you thoughts on an oil-less air compressor?

[g-man]

friend of mine recently gave me a hand me down 30 gal 5 hp wheelbarrow type craftsman air compressor. I was stoked since I only have a small pancake compressor. I had to source a new regulator and pressure switch to make it reliable. Another friend says they don't last long because w/out oil they burn up. What do you think? I imagine if you run them w/out letting them cycle this would happen faster. But I only want it for occasional use not like a commercial shop. I might have 70.00 USD total in it after I get another fitting for the tank gauge and the safety relief valve. I did see a youtube video of a pump rebuild @ under 80.00 doesn't look to hard. Can I safely run an impact wrench at say 5 cfms ave. run @90 psi and the compressor is rated for 7.1 @90psi. Will I be constantly having to let it catch up?

 

[bigredmachine]

my personal preference would be for an oiled unit, itll last way longer. the compressors at work are over 20 years old and run at least 12 hours per day 6 days a week and their both oiled units. the oil less is fine for occasional use but whenever it dies I wouldn't waste the money on rebuilding it when you can get an oiled unit from horrible freight for 170, less when its on sale. 21 gal. 2-1/2 HP 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor

your not going to be able to constantly run the gun or hold it wide open but the compressor should be able to handle it and have a reasonable run time on the tank. probably wont be able to run an air hammer or die grinder but should be fine running impact guns

 

[g-man]

horrible freight!!haha..we just call it china freight

 

[half k cruiser]

For $70 just run it however you want and if it does break down no big deal. Now, if you are going to spend the coin on a new one, I would recommend oil. Your going to get a much better unit, last longer, probably more CFM and the big bonus of being much quieter.

 

[e9999]

you got it for free, you already spent some money on it. Run it and your questions will be answered right there at little potential loss.
If the tank is not big enough, you can always add one with minor improvisation, easily gotten on CL for free or close.
Life is good!

 

[scrapdaddy]

Good deal. I bought a little one just like that to do trim work in my house 22 years ago. Still works fine to air up a tire, trim work, impact gun, etc. I use the big one in the shop for sandblasting, etc.

Keep the water drained out the tank and she'll last.

 

[reznunt]

Oil-less = loud!

 

[Heirloom]

At 30 gallons, running an impact, you will have no issues. If you start using something that is very thirsty for air (like HVLP painting or a pneumatic sander), then you will notice a difference. For impact drivers, nail guns, staplers, etc. you won't notice any need for more performance.

 

[g-man]

Oil-less = loud!

I bought a 50 ft 3/8 line to get further away from the "noise" but I noticed my Use Guide on the 1/2 impact wrench says 3/8 inch line MAX length 25 ft. If needing more to hook it to a 1/2 inch line. This is where I feel a 1/4 npt thread x 3/8 quick connect with larger inside diameter will reduce friction loss inside the line and maybe I can get away with a 50ft 3/8 inch line.. I will use at both ends of the hose in place of the 1/4 male quick connect i/m fitting. Also planning on running the compressor on one the back side of the house where there is a walk out basement....pulling the line around the corner up the hill 1 story and 30 to 40 ft away to the driveway.

 

[Hack]

You got it free, put minimum money into it, so run it until it either drives you nutz (they are noisy) or it blows up.

horrible freight!!haha..we just call it china freight

On a side note, I purchased the HF 29 gallon, 2 hp unit last year for my lake house. It won't see a lot of continuous running, but it is a lot quieter. I though construction was very good on the item (I also own an IR 2475N7.5-FP ). And it is HEAVY. It is sort of a PITA to do the initial oil change without making a mess. Future oil changes will be done with a MityVac to get most of the oil out first, then drain the last ounce by removing the drain plug.

 

[Proven]

Something about oil-less hasn't sat well with me. I always preferred the cast iron oiled variety.

I have a 30 gallon horizontal craftsman pro with an oiled compressor that I have used for at least 12 years now for everything every day.

 

[g-man]

Tried this out yesterday. I used 3/8 couplings to increase my flow. 1/2" impact worked great. 50 ft line so its far enough away. Broke loose and took off 5 lug nuts and reinstalled w/out it kicking on the compressor not sure how far it would go before kicking it on but thats good enough for me. china freight 3/8 drive ratchet...meh...couldn't even break a 1/4 coupler loose on npt pipe thread . But it was only 15.00. Might take it back an get real and look for something with some torque. I have a die grinder from craftsman some gave me years back, put that on it...ran for about 10 seconds before the compressor went from 130 to 90 and kicked on. That thing really eats some air! Then have to wait about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes for the compressor to catch up. don't think I'll be grinding away at anything with this. Maybe ok for some small quick project.

 

[g-man]

Something about oil-less hasn't sat well with me. I always preferred the cast iron oiled variety.

I have a 30 gallon horizontal craftsman pro with an oiled compressor that I have used for at least 12 years now for everything every day.

I hear you. If I had a shop I would definately get a permanent set up with an oiled 80 gal compressor.

 

[Proven]

I hear you. If I had a shop I would definately get a permanent set up with an oiled 80 gal compressor.

To be honest, you'll be fine. Let the pressure out of it when not in use, drain it regularly and keep your tools oiled.

I replaced the drain valve with some plumbing pieces to put a quarter turn ball valve as the drain valve and some vinyl hose to clamp on the end of it.

 

[g-man]

To be honest, you'll be fine. Let the pressure out of it when not in use, drain it regularly and keep your tools oiled.

I replaced the drain valve with some plumbing pieces to put a quarter turn ball valve as the drain valve and some vinyl hose to clamp on the end of it.

Cool. Previous owner on mine piped and elbow and enough 1/4 brass pipe to make it out from under the tank to a valve with a wheel handle. Much nicer than having to reach under.