Air Compressors, any recommendations?

[ray66v]

Keep in mind, the tank size is not that important. The compressor size is important.

The pump has to be big enough to run the heaviest drawing tool you have, and then some. If not, the tank will empty, and you will run out of air.

Air compressors are like tractors, it's only too big, if you can't afford it.

A compressor twice as big as you need, will run cooler, and last twice as long.

Get the biggest one you can afford to buy, and get power to.

Don't go cheap, and you many not ever need another. My current compressor is 33 years old, and going strong.

I would never willingly buy a compressor or air tool, without hearing it run. Buying from an actual compressor dealer, allows you to hear it first.

Air compressors, and air tools, don't have to be loud to have power. Most of the loud stuff, is loud, because it's junk.

I would also recommend a two stage compressor. One reason is, if you ever have a bolt you can't break lose, a 1/2" impact wrench can produce substantially more power by increasing the air pressure beyond what a single stage can offer.

 

[jbwilson]

Willy44 - With belt drive compressors none of them are quiet, but a low pump rpm speed is conducive to making the noise level bearable. Aim for a pump that operates at less than 900 rpm, and avoid those that operate at more than 1100 rpm. Low speed pumps will be larger than the high speed ones because they move more volume of air per stroke. Also a cast iron pump is quieter than a cast aluminium one. John

 

[LD1]

Keep in mind, the tank size is not that important. The compressor size is important.

The pump has to be big enough to run the heaviest drawing tool you have, and then some. If not, the tank will empty, and you will run out of air.

Only true if you are speaking of continuous use. Something like a sandblaster, air powered grinder, etc.

For things like impact wrenches, nail guns, air ratchets....there is plenty of time to recover in between stuff that a smaller compressor will work.

I do agree to buy the biggest one you can afford.

 

[cmyoung2]

I have a Campbell, 60gal, bought on sale at TS, maybe 4-5 years ago. Think it is around 10cf @90psi. It has always done all I need, which sounds similar to what you are doing, general farm shop work. It is not as noisy as some, but I did not want it in a metal building, so I left it on the pallet it came on and built a 2x4 frame around it, covered it with vinyl siding to match the end wall of the shop(plenty of ventilation), piped the air into the shop. It is outside, protected, accessible, and quiet. Put a long drain valve on it so I can drain the water out regularly, and I can check the oil level easily. Probably would not change anything.

 

[Pete6114]

I got this guy and couldn't have chosen a better one.
QP | Quincy Compressor

 

[sd455dan]

Great posts and info for the OP

:2cents:
i agree with most of the previous points made.
But with the new XT impact wrenches from HF you can have over 1000 lbs ft. with 90 psi.
many of the air tools have a 90 psi (safe) limit on them but I can definitely see an advantage of 160PSI+ if running a long air hose though.

As far as the consumer series Ingersol Rand compressors... maybe they have gotten cheaper built over the years?
I have had 1 for over 30 years and liked it so much i bought a second one of the same vintage (230volt 60 gallon 10.9cfm @90psi) i paid $450 for each for but gives 120 gallons of air storage and over 22 cfm @90 but it probably does pull a bit more current than a larger single pumped unit.
The extra cfm really helps for when I am sand blasting, painting cars or running D/A sanders continuously- sandblasting is the hardest on cfm and can use more air than they can provide using a 110lb HF blaster opened up non stop.

Looking at new units on a budget, I would also be looking at IR, Quincy and Puma to, and watching for a big sale.

Any decent oil sumped, belt driven compressor based 230vac unit has to be better, than ANY of those 120 volt oiless direct drive units...imo
If the noise is (really) important then spend a bit more money and buy a slower spinning pump equipped compressor, but verify the CFM@90 and power requirements.
Also as has been suggested could add on a small room or enclosure with good air flow access to reduce db's in main work area.
although New is nice, I wouldn't eliminate also watching Craigslist to, sometimes some great deals do come up.


Good Luck on your search,
There is a compressor out there with your name on it:thumbsup:

 

[dodge man]

I had one of the oil less craftsman air compressors also. It was very loud. I now have a Ingersol/Rand single stage, 60 gallon, 220 volt and its very quiet compared to the Craftsman but still a little loud. From what you describe it would work for you. A dual stage would be better but they cost more also.

 

[murph1]

I bought a Polar air single stage 150psi 15 cfm at 850 rpm.

 

[ray66v]

Only true if you are speaking of continuous use. Something like a sandblaster, air powered grinder, etc.

For things like impact wrenches, nail guns, air ratchets....there is plenty of time to recover in between stuff that a smaller compressor will work.

Assuming only one person will be using it at a time, and not really using it, when they do, of course, even a little crappy HF, or sears compressor can work.

The fact that the compressor needs to be bigger than what you are drawing, or you will out of air, is a simple reality.

People are welcome to throw the dice and hope it's big enough. Perhaps it works out for them.

 

[franklin2]

I wonder how two of these would work side by side? They are on sale for $149.00 each with the coupon. That would give you 9.4 cfm @ 90 psi for $300. I am super cheap though. Ratings are so-so, not too bad.

21 gal. 2.5 HP 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor