Would you swap to a smaller air Compressor?

[Slowbra]

I currently have a 30gallon,6hp Craftsman that is 12yrs old. The unit works fine and looks like new as it has rarely been used. However, as you can imagine it's very loud.

I've debated getting something newer now that I have a lift in the garage. It's likely I'll use the air tools more often, but i'd say I'm more of a weekend mechanic than anything else.

If you were me would you purchase a 10gallon, 2hp California Air Tools compressor (model #10020) to replace the old Craftsman? The CAT compressor is extremely quiet and may allow me to install it in my attic, which is next to bedroom upstairs.

My only reservation is the size of the tank and if it will be enough to keep up when I need it (mainly car projects). As quiet as the CATs are I really don't mind if it has to run more often. The output specs are more than enough for my needs. I could also likely get a few hundred bucks for my Craftsman so the cost would not be that bad.

Thoughts?

 

[fitz11]

I'd go bigger but definitely not smaller. A 10 gallon won't be much good for anything. The model you are looking at is also oil less which are generally louder and less reliable than oil filled units. I'd spend your time and effort on quieting your current compressor.

 

[1MOPAR]

If I had the chance I would go larger. The compressor I have now has a 60 gallon tank an it is not large enough to truly handle long runs with certain tools. Also if I could I would try to put it in a small shed attached to the outside of the garage. It is better to have too much than not enough.

 

[ez-duzit]

I would not go smaller. Go better quality.

And NO! about installing in an attic, where you can forget about maintenance.

 

[Slowbra]

General consensus is go bigger if I decide to change at all, which makes complete sense.

As far as maintenance goes, my plan was to use an automatic drain valve if I did put it in my attic

 

[afmrick]

I also have a 33 gallon extremely loud oil-less craftsman compressor (6.4 SCFM @ 90 psi) and have been debating going to a much quieter belt driven setup.

I bought back when I was using air tools alot and I had the space for an outdoor enclosure so, that I didn't really have to listen to it. After to we relocated the compressor moved into the garage with me, I don't like the idea of annoying the now much closer neighbors and I don't use the air tools as much - mostly just the impact wrench and topping off tires. To be fair, I haven't run air lines around the garage yet so, it is less convenient than it used to be.

I've been pretty happy switching to electric for the most part and I think I could get away with a smaller and quieter compressor.

With all that said, any one try one of the Craftsman "super quiet" compressors? Here's the first google hit: Craftsman Professional 27 Gallon Super Quiet Vertical Portable Air Compressor $344.93 - $499.99, 5.8SCFM@90PSI, 73dB ?


EDIT: Also saw this little one: California Air Tools Ultra Quiet 6310 $169.15, 2.35 CFM @ 90 PSI, 60dB. It's so quiet! And, it should be able to run the impact long enough to pull off a tire, right? I've never used one this small before.

 

[Steevo]

I only consider compressor changes for higher CFM.
Any other reason is less important in the long run.

 

[ez-duzit]

...$169.15, 2.35 cfm @ 90 psi, 60db. It's so quiet! And, it should be able to run the impact long enough to pull off a tire, right?...

no way!

 

[Strouty]

Go cordless impact if you don't like the air compressor noise, but do not go with a smaller one unless you are trying to use small air nailers.

 

[afmrick]

no way!

Rats! They make a ~5 CFM/2HP/70dB model for about $250.
Not that I'm really in the market - A quieter A/C is on my wish list but, it's pretty far down.

 

[Slowbra]

The one I was looking at is model 10020. Specs are not too bad. However, sounds like others think I will be disappointed in the smaller tank.

 

[eeprete]

I'd rather an old well oiled compressor versus anything new

 

[BillK]

Slow,
I have a 20 gal 2 1/2 hp Craftsman that I bought back in around 1974 or so, cant remember exactly when. It is old school oil type and still works fine. Very quiet. It has done everything I have ever needed including having painted 2 cars and sandblasting some small things. I am not a big user of air tools, especially at home so I don't really need much more.

If I were you, I would just see if you can find an older oil type compressor that is quiet. I don't see how anyone can stand the oiless compressors.

 

[southalabama]

You ever consider sand blasting. Go bigger

 

[Slowbra]

I hear you guys loud and clear. I'll keep my eye on something bigger and quieter or look into some sort of enclosure.

 

[mrpizza]

Go bigger for sure.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Smaller rules out sand blasters, grinders, cut off wheels, and sanders.

Having said that, I have often wanted some thing 1 person could pickup and would run on 120V@<15A.

I keep hoping some one here would buy one of these and do a write up.

http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-oil-free-air-compressors/2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-4620a

• 2.0 Hp (rated / running) motor
• 4.6 gallon aluminum twin air tank
• 7.00 CFM @ 40 PSI
• 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 125 PSI (maximum)
• "Easy Start Valve" (Allows for a no load start, for a low start up amp draw. Only 14-amps)

 

[Slowbra]

Other than being aluminum, what makes the 4620 more attractive than the 10020?

Here are specs on the 10020 I was asking about.

2.0 HP (Rated/Running)
10.0 Gallon Steel Air Tank with Wheel Kit
7.00 CFM @ 40 PSI
5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI
The CALIFORNIA AIR TOOLS 10020 Ultra Quiet air compressor is designed to be one of the quietest 2.0 horse power air compressors in the industry having only 70 decibels of sound.

 

[katy]

Why not keep the 30 gal tank and replace the compressor with a modern one? Your's is probably running in the 3450 RPM range, look for a unit that the motor runs in the 1750 range.

 

[Slowbra]

Why not keep the 30 gal tank and replace the compressor with a modern one? Your's is probably running in the 3450 RPM range, look for a unit that the motor runs in the 1750 range.

That is an interesting idea. Mine does run in the 3450 range... Thank for the suggestion.

 

[Highbeam]

I'm a fan of the two compressor plan. One big huge dog to stay at the shop and one very small one like the cat above for very portable needs like air nailing, roofing, fill a tire, etc.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Other than being aluminum, what makes the 4620 more attractive than the 10020?

Same motor and pump, just different tanks.

 

[drcliff]

When my REALLY LOUD Husky oil-less unit gave up the ghost, I made it into a mutt. I kept the tank and all the peripherals but grafted on a 2HP compressor motor and a cheap chinese V-twin compressor. Much much quieter and pumps enough air for one tool at a time. Will it still be running in 30 years? beats me.

 

[PT Doc]

If smaller will get you the same scfm AND the motor does run more than the duty cycle! then I guess it's ok if you need some space. Otherwise, you are losing tank capacity but only you know if you need this.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I have one of the dewalt oily (I couldn't see getting an oilless unit!) 4.5 cfm siamese tanks... it will run some of my smaller air tools (up to my 3/8" ratchets) but for the larger stuff, or heavy air stuff, forget it. Wire up for 230, order a regular shop compressor (at least 60 gallon), wince when you give them your CC number, and never worry about air again. that's probably my next purchase - my Craftsman 30 Ga. Gas powered unit is getting way long in the tooth!

 

[7thDimension]

Get an old craftsman (70s or early 80s), with the oiled belt driven pump, they are very well built are are pretty quiet. They also put out a ton of air and can be had pretty cheaply.

 

[Mech33]

I bought one of these and am integrating it into a shelf in my garage build. Will post a review once it's all up and running.

Smaller rules out sand blasters, grinders, cut off wheels, and sanders.

Having said that, I have often wanted some thing 1 person could pickup and would run on 120V@<15A.

I keep hoping some one here would buy one of these and do a write up.

http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-oil-free-air-compressors/2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-4620a

• 2.0 Hp (rated / running) motor
• 4.6 gallon aluminum twin air tank
• 7.00 CFM @ 40 PSI
• 5.30 CFM @ 90 PSI
• 125 PSI (maximum)
• "Easy Start Valve" (Allows for a no load start, for a low start up amp draw. Only 14-amps)

 

[Slowbra]

I think I will buy the one I've been mentioning and give it a shot. If it doesn't work out I can return it easily. I'll also give a review of it on here for others.

 

[GYPSY400]

I have an 8gal.. Running an air ratchet I have to wait between bolts for it to recharge.. The impact is not bad, but that's about the only thing it can handle.. Air ratchets, die grinders, cut off wheels, drills.. Forget it!!

I've upgraded to a 5hp 80 gal.. Still keep the small one for portable jobs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[coljar]

Keeping the one and getting another doesn't sound bad, but I have an 80 in the older garage and an 80 in the new one beside it with a jumper line to run one or the other or both. They are both old compressors and both in a back room so I don't have to listen to them.

 

[motoretro]

I have a early 1980's Campbell Hausfield USA made, 220V, 3HP, 25 Gallon (Second Tank) Compressor. I'd spring for something smaller with a aluminum tank, that runs without waking up the neighborhood as long as it's efficient for it's size. I'd like a 110V machine so I could free up the current for other purposes, My wall heater uses 220V also so I have to unplug it to use the compressor. USA made would cinch the deal......

 

[Slowbra]

The CAT 10020 is ordered and will be here this week. I'll keep y'all updated.

 

[ZRX61]

Smaller rules out sand blasters, grinders, cut off wheels, and sanders.

Having said that, I have often wanted some thing 1 person could pickup and would run on 120V@<15A.

I keep hoping some one here would buy one of these and do a write up.

http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-oil-free-air-compressors/2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-4620a

I pissed about with something like that for about 20 minutes one time. Just plugging in a 50ft hose was enough to lower the pressure in the tank that it would immediately start pumping.

 

[Troutsqueezer]

Why settle for just one air compressor?
Each size has its advantages.
I have three.
Small.
Medium.
Large.

 

[Slowbra]

The new CAT 10020 came in yesterday. Assembly was easy. Only odd thing is that the wheels install using a basic bolt, washer and nut. Sounds simple, but if you tighten the bolt the wheel doesn't spin. I'll rig something later, but the company should have had a sleeve in the wheel that the bolt goes into.

Initial impressions are great. It's super quiet and has enough air volume to keep my impact gun at a steady 90psi. You can easily have a conversation 2' away from this thing. I know that doesn't mean much to everybody, but my ears are happy. I'll put it to more work this weekend.

 

[PT Doc]

that a little cutie for sure.

 

[mikeyr]

no prices on the CAT website on their compressors but if they spend a lot of time making them quiet, I bet a proper oil lubricated compressor will be about the same price. I went with a 80gal. Champion 5HP, running at only 805RPM, its QUIET. Made even quieter by moving it outside in its own little house but it really was not required.

 

[Slowbra]

I paid $350. I'm all for finding a larger lubricated compressor that is quiet. In fact, I'd like to see how it compares to the CAT. This CAT registers a tad over 70db standing about a foot away.

 

[PCMusicGuy]

no prices on the CAT website on their compressors but if they spend a lot of time making them quiet, I bet a proper oil lubricated compressor will be about the same price. I went with a 80gal. Champion 5HP, running at only 805RPM, its QUIET. Made even quieter by moving it outside in its own little house but it really was not required.

The problem is there is NOTHING as quiet as these california air tool compressors that run on residential 110/120 voltage.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Why not keep the 30 gal tank and replace the compressor with a modern one? Your's is probably running in the 3450 RPM range, look for a unit that the motor runs in the 1750 range.

That is an interesting idea. Mine does run in the 3450 range... Thank for the suggestion.

California Air does sell stand alone pumps but they are almost expensive as a whole compressor.

California Air Tools MP200 2.0 HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air Compressor Pump/Motor - Amazon $329 FREE Shipping