's on the 30 gallon you were looking at, just with a smaller tank.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...33-c-12910.htm?tid=7886620237377176260&ipos=3
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...rtable-belt-drive-air-compressor?cm_vc=-10005
 
OP
B

buddhafist24

Member
Joined
May 3, 2018
Messages
5
tthornto said:
For "light occasional use around the house" I suggest swapping the tools that require High CFM for quality cordless electric tools, and then getting a small hotdog or pancake compressor for the things that do need air. Then you don't have to drag a hose around with you.
Click to expand...

That was my original thought, and I bought the high and mid torque Milwaukee impacts. I didn't know which would be better, and the money for those might be better towards a compressor that could be used for other things.
 
C

Citation

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2016
Messages
3,214
Location
Indy
I like the husky model you suggested. I have a similar model myself. You might take a look at the CAT 10020. It's oil free and direct drive but also version quiet. Most of the reviews here talk about the 1hp versions (I've got a 5510a). The 2hp model has good flow for a 120v compressor yet it's still very quiet compared to most compressors. The 10 gallon tank is small but you can attach a second tank for additional air.
Recently these were $200 at Walmart
https://slickdeals.net/f/11518159-c...walmart-or-205-w-free-shipping?src=SiteSearch

Due to wiring and space limits in my current garage I've been going back and forth with my two small compressors. The 1hp CAT I've got is too weak to run a cutoff wheel but it I really like the low noise levels so it gets used more than my 'more powerful' Emglo roofing compressor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom