Compressor Info

[donnier]

Im looking into getting a small compressor for use around the garage and home.

I dont have the room for a large unit.

What would be the best all around bang for the buck?

Thanks.

 

[RColston]

Check some of the ones by de walt. Basically they are emglow compressors, which are very reliable, albeit not always the cheapest. I have a 4 gal twin tank portable which has been great. Available at Lowes I think. It is fairly small, can be carried in easily.



Rick C

 

[Rebel Ram]

I use a 4HP Honda/Emglo. It has a carry handle but is a little heavy so I modded a hand truck to make a cart. The tradeoff for starting and noise vs portability and no need for electrcity make it worth it to me.

 

[GFritsch]

What do you want to do with it? If it is just for airing up tires or running small finishing guns etc. a small pancake will work fine. If you want to run impacts and other mechanics air tools you will need something larger. Get the largest compressor that you can justify size wise and cost wise to give you the most flexibility down the road.

 

[rbattelle]

What do you want to do with it? If it is just for airing up tires or running small finishing guns etc. a small pancake will work fine. If you want to run impacts and other mechanics air tools you will need something larger. Get the largest compressor that you can justify size wise and cost wise to give you the most flexibility down the road.

Good advice. If I had to get a portable one, I'd look real hard at this one.



Ryan

 

[donnier]

What I was thinking about is at least 8 - 15 gal. tank.

Sears has one on sale.

How well does Harbor Freight stuff hold up?

Got a flyer from them with a 8 gal for around 100 bucks.

 

[RRees]

I have an upright Sears Craftsman (22 gallon - think). I paid around $300. 00 for it back in 1998. It has done what I need it to do for me. It will run off of 110 or 220.



I also have a one mounted on my Jeep (Viair 400 series) and a Thomas DC one for my trailer. Either one of those was around $250. 00.

 

[RColston]

Two words on bargain basement air comp's. BE CAREFUL. Check the local advertiser/Green Sheet. Some times you can find a good compressor bargain there IMHO.



Rick C.

 

[Loghead]

You need to arm yourself with a tape measure. Head to Lowe's or Home Depot (compressors of every type/size there) and see what space/electrical requirements you'll need to satisfy.

There's no need to buy a compressor from either of those two giants if you object, but it's a good place to see lots of 'em. Make sure you get a cast iron pump; leave the aluminum junk for someone else. I'm not up on all of the ins and outs on electric motors, but generally one that runs (or can run) 240V will hold up better.

As someone already mentioned, try to get a unit bigger than what you think you need. Once you realize how useful these things are, you'll begin finding more uses.



I bought my compressor from Harbor Freight fifteen years ago, but it wasn't a hundred bucks. You get what you pay for, so spend wisely and (hopefully) less often.

 

[donnier]

After much searching and shopping, I settled on a Craftsman 33 gal comp.

It also came with a starter kit which included air ratchet, impact gun and air chisel for 299.

Ordered it online and picked it up yesterday.

Appreciate all the help guys.

 

[BimmerAgent]

Stationary unit

Loghead- How has your Harbor Freight unit held up ? They have a great deal going on a 60 gallon vertical unit right now that I'm considering. Your input would be appreciated. Bruce

 

[Loghead]

I bought a Campbell Hausfeld (from Harbor Freight) with a 30 gal. tank/5hp motor/cast iron 2cyl pump. I've used it in fits and starts- sometimes frequently and then, when I'm lucky (nuthin needs fixin) it'll sit for quite a while.

About the only complaint I have with it is that it has a cheapie plastic shroud around the belt/pulleys that is poorly attached and rattles quite alot.

Other than that, I would say that it has suited me quite well, although I'd probably opt for a 60 gal. upright if I were to buy another one.

 

[WDixon27]

unfortunatly they don't make my craftsman anymore or id suggest it, 33 gallon oiless twin cylinder single stage, things a monster, it will keep up with a da or die grinder

 

[BimmerAgent]

U. S. General

Does anybody know who makes those Harbor Freight units ? They look good, but will they last ? Bruce

 

[Loghead]

I'd say that there's a 75% chance that a compressor of that size and price is made in Taiwan, in the same factory as half a dozen other brands. They just paint 'em different colors and put 'em on the boat.

That's where alot of woodworking tools come from these days, so... ...



Not that there's anything wrong with the tools themselves; it's just a little sad.

 

[OL RATLR]

Im looking into getting a small compressor for use around the garage and home.

I dont have the room for a large unit.

What would be the best all around bang for the buck?

Thanks.

I bought a Craftman 3-1/2 horse-25 gallon compressor 14 yrs a go

still working good. Oo.

 

[duckcarvr]

the size of a compressor is in diarect relation to what you are going to use it for. mine is a 60 gallon devilbliss [ sp?] i got at costco at for $379. 00. it is 220, and it is noisy.

it does not take up much room because it is an upright , the mount is about 2' X 2'. . but i can use it for airtools, painting, about any thing i want but it is not portable. ive had it for 5-6 years no problems . robert

 

[Bill Stockard]

I bought a Craftman 3-1/2 horse-25 gallon compressor 14 yrs a go

still working good. Oo.

Yep, I have a 240 volt, 5 HP, cast iron twin cylinder, 30 gallon tank Craftsman for about 30 years for general shop use. No problems. I worked it hard this summer powering two nail guns for about 4 weeks in the 100 degree heat... never missed a beat.



Bill