Air Compressors

[caudio51]

What's the brand to get? I know Sear's has them onsale all the time but I haven't heard great things.

I don't need anything crazy, just filling up car tires, pool floats but will be getting some air tools to have in the garage.

 

[vorra65]

the best bang for buck, are the campbell hausfeld units

watch costco or sams, if you have one near

 

[bbressler]

I think unless you plan on being a professional mechanic, just about anything will be fine.

I've got a 30 gallon Sears model....works great so far. Had it about a year -- I do some auto work (changing tires with an impact, etc.) and it keeps up decently. It IS loud, but I'm not working outside when loud matters to my neighbors, so it's OK.

 

[Volusianator]

I'm a big fan of Campbell Hausfeld as well. The biggest piece of advice I can give you Tom is that buy bigger than you think you'll need and when you decide on which will be good for you, get one bigger. When I first started in woodworking, I got quick on some of my machine purchases, only to sell the machine and get the one I really wanted. Quality always wins.

 

[solowgregg]

I'm a big fan of Campbell Hausfeld as well.

Couldn't agree more. All of my air tools are campbell Hausfeld and they're awesome. No problems yet, and I've been using the same ones for about 6 years now.

 

[no_substitute]

yep, listen to Wade :thumbsup:

 

[Volusianator]

yep, listen to Wade :thumbsup:

Everyone send me your Opus....send me your Opus!:thumbsup:

 

[tedski]

I bought a Husky 18 gal compressor at Home Depot early last year (2006) on a closeout sale ($129). These are made exclusively for them by Campbell Hausfeld and came with a complete air tool set (impact wrench, nail gun, paint gun, air nozzle and tire gauge). It broke after one month of use. They did not have anymore of these, so as a replacement they gave me a Porter Cable 6 gal pancake-style compressor. This only came with a nailing gun and hose, so the customer service manager let me keep the tool set from the Husky to make up the difference. It has performed very well and is actually easier to lug around.

 

[Volusianator]

No doubt Porter Cable makes some fine tools!

 

[Fox]

Campbell Hausfeld are fine for the average home user. If you are using in a commercial situation, go with Quincy or Ingersoll-Rand. I run a Quincy in my shop, but it is for semi-commercial purposes. If you have the electrical service, I would recommend a 220 volt version. You can run a higher HP motor and do it much more efficiently. Get at least a 20 - 25 gallon tank. If you have any thoughts of running air tools at some future date, get a motor/compressor combination that will produce at least 9 - 12 CFM @90 PSI.

 

[cvm4]

No doubt Porter Cable makes some fine tools!

I only have experience with Porter Cable and I was very impressed with them. I used them (compressor + guns) for almost everyday one summer. No problems here.

 

[no_substitute]

No doubt Porter Cable makes some fine tools!

After some bad luck with PC, I started buying Bosch and never looked back.

 

[Angry Bill]

I have a Sears/Craftsman heavy duty comp[ressor, oil cooled. It is an excellent compressor, which I use for all aspects of mechanics. I build Harleys as a hobby. As for air tools, I am a Snap On snob. I have never had any problems with their tools. JMHO

 

[caudio51]

Thanks for the advice fellas.

 

[WalterLars]

its all a matter of both CFM and pressure PSI Pounds Per Square inches

some tools are air hogs
tools are rated in CFM cubic feet per mintute
sanders like auto body shops use are the worst air hogs snice you run them for 5 or 10 min at a time
a staple or nail gun you only use for like a second or two per nail/staple
impact guns for taking off tire lug nuts or other tough nuts use a far amount of air

and most air compressers run at 120 PSI but most tools are happy at 80 PSI or less that last 20 # of PSI makes the compresser run harder and longer
shortening the like of the compresser

if your just using on weekends and only short term a portable will do for most people
make sure you drain off the tank after use
what kinda tools are you gonna be running and how often ?

PM Me if you need help

 

[gui_tarzan]

I have one of the Sears 30gal oil-less units and it's been great for me. But it is LOUD!