Compressors

[Shram]

I'm looking for a new shop compressor. I currently have an annoying 60gal. craftsman. What should I look for in a new one and does anyone have any cheap recomendations. Thank you, Kurt

[PTSchram]

I'm very pleased with my $450 80 gallon, five horsepower from Home Depot.

[Panthers65]

well what don't you like about your craftsman? Whatever you don't like, I would tend to avoid those things in your new one....


seriously buy as much scfm as you can afford, waiting on your compressor to "catch up" in the middle of a project sucks...

[silvrjeepr]

Belt driven 3hp to 5hp running (not peak hp) 60-80 gallon tank should be just fine for most home garage/shop situations. I'm a big fan of Ingersoll Rand compressors, but they're not cheap. If you're looking for cheap, you'll probably do best with Lowes or Home Depot. My 3hp Kobalt has been a good unit so far.

[ChiScouter]

Most of the time cheap=noisy. My.02 is to look for a used one that turns a big pump slow and makes less noise.

[Shram]

I have one of those oilless compressors. You can't even hold a conversation 40 feet away on the other side of the shop. Thank you guys for your input. Kurt

[mudmonger]

I have a small Kolbalt that is noisy also. I built a plywood cabinet around it and put foam insulation in it. Then so the compressor wouldn't over heat I put in a bathroom ceiling fan in the side of the box to blow air on to the motor. You can tell the difference but I need to find some kind of good sound deadening material to use instead of the foam. I think it would work a lot better.

[silvrjeepr]

Most of the time cheap=noisy. My.02 is to look for a used one that turns a big pump slow and makes less noise.

This is usually the case, but my little 3.7hp kobalt has been a pleasant supprise. Nice and quiet.

[MC]

The bigger hp cast iron compressors are the way to go if your not ready for 2 stage. Look for something around 80 gallon and 7hp.

[Sanctifier]

Don't know your current application but if you're not ready for 2-stage compressor now, you will be eventually. Better to buy ONCE and do it the right way now instead of having to upgrade in a few years after the price goes up... AGAIN! :shaking:

IMHO if you use a sandbasting cabinet or do any painting (or intend to,) get this to reduce future headaches...
1) 5 hp, 2-stage, 80 gal vertical (smaller footprint), 220 volt cast-iron compressor.
2) Refrigerated Air dryer ...OR...
Aftercooler + Water seperator + Coalescing filter.
3) With clean, DRY air at source, (and 250 psi max. limit) then you can use cheaper galvanized pipe & fittings for air-lines instead of black iron or copper. I'd still stay away from PVC though.
If your budget is limited, shop on eBay, Surplus suppliers etc. Been there... Done that! After lurking on eBay for three months I got lucky...
1) 5 hp, 80 gal Kellogg-American compressor (in great condition) + Arrow Refrigerated Air Dryer (damaged/repairable) + 3 Water seperator/Regulators... $560 + shipping.
2) Speedaire Aftercooler (new, scratch & dent)... $125 + shipping.

Link--> eBay Dryer #1...Used $200 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Great-Lakes-Air-Refrigerated-Air-Dryer_W0QQitemZ260199703087QQihZ016QQcategoryZ4287 5QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p16 38.m118)
Link--> eBay Dryer #2...Used $250 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170183671576&category=42875)
Link--> eBay Dryer #3...NEW $285 (http://cgi.ebay.com/HARBOR-FREIGHT-3-IN-1-REFRIGERATED-AIR-DRYER_W0QQitemZ130187608835QQihZ003QQcategoryZ1170 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

My $0.02¢

[guidolyons]

The Kobalt 3.7Hp 60 gal seems to be a good mid level. Don't know if it's still on sale or not. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=640880

Or you can upgrade your exisiting Crapsman with a new compressor head, ditch the oilless compressor head, reuse/ugrade the motor, tank, pressure switch, etc.

[glp86]

I bought the $600 Kobalt 80 gal at Lowes about 2 months ago and I like it. Painted my Jeep with a Harbor Frieght HVLP gun and never had to wait on the compressor, just kept painting while it was running. I am pleased with mine!