Air Compressor for Shop

[Cruiserdrew]

Yes-I searched.

I need a real air compressor for my home shop. My biggest challenge is space, but I want enough compressor to run tools and a future plasma cutter. I am not a production user, and will not have multiple tools running at once. I do not want an "oilless" compressor-I want the real thing. I do have a fairly sizable space under a workbench that I will be making, so a horizontal unit would be better for me than an upright. I could make an upright work, but it wouldn't be ideal. I could do 220 power if needed.

So what is a good compressor, where do I buy it, and where would you find a used compressor?

Harbor Freight quality level would be OK with me to get me started. Any particular model from there?

Basically, I need to know what to look for and what to look out for. I don't mind spending a bit of extra coin, to get a machine that will suit my needs.

Thanks.

 

[Brentbba]

Andy - only comment I got from my extremely knowledgable FIL was if possible go 220. Faster recovery time than a 120. Other than that, I'm not much help but will be watching this. My little 1/2hp just won't cut it if I ever get air tools. It's fine for bike and auto tires and blowing things off, but that's it.

 

[bull]

For plasma you are going to need a lot of clean dry air...

Go 220
low RPM model 1700RPM or so. Lower the RPM the longer the life etc.

 

[alvarorb]

Andy,


There's a great air compressor shop on Auburn Blvd. We can go there when ever. I seem to recall they had new and used stuff. They guys there really know their stuff.

Regards

Alvaro

 

[sisukid1975]

Yes-I searched.

I need a real air compressor for my home shop. My biggest challenge is space, but I want enough compressor to run tools and a future plasma cutter. I am not a production user, and will not have multiple tools running at once. I do not want an "oilless" compressor-I want the real thing. I do have a fairly sizable space under a workbench that I will be making, so a horizontal unit would be better for me than an upright. I could make an upright work, but it wouldn't be ideal. I could do 220 power if needed.

So what is a good compressor, where do I buy it, and where would you find a used compressor?

Harbor Freight quality level would be OK with me to get me started. Any particular model from there?

Basically, I need to know what to look for and what to look out for. I don't mind spending a bit of extra coin, to get a machine that will suit my needs.

Thanks.

Harbor freight's compressors tend to be a little "oily." The air is not the greatest quality if you're painting or using it for plasma, unless you have a good coalescing filter....

I'd go with Gardner-Denver RV series, but they're upright. They may make a horizontal, I'm not sure.

Curtiss makes a nice horizontal that you can sometimes get used for the same price as a Harbor Freight Machine...

If you don't mind oily air, or are willing to spend the extra money on good filtration, Harbor Freight's machines are alright.

Fred

 

[sleeoffroad]

SX5 from Kaeser. Only way to go

http://www.kaeser.com/Products_and_Solutions/Rotary_screw_compressors/standard/SX_SK.asp#0

 

[Doug_S]

I bought a compressor from Home Depot. It runs on 220V single phase and has a 60 gal tank. The compressor is a twin cylinder oil type. I run my plasma cutter on it without a problem. Just run a water filter between the compressor and the plasma cutter.

 

[Campfire]

I bought a 60 gal upright Craftsmen "Proffesional" and had it go out (head started blowing oil) after 9 months, they replaced it and lost that one in 4 months. Must have have been a bad batch, they're made by DeVillbliss. Anyway, took that back to Sears and got my money back then replaced it with a IR from Northern Tool. It was here in a week and it's TWICE the compressor the Sears unit was. I run all my air tools, 1/2" impact, air grinder, etc. I can even run a DA sander continually and it will kick on, pump up, and kick off. They allways seem to have a "free shipping" deal going. Look it up here. I've run a plasma and a grinder at the same time and it doesn't seem to phase it. I did have to run a separate 100 amp box to the garage, but that works out for the MillerMatic anyway!

 

[sisukid1975]

I bought a 60 gal upright Craftsmen "Proffesional" and had it go out (head started blowing oil) after 9 months, they replaced it and lost that one in 4 months. Must have have been a bad batch, they're made by DeVillbliss. Anyway, took that back to Sears and got my money back then replaced it with a IR from Northern Tool. It was here in a week and it's TWICE the compressor the Sears unit was. I run all my air tools, 1/2" impact, air grinder, etc. I can even run a DA sander continually and it will kick on, pump up, and kick off. They allways seem to have a "free shipping" deal going. Look it up here. I've run a plasma and a grinder at the same time and it doesn't seem to phase it. I did have to run a separate 100 amp box to the garage, but that works out for the MillerMatic anyway!

Common thing with DeVillbiss pumps.

Fred

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Thanks for all the ideas. I got a PM about a Speedaire from Grainger that actually looks pretty good and it's under $500. The Curtis compressors look stout, but I could not find on-line pricing. My ideal would be to have a used Professional level compressor that has lots of life left in it and use that. I'll be shopping this weekend at the local compressor store.

 

[calfj60]

Care to share anything aboutthe one at Grainger???

 

[CruisinGA]

I run the largest 110v Ingersoll Rand.

Solid cast iron, buy quality and buy it once.

It has no problem keeping up with die grinders, orbital sanders, drills etc.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

Semi Hijack;

What are the minimum requirements needed on a compressor in order to run air tools for tearing down an axle, pulling lug nuts for a tire rotation etc? I have no other need, but an air ratchet now and then would be nice.

 

[CruisinGA]

impact wrenches and air ratchets do not need much...

almost any 125+ psi compressor with any kind of tank would be plenty.

Always buy more than you'll think you need.

 

[Campfire]

What ever you do, buy a cast iron head. You can service them if it's a name brand, order parts from different warehouses, and plan on using it for YEARS!
My only problem was finding room for the thing. I went from a 11 gallon 110V to this monster. Also look for one with an electric motor that can be wired 110V or 240V. 110V is easy, but if your going to start using it a fair amount, I'd look at adding 220V to your garage. I hard wired my compressor to the box, then dropped different outlets for my welder etc.

 

[ff347]

Semi Hijack;

What are the minimum requirements needed on a compressor in order to run air tools for tearing down an axle, pulling lug nuts for a tire rotation etc? I have no other need, but an air ratchet now and then would be nice.

Remember that "most" CFM's are figured on a 15 second run time, most wrenches/ratchets never really run more than "bursts". It's the sanders and scalers/etc. that have the long run times that require the big cfm machines.

i.e.-INGERSOLL-RAND 2135TI- Average CFM @ 15 Second Run Time 5.0cfm

Also, always look at warranties, the tank is not even a factor in the cost of replacement items. The motor or pump can cost 2/3 +/- the price of a new compressor down the road, so buy quality from the word go.