Weekend wrencher looking at used compressor

[yositoco]

I've been working on cars for the past 15 years and i've never had a compressor. Now that i have settled into a house I'm wanting to buy one. It would be used for impact and ratcheting primarily, maybe down the road for some sanding. I just started to look on craigslist but i dont have a clue on what i should be looking for as far as size, HP or brands (that wont break the banK).

What do you guys recommend I should be looking for?

thanks

 

[930dreamer]

I'd look at a 240V compressor that takes oil, oil-less compressor are very loud.

Something like this.

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/tls/3440758721.html

 

[IndyGarage]

big used compressors are dirt cheap on Craigslist. Especially 3 phase ones. They are fantastic, but heavy and take up a lot of room.

an impact gun can be run on a small portable nailer type compressor - not continuously, but you can do it. The tools that use a lot of air are sandblasters, paint guns and sanders.

A lot of guys use the cheap ones from the big box stores successfully, depends on your need for longevity and tolerance of noise.

 

[skruft]

Right - sanding is the issue because sanders use a high volume of air.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I'm also a weekend DIYer and I do have a 33gal craftsman. but may I suggest you consider the IR W7150 cordless impact wrench? If IR's older 18v series is any indicator, they will likely release a lot of automotive tools in the newer 20v system. I can't tell you how much I enjoy using the cordless over dragging out a hose and firing up the compressor.

 

[camarotoolman]

oil less are junk and very loud. 2nd on the cordless, I'd go with the Dewalt, later on get the drill, saw, extra batteries etc. to use around the house.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Anyone w/any 'junk'/loud oil-less compressors that want to get rid of them cheap, PM me.... esp w/code tanks and located here in SE Texas!! *L*

 

[firebox40dash5]

Go big (if you have the room), go old. Enjoy your reliable old compressor that's cheap, and will outperform and probably outlive a brand new compressor of similar price.

We bought an old Speedaire/Champion for our shop. Even though I overpaid for it (underestimated/didn't notice the head damage, the valves had actually cracked) I think we have about $800 into it after replacing the pump, and swapping a 5hp single-phase motor. And we got the 3-phase electric running gear with it, contactor box starter and fuse box/cutoff switch, probably worth what I paid for the whole thing.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

One thing to remember is that if you get a big 220/240V compressor, make sure you either have 220V service in your garage already, or price getting it run into your garage.

 

[cide1]

I have a similar use case as the one described. I found a Kobalt 60 gallon, 10 CFM @ 90psi compressor at Lowes on black friday a few years back for $299. They still sell this model. Also budget for the electrical, plumbing, and a few good air tools. I spent almost as much on my IR 2135timax impact.

 

[goodysgotacuda]

$340 Harbor Freight 29gal oil/belt driven seems like it'd fit the bill.

I'll probably buy the Morgan refurb 60gal from Northern for $350

 

[larryq]

A poster named Pro-Painter recommended the Northern Tool 'Morgan' series of reconditioned compressors. Apparently they're Campbell Hausfelds in disguise:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396620_200396620

 

[dandan111]

I just have a little pancake porter cable. I was thinking of getting a bigger one and looked at a few older ones. Seemed like the old ones I looked at were leaky,I would be concerned if you want to use a old compressor for painting. Also hard to tell if the tanks are in good shape./. Just some of my thoughts.
I do like the old ones they run real quite.

 

[larry_g]

Here again location is useful. A neighbor has a nice older IR for sale and I'd pass on a contact if your were local.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Gregg33]

oil less are junk and very loud. 2nd on the cordless, I'd go with the Dewalt, later on get the drill, saw, extra batteries etc. to use around the house.

I have a Made In The USA Campbell Hausfeld oil less. It is a mid-sized unit, 20 gallon if I'm not mistaken. Extremely loud, but overall I'm pleased with it. Almost 15 years old, with fairly frequent usage. Definitely has lasted longer than I thought it would. Not big enough to continuously run sanders and the like, but great for impacts, die grinders, blowguns and tires.

 

[yositoco]

Thanks for all the input.

The cordless is a good idea and i already have a few 18v dewalt tools.

 

[cheechi]

A poster named Pro-Painter recommended the Northern Tool 'Morgan' series of reconditioned compressors. Apparently they're Campbell Hausfelds in disguise:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200396620_200396620

NTI Morgans can be any brand, a friend of mine has one that used to be Kobalt. Still has the Kobalt labels and stickers under the Morgan paint. If you match them spec for spec you can narrow it down to what you're probably going to get, and read the reviews of the original (keeping in mind you're getting a refurb anyway).