Air compressor recommendations, please!

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1MAC

1MAC

10 Year
Joined
Dec 9, 2012
Threads
27
Messages
1,420
Location
Kansas
I've managed to do all of my projects up to this point with no air tools. Now I'm to the point where I want to be able to do some blasting and painting projects. I think I should probably bite the bullet and get something in the 60 gallon/230V/4-5 hp range. I see units at Home Cheapo and Lowe's that run around $500. Will they be suitable for what I want, or is there a much better option out there? I have searched Craigslist off and on for over a year and decided there are no deals to be found there.

Thanks in advance.

1MAC
 
Lots of people buy the Kobalt or whatever it is that HD and Lowes sell. Check out the big one that Harbor Freight sells though. I think they run Italian made motors and USA built tanks. I can't remember exactly the specs but I know its two stage which none of those HD or Lowes units are. Let us know what you end up with.
 
Wait. Quincy on auction.
 
OK. Once I get my compressor, should I install it in my already crowded garage, or in the basement? I was thinking the basement would allow the compressor to take in cooler, drier air and potentially work better. I can put it right next to the garage and there is a breaker box right there that I can pull power from. I don't care about the noise in the basement, because (obviously) I will be out in the garage.
 
I loved having mine in the basement at a different house. But with the correct compressor sound is not that big off an issue.
 
I vote for basement but that is where my power was also. I have air run to the work bench down there also.
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I think the biggest reason for me that I put it in the basement is lack of room. 2 car garage doing engine swap and what not, anything that can be put out of the garage is out. I move tools and parts to the basement based on the project at hand. You never need the compressor in the garage you just need the air.
 
I will find the brand of my compressor. It has been great, but always allowed oil into the line. Fine for most purposes, but not for paint. I use my old compressor for that.

I would really look for a used Quincy, Ingersol Rand, or something else. Want to be really cool? Look at a rotary-screw style unit. Will make air faster than you can use it and much less noise too!
 
I'm definitely putting it in my basement- plenty of room and allows me to easily get power. I'm leaning toward Ingersoll Rand as my first choice, but haven't found anything used that looks like much of a savings over new. I have gone cheap on other tools in the past and regretted it. Not making that mistake on this one.
 
That's the one. Eaton is what I have. Great 10year warranty.

Bad, the oil that it passes through.
 
I am checking with a friend that may have a screw compressor used.
 
inline water separator. never found an oil one that worked that cost a reasonable amount.

Recommendations?
 
2fpower said:
inline water separator. never found an oil one that worked that cost a reasonable amount.

Recommendations?
Click to expand...

None, i just know my father has one on his big compressor. Haven't heard him say anything about oil in the line. It may have cost quite a bit, I don't know.
 
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