Need an air compressor...

xj4094dg

OK. I'll be buying the old man an air compressor for Father's Day and need suggestions/experiences as I don't know **** about them.

My dad is VERY frugal. The thought of spending ANY money is frowned upon unless absolutely necessary. He doesn't care that I can afford it, he won't enjoy an expensive gift. Hell, he CAN'T enjoy an expensive gift. He's just not wired that way (he'll be turning 78 years young this December).

Anyway, he has a small wood-shop and has a need for a small compressor occasionally. Budget is around $200 - $300 bucks. If I spend more he won't be happy at all.

I read a few reviews saying some Craftsman compressors died after about a year and a half...I would like to avoid that if possible. What other brands should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance!

exalted512

What is he going to use it for?

If you're sanding, minimum of 20 gallons is what he'd need...so let us know!
-Cody

gdb

Get him a nicer used one off of CL and LIE about the cost, he'll love it all the more if he thinks you "robbed" someone for it. My single stage, 2cylinder, 230volt Sears compressor has worked fine since 1989, the tank wasn't too great though.

gdb

Quincy, Ingersoll Rand, Dayton & Emglo are "better" brands.

scottyboy76

one very large home improvement store type, one gigantic, commercial, wont use or let anyone borrow or buy.

Hes a little, you know.

Jstas

Forget that brand name stuff. At price points of $600 or less, they are all made in China by one or two companies and they just slap different plastic bits and stickers on.

Size doesn't matter too much either. You need to know CFM rate at 90 PSI. Depending on what he's going to use it for, that matters. If he's doing woodworking, I'd imagine that the hottest air tool he needs to use is a sander and they typically need at the minimum around 6 CFM at 90 PSI.

So something like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/oil-compressors/2-hp-29-gallon-150-psi-air-compressor-68127.html

Should be adequate to his needs.

Here's a good guide for choosing an air compressor.

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/inthegarage.php

BTW, you want an oiled one because 9 times out of 10, they are rebuildable if they break. You need to maintain them more but they usually last much longer. The two stage, oiled compressors are usually quieter too.

If you can give more information on exactly what kind of tools he's using an air compressor for, that would help alot in giving a better recommendation.

maximillian

I have a 20 year old Campbell Hausfeld, 220V, 5HP unit. It's a bit of a beast but at least I am able to clear out the irrigation lines in the fall. I also use it to clean the riding lawnmower after each use.

When I was younger my father always thought I was crazy for wanting to get one for our family. Then he bought one and realized all the cool things you can do with it. He was instantly hooked.

Sherardp

I have a Craftmans model that was sent to me out this way for work. It performs well in all situations, very easy to move (has wheels) and can power all of the air tools we use in the field. I read some of the reviews, but I'll stand behind the name anyway since we have been using this one in the field since 08. The only problem I ran into was with one of our Craftsman air tools. I sent it back to my boss, he returned and they gave him a new one on the spot since the item was in stock.

If your still hesitant, Ingersroll our Campbell Hausfeld would be good choices also. Everything in our shop is Craftsman, since I get to order all the tools, minus a High pressure washer which is Campbells.

mrbiron

Porter Cable.....i've had mine for a couple years and use it as much as humanly possible. Runs all my guns with ease and isn't too loud either.

dkg999

I have Porter Cable, Rol-Air, and Hitachi air compressors between the woodshop and farm use. Lowes had a nice twin-tank Hitachi on sale for $269. The main got-cha on the better air compressors is they will really tax a 15 amp circuit at start-up, you're better off if you have a 20 amp circuit available.

4406bbl

The advice on the 20 amp circuit is right. I have had several 220 portable compressors and never had a problem but bought a 1 horse speedaire and it has problems starting on some 15 amp plugs but never on a 20 amp. I have had a 5 horse Quincy for over 20 years with no problems, and no issues with any of the 220 portables, all are oil lubricated no oiless.

Ron-P

What ever brand you get, just stay away from the oil-less type compressors, there way too noisy.

gdb

One item of concern in a woodshop enviroment is the air cleaner, it's design, whether it can be cleaned/washed or if it's a "throwaway". I refitted mine with a Solberg unit that is similar to a K&N filter for cars/trucks, wash it and re-oil it and back in service.

Zeros

Hey xj, if you are looking for a portable compressor check out this blog post on toolmonger.com that was just posted a few days ago:

http://toolmonger.com/2011/06/01/tm-portable-shop-compressor-test-part-ii/

exalted512

Zeros wrote: »

Hey xj, if you are looking for a portable compressor check out this blog post on toolmonger.com that was just posted a few days ago:

http://toolmonger.com/2011/06/01/tm-portable-shop-compressor-test-part-ii/

nice blog!
-Cody

TNRabbit

gdb wrote: »

Get him a nicer used one off of CL and LIE about the cost, he'll love it all the more if he thinks you "robbed" someone for it. My single stage, 2cylinder, 230volt Sears compressor has worked fine since 1989, the tank wasn't too great though.

Ron-P wrote: »

What ever brand you get, just stay away from the oil-less type compressors, there way too noisy.

Ditto to both the above; I bought an old Sears 220 compressor with 20 gallon tank for $80, used it for 3 years, then sold it for $100~ it was an oiled type.

apc

Just got one of these a week or two ago. Lowes is clearing them out with about 20% discount locally. If you have a store nearby, might check with em. This one will handle lighter duty, residential duties.

http://www.lowes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&cId=SEARCH&productId=3159341&cm_mmc=SCE_gps-_-gps-_-gps-_-Campbell%20Hausfeld%201.3%20HP%2020-Gallon%20125%20PSI%20Electric%20Air%20Compressor%20HU351000DI

jbooker82

I have a small Makita MAC700 compressor. It is a nice compressor. It is really quiet. It works good for around the house but if your wanting something to run air grinders with then a larger compressor would be needed. This one would run small finish nailers and stuff with no probelm.

http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=460

Ron-P

I have a Husky 25 gallon oiled compressor. I've had it for close to 10 years, thing still runs like a champ. Just fired it up yesterday.

Gadabout

I have 2 compressors around the house.

A small and cheap 2 gallon Cambell Hausfeld for brad nailers and staplers (trim work and picture frame building).



The other is a bit larger. A 10 gallon compressor for running roofing nailers, framing nailers and couple other air tools. I also use it to blow out the garage after I'm done working on projects. Since I don't run the hell out of this compressor and it is for occasional use I just decided to get it from Harbor Freight.



These 2 seem to run fine on a 15a line, but I have heard a couple of friends of mine install 20a lines because their compressors would trip breakers.

Scott

niente

I recently picked up a Hitachi kit within your budget from Lowes

came with compressor, hose, 15ga finish nailer and brad nail

as a sometimes heavy weekend warrior it works very well for me

engtaz

I would suggest http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/oil-compressors/2-1-2-half-hp-10-gallon-125-psi-air-compressor-67708.html

FestYboy

And why are we reviving a 6 year old thread???

motorstereo

FestYboy wrote: »

And why are we reviving a 6 year old thread???

Because it's her lame way of endorsing and advertising her product for free

FestYboy

I didn't even look at the link...

steveinaz

I have a Makita as well (Mac2400), and for a 4.2 gallon--it impresses. Oiled as well. I've run impact wrenches, frame nailers, etc. No problem at all. Gets up to pressure quickly, and is fairly quiet.