Decent Portable Compressor?

[Mike Ellis]

I am trying to find a decent quality portable compressor, not the tiny pancake type ones but more like a 17 - 26 gallon jobby with wheels. There are apparently a million different mfgs of these gizmos, but all of the ones I have found locally have the oil-free pump and I am reluctant to buy a potentially "disposable" product without more feedback - if I am shelling out a couple hundred bucks I want the product to last a long time.



Either a good quality luggable or one of the wheeled units would work for me, I would like at least 6 CFM capability so I could run a small paint sprayer, impact wrench, nailers etc. Prefer a lubricated pump, and would like to buy American or European made if at all possible. (Everything I looked at locally was made in China or Mexico).



I tried to research this on the web, but I still have the world's slowest dial-up service and trying to load the mfg catalog pages and stuff is absolutely maddening. Accordingly any recommendations you guys have will be hugely appreciated!

 

[cojhl2]

Mike, I assume you mean "portable" like moveable around the shop but electric driven.



I am with you re the oiless. I would not have one!



I have one tht would fit yur requirement if the above is true,, it came from northern I think(it's been awhile). It has two tanks stacked and a lubricated compressor. It was about 100$ and works very well.



I would look at Northern or Harbor Freight as those tools as adequate for those of us who are shadetree mechanics,, no matter what they say!!!

 

[rbattelle]

How about this one?



If you believe their marketing, Eaton makes some top-quality compressors at very good prices.



Ryan

 

[wlowe]

I like the Rolair models, been around for a long time and very good quality. This is the one I used for fifteen years when I was in construction, for my air guns:



http://www.toolbarn.com/product/rolair/5715K17/



This is the one I've had for twelve years for home use but mine is a 1. 5 HP:



http://www.toolbarn.com/product/rolair/D1500HPV5/



If I was in the market for one today this would be my choice:



http://www.toolbarn.com/product/rolair/FC2002HBP6/



If you get an electric model try to get one with a capacitor start motor, less chance of kicking breakers.



Good Luck

 

[GCULP]

check out your local lumber yard, they have portables that have the cfm you're looking for with a high duty cyle. they're capable of running large nail guns all day in the heat and cold, the darn things never shut off and never quit, a popular brand up here is Emglo or Senco.

 

[wlowe]

I was just at the local hardware store and saw this model. Looked like a heavy duty unit and Makita seems to be a popular brand. I liked the very portable/compact design with 6. 5 cfm output.



http://www.toolbarn.com/product/makita/MAC5200/

 

[p-Bar]

That Eaton looks great, oil type unit ,high CFM which you need, probably a higer duty cycle than those oiless units

 

[tgordon]

I would also encourage you to stay away from the oil less like you are talking about. I do not know about the longevity, but the ones I have heard are loud SOB's. If you are going to have it in the working area with you I would stay away from them.

 

[Mike Ellis]

Thanks guys, you have given me some excellent sources. I like that Eaton...

 

[MChildress]

I am waiting on my Eaton to arrive. I ordered their 5 hp 2 stage 80 gal vert tank. I have a Craftsman oil less 30 gal tank that I bought back in 95 that I have been trying to wear out and it finally started showing signs by not keeping up and taking longer to pressure up. Like an ediot I did some research and found Sears sales a rod kit that has all the parts needed to rebuild the compressor pump (piston & crank,sleeve,and o-ring gasket) $35. I rebuilt it last night and it works and sounds like new. I still need the bigger one for my new plazma cutter and piping shop air. The Craftsman has been through the paces not everyday but has run continuous when needed painting,sand blasting with small gravity fed unit,and air tools. Would have to wait and let it catch up on ocassion. It shows 6 hp 30 gal 9 cfm at 90 psi 125 psi max,120 or 240 volt. I know they list peek hp and its probably only a 2hp motor if that.