Air Compressor Choice

[Carp]

I've convinced the that I "need" to buy an air compressor to finish the remodeling job we started over the weekend. I'll use it for a small nail gun on the project, but would use it for working on my vehicles mostly (which will include painting and sanding) and building other things.

I am looking for some pointers on what kind of compressor I should look for. Mainly things like size, CFM, HP, etc. The only criteria is that it's got to stay in the garage with me (read quiet), and have a minimal footprint (probably looking at a vertical compressor).

I found this one at Lowes: Kobalt 26-Gallon Compressor with 6-Tool Value Kit Is it a good deal? I like the fact that it comes with tools, which will work for a while. I'll look at stand alone compressors and buy the tools separately, but the overall budget is what this compressor is going for.

Does anyone know of a good place to get a good compressor around here, besides the box stores? Although I am a little leary about Harbor Freight compressors, I'd like to hear if you have any good stories about them.

Thanks in advance!
David

 

[BZEP]

I dont know if they are still running the special but a few weeks ago I purchased the 30 gallon Husky version at Home Depot. Same exact setup with all the tools and they were selling it for $199. Good Luck!

 

[Trollhole]

I have one with the same compressor just a different tank. You more than welcome to borrow it. Just be aware you need to yell a lot and have good earplugs.

I'd buy an IR and be done with it.

Without a belt driven compressor or a lot of money it's going to be loud.

You can always stick it outside and close the door. Just make sure you get a rubber air hose and not a PVC or coiled one. The don't last and the PVC ones are unmanagable when cold.

 

[CruisinTiger]

Yeah I got the same 30 gallon with the tools for the 199 deal....love it...works great and the 3 levels of power...very sweet!

 

[Carp]

I have one with the same compressor just a different tank. You more than welcome to borrow it.

Thanks Marshall, but I rarely get an opportunity to buy something big, so I'm going to take advantage of it.

Yeah I got the same 30 gallon with the tools for the 199 deal....love it...works great and the 3 levels of power...very sweet!

They don't even offer one now with the tools, and their 30 gallon tank compressor is 348! Too late...

Thanks for the info guys, any more suggestions?

 

[Trollhole]

pAwn shops are your friend.

 

[Trollhole]

Could also talk to Alan. Last I spoke with him he was looking to get a bigger one. He would also probably sell his old one for a good deal.

Aslo coultalk to Scott Profit ff347. He works for Grainger.

 

[ff347]

I'll use it for a small nail gun on the project, but would use it for working on my vehicles mostly (which will include painting and sanding) and building other things.

I am looking for some pointers on what kind of compressor I should look for. Mainly things like size, CFM, HP, etc.



If you are buying for sanding/painting I would get something rated for "continous use",with and iron pump, belt driven. That is what seperates a bunch of the compressors you see in the box stores from one that will last. You could inflate a million basketballs/bicycle tires with a small oiless but will kill it in a hurry running it hard. Look at the CFM requirements of an orbital sander and you will see your range of machines narrow really quickly and the price go up just as fast. Also do you have 220 voltage because you will probably need that or on 110 you will need a dedicated breaker for continous use. Actually, their is alot of variables if you really get down to it. Homework will be the key to ultimate happiness.................

Scott

 

[ff347]

Oh yeah, UC gets a discount on most items.

 

[Carp]

Could also talk to Alan. Last I spoke with him he was looking to get a bigger one. He would also probably sell his old one for a good deal

PM'ed him. Also hadn't made it to a pawn shop yet, but was headed that way...

If you are buying for sanding/painting I would get something rated for "continous use",with and iron pump, belt driven. That is what seperates a bunch of the compressors you see in the box stores from one that will last. You could inflate a million basketballs/bicycle tires with a small oiless but will kill it in a hurry running it hard. Look at the CFM requirements of an orbital sander and you will see your range of machines narrow really quickly and the price go up just as fast. Also do you have 220 voltage because you will probably need that or on 110 you will need a dedicated breaker for continous use. Actually, their is alot of variables if you really get down to it. Homework will be the key to ultimate happiness.................

Scott

At first, my sanding/painting days would be limited due to the current garage restrictions, but they are in the plans. I could always buy an electric sander it will drive the price of a compressor up too much. I imagine that I will use the compressor 98% of the time for small quick burst type things (impact wrench, air ratchet, tires, nail guns, air chisel, etc). It's just those occasions where I want to use the rotary tools for an hour that worry me.

I do have 220 available, but I would be sharing the circuit with the dryer, which is doable, as I can make sure we're not doing laundry at the same time.

Do you have any compressor/tool combo packs?

Thanks again!
Carp

 

[ff347]

A good electric sander and or grinder will save you a ton on a compressor!

I will poke around and see what I can find as far as options.

Scott

 

[timmbuck2]

Air Compressors | Shop & Find Air Tools, Industrial Air Compressors & More From Sears

all compressors on sale at Sears...

 

[Carp]

Thanks for the heads up. I bought a HF compressor over the weekend. I know I said I didn't want to do that, but it was $140, 21 gal. oil lubricated compressor. So far so good... Thanks to all for the help.