What's a good air compressor?

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I'm wanting an air compressor to use on some of my projects.  Husky makes a 26 gallon compressor that is in my price range and portable.  I need to be able to move the thing around.  It 26 gallons enough to use air tools like an air hammer or even a paint gun?  Thanks!Matt in OKCLincoln 175HD
Reply:Originally Posted by KC10ChiefI'm wanting an air compressor to use on some of my projects.  Husky makes a 26 gallon compressor that is in my price range and portable.  I need to be able to move the thing around.  It 26 gallons enough to use air tools like an air hammer or even a paint gun?  Thanks!
Reply:You can never have enough air. With that said find a compressor that meets your size requirements, although supplies enough CFM. Most of the direct drive type compressors don't put out the cfm for long use. Also they are louder and don't last as long. Most of the heavier industrial brands have small 30 gal. horizontal belt driven models.Once I got my first big Quincy industrial compressor. I will NEVER go back to anything direct drive. Quincy makes alot of smaller portable compressors. They will cost you more than home improvement store type compressors. However they are well worth their weight in gold. After purchasing my last 80 gal compressor I don't plan on another one for as long as I am in business.Something like this.... http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...source=bizrateLast edited by Patriot Performance; 01-20-2007 at 01:51 PM.Patriot Performance AutoLincoln Power Mig 255CLincoln AC-225 StickVictor Journeyman O/AQuincy QT-5 Compressor
Reply:Something like this.... http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/...source=bizrate
Reply:I second that. I bought a $400.00 Chinese pos that should have been able to run a D.A. sander according to the numbers but didn't come even close. Luckily you can get electric DA's.
Reply:I bought a cheap, but portable 8 gallon 6cfm compressor. Yes, it's not enough to drive stuff continuous so I bought a second 8 gallon 6cfm cheap AC.Thanks to another forum I learned to gang the two units together. So I can get 12cfm when I need it and I still have the portability of small compressors.My budget didn't allow a true 12cfm compressor so two cheap ones is working out well. I've been told I could gang another 6cfm on to get 18cfm but I dont need that much now.
Reply:I learned my lesson about cheap compressors early on. My first compressor was a Coleman Powermate 4 hp/11 gal. Just about anything I did it ran continuiosly. We run large pressure pot sand blasters off our big compressor. With maybe someone wrenching away inside with an impact. I still manages to keep pressure up to where it can shut down for a few minutes at a time. As I see it. The little ones are over rated for CFM, and the large ones are underated.Patriot Performance AutoLincoln Power Mig 255CLincoln AC-225 StickVictor Journeyman O/AQuincy QT-5 Compressor
Reply:I have a little Porter-Cable compressor that works great despite it's small size.  Pop has one like it too and he was surprised how well it worked also.   Pop had a DeVilbiss 60 gallon with turbine motor for a few years that worked ok for most things we did with it, but we didn't think it was that great when considering how big it was.   The used piston engine 60 gallon one he replaced it with is rated less but does a better job than the turbine one.   I don't know the brand.   That turbine one sure was LOUD!  If I was going to buy a big one I think I would stick with Ingersoll-Rand.   The Ingersoll-Rand we have at work is great!  We used to run 2 huge compressors together and would still run out of air, untill we got the new one  .
Reply:DA sanders, paintguns and plasmas use the cfm.  Painting is a whole other business.  Your gonna need a really good setup on the output (An air dryer would be ideal).  I would go 2 stage if I were you.  Save your money a bit longer, and get a 60 gallon or something (That 80 gallon Husky has been working like a champ for me).  I had this sears 15 gallon 5 horse compressor for years.  It ran constantly while I was using it.  It couldnt keep up with a DA sander, and, well it was just terrible sometimes.  It worked, ran impact wrenches all day long and pumped up many a tire.  When the rings started going bad, I unplugged it and got this husky (15gallon vs. 80 gallon 2 stage).  Hope that tells you something.  I am in aircompressor heaven right now.  I just stuck it in a corner, ran a couple of feed hoses from it and did it right this time.Good luck in your decision.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Get an oil lubricated air compressor. The oil-less are way to LOUD!!!!
Reply:As far as having something in the garage for occasional use:I would get at least a 150 psi compressor if you don't want a 60 gallon tank sitting around.  The extra psi is the same as a little bigger tank at 125 or 135 psi.  A 30 gallon at 150 is the same as a 36 gallon at 125psi.  Most of the sears are 150 psi.  The 5 or 6 hp craftsman at 150 psi 30 gallon vertical tank always seems to be on sale for a little over $300.Personally I bought the black craftsman profesional (30 gallon horizontal) since it was at 175 psi.  This is like a 42 gallon tank at 125.  Most compressors are 135 psi anyway nowdays.  The pro is a 2 stage where as the red non-pro are single stage. Here is a trick you can use to get more airflow from a smaller compressor.  I was using the 1/4 inch industrial fittings.  I switched to the 3/8 automotive style since the internal hole is much bigger and you can get them with the 1/4 inch thread size so they will screw right on a 3/8 hose.  Got mine from Harbor Freight.  All those restrictions hurt your airflow.   I also removed the puny regulator that these portable units come with and replaced it with a much bigger (higher flow) one I bought at Lowes (around $25 ?).  I essentially redid everything the air flows through once it leaves the tank. Now I can get a massive air flow and have no problem running my 3/4" (1200 ft-lb) impact wrench.  Using 1/2 inch hose also helps.  This will get you a bigger flow for a short time until you drain your tank.  Of course the compressor cfm rating is based on what your pump will put out so this won't help for any continuous duty stuff. I was mainly interested in increasing the flow rate for the bigger impact guns, etc., that are used only for short bursts while not having a giant compressor filling up my garage.
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebGet an oil lubricated air compressor. The oil-less are way to LOUD!!!!
Reply:I just received my new compressor via ground freight.  It's an Ingersoll Rand 60 gallon, 9500 hours life, rated at 18.1 CFM and 100% duty cycle.  Delivered to my driveway for $849.00. Could not find a better deal anywhere.TimVictor O/AMillermatic 210Hypertherm 380Miller Thunderbolt
Reply:Damn, that is one hell of a deal. I think the IR around here at the farm supply stores all start out a 1,000 easy. They are nice compressors. Would have been my second choice. May I ask where you bought it from?Patriot Performance AutoLincoln Power Mig 255CLincoln AC-225 StickVictor Journeyman O/AQuincy QT-5 Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by brucebGet an oil lubricated air compressor. The oil-less are way to LOUD!!!!
Reply:Yep, just add an inline oil/water filter at the drop for the paint hose. Works OK for me. Some guys also have a primary filter close to the AC output but I read the air is still hot at that point and the filter isn't as effective.Also, FWIW, some comp oil is supposed to be compatible with a wide variety of paints. I don't know about that.
Reply:I purchased it through Northern Tool.  Took about 3 weeks to arrive.  It was the best deal I could find anywhere. I belive it actually ships from the factory.Victor O/AMillermatic 210Hypertherm 380Miller Thunderbolt
Reply:Originally Posted by timm9I purchased it through Northern Tool.  Took about 3 weeks to arrive.  It was the best deal I could find anywhere. I belive it actually ships from the factory.
Reply:Originally Posted by WelderDaddyAs far as having something in the garage for occasional use:I would get at least a 150 psi compressor if you don't want a 60 gallon tank sitting around.  The extra psi is the same as a little bigger tank at 125 or 135 psi.  A 30 gallon at 150 is the same as a 36 gallon at 125psi.  Most of the sears are 150 psi.  The 5 or 6 hp craftsman at 150 psi 30 gallon vertical tank always seems to be on sale for a little over $300.Personally I bought the black craftsman profesional (30 gallon horizontal) since it was at 175 psi.  This is like a 42 gallon tank at 125.  Most compressors are 135 psi anyway nowdays.  The pro is a 2 stage where as the red non-pro are single stage. Here is a trick you can use to get more airflow from a smaller compressor.  I was using the 1/4 inch industrial fittings.  I switched to the 3/8 automotive style since the internal hole is much bigger and you can get them with the 1/4 inch thread size so they will screw right on a 3/8 hose.  Got mine from Harbor Freight.  All those restrictions hurt your airflow.   I also removed the puny regulator that these portable units come with and replaced it with a much bigger (higher flow) one I bought at Lowes (around $25 ?).  I essentially redid everything the air flows through once it leaves the tank. Now I can get a massive air flow and have no problem running my 3/4" (1200 ft-lb) impact wrench.  Using 1/2 inch hose also helps.  This will get you a bigger flow for a short time until you drain your tank.  Of course the compressor cfm rating is based on what your pump will put out so this won't help for any continuous duty stuff. I was mainly interested in increasing the flow rate for the bigger impact guns, etc., that are used only for short bursts while not having a giant compressor filling up my garage.
Reply:I suffered for 20 years with a 5hp Craftsman 20 gallon single stage. I didn't know I was suffering all that time until I got my Porter Cable 80 gallon 2 stage from Lowes. They were closing out the line a couple years ago and they had an internet price of $499 which they honored at the local store. While it's not the super 25 cfm industrial grade unit, it has ~17-18 cfm at over 100 psi and I have yet to run it out of air. Unless you have to move the unit from site to site, I would definitely look for a deal on at least a 60 gal 2 stage unit. You won't regret the purchase---EVER. I mounted mine up high out of the way and plumbed the shop for air with copper water pipe (although the cost copper these days might make me choose another material). I also ran a drain line down to the floor with a valve so I don't have to climb up to drain the tank every day.Cut an MGB and widened 11" C4 Corvette suspension and LT1 Chevrolet power & 6 spd. Pictures here:Part 1http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,7581Part 2http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,22422
Reply:Steps 1, 2, and 3 in any order:- What power source is available?  For more serious work, 220/240V power is the way to go.  If you are limited to 110/120V power, you are more limited in your choices.- More capacity in the tank is almost always a good thing.  More air capacity can be had by a bigger tank and/or a higher tank pressure.  About the only time a bigger tank is not so good is if you have to move it around.  More tank capacity will only get you so far though, once the tank starts to run low on air, then you are always limited by the pump/motor size.- Oil-lube or oil-free?  Typically the oil-free units are louder and will not stand up to long/hard use.  That might also be because the lower-end oil-free units are just made less expensively all-around and often have high RPM universal motors (louder and lighter and shorter lived than a heavier slower rpm induction motor).  And because they use more aluminum than a big heavy cast-iron oil-lubed unit.  The oil-free unit won't blow oil into the tank or lines or tools though.  An oil-lube unit will need the oil changed every once in a while (depends on how much usage), can't really be used at a tilt (don't stick it up on a steep pitched roof to drive your nail gun, you'd have the compressor down on the ground and run a long air hose to reach from the compressor to the tools anyway), but may have a rated/expected life of 8000 or 12,000 hours of compressor time.  That's a loooong time for a homeowner or small usage shop while a heavy usage shop trying to get by with running the unit to death could use it up in 3 years or so.And of course there is budget to consider.  Bigger and better always costs more.If you are limited to 110/120 power and want/need to move the unit around, you are probably looking at a 25-30 gallon tank size MAX so you want to get a unit with 150 or 175 psi fill pressure to get the most air from the tank.  A vertical tank takes up a smaller footprint in the shop/garage, but a horizontal is more stable because it's lower to the ground.And like Sandy said way back at the top, serious air tools are serious users of air.  A 1/2 inch impact wrench might be rated as 4.5 cfm air usage, but look at the fine print.  That's the air usage under no or minimal load.  If you have that wrench cranking out 500 or 700 ft-lbs of torque, the air usage jumps up to like 24 cfm.  A 1200 ft-lb IR 3/4 inch impact wrench has an air demand of 40 cfm (Model 2141P). An Ingersoll-Rand air hammer rated at 3 cfm (idle) is listed as drawing 11 cfm at load (Model 132).Remember that an air compressor is taking electrical energy and turning it into air energy.  There is no free lunch, so if your compressor has a -real- 1 HP motor on it (draws 10-12 amps on a 110/120V line), then at maximum sustained usage you can get less than 1 HP of air tool power out of it.  If you have a big tank, then you can get short bursts of more air tool power because the tank stored up the air energy for you.  But once the tank runs down and the compressor kicks in you are limited to a tool power of a little less than the electrical power of the motor until you wait for the tank to fill up again.  A bigger tank lets you have longer bursts on the air-hog tool, to run a tool continuously you need a bigger motor driving the compressor.
Reply:One of the things that convinced me to go with my Quincy was the actual motor. The Colman I had was equipped with a light duty motor, cant remember the make. That is the part that failed on my compressor. So while I was looking around I took the motor into consideration.What I ended up getting was a compressor with a Baldor electric motor. Now anyone who has ever worked in factories knows their reputation for reliability.Just my .02, get a reliable motor that wont go into thermal protection from too much use.Patriot Performance AutoLincoln Power Mig 255CLincoln AC-225 StickVictor Journeyman O/AQuincy QT-5 Compressor
Reply:i have the same compressor as Jimm9 an ingressol rand, 60 gal ~18 something CFM to run my hyperterm 1250.  great compressor i got it for $900 delivered with an extra PM package (oil filters ect) it runs air tools great
Reply:I'm a fan of Quincy, and older gardner denver and ingersoll. Portable (unless mounted on a truck) makes it tough to get a machine with reasonable ability to deliver volume. If you can forgo portable, add to the machines mentioned above the possibility of a used machine from a dealer. You can (sometimes) find pretty good deals on a real rugged machine, like an IR model 30 (2 stage, aprox 30CFM at 7.5HP) or a G-D ACM (single stage twin, approx 18CFM at 5hp). These machines have stood the test of time and will be rebuildable basicly forever, if you are willing to look for the parts. The Quincy 225 and 325 are  a bit more modern, turn up fairly often, but are a bit pricier.Also, whatever you get, buy quality air tools, They tend to take a lot less air and last a lot longer than the cheapies. And lube the tools directly, each use. Line oilers make a mess of the hoses. Only place I like them are starionary equipment or mounted on equipment, like a porta-power pump.