I have used air tools off the compressors before, but frankly, never really asked about capacities and capabilities in relationship to price. The most I am willing to spend is about 300 dollars, and the compressor would be primarily used to simplify wrenching on multiple vehicles, about twice a week. It will not see commercial shop duty and huge, rusty bolts in rapid succession. That’s pretty much all I can think of, but if other factors are to be considered, please chime in.

Dennis

I got a 60 gallon upright with a 7HP, oiled, cast iron, single stage compressor. Don't get an "oil-less" compressor, too noisy. And get at least 90 CFM @ 90 psi (more is better) to handle some of the cool air tools.

Here (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41237&highlight=compressor+gallon) is just one recent thread on compressors available by search...

your $300 budget is kinda limiting you from getting a GOOD compressor in my opinion. but whatever you do get a compressor that's got a belt not a worthless/loud direct drive unit.

home depot had a nice porter cable in a sale flyer last week for $379 or 399 .. it did about 10.5 scfm's@90 i think ...

- jack

Oh, forgot to say, mine is a Husky. It was (IIRC) $345 new, and 10.5 @ 90...

for under 400? Any brands to stay away from? i.e. Harbor Freight vs. Snap-On kinda thing? How's Husky vs. Cable-Porter vs. the Housfeleigier something?

how long ago did you get it baddog ? that sounds just like the one i saw last weekend in the home depot flyer.

- jack

the crasftmen 30g 5.5HP is only sale for 277
Its good little guy, it wil do eveytinh you need it to

for $400, you can get a decent single stage oil-lube compressor from Lowes. this is the same unit we supply with some of our filtration systems and have not had any problems. check the compressor out here:

http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=108890-000043059-CPLC7060V

cambell housefield 60 gal upright 7hp 10.25@90 $397 at harbor frieght

Originally posted by welndmn
the crasftmen 30g 5.5HP is only sale for 277
Its good little guy, it wil do eveytinh you need it to

As long as you don't mind not hearing yourself think. I got one, it does work and is cheap (I got a return for $200) , but spend some of the $ you save on some noise ear muffs :D

I've seen the 6.5HP/60gal 220V Coleman uprights for as low as $340 on sale.

If I were buying new, that'd be it. On sale for $380 is pretty easy to find around here - Big R Ranch supply, ACE hardware, CostCo/Sam'sClub, etc.

Once in a while I see 'em for $339.

I can't see buying anything smaller unless you simply can't get 220V.

I currently use an old 1hp 2-stage 20-30gal unit. Hey, I paid $100 and it's performed well enough that I bought a bender instead of a bigger compressor. :D

I do have to wait from time to time.. and the compressor really looks at me angrily when I fire up my air-grinder to do some head porting (it's an exercise in patience.. next set of heads I do, I'll have two rigs idling with the on-board Yorks adding to the air supply).

The 6.5hp upright should fulfill most of our air needs pretty easily.

-Tom

Originally posted by paniolo


As long as you don't mind not hearing yourself think. I got one, it does work and is cheap (I got a return for $200) , but spend some of the $ you save on some noise ear muffs :D
I moved mine outinto the yard, out of the garge and built a shed for it, i never even hear it turn on any more, but in the garage with no cover it was loud

Originally posted by morpheus
how long ago did you get it baddog ? that sounds just like the one i saw last weekend in the home depot flyer.
- jack
I guess it's been 4-6 months now. They had a big tent and sidewalk tool sale.

I have that same Husky unit that BadDog described and have been very happy with it. Mine's been going about 8 months now, and got worked damn hard - supplied all the air for building our new house and garage, 4-8 big pneumatic framing hammers running simultaneously for weeks on end. Other than the copper line from the compressor head to the tank turning lots of different colors, there's no real evidence it's been used. You'll regret anything smaller; if you ever try to run a die grinder / cutoff wheel nothing less will cut it - and this one can barely keep up with those little suckers. This unit replaced a small oilless that I gave away - too loud and not enough capacity to do ANYthing. I think that Husky was under $400 with tax and everything when I got it. I think it's the best compressor for the money you're likely to find.